Where should I go this time around?

I think we are going to head back to Barbados this summer. In port from 8-5pm. Already did the Boatyard and looking for a new experience (Boatyard was a great experience and beautiful place!).

Are all beaches along that area similar? Do any of them have snorkeling? Is diving good in Barbados for DSD people? Are any places AI and what does it include? How much is admission? Offer a trip to the turtles with admission?

Give me your ideas please and thanks. :)

I think we are going to head back to Barbados this summer. In port from 8-5pm. Already did the Boatyard and looking for a new experience (Boatyard was a great experience and beautiful place!).

 

Are all beaches along that area similar? Do any of them have snorkeling? Is diving good in Barbados for DSD people? Are any places AI and what does it include? How much is admission? Offer a trip to the turtles with admission?

 

Give me your ideas please and thanks. :)

Diffferent? Then take a taxi north, and have a long leisurely cocktails/lunch/drinks at The Tides, overlooking the sea. Direct beach access for a pre lunch swim. Coverups required in the restaurant.

I think we are going to head back to Barbados this summer. In port from 8-5pm. Already did the Boatyard and looking for a new experience (Boatyard was a great experience and beautiful place!).

 

Are all beaches along that area similar? Do any of them have snorkeling? Is diving good in Barbados for DSD people? Are any places AI and what does it include? How much is admission? Offer a trip to the turtles with admission?

 

Give me your ideas please and thanks. :)

Are you thinking about booking the Fascination out of San Juan again? I'm working on some "arm twisting" to do that itinerary again, just love it.

We had a morning stop at Paynes Bay Beach on our last visit to Barbados that was supposed to include swimming with turtles, snorkeling at a shipwreck, and about an hour of beach time where we were planning on snorkeling on our own/enjoy the beach. We hired a private taxi to do an island tour since we wanted to see Bathsheba Beach on Barbados's Atlantic Coast as well.

Paynes Bay Beach is north of the port, about 20 minutes. When we arrived, it was about 9:45am and we immediately got on the boat to head out to swim w/turtles. It was just the two of us at that time. After we swam with the turtles (only saw a few), we returned to the beach to pick up a large group (about 10 people) that arrived after us that had just booked the turtle swim/shipwreck with the guy organizing tours from the beach to swim w/turtles/shipwreck. They told us they booked right when they arrived at the beach. Once they were all in the boat, we headed back out to the shipwreck first...TONS of fish. They swarmed as soon as that chum went in the water. We were also given chum to feed them. We spent about a half hour there then went back to where the turtles were (we got a "bonus" turtle trip) and spent a good half hour - 45 minutes there, but only saw one turtle. It didn't help that some in our group tried chasing it to get pictures, so it swam off and never did see it again. By the time we got back to the beach, it was time for us to leave. :( I did have a few minutes to get a couple of pictures of the beach but never got to snorkel or enjoy the beach, so I'm not able to comment on whether it was good for snorkeling or not. I did notice others snorkeling off to the right (if facing the water). But the beach and the water were gorgeous.

What I do know:

*There is a restaurant/bar there, but again, since we didn't have any time there, I don't know what's on their menu or pricing. I'm sure they have restrooms.

*There are loungers/umbrellas. Again, since we never got to just enjoy the beach, I don't know what the cost is to use them.

*They do have people that take visitors out to swim with turtles/snorkel at a shipwreck. This area was out a ways and just to the north.

What I don't know:

*If there are any AI's there

*If the snorkeling from the beach is decent or not.

But I just loved everything about this beach and this is where we plan on going to spend most of our day the next time we get back to Barbados. If you were interested in seeing the pictures I do have, I included a lot of them in the review I did after that trip. I think you saw the section on St. Lucia (Jalousie Beach) before your trip last August. I'm attaching the link to hopefully open up to Page 15, post #295 where the section on Paynes Bay/turtle swim starts. I think I mentioned to you in your last review that I forgot to switch my underwater camera to "underwater" mode (this is where that was), so the pictures of the turtles aren't great. I finally realized my error when we were snorkeling the shipwreck with all the fish and put the underwater setting on. I'm sure you'll notice the difference. At the end of that section I included the pictures I was able to get of the actual beach at Paynes Bay during the 10 minutes we had before leaving for the rest of the tour.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2275573&page=15

Are you thinking about booking the Fascination out of San Juan again? I'm working on some "arm twisting" to do that itinerary again, just love it.

