the suite life of travel
a collection of worldwide adventures
Menu
Skip to content
  • #2801 (no title)
  • About Me
  • Blog Disclaimer
  • Blog Style 2
  • Contact
  • Photo Gallery

Tag Archives: St. Kitts

Tips for Planning a Caribbean Cruise

20 May 202022 September 2024

5 Carnival Liberty in Port, Castries, St. Lucia, 1.28.16

Cruise vacations are perfect for enjoying several ports of call in a short period of time.  They are also fabulous for vacationers who want activities already planned for them.  From days at sea where one can enjoy the shows, shopping, gambling and bingo, there are several activities that can keep the passenger entertained, 24 hours a day.  While in port, shore excursions are provided by the cruise line for an additional fee.

So why then would a passenger need to make any plans for their cruise?  For one, there is the opportunity for pre- or post-trip travel.  Most ports of origin are exciting and interesting in themselves and should be explored.  Secondly, some passengers would rather go on their own than purchase the ship’s excursions, even if it is only to walk around the port.

I had just booked a seven day Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s Liberty that departs out of San Juan. I found a great deal through Vacations to Go but needed to find a flight that would work around the ship’s schedule. I had learned that Southwest Airlines flies to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I booked the flight in tandem with the cruise and we were all set for our trip…..except for planning our time at the various ports on the itinerary.

The most exciting part of the vacation planning process is researching what to do in each port.  There are a couple of research applications that I use so that I can select the best activities for each island I will be visiting.  My objective is to explore the ports I have not yet seen, check out any activities that may interest me and then maximize the time I have on each of the islands.

First, I visit the ship’s website and review the shore excursions that I find interesting. If there are specific attractions or points of interest, I make note of them.  I compare the cost of going out on my own to how much we would pay for them through the cruise line. I also determine the number of hours that I will spend on the excursion to see if it leaves room for me to explore the local town where the ship is docked.

Secondly, I check out my local library and search for various books and magazines that will give a thorough overview of the ports I will be visiting. I love the travel books that have pictures, but I found that Fodor’s Caribbean Ports of Call was one of the best resources for cruise vacation planning.  For each port, this book provides the following information:

  • A brief overview of the island  (currency and use of telephone)
  • Coming Ashore: This information is very helpful as it outlines how far the port is from the central town so I can determine if I need to take a taxi. Car rental information is also provided, In addition, there is a list of recommended items to purchase for each location.
  • Exploring [Port of ???]: In this section of the book, there is a listing of attractions as well as where one would find the locations in regards to direction (North, East, South, West) or by major city. Fodor’s ranks the attraction as recommended and also let’s the reader know which places are great for families to visit. A small synopsis of each attraction or area is detailed along with the address to the location, its contact information such as phone and website, its hours of operation as well as the estimated cost for visiting. There is also a map of the island and may be a more detailed map of the port town for each. Of course there are also sections in regards to the best beaches, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and other activities that may be of interest.

Third, I will search the internet for the country’s designated tourist information website. I make a note of the attractions or activities that are of interest and compare it with the information provided by Fodors or other resources that I have read.  If I can download a visitor’s guide or order information ahead of time, I sign up for the tourist packet and wait for it to arrive.

At this point, I will also look at tour providers online and review the comments and/or recommendations that are provided by previous customers. Some of the best reviews include Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor.  Since the cost is somewhat important to me, I like to compare the amount I will pay versus the number of hours spent on the tour to see if I can find a great deal. Not all tours are alike. Some operators may include a sightseeing, beach and shopping tour while others may only include limited sightseeing, etc. For example, since I prefer not to shop but rather see as much of the island as possible, I am most likely to find a tour that focuses more on attractions with as little shopping as possible.  As I gather the information and begin to compare our options, I soon become aware of how overwhelming this process can be and narrow my focus to the top five things that we would like to do and then go from there. I also want to ensure that the places we want to visit will be open during the time the ship is in port.

Finally, I will do a search on maps of the ports central town to see if there are walking tours already outlined with the highlights of that port. I tend to move towards those sites that also include a map, making it easier for us to navigate my way through town and providing us with a summary of information for those attractions.

