alystair
14.06.2021 16:21:02
Fort-de-France, Martinique
See full version: The 10 Best Caribbean Cruise Ports
Fort-de-France, Martinique
Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas [links]
Falmouth, Jamaica
This is the Caribbean’s most popular cruise port, with as many as six ships docked a time. Stunning Magens Bay beach; duty-free shopping galore; and the ease of visiting neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John, Water Island) are just three reasons why. [links]
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
You’ll wish you had more time on this French-Caribbean island where the terminal at Pointe Simon is in the “centre de ville” (city center). That means you’ll be close to the grand marche (covered market), where shopping for local spices is a feast for the senses, and only a 20-minute ferry ride from the charming beach town of Trois Ilets.
One of the best tropical vacations without passport has to be a trip to the US Virgin Islands.
I like to call these Destination Window Shopping. If you’ve never been on a cruise then one of the ‘closed loop’ cruises out of a US port is a good way to start. [links]
It is always worthwhile checking with the relevant border authorities pre-travel as the legislation surrounding travel changes from time to time. Bon Voyage!
Yes, you can get a passport from the island but it takes time and more money than getting the passport before you leave since you’ll be paying for expedited processing fees and costs to stay on the island until your passport arrives. So much for a “quick getaway”.
Americans can go anywhere in the US without a passport – this includes US territories. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are indeed US territories.
Many travelers like to fly to Miami, rent a car and drive across the Seven Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys. The trip from Miami to Key West is about 125 miles long and takes about 4 hours to the southernmost part of the US – Key West. more
There’s also the Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport in Marathon but it’s primarily personal and charter flights. here
Experiencing a Caribbean Island is exciting, relaxing and filled with adventure. Getting to the Caribbean destination can be a big hassle, especially international travel which also requires a passport. Luckily, there are awesome Caribbean Islands that Americans can visit without a passport.
Note: The information contained in this article pertains to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (also known as green-card holders) adults 18 and older.
Once home to native Indians until the 16th-century, the Pearl Islands were then taken over by the Spanish, who came in search of pearls, the island’s sought-after namesake. The pearl industry was prominent here, and they were counted, registered, and shipped from Contadora Island (which means ‘Counting Island’). Most of the activity surrounds relaxation: sunbathe on one of the many superb beaches, fish, and whale watch, or explore the old shipwreck that lies rusting away on the far side of Playa Larga, Contadora Island’s biggest beach.
Like New York, the preferred method of transport is by taxi. Most city-dwellers won’t walk more than half a mile on foot. If you prefer the flexibility of walking, the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings of the historic quarter, Casco Viejo, are more pedestrian-friendly.
Santa Catalina is small enough that it can be explored completely by walking. Tourists will not find any major landmarks, man-made attractions or shopping malls in this quaint village, but what they will discover are friendly people, a laid-back atmosphere and sandy beaches offering swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sport fishing. With some of the best and most regular surf breaks in all of Central America, Santa Catalina is also a surfer’s dream. The idyllic landscapes surrounding the village present horseback riding and birdwatching opportunities. here
Like anything else, "best" is completely relative.
I've visited Antigua many times, and though I've never stayed in either resort you're considering, I've visited both properties. Neither location has great snorkeling, but Galley Bay has by far the prettier beach--it's a nice long stretch of sand that's great for long walks.
The two hotels are completely different in terms of service and atmosphere. More active people, people who really enjoy socializing with other guests, and families with children would probably prefer St. James's Club. Romantic couples and people looking for a more intimate atmosphere would probably prefer Galley Bay. I would fall into the latter category--the beach front rooms are right on the sand and the Gaughin cottages are really sweet & romantic.
The water off both hotels can get a little rough. Not so rough that it's not fun to play around in--I'm not talking huge breakers--but enough surf to make some noise and to keep you from swimming a line parallel to the shore. St. James's Club does have the extra "beach" that is really just a glorified sandy entrance to a protected bay. here