 

We had a morning stop at Paynes Bay Beach on our last visit to Barbados that was supposed to include swimming with turtles, snorkeling at a shipwreck, and about an hour of beach time where we were planning on snorkeling on our own/enjoy the beach. We hired a private taxi to do an island tour since we wanted to see Bathsheba Beach on Barbados's Atlantic Coast as well.

 

 

Paynes Bay Beach is north of the port, about 20 minutes. When we arrived, it was about 9:45am and we immediately got on the boat to head out to swim w/turtles. It was just the two of us at that time. After we swam with the turtles (only saw a few), we returned to the beach to pick up a large group (about 10 people) that arrived after us that had just booked the turtle swim/shipwreck with the guy organizing tours from the beach to swim w/turtles/shipwreck. They told us they booked right when they arrived at the beach. Once they were all in the boat, we headed back out to the shipwreck first...TONS of fish. They swarmed as soon as that chum went in the water. We were also given chum to feed them. We spent about a half hour there then went back to where the turtles were (we got a "bonus" turtle trip) and spent a good half hour - 45 minutes there, but only saw one turtle. It didn't help that some in our group tried chasing it to get pictures, so it swam off and never did see it again. By the time we got back to the beach, it was time for us to leave. :( I did have a few minutes to get a couple of pictures of the beach but never got to snorkel or enjoy the beach, so I'm not able to comment on whether it was good for snorkeling or not. I did notice others snorkeling off to the right (if facing the water). But the beach and the water were gorgeous.

 

 

What I do know:

 

*There is a restaurant/bar there, but again, since we didn't have any time there, I don't know what's on their menu or pricing. I'm sure they have restrooms.

 

 

*There are loungers/umbrellas. Again, since we never got to just enjoy the beach, I don't know what the cost is to use them.

 

*They do have people that take visitors out to swim with turtles/snorkel at a shipwreck. This area was out a ways and just to the north.

 

What I don't know:

*If there are any AI's there

 

*If the snorkeling from the beach is decent or not.

 

 

But I just loved everything about this beach and this is where we plan on going to spend most of our day the next time we get back to Barbados. If you were interested in seeing the pictures I do have, I included a lot of them in the review I did after that trip. I think you saw the section on St. Lucia (Jalousie Beach) before your trip last August. I'm attaching the link to hopefully open up to Page 15, post #295 where the section on Paynes Bay/turtle swim starts. I think I mentioned to you in your last review that I forgot to switch my underwater camera to "underwater" mode (this is where that was), so the pictures of the turtles aren't great. I finally realized my error when we were snorkeling the shipwreck with all the fish and put the underwater setting on. I'm sure you'll notice the difference. At the end of that section I included the pictures I was able to get of the actual beach at Paynes Bay during the 10 minutes we had before leaving for the rest of the tour.

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2275573&page=15

Yep, I sure am thinking about the Fascination. It has been my favorite cruise so far and I really want to do it again. I wish that they had switched ships so that I could experience something new, but I still liked the Fascination. It's been a toss up between the PR or heading back to Bermuda. PR is definitely cheaper!

Although swimming with the turtles again isn't necessary for us, it's just an added treat if it's included in the price of the beach. I do remember you talking about going to Paynes beach. I will definitely look it up again and re-read your review/pictures.

Thanks so much for the info!!! :D

Well....now that you mention it. I'm also looking into something different that includes turtles and doesn't break my budget. After three trips to Carlisle Beach (one at Lobster Alive, two at Boatyard) I'm guessing we can do something different this time around. Oh and just FYI: if you guys want to join and meet us, we're on the Jul. 22, 2018 sailing. So twists those arms!!! LOL!!