Here are some of the best walking tours that I found for our upcoming cruise:

San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – Part 1 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – part 2 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Hop Aboard the Free Trolley in Old San Juan

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI:   Historic Walking Tour

Barbados:  Walking Tour of Bridgetown

St. Kitts: Basseterre Walking Tour  with Map of Basseterre

St. Maarten:  One Day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten

While on the ship there are additional resources that can also be very helpful for my ability to enjoy the cruise. The first is picking up a copy of the ship’s deck plan.  The plan is usually posted on each floor and at each elevator, but having a copy in my back pocket can also be very convenient in deciding how to manage my way around the ship. There are also Port of Call sheets that are available at the customer service desk or in a kiosk nearby, which we find to be very helpful as well.

Once the ship has docked and cleared customs, the passengers will begin the process of disembarking the ship once it has arrived into port. Nine times out of ten, there will be a cruise ship representative handing out shopping related advertisements and a map, along with some helpful hints, when provided. I like to browse through them carefully and take in the information as there may be some recommendations for places to eat or local attractions that may be of interest. For those that enjoy shopping, these advertisements are for you! They provide a listing of all the cruise-sponsored shops and the specials that are offered at each of these shops. But, because I am not an avid shopper, I can still appreciate the map for reasons of my own. For example, the map details the downtown area to include the name of each of the streets as well as handy information such as how long it will take to arrive at the city’s center by taxi from the dock. It is also helpful in getting the passenger back to the ship in the event that they may become lost.

Finally, ask your room steward, bartender or wait staff for their recommendations and what they like to do when in port. This may lead you to the perfect restaurant or excursion that you have not experienced otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff on the island. While you are being served, ask them for places to eat and what to see and even where to shop. You would be surprised at the information you can gather, even at this stage of your trip!

I am never without a long list of recommendations, but I certainly appreciate someone who can lead me to an opportunity I may not have experienced otherwise.   With enough pre-cruise, on board and local planning, I am always sure to find the perfect solution for enjoying our day in port! And be flexible! You never know where the day could lead you!

Do you like to plan for cruise vacations? What are some of the resources that you use? I would love to hear your recommendations and tips on how to make the most of your time in port! Leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

St. Kitts Walking Tour

5 February 201816 September 2024

2 Caribbean colors of St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Today Dave and I will be escaping the Port Zante shopping plaza to visit the heart of Brassaterre in St. Kitts.  Beautiful pastel colored structures welcomed us, just as with many other Caribbean ports, but we were eager to experience the West Indies feel of the island and could not wait to leave the crowds behind for a more relaxing day.

3 Welcome Center, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

The security and welcome center sits at the end of the dock where cruise ship passengers must show their credentials to obtain passage to the dock.  Once we crossed through the check point, we followed the signs that would take us into the island’s historical center.  To our far left was a pier for the island ferry that connects St. Kitts to Nevis’ capital of Charlestown.

4 Me and the Monkey, 1.29.16

Before escaping the pier, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to pay $5 for a few photos with the island’s green vervet monkey.  I was tempted to bring him back with me, but he wouldn’t fit into my bag.  Such a fun start to my day on St. Kitts.

6 The Old Treasury, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Immediately we arrived at the historical district starting with a visit to the National Museum. Formerly the city’s treasury building, it is quite noticeable with its large rotunda and archway entrance.  When sugar cane was once the primary income for St. Kitts, this building was an important part of the island’s economic structure.

7 St. Kitts' Circus, 1.29.16

Walking deeper into town, the charming architecture mimics that of Sint Maarten with its gingerbread trim.  We noticed a green cast iron clock with fountains on each side.  Located in the center of a circular roundabout, it is known as “The Circus”, reminiscent of London’s Piccadilly Circus.  Where several roads meet in the middle, the Berkeley Memorial Clock pays respect to the former president of St. Kitts’ Legislative Assembly, Thomas Berkeley.

8 Independence Square, 1.29.16

Our walk takes us towards the right, away from the clock tower and approaching Independence Square.  Originally named Pall Mall, this was once a slave market where enslaved Africans would congregate to sell their merchandise.

9 Slave Warehouses, 1.29.16, St. Kitts

Surrounding the park were 18th century warehouses where slaves were held prior to being sold.  These structures stand as a reminder of St. Kitts’ past.   In 1983, it was renamed Independence Square to commemorate the independence of St. Kitts and St. Nevis from the rule of Great Britain.

