I wasn't really paying close attention in Social Studies when I was in middle school, but do remember hearing about The Spice Islands of the Caribbean. Now, there are literally thousands of islands in the Caribbean and I am bound and determined to visit as many as possible. This past week we visited seven islands, five of which were new to both of us via Celebrity Cruise's gorgeous Summit.
Hubby and I flew into San Juan, Puerto Rico for a couple of days prior to boarding our ship. The Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan is cleaner and far more spacious than it was a few years ago. This airport is easily navigable, and taxis were plentiful just outside. Our cab driver dropped us right at the front door of Chateau Cervantes (
www.cervantespr.com), our respite for two nights. Chateau Cervantes is located right smack in the middle of Old San Juan, making it uber-easy to wander all over town. There is plenty to see and plenty to taste here.
The streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Cemetery at the Old Fort in Old San Juan.
Near the San Juan Gate.
We wandered down to the Old San Juan Gate, through the Old Fort and Cemetery, and stopped into Ole Curiosidades for Panama Hats. Midafternoon found us rum tasting at a quaint little place near the Cathedral de San Juan Bautista. Check out one of their t-shirts below. We couldn't stop laughing!
You'll want to check out Aguavivia for the freshest fish dinners and The Parrot Club for dynamite plantain nachos and great mojitos. Both are owned by OOF! Incorporated with local information at
www.oofrestaurants.com.
More than anything else in San Juan, you MUST - absolutely MUST visit Casa Cortes Choco Bar (
www.casacortespr.com) for their amazing delicacies. I was seriously expecting good chocolate and found that, but found even more. There were seven different types of hot cocoa, delectable mofongo with chocolate, ham and cheese sammies with chocolate, chocolate waffles and pancakes, fresh salads with chocolate vinaigrette and more. This place was so amazing, we had to re-visit a second time. If I had more time in San Juan, there would have been a third visit. Absolutely loved it. Stop in and say hello to Karolina with a "K". Tell her the crazy Americans with the hats sent you!
Our ship beckoned and we succumbed to one of the most beautiful cruises we've ever sailed. This ship is truly splendid with lovely public areas that seemed un-crowded, great food, wonderful entertainment, an intimate spa area, and the most witty captain we've ever encountered. We love Celebrity Cruises and you will too - check them out at
www.celebrity.com to plan your adventure.
First stop on this itinerary was St. Croix. St. Croix is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands and this little spit of paradise was so beguiling. The sprawling white sandy beaches front the most beautiful turquoise waters that I have ever seen. We opted for an island bike tour here in Frederiksted through Freedom City Cycles (
www.freedomcitycycles.com) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Safety and island history was their primary concern for us and we rolled along the coastline for about 5 miles in either direction of the pier. Fresh coconuts and local rum quenched our thirst following our bike tour, along with some pretty snappy fish tacos at Freedom City Surf (
www.freedomcitysurf.com). It's a pretty laid-back atmosphere here with good food, good rum, and beach rentals. A terrific place for relaxing, but.... I didn't see a lot of hotels on this side of the island. You'll probably want to check out the VRBO situation or B & B's in your research.
Next up was a visit to St. Kitts. This British Virgin Island is a former home to sugarcane plantations, but now is a luxurious vacation destination. Our trek took us out on a catamaran for a sail and snorkel. Now I really wish I could remember the name of the company that took us out for this wonderful experience, but I cannot. I've looked online and just can't get my memory to jog - so sorry! If you're booking through a cruise line, they'll hook you up for sure. If you're on your own... you're on your own! The beach is lined with hotels and resorts here on the Basseterre side of the island. It's gorgeous - clear waters ideal for snorkeling and a little portside village with shops and spots to grab a quick beer. Want more info? Check out
www.stkittstourism.kn for a ton of information.
Our third island adventure happened in Roseau, Dominica.
Wow, just wow. Talk about a lush tropical green rainforest - it's right here. And the colors in the flowers just pop!
The downtown area certainly smacks of some poverty, but the people could not have been friendlier. Unemployment arches up around 40%, but according to our guide, Jeremiah, no one goes hungry. Food is plentiful in backyard gardens, and farms throughout the area - everyone shares here. The crime rate is below 5% and peace officers do not even carry weapons.
Cemetery in downtown Domenica
We loved the visit here and the drive through the rainforest with Jeremiah. Our pit-stop was a River Tube Adventure in over-sized inner tubes. There were a few little rapids along the way that made the journey a bit more exciting, but we really enjoyed our floating time too. The monkeys were kinda cute as well. We booked through the cruise lines for this adventure so I don't know the name of the company. Sorry!
Next up was a visit to Grenada. This Spice Isle held true to its name and history. Littered throughout the downtown were tiny huts with local selling turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cocoa, and more. The scent of ginger and cardamom were predominant throughout. We wandered up and down the hilly area near the dock and saw a city in re-growth. Churches and hospitals were being restructured and re-erected. The people are definitely at work here!
Fresh fish caught this morning by the local fishermen.
Harbor area of St. George, Grenada.
The view through a gorgeous church window.
Up towards the old fort in St. George, Grenada.
Local vendor wares ... pineapple tarts - yum!!
The best part of this visit was a trip to BB's Crabback Caribbean Restaurant. Situated right on the harbor with the best ventilation you could ask for and magnificent ocean breezes. Our humidity addled bodies craved the breeze and some fruity adult beverages. Brian Benjamin is an excellent owner and host here and the menu is local delish! We had sweet pea risotto, creamy pumpkin soup, delicate pumpkin fritters, and fresh local veggies. Aside from our chocolate treats in San Juan, this may have been the best food we ate all week. You gotta try it for yourself if you're in the vicinity. Check out their website at
www.bbscrabback.com. You won't regret it.
Our last stop was to St. Thomas. Having been here before, we opted for a ferry ride over to St. John. The skies opened wide and the rain dampened our agenda a bit, but we tarried on. I have to be honest and let you know that St. John was my least favorite island. It wasn't just the rain, because that stopped once we landed. Trunk Bay is allegedly the most beautiful beach in the world according to certain publications - you'll have to see for yourself. Personally, I favored St. Croix.
Trunk Bay on St. John.
Wandering through an old sugar cane plantation.
Termite nests - ew.
The local taxi situation - open air and easy breezy.
There were a few places to stop in for a bite to eat but I won't mention what we had. It was dismal and I wouldn't go back. There are a few shops as well if you're willing to spend more than you would on just about any other Caribbean island. IMHO - you can skip it.
Cruising makes an easy visit to the Caribbean. You can see a few different islands without having to unpack more than once. The food onboard Celebrity Summit was quite good, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Can't wait to do it all again!!
:) Deb
My Rock... My Hubby... My Jeff! 
