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Royal Clipper, February 25-March 4, 2017, Caribbean


Southern Spirit
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Although we are not new to cruising, this is our first Clipper cruise. In the past, we have enjoyed meeting others through Cruise Critic roll calls and planning excursions with them. However, I do not see a Roll Call for the Star Clipper cruise ships. Is anyone reading this post going to be on this sailing with us?

 

We are Susan and Bill from Florida

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Have never seen a roll call for Star Clippers. But we just got off of her on Saturday, so if we can answer any questions, ask away.

 

PS:... In all of our years of cruising we found the passengers on this cruise the MOST laid back, fun, and approachable we have encountered... Enjoy!

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FredT

 

Thanks for your reply and such positive comments. What itinerary were you on? We are headed to the Windward Isles: starting in Barbados, then on to St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Saint Kitts, Les Saints, Martinique, and back to Barbados. If you have visited those islands, what are the '"must sees/must dos" of each? Are locals tour guides available when we get off the boat, or do we need to sign up for the RC's excursions?

 

Southern Spirit

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Southern Spirit:

 

Actually we just got off the ship doing the Grenadines, so only St Lucia and Martinique overlap. We mostly wandered on our own at each stop so I can address that.

 

At St Lucia (Marigot Bay) you will be dropped off at a Marina. Beautiful scenery, lots of yachts/mega yachts, but little else of interest. The most talked about shore excursion seemed to be horseback riding. (If you are a horse person)

 

In Soufriere we did a cruise exc, to the Pintons. Typical cruise excursion, nothing special.

 

Martinique was also two stops, in Fort de France, and a beach stop. Fort de France is probably the most "developed" port you will visit, with lots of shopping, and busy roads. (Wander in a few blocks from the dock for a busy town center, and a nice park and ruins a bit further in.) a fun and busy port city. This is the only port we visited where there were NO cabbies and guides vying for you business.

 

The "beach stop" is also pretty good, nice beach (and being typically French, lots of topless sunbathing) but not much else to see. Some also said that to the far left side of the beach was some fair snorkling, but we did not try.

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Thank you Jane Cambridge and FredT for your info. We have cabin 242 on the Clipper deck. Yes, I'd be interested in your dining tip.

 

Another question: what kind of currency should take? Are U.S. dollars accepted everywhere, i

or do we need euros or Bahamian money? Are ATM's available?

We will also be in a Barbados hotel for 2 nights pre trip. Any suggestions what to do there? Should we rent a car?

Southern Spirit

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At least on the Grenadines trip US dollars were accepted everywhere. (For sure US dollars are accepted in Barbados.) If you are staying at the Accara, you are right on the beach, and the Boardwalk starts right to the right side of the Hotel. Couple of good restaurants down that way, and another right across the street ( Swag)

 

Dont know your preferences, but 2 days to unwind and decompress was fine by the pool and at the beach. We did not find a real "need" to go anywhere.

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You must climb the mast.I couldn't do it on our first trip but just got a new knee and managed perfectly.A bit more daunting coming down,A gentleman of 86 climbed it but struggled a great deal coming down...You will be notified when the days and times are set for doing this.The harness is provided and is compulsory.When under sail is the best! The bow sprint is fun...

 

The horse trip was not a success on our trip.Those that booked it said there was only one horse allowed in water so they took it in turns.Not a good tour and many complaints.

 

US dollars everywhere.

 

Dining...in the evening when people queue for dinner at top of stairs,walk straight past and on the left/right are a small set of stairs.Go down those and wait at bottom for bell to ring.You have instant access to the dining room,no queues and if you want,one of the two tables for two!

 

We never rent a car in Barbados for a short stay.The taxis are fine,safe and cheap.There is a local bus,van,that looks strange but is again,perfectly safe and extremely cheap,will get you to most places.Lots of tour companies too.

 

Saint Kitts...

We didn't like this stop particularly.Luckily we were moored in a small Marina away from the two giant cruise ships.People having photos taken by a chap who had a monkey on a chain and in a nappy.yuk...

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Hey Southern Spirit:

 

Another tidbit (if you have not already left):

 

Make sure the credit card you use to give the ship is one that does NOT charge foreign transaction fees. Everything is in Euro's, (Which is a GOOD thing with the current exchange rates... Beer for $3.50, mixed drinks for $5.00) but why pay another 2-3% if you dont have to!

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To FredT and Jane Cambridge

Thank you both, so very much, for your excellent tips. It helps so much to have info from those who have been there!!We leave in the morning and are really looking forward to it. Really appreciated your help.

 

Southern Spirit

 

 

 

Susan and Bill

Have a wonderful time.It is a great adventure.:cool:

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