Cruise planning advice please

[shonuf]

We are planning a cruise with friends for early next year (Jan-Mar probably) and I'd like to hear some suggestions to help me plan this.

 

Our perameters are:

 

Probably Eastern or Southern Caribbean tho both couples love St. Thomas. We want verandah cabins with traditional dining. One couple wants to scuba dive at least a couple times the other doesn't really care if they get off the ship or not. Shows are not very important. Probably would like a newer ship (or least a recently refurbished one).

 

We're all experienced cruisers but have never cruised together. One couple is 20 (or so) years older than the other.

 

This is your chance to play TA for a day. Suggestions please.

[JJPacer]

We are sailing on the Volendam in late March. Our ports are Aruba, Curacao, Dominica, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay. Curacao is a diving MUST with wonderful diving opportunities. Of course you go to St. Thomas, which you said you both wanted. Aruba has so much to do. You won't have time to get in everything you would like to do. We are taking an island tour in Dominca that sounds fantastic. We are going to see Ti Tou Gorge Trafalgar Falls & Emerald Pool. Here is a description of the tour.

Drive through the capital city Roseau to the Botanical Gardens and up

the lush and verdant Roseau Valley. There will be stops at scenic locations until we reach the village of Laudat. From Laudat we take a 15 minute walk to the Ti Tou Gorge which is one of the most unique places on the island. The name Ti Tou Gorge is Creole and means 'Little Throat Hole'

Literally we will swim up the 'throat' of a mountain to a waterfall located

inside the gorge. This gorge was formed many thousands of years ago and is fed by the Freshwater Lake. The formation of the rock walls on either side, through which we swim are intricate and breathtaking, this place is truly one of the wonders of Dominica. After the gorge we walk back to the vehicle and proceed to the spectacular twin Trafalgar Falls. It is a 15 minute walk from where the vehicle stops to, the viewing area of the falls.

Those who are able to, under the supervision of the guide can scramble

over the boulders to the base of one of the falls where there is a great

pool for more swimming. After the falls we return to the vehicle drive through the capital Roseau and along the west Caribbean coast. Turning inland up the Imperial Road, through the Antrim Valley to the Emerald Pool, one of the island's beautiful waterfalls within the rainforest Morne Trois Piton National Park. From where the vehicle stops it is about a 15-minute walk through the rainforest to the Emerald Pool which is so called because it reflects the greenery of the surrounding vegetation. The guides will explain about the rainforest and the wildlife within. Those who wish to will be able to swim in the pool at the base of the fall. After the Emerald Pool return to base. Time 5-6 hours Cost 1-4 persons US240.00

4 persons and over 60.00 per person

Note. Recommended footwear-Sneakers

Bathing suits should be worn; shorts and T-Shirts are appropriate.

Half Moon Cay is one of the prettiest beaches, with activities available.

 

This cruise would suit your need nicely. AKA travel agent wantabe!