Well....now that you mention it. I'm also looking into something different that includes turtles and doesn't break my budget. After three trips to Carlisle Beach (one at Lobster Alive, two at Boatyard) I'm guessing we can do something different this time around. Oh and just FYI: if you guys want to join and meet us, we're on the Jul. 22, 2018 sailing. So twists those arms!!! LOL!!

I've been working on that! LOL!!! And remember, it DID work the last time...got to do this itinerary on Liberty, which was booked 77 days out. :D Would love to hook up and meet you guys. Met some great friends the last time who are also CC members and you may remember their reviews (Valentinebaby1 and her hubby, JKirkN). Also a group of others, some also on CC from the roll call.

Next time we do this, and there will be a next time, we're going to Payne's Bay beach for at least a few hours so I can enjoy it, and the scenery, this time around since I didn't get to the last time. Got the idea to go there from Dirkgun's review (thinking his Valor review).

If you take a taxi to Payne's Bay Beach, are you able to find a taxi to take you back to the pier?

We plan on doing a beach when we are there in November (on the NCL Dawn), but I am haven't really narrowed things down just yet.

If you take a taxi to Payne's Bay Beach, are you able to find a taxi to take you back to the pier?

 

We plan on doing a beach when we are there in November (on the NCL Dawn), but I am haven't really narrowed things down just yet.

That, I'm not sure. Before our cruise, and with the help of CC member Dirkgun, we arranged a private tour with a local taxi service since we also wanted to see the east coast of Barbados (Bathsheba). Dirkgun had done a similar tour (about 3 hours in the morning at Payne's Bay and a tour to a sight on east coast area of Barbados) on a cruise they had taken and when I asked how they were able to to both, he provided me with the information.

What I do know...there is a restaurant/bar there. So, if taxi's aren't waiting, I'm guessing you could get someone at the restaurant/bar to call one. I've seen that mentioned about restaurants at other islands where cabs generally aren't waiting. You could also arrange for a cab to pick you up at a certain time when they drop you off. Next time we get back, that's what I plan on doing but would probably leave the beach by 1PM if we had a back on board time of 4:30 & 5PM sail away.

Since you mention it though, I'm curious to know if taxis are waiting. There was a parking lot across the street. I'd also consider contacting the taxi driver we used last time for our tour to see if she'd be willing to take us/pick us up at a certain time. But it was just so pretty there and that's the reason I'd love to get back.

I wonder how much a taxi is there as well?

You will have no problem securing transport between Paynes Bay Beach and Deep Water Harbour.

Paynes is between Speightown/Holetown and Bridgetown. There is a healthy amount of traffic on this road (H1).

When you’re ready to return to the ship just walk across the highway to the side opposite the water and it shouldn’t be more than minutes before you can flag down a taxi, ZR van, bus or minibus. I would guess US$15-20 for up to four (4) in the cab. (?)

Transport is never a worry on the west and southwest coasts. The east coast, north coast and inland can sometimes be a challenge, however.

You will have no problem securing transport between Paynes Bay Beach and Deep Water Harbour.

 

Paynes is between Speightown/Holetown and Bridgetown. There is a healthy amount of traffic on this road (H1).

When you’re ready to return to the ship just walk across the highway to the side opposite the water and it shouldn’t be more than minutes before you can flag down a taxi, ZR van, bus or minibus. I would guess US$15-20 for up to four (4) in the cab. (?)

 

Transport is never a worry on the west and southwest coasts. The east coast, north coast and inland can sometimes be a challenge, however.

Great! Thank you. Is Deep Water Harbour another name for the cruise port in Bridgetown?

Yes it is. It is the old name not used too much anymore. Sorry for the confusion.

Hey - I know u love S Carib as do we. We discovered the Celebrity Summit - small ship - very upscale - fantastic ports in the Fall )6 ports in 7 days) and they currently have inside cabins on their 7 day S Carib for $509 pp. I am going 11/11/17. It is less expensive than the Fascination and much better experience. I sail Carnival all the time, but for S Carib, the Celebrity Summit cannot be beat....

