Royal Clipper 21st Jan 2012

[highseassailors]

We have 3 nights in Barbados before setting sail for the Grenadines cruise on 21st January. Anyone out there sailing with us. Plus any tips /advice would be much appreciated.

[JOBAKE]

Although we will not be with you on this one (we are contemplating the Star Flyer in the Baltic later in the year) we have been on the Royal Clipper our of Barbados several times. One or two thoughts:- boarding usually starts at 4.00 p.m. Suggest you aim to arrive at the Port at 3.30 p.m. or thereabouts - hand over your luggage for it to be taken on board and being a bit early will give you the opportunity to meet and have a chat with some of your other early arrival fellow passengers. Welcoming cocktail when you board - gives the crew time to get your bags to your cabin. Maybe a quick look around whlist it is still daylight to get your bearings. Dinner usually starts at 7.30. Suggest that, on this night at least, you go in to dinner at around 7.30 so that, afterwards, you can go to the area in the vicinity of the open part of the Bridge ready for departure (sailaway) which is usually 10.00 p.m. The first sails are being raised as the ship leaves the Port. Listen as well as watch - magic! Hope that will give you a good start to your holiday. Also have a super holiday on what, in my view, is the greatest ship in the world.

[cowboy wonder]

You will love the Royal Clipper. It is "magic" when you set sail. You must try out the widows net under the bow. It is the greatest place to soak up the sun and have a drink while doing so. The Star Flyer and Star Clipper are not as big as their big brother, but; just as pleasurable. Have a great trip.

[MSN-Travelers]

Originally Posted by highseassailors

We have 3 nights in Barbados before setting sail for the Grenadines cruise on 21st January. Anyone out there sailing with us. Plus any tips /advice would be much appreciated.

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is worth about 50 US cents. Taxi drivers tend to say the fare is, say, 8 dollars and hope that you will pay them 8 US dollars instead of the 8 BBD's that they should actually collect. Taxi rates between common destination are set by the tourist board. This web site has the established rates: http://www.barbados.org/tours/barbadostaxis.htm

We have been on Barbados a couple time and have enjoyed our stays (except for the taxi drivers).

Enjoy!

[highseassailors]

Thanks very much for the tips we have recieved so far. Can hardly wait till January!

[JOBAKE]

Another thought or two!. Suggest you be on deck when the ship goes in to the Tobago Cays (weather permitting). Look out to Port and Starboard and you will see the waves breaking on the coral reefs. The Tobago Cays is where they usually have a lunch time barbecue on the beach (on an uninhabited island). You can walk over to the other side of the Island (about 5 - 10 minutes) - nice beach for a swim/snorkel and lots of yachts anchored off there. We understand that one should do that in the middle area of the beach rather than at the ends in view of possible tidal movement (check before you go in). You can also swim/snorkel in the area where you are tendered ashore for the barbecue. In Grenada (also known as the Spice Island) suggest you walk to the local market and buy a necklace (only a few dollars) made of spices which you can wear at dinner. The aroma is wonderful and the one or two ladies that wear those necklaces are the ones who have "found" Grenada.

[lovethecaribbean31]

My husband and I just booked this cruise today. Very excited. I have been on the Star Flyer and Star Clipper before, but never on the Royal Clipper. And it will be our first time to visit all of the islands on the itinerary. I am counting down!

[highseassailors]

Look forward to meeting you and your husband Lauren- not long now.