Southern Spirit Posted February 13, 2017 #1 Share Posted February 13, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredT Posted February 14, 2017 #2 Share Posted February 14, 2017 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Spirit Posted February 14, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted February 14, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janecambridge Posted February 14, 2017 #4 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Les saints: walk across island to beach on other side. easy walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janecambridge Posted February 14, 2017 #5 Share Posted February 14, 2017 SS,Royal clipper?, what cabin do you have? I have a little tip for accessing a quieter table at exactly 7pm, avoiding the sprawl and rush for a seat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredT Posted February 14, 2017 #6 Share Posted February 14, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Spirit Posted February 15, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted February 15, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredT Posted February 18, 2017 #8 Share Posted February 18, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Spirit Posted February 18, 2017 Author #9 Share Posted February 18, 2017 FredT Just relaxing sounds good to me too. Still wonder if we need local currency change for taxis, etc. Arr ATM's plentiful? Oh, I heard you can climb the mast on Royal Clipper. Is this true? If so, do you have a harness attached to you? Southern Spirit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredT Posted February 19, 2017 #10 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Taxi's take US, no problem. Yes you can climb the mast... and yes, harness is required. (But not to go out on the bow sprint, which I feel is even MORE of a thrill!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janecambridge Posted February 19, 2017 #11 Share Posted February 19, 2017 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FredT Posted February 23, 2017 #12 Share Posted February 23, 2017 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Spirit Posted February 23, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted February 23, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janecambridge Posted February 23, 2017 #14 Share Posted February 23, 2017 To FredT and Jane CambridgeThank 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: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValleyE Posted March 26, 2017 #15 Share Posted March 26, 2017 I'm going on the Royal Clipper in July! The entire ship is chartered. Any pointers or recommendations? I've never been on a sailing ship!! Eileen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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