Yes it is. It is the old name not used too much anymore. Sorry for the confusion.

Great and thank you again. No need for apologies...kind of nice to know what the former name was. :)

Hey - I know u love S Carib as do we. We discovered the Celebrity Summit - small ship - very upscale - fantastic ports in the Fall )6 ports in 7 days) and they currently have inside cabins on their 7 day S Carib for $509 pp. I am going 11/11/17. It is less expensive than the Fascination and much better experience. I sail Carnival all the time, but for S Carib, the Celebrity Summit cannot be beat....

I just looked up that itinerary...nice! We've been to all the ports but Antigua. I notice that the Summit does an alternate itinerary out of San Juan, to St. Croix; St. Maarten; Dominica; Barbados, & Grendada. I'd seriously consider that one as both St. Croix and Grenada would be new ports. It's also been so long since we were in Dominica (1992), that it would also be like a "new" port. Never considered Celebrity, I guess just on the assumption that it would be very pricey. We also LOVE the itinerary out of San Juan and have done it a total of 3 times now, twice fairly recently. Would love to do it again, but on the same time, would love to visit some new places. Thanks for the heads up...something to consider to get to some of the other islands.

I just looked up that itinerary...nice! We've been to all the ports but Antigua. I notice that the Summit does an alternate itinerary out of San Juan, to St. Croix; St. Maarten; Dominica; Barbados, & Grendada. I'd seriously consider that one as both St. Croix and Grenada would be new ports. It's also been so long since we were in Dominica (1992), that it would also be like a "new" port. Never considered Celebrity, I guess just on the assumption that it would be very pricey. We also LOVE the itinerary out of San Juan and have done it a total of 3 times now, twice fairly recently. Would love to do it again, but on the same time, would love to visit some new places. Thanks for the heads up...something to consider to get to some of the other islands.

We went on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan in 2015. It was great. We enjoyed their Solarium. It has a t-pool like in the Cloud 9 Spa but it is much bigger. It is a adults only area and there is no extra charge. I would definitely choose that again. And we have Carnival to thank for our introduction to the Summit. They cancelled our cruise out of San Juan after we had airfare purchased so we switched to Celebrity and it was the same price as Carnival. Turned out to be something good.

We went on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan in 2015. It was great. We enjoyed their Solarium. It has a t-pool like in the Cloud 9 Spa but it is much bigger. It is a adults only area and there is no extra charge. I would definitely choose that again. And we have Carnival to thank for our introduction to the Summit. They cancelled our cruise out of San Juan after we had airfare purchased so we switched to Celebrity and it was the same price as Carnival. Turned out to be something good.

Thanks for the additional information. As I mentioned in the earlier post, we never considered another cruise line for a cruise out of San Juan, but if the price is reasonable, that would definitely be something to consider. RCI has some nice itineraries as well, but the prices are pretty steep. We sail mainly for itinerary (southern out of San Juan is our favorite), and would love to get to some of the other islands that Carnival doesn't stop at.

Are you interested in strictly beach locations? If not and you haven't been to the east coast, I'd highly recommend a visit to Bathsheba. That did of the island is more rugged and very beautiful with huge rocks jutting up from the beach. While nut great for swimming the are very scenic. You could easily visit there and have time left for a couple of hours at a west coast beach in the afternoon. We've rented a car and drove there and taken a taxi. It's well worth the trip to see that side of Barbados!

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I know this thread is a little old, but if you're out there Steelerfan, did you say who it was that you booked your day with (to go to Payne's Bay and Bathsheba both)?

I'm not a swimmer so don't snorkel, but it sounds like a place I might like to visit. And I want to see Bathsheba. HAL's tours aren't calling my name. ;)

FTR, I was booked on Fascination in mid-November (love PR and love the Fantasy-class ships), but I switched to HAL Koningsdam for 11 nights vs 7 (rt from Ft Lauderdale, 3 sea days, 6 consecutive ports - St Martin, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, and St Thomas, with HMC at the end. Got about a 30% casino discount, so the solo was almost double what I was paying on Fascination, but I'm hoping it will be worth it. If I'd sailed from PR, I would've wanted to spend extra days there, so the cost would gone up considerably.

