CaribbeanBound

Wow, price jump. Still worth it.

You can purchase multi-day passes which are good on all busses and ferries. Buses are plentiful and service most areas of interest. Bus stops are designated by colored poles. A pole with a top that is pink runs inbound to Hamilton. A blue topped pole is outbound service from Hamilton.

Bus routes and schedule information, visit http://www.bermudabuses.com/.

Ferry routes and schedule information, visit http://www.seaexpress.bm/

We bought our HBP at the Visitor’s Service Bureau which is located within a block just west of the pier. We also bought a 3-day transportation pass for $28 which is good for all busses and ferries for three full days. The Visitor’s Bureau only accepts cash. If you only want a transportation pass, you can skip the line at the Visitor’s Bureau and buy them at the Ferry Terminal next door or at the Bus Terminal a couple blocks away.

We were in Bermuda for 7 days. Here's our complete, very detailed, review with images: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html

Agree with SBtS, you can EASILY do both of these on your own.

The Caves...

Our first order of business was to catch a bus to the Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. Bus 1 and 3 will stop directly at Crystal Cave. Bus 10 or 11 will stop at Swizzle Inn which is within 2 blocks of the caves. It’s about a 20-minute ride. Get there early. They open at 9:30 am. We strongly suggest catching the first available bus as the caves are very popular and will get very crowded before noon. You can catch the bus on Water Street, one long block from the pier. Admission to the caves is $14 for one cave or $20 for the pair. (Price may be different now). Fantasy Cave, which reopened just 4 years ago after a 70-year closure, is BY FAR the better cave. Unfortunately most folks will never learn this fact since the ship excursions only take you to the better known Crystal Cave. Explore both caves if you have the time. If you have a choice, see Crystal Cave first (because Fantasy Cave is better). Do Fantasy Cave if you only have time for one. The best group size is under 20. It got so busy that our group had 40 people. The group behind us had at least 60! They really need to do a better job of controlling group sizes. Your best defense is to go early. The caves are full of stalagmites, stalactites, columns, soda straws, bacon, shield formations and other interesting forms. Both caves are well lit and are full of water (but you won’t get wet). The water is very clear, and believe it or not, it’s all sea water. Fantasy Cave, in addition to being better preserved, also has an interesting spooky side which I will not ruin for you here. Very worthwhile. After exploring the caves, we caught the first 1, 3, 10, or 11 bus back to the ship for lunch.

Aquarium...

We bought our HBP at the Visitor’s Service Bureau which is located within a block just west of the pier. We also bought a 3-day transportation pass for $28 which is good for all busses and ferries for three full days. The Visitor’s Bureau only accepts cash. If you only want a transportation pass, you can skip the line at the Visitor’s Bureau and buy them at the Ferry Terminal next door or at the Bus Terminal a couple blocks away. We walked to the bus terminal to catch a route 10 or 11 bus to the Aquarium where we spent two hours enjoying the informative exhibits. It’s not the newest facility but it does have several cool exhibits.

We were in Bermuda for 7 days. Here's our complete, very detailed, review with images: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html

Our first order of business was to catch a bus to the Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. Bus 1 and 3 will stop directly at Crystal Cave. Bus 10 or 11 will stop at Swizzle Inn which is within 2 blocks of the caves. It’s about a 20-minute ride. Get there early. They open at 9:30 am. We strongly suggest catching the first available bus as the caves are very popular and will get very crowded before noon. You can catch the bus on Water Street, one long block from the pier. Admission to the caves is $14 for one cave or $20 for the pair. (We were in Bermuda a few years ago so the pricing may be different now).

Fantasy Cave, which reopened just 10 years ago after a 70-year closure, is BY FAR the better cave. Unfortunately most folks will never learn this fact since the ship excursions only take you to the better known Crystal Cave. Explore both caves if you have the time. If you have a choice, see Crystal Cave first (because Fantasy Cave is better). Do Fantasy Cave if you only have time for one.

