Guadeloupe ?

[cruisexlife]

Did Carnival ever call here? If so, why did they stop? Has anyone been here on a land vacation or another line, and can speak about it?

 

Thanks!

[hate2shop]

I went there on the Carnival Tropicale in 1990. It was on a Southern itinerary out of San Juan.

[cruisexlife]

I went there on the Carnival Tropicale in 1990. It was on a Southern itinerary out of San Juan.

 

 

What's it like? What are some unique things specific to Guadeloupe?

[neptuno]

We were in Guadeloupe aboard HAL's ms Amsterdam recently, found the island very intriguing, would return asap. Very un-established for cruise patrons, but that is our draw. Very civilized (French), great roads and signage, therefor easy navigating, some friends even used the local busses. However, if you are easily intimidated and uneasy with French, go with the ships tour. This island is one still on the "undiscovered" list.

[rummenroman]

We were in Guadeloupe aboard HAL's ms Amsterdam recently, found the island very intriguing, would return asap. Very un-established for cruise patrons, but that is our draw. Very civilized (French), great roads and signage, therefor easy navigating, some friends even used the local busses. However, if you are easily intimidated and uneasy with French, go with the ships tour. This island is one still on the "undiscovered" list.

 

I was on Brilliance when Royal went here in 2011. Beautiful island. It is a French island that doesn't have to rely on tourists for the local economy, and that can show in some people. With that said, we really enjoyed our day here. The tour we did included a scenic tour of many of the islands rocky coast line. We would need to learn some French to go back and spend a week, but if we get to that, we would love to spend a week or more there.

[ronnyrambler]

What is it like?:

Varied! Basse Terre = mountainous, tropical forest, waterfalls, great for hikes, beaches of Grand Anse near Trois Rivieres (black sand) and Grand Anse near Deshaies (golden sand) are lovely, laid back vibe on west side especially. Snorkelling by COusteau Reserve which I enjoyed and turtles easy to see when swimming from Malendure beach. Interesting cultural heritage - I particularly recommend l'Habitation Griveliere, an old plantation at the end of a narrow road deep in a lush valley. Take a tour, eat in the restaurant lower down the valley and taste great coffee. Can rain a lot.

Grand Terre, flatter, north is more cane sugar fields, highlights are Porte d'Enfer nearish to Anse Bertrand (not the one near Moule), beaches like the Caravalle at Sainte Anne (not the main beach), Souffleur at Port Louis, Pointe des Chateaux, MArina at St Francois is nice, restaurant L'Igunae on the Rote de Pointe des Chateaux said to be fantastic. See my other post for Pointe A Pitre.

Probably wouldn't have time on a cruise stop but surrounding islands are worth a visit too.

People sometimes overlook the rivers and these can be lovely if you are willing to hike a little.

Specific to Guadeloupe: rhum agricole (also found in Martinique, Gwoka music, variety (can easily hike, snorkel, visit museums, music events, swim in rivers or sunbathe at beaches).