Have only been to Barbados once, but the clincher was getting to go back to Martinique.

I know this thread is a little old, but if you're out there Steelerfan, did you say who it was that you booked your day with (to go to Payne's Bay and Bathsheba both)?

 

I'm not a swimmer so don't snorkel, but it sounds like a place I might like to visit. And I want to see Bathsheba. HAL's tours aren't calling my name. ;)

 

FTR, I was booked on Fascination in mid-November (love PR and love the Fantasy-class ships), but I switched to HAL Koningsdam for 11 nights vs 7 (rt from Ft Lauderdale, 3 sea days, 6 consecutive ports - St Martin, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, and St Thomas, with HMC at the end. Got about a 30% casino discount, so the solo was almost double what I was paying on Fascination, but I'm hoping it will be worth it. If I'd sailed from PR, I would've wanted to spend extra days there, so the cost would gone up considerably.

 

Have only been to Barbados once, but the clincher was getting to go back to Martinique.

NCTribeFan...I'm still around and saw your question. :) Yes, we were able to do a private tour that included a couple of hours at Payne's Bay Beach (which is just gorgeous) in the morning and then at noon, we were picked up for our tour of the east coast of Barbados, which included Bathsheba and a few other stops that we really enjoyed. I would be happy to provide you with the information if you are still interested. Our driver was Patsie Nurse with JP's Taxi Service and we were very happy with her, just loved her, and really enjoyed our day in Barbados and all we were able to see. I was able to get this information from fellow CC member Dirkgun since they had done a similar tour, which he wrote about in his review. They used Patsie a couple of times and have really enjoyed her. This is Patsie's contact information: Patsietaxi@hotmail.com is her email and her cell number..... 246-264-7413 or 264-571-8291. She was very good with the communication and I heard back from her the afternoon that I sent the first email.

I love the itinerary you will be doing. I'd be sold on Martinique too & I'd love to get back to HMC. We were there in Martinique in 1992 on our honeymoon cruise but all I had was a film camera so I didn't get many pictures. I just love taking pictures and I'm always a little bummed looking back through our honeymoon pictures since there really aren't that many (about 8 or 9 rolls of 24 & 36 exposure film, and about 1/4 didn't really come out well). I'd loved to have had a digital camera then. I definitely need a "re do" in Martinique and Dominica. I remember they were both very pretty.

Pghsteelerfan- I am very interested in doing a tour like you did with Patsie. I used the email you provided. I emailed her yesterday but haven't heard back as of yet. Is this the correct email?

Thanks for your lovely detailed cruise reports. They are helping me plan my Southern Carib cruise on Serenade in Januuary.

NCTribeFan...I'm still around and saw your question. :) Yes, we were able to do a private tour that included a couple of hours at Payne's Bay Beach (which is just gorgeous) in the morning and then at noon, we were picked up for our tour of the east coast of Barbados, which included Bathsheba and a few other stops that we really enjoyed. I would be happy to provide you with the information if you are still interested. Our driver was Patsie Nurse with JP's Taxi Service and we were very happy with her, just loved her, and really enjoyed our day in Barbados and all we were able to see. I was able to get this information from fellow CC member Dirkgun since they had done a similar tour, which he wrote about in his review. They used Patsie a couple of times and have really enjoyed her. This is Patsie's contact information: Patsietaxi@hotmail.com is her email and her cell number..... 246-264-7413 or 264-571-8291. She was very good with the communication and I heard back from her the afternoon that I sent the first email.

Hey Kim, I am sure you have seen it (and I know you don't like to repeat ships and its on the Dawn), but NCL is doing Southern Caribbean out of SJ in Nov, Dec and some select dates in 2018. Same stops as Fascination, but sub Martinique for St. Lucia. We are on the Thanksgiving sailing, so I am following your new posts + all your old ones with these ports. Thanks for all that you do in these reviews!

Pghsteelerfan- I am very interested in doing a tour like you did with Patsie. I used the email you provided. I emailed her yesterday but haven't heard back as of yet. Is this the correct email?

Thanks for your lovely detailed cruise reports. They are helping me plan my Southern Carib cruise on Serenade in Januuary.

 

 

 

NCTribeFan...I'm still around and saw your question. :) Yes, we were able to do a private tour that included a couple of hours at Payne's Bay Beach (which is just gorgeous) in the morning and then at noon, we were picked up for our tour of the east coast of Barbados, which included Bathsheba and a few other stops that we really enjoyed. I would be happy to provide you with the information if you are still interested. Our driver was Patsie Nurse with JP's Taxi Service and we were very happy with her, just loved her, and really enjoyed our day in Barbados and all we were able to see. I was able to get this information from fellow CC member Dirkgun since they had done a similar tour, which he wrote about in his review. They used Patsie a couple of times and have really enjoyed her. This is Patsie's contact information: Patsietaxi@hotmail.com is her email and her cell number..... 246-264-7413 or 264-571-8291. She was very good with the communication and I heard back from her the afternoon that I sent the first email.

 

I'm not sure about Patsie's email. Our cruise was two years ago, so it could have changed...or there's a possibility she may no longer be doing tours. I hope that's not the case. She did send us an email last year around this time inquiring if we were planning another cruise and if we'd like to book a tour with her. I thanked her for checking but let her know that we didn't have any cruises planned. I will go ahead and email her to let her know that a CC member is interested in doing a tour similar to what we did and see if I hear back from her. If I do, I'll make sure I verify the email and get back to you here on this thread.

 

Thank you for letting me know that the review I did is helpful to you in planning your upcoming cruise. It was reviews by others that have been a BIG help to us in planning. So many options on each island that we would not have known about. Sadly, the photo host site I'm currently using for my pictures has changed their policy on the 3rd party picture hosting, so only those who get the 500 Plus plan ($400 a year) will still have access to it. That means that all of the pictures I added to my reviews will be disappearing when my subscription for the plan I'm currently on (lowest) runs out in November. Many others will be affected as well. :( So I'm glad that you were able to see this before then.

Pghsteelerfan- I am very interested in doing a tour like you did with Patsie. I used the email you provided. I emailed her yesterday but haven't heard back as of yet. Is this the correct email?

Thanks for your lovely detailed cruise reports. They are helping me plan my Southern Carib cruise on Serenade in Januuary.

 

 

 

NCTribeFan...I'm still around and saw your question. :) Yes, we were able to do a private tour that included a couple of hours at Payne's Bay Beach (which is just gorgeous) in the morning and then at noon, we were picked up for our tour of the east coast of Barbados, which included Bathsheba and a few other stops that we really enjoyed. I would be happy to provide you with the information if you are still interested. Our driver was Patsie Nurse with JP's Taxi Service and we were very happy with her, just loved her, and really enjoyed our day in Barbados and all we were able to see. I was able to get this information from fellow CC member Dirkgun since they had done a similar tour, which he wrote about in his review. They used Patsie a couple of times and have really enjoyed her. This is Patsie's contact information: Patsietaxi@hotmail.com is her email and her cell number..... 246-264-7413 or 264-571-8291. She was very good with the communication and I heard back from her the afternoon that I sent the first email.

 

I just sent Patsie an email to the Patsietaxi@hotmail.com email address...I will let you know whether or not I hear back from her. :)

Pghsteelerfan- As of today I have not gotten a response from Patsie. Thank you for your help with trying to get in touch with her. I really appreciate how helpful folks can be on this board.

Pghsteelerfan- I am very interested in doing a tour like you did with Patsie. I used the email you provided. I emailed her yesterday but haven't heard back as of yet. Is this the correct email?

Thanks for your lovely detailed cruise reports. They are helping me plan my Southern Carib cruise on Serenade in Januuary.

 

 

 

 

 

I just sent Patsie an email to the Patsietaxi@hotmail.com email address...I will let you know whether or not I hear back from her. :)