Eastern Caribbean

I have mixed feelings for cruises.  1) You are always in a crowd; when you enter a port, 2000+ others arrive at the same time.  2) Someone else sets the schedule. On this trip, we have had about 8 hours at each island. Do you take a tour or go to the beach? You will not have time for both.  3) You are pampered like you are in assisted living; I am not ready for that yet. I can't believe how many obese, many morbidly obese, people are on board. Is it the 24 hour food availability?  It is depressing to see such grossness.  A crewmember complimented us on using the stairway because so few people do.

On the other hand:  1) You have the opportunity to meet some very interesting people from many backgrounds.  2) Cruises work well for scouting a variety of locations in a single uncomplicated trip. 3) You are well taken care of. Rely on your self discipline to avoid excesses. There is a fitness center, basketball court, and outdoor walking track (the pool is small and worthless).

We have visited St. Kitts- Nevis, Martinique, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, and Puerto Rico.  On Martinique and Grenada we chose to go to a beach for snorkeling; not great snorkeling, but worthwhile. The island natives seem like sincerely nice people. Nobody tried to rip us off.  It is slightly depressing to see widespread poverty.  Looking at the yachts and estates of the wealthy reveals a dramatic difference. You start thinking about birth rates, culture, education, and opportunity.  Most agents will not accept credit cards, but US dollars are universally accepted.  Martinique is very French and uses the Euro.

Looking out over the small island of Nevis (where Alexander Hamilton was born).

The yacht harbor on Antigua which was a British naval base in sail ship days.

We took a ferry across the harbor, when we stopped in Martinique, to a more secluded beach.

On Grenada, we hired a taxi to take us to a beautiful shaded beach toward the south end of the island.  The snorkeling just offshore was fairly decent.

 Despite the recent hurricane, San Juan was a pleasant visit with an impressive fortress.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is nicer than expected.  We are staying in a B&B in old San Juan, near San Juan Gate, with a canopied king bed, central courtyard, shuttered windows, and elegant carved furniture.  Last night we took a walk along the harbor front, watching the huge cruise ships depart, and exploring the many food and souvenir booths set up. Of course, Latin music played out over the street as we passed bars and restaurants. It was magical.