12 St. George's Anglican Church, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Leaving the square, we found Cayon Street which led us to St. George’s Anglican Church.  This beautiful, brownstone chapel was constructed in 1869 and sits on a former battle site.  Built over land where soldiers had died, many believe its location is the reason for its series of catastrophes dating back to 1670 when it was first erected.

15 St. George's from the back, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Walking towards the back of the church, we learned from an older couple that visitors could climb to the top of the bell tower.  If there is one thing that I love, it is a scenic view, so I headed back inside where I noticed a small door. Although the opening was tight, there was a small winding staircase and another set of stairs that led to the top.

17 View from the Belltower, 1.29.16

The stairs were steep so a few who had set out for the climb decided to return downstairs.  I was glad I reached the top because the view was worth the climb.  There were small cut-outs in the rock were I could capture a view from each side of the bell tower.  From one location I could see the neighborhood streets of St. Kitts.

18 Northern View from the belltower, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Towards the north was the  cloudy peak of the mountain.

19 View of the cruise ships from the belltower, 1.29.16

The cruise ships in port dominated the scenery at the south.

20 Soccer Field from the belltower, 1.29.16

And on the east end, I caught a glimpse of the island’s football (soccer) field.  I was careful not to step directly on the tin roof in fear that it may collapse.  As I was taking the steep ladder and stairs down to the bottom, I was alarmed by the sound of the bells as they rang from the clocktower.

21 Caribe beer, 1.29.16

The cathedral marked the end of our walking tour and Dave suggested we stop at a local restaurant for a couple of Caribe beers.  We ordered the special, 3 for $5 before making our way back to the ship.

22 Ships in Dock, 1.29.16

We passed through security and continued our walk on the pier greeted by two ships in the distance.  There was plenty of time between now until our departure, but we decided to board early for some time to recharge and reminisce about another beautiful day in paradise.

Do you prefer taking a ship excursion for each port or would you rather go out on your own? I would love to hear your pros and cons in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about our time in St.Kitts!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The National Museum
Bay Road
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis

  • Admission Fee:  Adults and Children: US $3
  • Hours:  Open Monday through Friday from 9:15AM to 5PM. Open Saturday from 9:15AM to 1PM on Saturday and on Sunday from 9AM to 1PM.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is within walking distance from the port.

Independence Square
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis

St. George’s Anglican Church
Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
Telephone:  869 465 2167

Where to Stay:

Royal St. Kitts Hotel
406 Zenway Boulevard
Frigate Bay, St Kitts & Nevis
Telephone:  869 465 8651

Where to Eat:

Marshalls
Horizon Villa Resort
Fort Tyson Rise
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Telephone:  869 466 8245

The view from Marshalls is spectacular with the restaurant overlooking the gorgeous harbor.  David and I decided to order several starters because their descriptions were enticing.  We selected the Freshly Caught White Ceviche marinated in lime, red onions, cilantro and hot peppers, garnished with green plantain chips, the Conch Fritters spiced with bell peppers, onion, celery, served with tartar sauce, the crab cake served with remoulade sauce and escargots.  For our main entree, we shared the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass enhanced with olive tapenade served with lemon beurre blanc.  The carrot cake was decadent and we could not pass up the chocolatey molten chocolate cake.

What to Eat: 

  • Blood Pudding, a cuisine influenced by the island’s former British rule
  • Conch Fritters
  • Cook up, also known as Pelau, this dish is a local favorite with a mix of meats (usually beef, salt fish and pork), additional ingredients include rice, pigeon peas and a number of vegetables.
  • Goat Water – local goat stew
  • Johnny Cakes a sweet, flour based cake that is deep fried
  • Lobster
  • Roti – unleavened flat bread filled with a variety of meats and/or vegetables
  • Salt Fish and Dumplings, the island’s national dish, this meal is made of local salt fish, breadfruit, coconut dumplings and spicy plantains.
  • Sugar Cake – a desert made of  sugar, coconut and ginger

What to Read: 

  • The Reef, by Nora Roberts
  • Sweeter than Dreams, by Olga Bicos
  • Swords, Ships and Sugar:  History of Nevis, by Vincent K. Hubbard
  • Returns, by Shannon Shaw