The best group size is under 20. It got so busy that our group had 40 people. The group behind us had at least 60! They really need to do a better job of controlling group sizes. Your best defense is to go early. The caves are full of stalagmites, stalactites, columns, soda straws, bacon, shield formations and other interesting forms. Both caves are well lit and are full of water (but you won’t get wet). The water is very clear, and believe it or not, it’s all sea water. Fantasy Cave, in addition to being better preserved, also has an interesting spooky side which I will not ruin for you here. Very worthwhile. After exploring the caves, we caught the first 1, 3, 10, or 11 bus back to the ship for lunch.

We were in Bermuda for 7 days. Here's our complete, very detailed, review with images: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html

I can confirm what VickyKay says is correct. We used our laundry coupons on day 3 and 5 of a 7 day cruise. You typically cannot use them on the final 2 days.

Where's the best and cheapest and safest way to exchange dollars for Colombian Pesos?

KatieCharlotte, thanks for the confirmation.

Here's the info on their website: http://www.turtle.ky/faq

Excellent point by Bill. We did NativeWay twice and had no more than a couple dozen folks on our boat. The ship excursion had what looked like a few hundred. Experience is significantly different and more expensive through the ship. By the way, you'll begin to notice that bguppies has some of the best posts on cruise critic. He gives good info and advice.

Very different tours.

In Grand Cayman, it will be a cruise highlight. We've done it twice. Very tame sting rays you can actually touch and hold.

In Belize, you only look at them. But's it's still very cool. Belize is on the second largest reef on the planet, so there is lots to see.

Nice work on your review. I like lots of detail. Appreciated.

Yes, take #1 or 2 back from Turtle Farm. 7-mile is between turtle farm and the port.

Can anyone who's been please tell me if the $18 admission is a good value for adults? How about the $45 ticket? Anyone done the whole park? Is it fun?

The Turtle Farm no longer provides a free shuttle.

The new bus terminal is located adjacent to the Public Library on Edward St. in downtown George Town and serves as the dispatch point for buses to all districts.

===========================

Route 1

(Directly to Cayman Turtle Farm)

Yellow

6:00am - 11:00pm

Sunday - Thursday

$2.50

=================================

Route 2

Lime Green

6:00am - Midnight

Friday & Saturday

$2.50

Plus Extra $1.25 to Stop at the Turtle Farm

The #1 local minivan bus will get you there for $2.50 US.

Just discovered 2 discounts to the Turtle Farm.

1. The Turtle Farm offers a 20% discount when tickets are bought in advance.

2. Explore Cayman says you can get a discount of 10% at the Turtle Farm if you walk up to the ticket booth and mention "EXPLORE". This not-so-secret word will also get you 10% off at the Schooner's Bar & Grill and Splash Gift Shop.

Just discovered 2 discounts to the Turtle Farm.

1. The Turtle Farm offers a 20% discount when tickets are bought in advance.

2. Explore Cayman says you can get a discount of 10% at the Turtle Farm if you walk up to the ticket booth and mention "EXPLORE". This not-so-secret word will also get you 10% off at the Schooner's Bar & Grill and Splash Gift Shop.

I had the same thought as you. After months of research I finally emailed Thenford Grey and he agreed to take us there.

