The Caribbean sans Cruise Ships

by Neil Woodburn on

Nothing ruins a place faster than a mammoth cruise ship docking at its port–unless, of course, you happen to be on that cruise ship.

If you’re landlubber who has traveled halfway around the world to enjoy the peace and quiet of a tropical island only to have your paradise overrun by 15,000 cruise ship passengers, you know what I’m talking about. It is Hell.

So how do you avoid this crush? Is there a resource that will tell you which islands are off the cruise ship circuit but still wonderful enough to visit?

Writer David Swanson has taken on this challenge in his recent article, The Caribbean: Cruise-Ship Free.

He kicks off with the woeful example of beautiful Tortola in the British Virgin Islands–an island of 22,000 people that sees 500,000 cruise ship passengers annually. Ugh!

Swanson then keys us in on eight Caribbean islands that he promises are cruise ship free; Anguilla, Bonaire, Montserrat, Nevis, Provodenciales (Turks and Caicos), Saba, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago.

Take a moment to read through the descriptions of what each of these islands has to offer (above-and-beyond them being cruise-ship free), then pick your favorite and disappear.

Word for the Travel Wise (12/18/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Should your 2007 Carnival plans be in full swing with the exception of where you’re going to crash every night after partying throughout the day or vice versa, consider renting an apartment during your stay. If you do, make sure you use the local terminology to score your cozy tropical island escape pad. I’m told it is one of the best ways to go.

Today’s word is a slang word used in Trinidad & Tobago:

bachie – apartment for a single person or bachelor

Lucky for me I was able to stay at friend’s during the past Carnival season, but if I had to do it again I’d probably get a place of my own. That way I won’t disturb my resting non-masquerading friend with my late night/early morning entrance into the apartment every time. Though it seems the whole country is out shaking their bum-bum round and round there are still some people in the world that prefer not to dress skimpy and dance around in the street. What a pity.

Definition of today’s word and past Trini slang is compliments of the online Trini dictionary.

Past Trini slang words: bawlin’, bacchanal, lime, rampalooge

Caribbean Airlines to Debut in 2007

by Adrienne Wilson on

On my trips down to Trinidad & Tobago I always flew with American Airlines, mainly because I had enough mileage to get down there for little to no cost, which means I never had the opportunity to fly with BWIA. Sad, I suppose. In early 2007 BWIA will close after 66 years of service, but will become known as Caribbean Airlines. All tickets already purchased for travel on BWIA will be honored under the new airlines and customers can also count on having their BWEE club memberships transferred as well. For details and a full press release refer to the BWIA site or you can go see what Caribbean Airlines has in store for the coming year.

Miami Herald On the Caribbean

by Adrienne Wilson on

Trying to decide on the Caribbean island that’s best for you? I know, the decision can be a toughie, but shouldn’t be too much of a strain. The Miami Herald features an excellent piece highlighting noteworthy hotels, environmental aspects, restaurants and the basic ‘why’ you should come questions all there to help you plan. Ready to go nude? Try visiting St. Maarten’s Orient Beach to score your full body tan. Need a good reason to head over to St. Lucia? If beautiful beaches aren’t enough, grab a sunset cocktail at Ladera and just lounge to the sweet sounds of island music. Whether it’s live or from the stereo I’m sure there will be some coming from somewhere. Oh, and there’s my personal island favorite – Trinidad & Tobago. If you can’t make it for Carnival next year try planning a week long getaway to hike and bird watch. There’s always a blissful thing to do in Trinidad & Tobago – if you ask me. See the Miami Herald for all their spicy Caribbean island recommendations.

Find Carnival Costumes Online!

by Adrienne Wilson on

Last year around this same time I was busy scouring the web for all Trinidad & Tobago Carnival sites and band sites. I was mainly on the lookout for costumes and without the help of a friend of mine I would have been utterly lost. For an event an entire country spends the entire year preparing for I would have expected more information on the tourism site or in one central location on the web, but I couldn’t find one. This year I’ve stumbled upon this groovy PlayCarnival.com website which seems to have it right! Jammin’ island music, flash animation of winin’ ladies and all the mas band sites with costume information. Jackpot! It looks as if PlayCarnival has been around for a wee-bit and I just didn’t catch on last year, but if this should be your first time going to TnT’s carnival – check them out.

Like last year, I’m really feeling Island People’s theme this year – Sahara. Imagine parading Port-of-Spain’s streets half-clad in your beaded feathery attire pretending to be in the Sahara as you dance under the sweet Soca sun. (Though Tribe is looking pretty nice too.) Oh, Trinidad – how I wish to play next year again!