Photo Guide for St. Kitts: 

  • Cockleshell Beach
  • Historic Basseterre
  • Mount Liamuiga
  • Romney Manor
  • Timothy Hill

Z DSC_0131

Another entrance into Independence Square, St. Kitts
Z DSC_0134

 Inside the Church of the Immaculate Conception
14 Inside St. Geortge's Church, St. Kitts, 1.29.16

Inside St. George’s Anglican Church

Z DSC_0146

The beautiful Stained Glass Windows inside of St. George’s Anglican Church

Z DSC_0169

 Shopping in St. Kitts
z DSC_0179

Standing between two towering ships!
Z DSC_0187

 Leaving the port of St. Kitts!

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

A Collection of Blog Posts: 2016

29 December 201627 July 2024

ASIA

Philippines:  General Santos City, Naomi’s Heart Mission

CARIBBEAN:

San Juan,  Puerto Rico:  Walking Tour of Old San Juan  and  Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Part 2 

Caribbean, St. Kitts

19 View of the cruise ships from the belltower, 1.29.16

CENTRAL AMERICA:

Costa Rica:  Exploring Central Costa Rica

Costa Rica:  The Caribbean Side

Costa Rica:  Jaguar Rescue Center

Mexico, Mazatlan

Mexico, Puerto Vallarta

EUROPE:

Italy, Venice:  The Clock Tower of Venice

5-d2-a-view-of-st-marks-square-from-the-torre-dellorologio

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona:  Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

The Painted Desert

 

United States:  California, San Diego

United States:  Colorado:  A Weekend in the Rockies

United States:  Louisiana, New Orleans

United States:  Maine, Rockland

United States:  Massachusetts:  Walden Pond

United States:  Michigan:  Four Days in Hale

United States:  Nevada:  Las Vegas:  The Paris Hotel

United States:  Ohio

Cedar Falls in Athens

BadaBing:  This Restaurant is Now Closed

Pizza at BadaBing

Brewfontaine

Brewfontaine in Bellefontaine

Cincinnati:  Abby Girl Sweets

Cincinnati:  BowTie Cafe

3-img_5846

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cincinnati:  Jungle Jim’s

11 IMG_6477

Cincinnati:  Yeatman’s Cove

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  La Pizzeria

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Ohio:  Columbus, Old Bag of Nails

Ohio:  Columbus:  Olentangy Caverns

Ohio:  Greenville:  KitchenAid Store

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port.  I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some  tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include:  Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

000 Stingrays, Grand Cayman

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

IMG_4932Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes:  Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes:  London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

2011 Cincinnati Skyline (2)

Local Travel includes:  Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans?  I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman:  Stingray City,  Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman,  and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras:  Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE: 

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

+0927 Table cloth for Wine Tasting

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States:  Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California:  San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California:  San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States:  Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan;  Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

 

United States:  Ohio

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati:  Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati:  Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland:  The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland:  Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus:  Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

 

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield:  Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015.  Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

Categories

  • 2016 Trip Out West (26)
  • Africa (3)
  • Arizona (10)
  • Asia (23)
  • Bali (13)
  • Belize (2)
  • California (24)
  • Caribbean (34)
  • Central America (18)
  • China (1)
  • Costa Rica (1)
  • Egypt (1)
  • Europe (31)
  • Florida (18)
  • France (4)
  • France (1)
  • Greece (11)
  • Israel (3)
  • Italy (8)
  • Jordan (3)
  • Las Vegas (18)
  • Louisiana (4)
  • Maine (4)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Mexico (6)
  • Michigan (21)
  • Middle East (3)
  • New York (1)
  • North Carolina (12)
  • Ohio (206)
  • Pennsylvania (9)
  • Philippines (6)
  • South Africa (3)
  • Tennessee (24)
  • Texas (2)
  • Travel Tips (14)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Uncategorized (5)
  • United Kingdom (7)
  • US travel (405)
  • Wineries (56)
  • World travel (107)

Recent Posts

  • The Barn Inn in Amish Country, Ohio
  • Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
  • Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of June

Instagram

Pins

  • Document Travel-Ways to Remember the Adventure - The Boho Traveller
Follow Me on Pinterest
Site made with ♥ by Angie Makes
Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes