PORT ROYAL

TTE (as usual) give excellent info. But, if wishing to go Rum Native, then carry an empty resealable bottle (or drink holder) outside the port, follow the road until one sights KFC. Look directly next door to the right of KFC and one will see a shop what looks like something very ordinary. Enter, this was Barb’s Wholesale, then one will see a small row of Rum Casks (with taps). Ask about each cask age etc, make decision. Hand over the empty vessel for a filling of “Cask Strength Rum” direct from the Distillery. Pay a very small amount. Yes, cask full strength…. It’ll cure almost everything. This is one of the places where locals buy their Rum, not in pre packed bottles, being watered down to 40%. Be bold, be brave, be Barb’s

Sorry to interject on a PO board, but just noticed. Know of a group of 6 who regularly cruise PO, purchase spirits and cigarettes on board (with/without OBC), then sell at a profit onshore.

Think it’s better asking the hotel to send a set of photographs from “potentially” one’s actual room.

The answers were previously posted. The Golf Carts from ship to Cabs and ferry (and back) were available if paid for by the Ship (Cruise Line). Best to ask one’s booking company.

Consider short ferry ride from Orient Beach to Pinel Island for a snorkel in the protected Marine Park. Make a one’s “base” on Pinel at either Karibuni or Yellow Beach. Book one’s beds/day well in advance, being popular and space is limited. To just Rock Up could lead to being disappointed Good Snorkelling along a designated, also safe, reef area for gentle waves snorkelling, or if a much stronger swimmer then bigger rocks/waves with more fish round the headland to the north. Ferry: https://www.caribbeanpaddling.com/blog/ferry-schedule-to-pinel-island Karibuni: https://www.lekaribuni.com/restaurant Yellow: https://www.yellowbeach.restaurant Unable to confirm cost of a Minivan Cab for one’s party, but think about $50 or so. Outward driver will be please to be booked for a timed return. But there are many Van Cabs available.

Sorry, my bad…. Consider Rooftop views and great food https://www.laterrasserooftoprestaurantsxm.com

Suggest La Villa for a shabby chic dining experience with an excellent (reasonably priced) set Menu (one can upgrade a course if wished for a small additional price). Great Cocktails and extensive Wine List. Do book early. http://www.lavillasxm.com

Send a missive with all one’s questions https://www.findyello.com/dominica/dominica-taxi-association/profile/

A bargain….. In 2018 paid $25 - each way - for a private cab, 2 pax

US$40.00 - per cab - each way - plus tip If many ships are in port allow 45 minutes out because of heavy port traffic. On return to be very, very safe, allow 60 minutes. Book one’s lunch/day in advance. Catherine’s is a Restaurant providing beds etc for it’s paying customers. https://catherines-cafe.com Additional When viewing the menus, prices are in Eastern Caribbean Dollars. An easy mental guide to convert ECD to US$, divide the ECD by 2, then deduct 20%

As a guide US$20 per cab e/w plus tip.

PS Retail Therapy discounts in OSJ must be considered savings of $$$s. Therefore these $$$s savings are declared “FREE MONEY”, then the free money can be used for more therapeutic savings, as it cost one nothing, but delivers even more savings and repeat. As it appears one wished costs to be nothing, this aspect is successfully achieved. Simples…..😉

Thought “costs low” was for a tour. Retail therapy is a totally different exercise, therefore one’s girls would deem shopping as being outside of any tour spend peramiters. Best to ask the girls what they would like to do…. Designer Retail Outlets or ?. Anyway, one is on holiday with family and bean counting is not allowed.😉

IMHO - Best bar on Orient for ambience, beds, food, drinks and service is COCO, but do book one’s day in advance. Link - https://www.cocobeach.restaurant/gallery

Think it can cater for 80/100 inside. Remember Barrachina is very popular with Embassies, Government, the business community, local residents, hotel guests, holidaymakers and visitors from other parts of Puerto Rico, not just with cruise pax. The number of ships in port is almost irrelevant on certain days. Book early, book early…..

Great Bay will be very busy, as it’s walkable, cheapest taxi and ferry fares. Further a long the coast is Little Divi, being quieter. But, one’s personal selection for an exclusive quiet beach, comfortable chairs, great food/drinks and service, it is COCO on Orient Beach. Book one’s day/lunch in dance.

Carambola? Sadly no. However, think along the lines of a Leopard is unable to change it’s spots. Consider erring on the side of caution and trust @TTEllis, plus others, when it comes to the Marriott. Do ignore those who are very picky and enjoy. Posters are also discussing the Park as an option to Marriott.

Other money saving options known to S.H.T. Take “Towels” from the ship to spread on the sand to avoid paying or a bed. Bring free food and drink browsed from the ship’s buffet, all wrapped in a napkin.

Just a thought and thanks must go to @cruisemom42 (et al) who have supported everyone from a first timer to an experienced traveller with their little grey cell encyclopaedias, sharing honest, informative and trustworthy critiques. Sei molto gentile, grazie!

DW and I took the taxi. Stopped doing “shared” years ago, so no knowledge of “packed prices”. We prefer the comfort, privacy and flexibility of a dedicated taxi.

To assist her’s a link to a recent CC discussion….

Yes it may be possible to book on arrival, but have no idea what operators, if any, will be available on docking. Personally, think it is better to book in advance, because tour operators could be full by the time one arrives. However, if one wishes to only book in person, “on arrival”, then proceed to the Official Tourist Information office inside the terminal building, queue and ask. Good luck.

To assist there is a Public Bus Service from the Bus Terminal about 5 minutes walk directly ahead from the port (as many know). Fare must be paid in cash at the Bridgetown bus terminal ticket office. Think ticket was about US$5 for a return. Takes about 50 minutes. Consider it a site seeing tour. Main Bus Service Site: Link https://www.transportboard.com/route-finder/ Schedules/Timetable Bridgetown/Bathsheba - Link: https://www.transportboard.com/route-finder/?tab=results&busid=22#results Bathsheba/Bridgetown - Link: https://www.transportboard.com/route-finder/?tab=results&busid=125#results

It appears Silver Moon is operating… https://silvermoonbarbados.com/book-online/ Suggest one books asap as Cat space is limited to a max of 12 There us also Elegance…. https://www.elegancebarbados.com/book-now/

Day pass link…. https://capmaison.com/st-lucia-day-pass-spend-the-afternoon-or-evening-at-cap-maison/ Service fee is 10% Government Tax is 10% IMHO - Naked Fisherman or a Day Pass at Cap IS worth the drive. Check out both webs.