We've been to St. Kitts twice and the hour we spent at Brimstone on our first trip was not long enough. On our second tip we wanted to spend a lot more time at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park so we arranged with Thenford Grey to be dropped off early and then join his regular tour when they arrived at the fortress prior to continuing on to South Friar's Beach. We spent 3 hours exploring the fort and outlying structures. Hint: bring a flashlight to explore dark passages. Next to the fort is a tall grassy mound called Monkey Hill (aka Fort Charlotte). A worker had recently cut a 6-foot wide access path to the top of the hill which offers nice views. About 75% to the top is a side path that will take you to a recently rediscovered 15x20 foot (my estimate) stone out-building, with openings for 3 cannon, that was hidden under vegetation. It also offered views of the fort and the steep gorge behind it. After we left the fortress, we visited an overlook where you could see the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean on either side of a thin stretch of the island. The bodies of water could not have been separated by more than a quarter-mile. We the got dropped off at South Friar's Beach which offers an active bar and grill with lots of shade and picnic-style seating, restrooms, an outdoor shower, changing rooms, a nice beach with black and beige sands, a protected swim area and some snorkeling opportunities. We saw over a dozen different types of fish along the manmade reef and lots of sea urchins (some close to a foot in diameter).

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

On the way to port we were stuffed into a boat like in overthehillcruiser's picture. I think there were like 100,000 people stuffed into the boat with us.

The return trip featured a huge catamaran that held maybe 300 people. It was indeed nicer.

Only the ship-booked tours will pickup at the ship. That's worth paying for, but not what their asking and not sure it's worth the crowds that go with it.

I wrestled with this for weeks and finally booked this one...

http://www.ecotoursbelize.com/snorkeling.html#snorkeling

EcoTours $45 pp.

"Goff's Caye Island Getaway"

Departure time: 9:30 am or 10:30 am - 4 hours

(They'll make sure you have plenty of time to make the excursion and get back to the ship).

Goff's Caye Island Getaway

Goff's Caye is an island 25 minutes away from Belize City/Cruise Port by boat. This scenic boat ride takes you past numerous mangrove islands, which are natural habitats for Brown Boobies,Cormorants,Terns and the fierce Frigate birds and occasionally bottle nose dolphins are spotted.

Goff's Caye sits directly on top of the worlds's second largest Barrier Reef making it the best location for a world class unlimited snorkeling experience. Goff's Caye is a natural coral sand island making it the ultimate beach experience for the entire family, kids can build their dream sand castles or simply splash in its turquoise blue waters. Goff's Caye measures approximately 1.2acres. There are no beach chairs, so bring your beach towels and if you wish you can bring your own snacks. On your own you can enjoy a picnic style B–B–Q or Chicken Kabobs or even grilled lobster tails, cold beers and coconuts are also on sale.

I'll report back in April.

Glory Tours is at http://www.glorytours.org/bestone.html

The tour is still called "Best of Barbados".

And you're right, the rate has gone up.

Price: Adults BDS$276.00 = US$138

PreBook BDS$248.00 per adult = US$124

Group Rate BDS$221.00 = US$110.50

Still a good price for the entire tour.

You might check to see if the Group rate will apply to everyone on your ship's port date (and tell them you'll post it on your rollcall board).

It also has to do with food safety. The ship doesn't want to be responsible fot that mayo on your sandwich you decided to eat after getting hungry sitting in the sun for a couple hours.

But mostly, it's a local regulation. I know Hawaii gets really protective of you taking any food (or animals or plants) off the ship or plane, especially fruits and veggies.

If they ever ban it, you can always ask the ship's photographer to take your picture while you're holding your plate in close to your head.

You're welcome. Feel free to post any questions. Either I or someone else from a recent Summit cruise will answer your questions.

We really enjoyed Barbados. We prearranged for Glory Tour's "Best of Barbados Tour" (Option A) $94 per person (after web discount) plus tips which included lunch, entrance fees, and drinks. It was an all-day tour that ran from 9:00am to 4:00pm. All entrance fees were included. There were just six of us on this guided tour that took us all over the island.

Our driver, Stephen, took us first to Harrision Cave where were enjoyed a guided tram tour underground. These caves are spectacular. You do some walking but most of the tour is on a tram.

