Lots of reviews, hints and tips online - eg [broken link removed]
Eastern Caribbean is a great choice for this time of year and a balcony is well worth the extra. If you arrive early you can enquire about an upgrade to a higher category balcony or suite level as these sometimes don't fill. You can check the availability on their website the previous day. I've been lucky a couple of times in this regard.
Some of the ports of call you may visit:
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Barbados - Some of the highlights are Harrison's Cave (a fascinating underground tour), the Flower Forest (an old sugar plantation), Francia Plantation, and Welchman Hall Gully. Payne's Bay and Mullins Beach are good snorkeling spots.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial]
Key West - Unique and charming shops, galleries, and restaurants line this southernmost American city. Sunset watching at Mallory Dock is compelling, unfortunately, most ships leave port before you can experience this. Take the trolley ride to experience the feel of the place. In October the houses will be all decked out for Halloween.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial]St. Croix - less crowded as more cruise ships stop docking here. A tour through Whim Great House is a walk back in time. Close to Frederiksted, Sandy Point's waters are calm and perfect for swimming.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial]St. Kitts - A major stop on any tour of St. Kitts is Brimstone Hill Fortress, the centerpiece of a national park. Only three miles from Basseterre is Conaree Beach and some of the island's best swimming. Frigate Bay is known for talcum-powder white sand.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial]St. Martin/St. Maarten - one part Dutch, one part French. Casinos, limited shopping, and bars. Sightseeing tours usually include a stop to shop and wander around Marigot on the French side.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial]St.John - enjoy the hiking trails of the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is the most popular destination for beach-goers. It's likely to be crowded, but it's gorgeous and the underwater trail near the shore is perfect for snorkelling.
[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial]St. Thomas - take a taxi or guided tour and venture up Mountain Top, the highest spot on the island. Cool off with a delicious banana daiquiri and marvel at the breathtaking view. Paradise Point Tramway is a nice way to enjoy a dramatic panoramic view. Magens Bay is one of the world's top beaches. Other popular beach destinations are Coki Beach, Brewer's Beach, and Morningstar. If you intend buying jewellery, this is the place to shop - huge discounts, beautiful settings and amazing variety to choose from. The assistants at "Ballerina" are particularly helpful and not pushy. Your ship's shore guide should give you recommended places to shop.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial]San Juan - Highlights of a walking tour are the City Walls, San Juan Gate, La Forteleza and Mansion Ejecutiva, "El Morro" fortress, La Casa Blanca, El Convento, Catedral de San Juan, and Fort San Cristobal. El Yunque rain forest and the Bacardi Rum Factory are popular shore excursions. Street crime can be a problem so take extra care.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]When you get on the ship, check your dining allocation table which can be changed at that stage if, for example, you would prefer a window table - if you want to make hair/beauty appointments, do this asap while the appt. books are free.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]If there are particular excursions/trips that attract you, be sure to book these in advance - this will also save time onboard.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Bon Voyage - Have a brilliant time!
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