PORT ROYAL

One’s opinion is one’s opinion being based solely on accounts postings. However, we, plus friends and family, have used for many years, including two this year and will continue to make future bookings without any concern.

Great idea…..Signup for immediate member benefits, The group values it’s members 😉 https://all.accor.com/loyalty-program/cards-status-benefits-details/index.en.shtml

Yes….. And the outward driver will be pleased to be booked for a timed return. Don’t forget to book one’s cave experience on line and in advance, as spaces are limited.

Agree it has a limited number of Airlines and Airports (main airports only), but for the pax flying with/from, it’s service is ideal. A service to keep in mind for the future.

Welcome to Cunard 😉

Additional Tips. If taking a pre-flight hotel look at https://airportr.com/en/ - Prices are very reasonable They collect one’s checked luggage, from the pre flight Hotel or from home (if in catchment area shown on Airportr website). They weigh, tag (identical to check in) and give tracking info., so one can visibly track (photos) one’s luggage. Then one can just arrive at the airport and go straight to security. No searching for a trolly, no dragging luggage into the airport, no check in shuffle queue and no check-in hassles. Take a look at their website-Simples.. Purchase any heavy weight toiletries (sunscreen etc) after airport security. One could order online from Boots and collect from the Boots store inside Departures. Airportr also have inbound luggage service-airport to door. Also door to door. Take a look on their website

Should have explained the Lounge. Do book the airport lounge, it’s worth every penny. Sit in peaceful comfort with food/drinks etc, rather inside departures, with all it’s noise, uncomfortable seating and expensive refreshments.

Only put up with the above once. Never again. On arrival one is usually taken to the hotel, given breakfast and refreshments, then sit around for hours waiting for check in to open. On departure, taken to the airport (direct or post short tour). Then sit and wait for check in to open before going to the airport lounge. Upgrade (via Cunard) to scheduled flights, where one can select a flight that better suits. Prices are usually good. Pay the upgrade immediately, as this will get one the flight locator when the airline opens, to select the desired seats. For peace of mind, plus a more relaxed journey, fly out a day earlier or more days for being a tourist. Cunard can schedule flights, but book one’s own hotels (direct) as much cheaper than Cunard.

Some said “Purser’s Desk” others have stated “Guest Services”, but that became an oxymoron. One shortened “The large raised desk outside the Purser’s Office, where sometimes obnoxious, disinterested and dismissive crew stand, under the guise of assisting paying guests” to Purser’s Desk.

Personally, don’t recognise the description, because each time visited (over many years) most outlets were unused and boarded up. It’s off the beaten track for high volume tourists, therefore limited footfall, so people are reluctant to invest. Also, on exiting the port gates, before even reaching Pelican, one will have to run the gambit of droves of persistent unlicensed taxi drivers descending on one’s party, trying with all coercions to get a fare. If one wishes to spend some quality time “local shopping”, then suggest take an about $15 taxi ride to Chattels Village in Holetown (high number of hotels etc). There one will find a more pleasant experience, plus food/drink. Don’t forget, inside the Cruise Terminal are many stalls and stores selling local wares and handicrafts.

Purser’s Desk

A polite request to PD while onboard has always brought a positive result.

Just looked at the Hilton, it looks ideal for one, as it has a covered walkway from the Airport to Hotel. Just a little tip… Sign up for membership, because members rates attract a discount. Also, track the prices from about 6/8 weeks onwards prior to arrival, as they may have “last minute” discounts. If so, rebook first, then cancel the original booking, without penalty.

It’s been Law for years…. But never seen it enforced, despite flagrant breaches.

Good friends have recently stayed at Rome Hotel Inn, which was found to be very good for one night. As usual, the excellent RomeCabs handled all their transfers. No doubt CC will put forward suggestions.

No personal knowledge, but know Plywood could arrange. Give them a face message or call.

Just an idea. Book a car with a renter close to where one lives with a representation office/cars in San Juan. Look to arrange for the car to be made available outside the port terminal area, then a timed collection. Possible for one to pass by the San Juan office, pickup a SJ driver, drive to the port. Then the SJ driver takes the car back. Discuss with the rental company of choice, know they will assist if possible. Good luck

Addendum. There is also the very popular option of taking no beds and utilising the ship’s beachTowels. Many (S.H.T.) have taken the cheapest Vigie Beach day out protocol, by walking there, Towels spread, food/drink browsed from buffet, urinate in the sea (aka going for a swim) walk back, cost Zero. Not forgetting the chanted mantra “Beaches are free”

If a beach day is very price sensitive, then there is only one option. A 20 minute walk, or 5 minutes in a Cab for $10.00 (e/w) takes the whole family to Vigie Beach. Think beds are $10 for a pair, but have no knowledge of the beds price for little ones. Toilets $1 Even if $10 for kids beds, the day will be $40 Food and drink available, or take all from the ship like many do. Link to photos https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147342-d149163-Reviews-Vigie_Beach-St_Lucia.html

Understand this is possibly the first venture to book in the Caribbean. COSOL is a reputable company, with many repeat bookers (one here), never hearing of any financial concerns. Therefore, suggest one telephones and asks if they will take a ccard payment over the ‘phone. It will be a shame to miss the beauty of this island and its people, in the company of one of St Lucia’s best operators. COSOL hospitality is noted, it’s difficult to stay sober. 😀 Trust and enjoy.

Consider the Math… 2 pax @ $75 = $150 (Nevis Beach Stay - No guarantee of a longer) Water taxi (Round Trip) say $270 Total: $320 Or 2 pax - Bluewater St Kitts/Nevis Beach trip (Lounger guaranteed) @ $52 each = $104 [With access to Killer Bees]

Toucari…. Sadly Champagne is now too busy and too commercial, with all the organised trips and independents heading there. Believe, even the Conger Eels have moved on. An idea… 1. Take a large refillable bottle to Barb’s for topping up with cask strength rum. 2. Take a private taxi island tour from a registered driver inside the port area, making a stop at Toucari for snorkelling, then food/drinks (open and share rum), tour back to ship sipping rum.

The only one bar can think of to take little ones being away from “potential danger and bad language” is the Drift Lounge. Upmarket, genteel, beachside with music.

Best recommendation for little ones…. COCO on Orient Beach (the have a kid’s menu), gentle waves for swimming. Or slightly better for little ones, consider the short ferry ride from Orient Beach to Pinel Island for a swim/snorkel in the protected Marine Park. Make a one’s “base” on Pinel at either Karibuni or Yellow Beach on Pinel Good Snorkelling along a designated, also safe, reef area for gentle waves snorkelling, ideal for little ones to swim or snorkel with adults. For any adults being a much stronger swimmers then head for bigger rocks/waves with more fish round the headland to the north. COCO - https://www.cocobeach.restaurant/gallery Ferry: https://www.caribbeanpaddling.com/blog/ferry-schedule-to-pinel-island Karibuni: https://www.lekaribuni.com/restaurant Yellow: https://www.yellowbeach.restaurant As all three beach stays are popular with residents, stayers and cruisers, therefore space is limited. Best to book well in advance. enjoy….

They will know… https://www.visitstkitts.com/contact