drrichardgeographer

Slidergirl has a good point. US passport applicants have the option of asking for a larger (52 page) book instead of the standard 28 page one, no charge. That's what I took since I'm expecting more trips, and of course we know it's not a good idea to travel with one that's within 6 months of the expiration date or you can have issues. But with 10 year issuance that gives plenty of leeway for easy renewals. I agree that things will probably get worse here before they get better, though this bunch won't be around forever. Fortunately many people you run into abroad (maybe less so in the States) can differentiate private citizens from the policies of their governments.

Climbed on the mountain recently. Ambrose does a good job but remember to bring cash for the payment! It is a very efficient tour and the boat ride is quite good. Everyone is very friendly and thoroughly knowledgeable about the island. They really do watch the time to have you back before the ship sails.

As for the climb, have very good hiking shoes, take more water than you think you will need, and expect right from the beginning to be going over rocks--lots and lots of rocks--roots, steep paths without handrails, etc. There is no easy stroll and you should be prepared to work. Kids do it and anyone in decent shape can handle this, but while not technically hard it does require puzzling out a lot of tough footings, so if you have balance issues I would advise against it. Otherwise, have fun and challenge yourself!

Actually very easy in the Caribbean ports - just ask at the security gates at most of the ports - they can tell you where to go to get them stamped. We have found they are happy to do so - and never for a fee.

Exactly right. I just got back from the Kongingsdam, Eastern Caribbean, and here is what I found:

St. Maartin. They couldn't have been friendlier, but you have to leave the port area, turn left and walk about 10 minutes to Bobby's Marina. When you go in walk towards the ocean then ask the guard at the bridge to let you go to the office.

St. Martin. No luck at the ferry office unless you are going somewhere off island. Understand there may be an office across from the Pasha Cafe but had no time to find it.

St. Lucia. Also no dice, the only place is at the airport.

Barbados. Very friendly and easy. Just go to the immigration office in the corner of the visitor center. I had to wait a few minutes for the man to return and while doing so met others doing the same thing.

Martinique. Right at the tourist office and incredibly friendly.

St. Kitts. In the main port area (some ships like ours are let off across the bay and people are shuttled around). I didn't have a boarding pass for the ships that were right by the dock but the guard let me in there after I left my card with her. The immigration office is directly inside the gate. The lady there was a little grumpy but did it without any issue.

Each time I also did my wife's passport. She wasn't with me but that was okay. Got stamps years ago in Bonaire the same way. So my take is that it is generally possible if you make an effort and find the immigration officer (sometimes that person will be by the pier when your ship comes in or leaves). From talking to several of them they said this is pretty common and several seemed to really enjoy doing it.

Incidentally I carried my passport (and all but a few small bills) in a money belt. The passport was in a plastic bag so I wouldn't sweat into it. When possible I took it back to the ship before doing activities.