Cave pic: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/barbados-cave.jpg

Then on to Bathsheba on the East Coast for impressive views of the ocean and rock formations. We ate a delicious lunch of Flying Fish, rice and beans, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese casserole, and a coke. We then worked our way to the Wild Life Reserve where we saw an abundance of green-tailed monkeys, tortoises, iguanas, a python, peacocks, turkeys, and other critters I couldn't identify. Stephen then treated us to a Barbados Rum Punch at the bar there. On the West Coast, we took a glass bottom boat to two snorkeling destinations: first visiting a ship wreck, then a spot where we swam with sea turtles (West Coast). Recommended!

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!

battiskm...

We'll be there in late March 2014. I'll post a full review upon our return on Cruise Critic and on my website at: http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

If you're interested in seeing our really detailed information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports, check it out.

They are indeed far from the port and they are well worth the trip.

This will be one of your favorite ports IF you book an excursion. You'll hate the place if you do not. This fact has been chronicled time and again. Do yourself a favor and book an excursion! We opted to take the Lamanai tour. LOVED it.

Once at the Belize pier we were greeted with a nice Welcome sign. There are only a handful of shops at the pier. I am guessing there were about 90 folks on this tour. We were herded onto 1 of 3 air conditioned buses. Whatever bus you get becomes your tour group, and included a guide that not only narrated the bus tour and answered our questions but also drove our boat on the jungle cruise and lead our excursion of the ruins. Our experienced guide was Vel, and he was breaking in a very pretty young guide-in-training that joined us for the duration of the tour. Our guides were very friendly, knowledgeable, and proud of their country.

Belize is a poor country with great natural and historical assets. One idiot on the bus asked "Why are there bars on the windows of houses?" during an otherwise interesting Q&A about the country. (Answer: they have a crime problem related to a "crack" problem). The housing and habitat reminded us a lot of Waimanalo on Oahu (sans the bars). We learned a lot about the city and country on our 1.25 hour bus tour over a paved 2-lane road to the boat dock. [side note: from visible signage along the road it appears Pepsi "controls" the less populated part of the country while Coca-Cola "owns" Belize City itself]. Each bus unloaded their groups into a large thatched roof building sporting restrooms and a couple of artisans. Within a few minutes we were loaded onto covered boats with comfortable seats and two powerful outboard motors.

We snaked South down the river to the Lamanai Ruin site. Our guide plying us with information and pointing out numerous birds (including King Fisher, Blue Herrin, Vultures, and Snow Egrets), baby crocodiles, and a huge green iguana, as well as various flora and fauna. We also found the huge termite nests in the trees to be of interest to all. One of the 3 boats experienced engine trouble which slowed us down a bit, but that boat was never abandoned. Our boat held back each time to make sure they were not stranded.

Once we arrived at Lamanai, we ate a hearty lunch of Mayan chicken, rice, coleslaw, coconut tarts, and bottled Pepsi and water. We started our tour in a small museum with interesting Mayan artifacts and continued on by foot through an impressive jungle featuring vines, "Jurassic Park"-sized palm fronds, medicinal trees, and Howler Monkeys. We spent about 1.5 hours exploring 3 large Mayan temples and the remains of a small Mayan town. Our guides provided an enormous amount of insight and kept us moving at a reasonable clip.

We returned to the boats, sped back up the river, and returned to the buses just before nightfall. We arrived back at the docks about an hour after the final tender was suppose to leave for the ship. Our guides, to their credit, had made the decision to give us the full tour --- not an abridged tour --- even though we had arrived late. After all, we were paying the full price of the tour and they weren't going to let us get anything less. It was clear, back in Lamanai, that we were not going to make the tender cutoff time. This began to cause great distress among some tour passengers. Just remember, that if you are on a cruise-sponsored tour, there are "no worries!" They were not going to strand any of their passengers in Belize if they are on a cruise-sponsored excursion. Sure enough, we were met at the pier with a nice large boat that easily and comfortably sped all of us back to the ship, which was beautifully illuminated out on the sea. Bottom line: take this tour.

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

First-hand information on excursions we've taken in over 20 Caribbean ports. With photos!