Cruise Ship Season started - A couple tips for cruise ship passengers

The cruise ship season has started again, and that means that on some days the city, sights and the beach will be a little crowded. Unlike many other islands, we usually don't have more than 2 ships in at the same time, but sometimes it can get a little busy when 3 or more ships call at the port, which rarely happens. The schedule for Grenada, is listed here.

In this blog, we will give some tips to both cruise ship passengers and overnight visitors alike, on how to avoid the crowds and enjoy what Grenada has to offer.

Our island offers a multitude of things to do, and many visitors return year after year because of this. However, as most cruises only give you a limited time to be on the island, and it gets a little hectic when several cruise ships are in port, it is best to choose what you want to see before you get here.

While the cruise ships offer tours on board, if you would like a personalized tour of the sights, or if you do not wish to be in a large group, then the best way to do that is to book your own private tour and go at your own pace.
You can do this online quite easily, and we recommend the following tour guides: Mandoo Tours - Grenada Sunsation Tours - K & J Tours - A & E Tours - Chris's Tours & Taxi

- Of course, not everyone wants to go straight out on tour. For those who would prefer to stroll through the town looking for some souvenirs, the market is a good stop off point.

grenada market

There is a large variety of things to choose from, including the local Chocolate - definitely worth sampling. However, a stop at Fort George is always worth it. When you come out of the visitors center, just turn right and head towards the tunnel. Directly at the entrance, on the right, there are steps which lead up the hill to the fort (and the hospital).
The views of the inner harbor and the town are worth the climb.

Just down the hill from the fort, towards the inner harbor, you can find Art Fabrik, which has hand made batik clothing. Further on, there are a couple of restaurants, like BB's Crab Back, the Creole Shack and Ocean Grill.

Another stop, is the vendors market on the Grand Anse beach, which you can get to with one of the local water taxis. They normally berth up at the smaller jetty next to the cruise ship dock - just look for the guys with 'Water Taxi' on their T-sirts. Cost is approximately US$3 per person to the beach, which is about 2 miles away.

If you would like to go to a less crowded beach, just ask the boatman. Of course, it will cost a little more as those beaches, like Morne Rouge, are slightly further away Grand Anse is one of the more popular beaches on the island, and lots of visitors go there to soak up the local sunshine, all in easy reach of cold drinks at the vendors market.

Just a short stroll down the beach, is Garfield's Beach Bar. You can view him online at: www.webcamgrenada.com

Here are a few additional tips for when you are visiting:

Have small denomination notes on you when you go shopping. Some of the shops and vendors can't give you change back in US notes,especially if the purchase was made with notes of a higher denomination. Carefully consider how much you are willing to spend,as it may be a little difficult to change Grenadian currency back into yours.
If you would like to grab a taxi, either for a private tour, or simply to take you to the beach, you can get one just inside the visitors center. There is a taxi stand immediately as you enter the mall. Don't know where to go? Not a problem. The board of tourism gives out free maps of the island and the attractions at the same spot.
Make sure you visit the St.Georges' market as early as possible, to avoid the heat and crowds. Also, put on some comfortable flat shoes,as our streets meander up and around a bit.
Dress appropriately. While you are on holiday, that does not mean that you can go everywhere shirtless or in your bathing suit.
Take the local bus to the Grand Anse Beach.It only costs $2.50EC ($1US=$2.68EC) , and it will give you a feel for the island. If you prefer a taxi, it will cost you about$20 US.
Before taking a photograph of someone, ask them if it would be o.k. Not everyone likes to have their photo taken.
It can be very humid here, which can make it seem hotter than it actually is. Pace yourself, stay in the shade as much as you can and make sure to carry water with you, if you think you may need it.
Short heavy showers could surprise you any time, as this is the rainy season. If the weather looks cloudy, don't be too surprised if it rains. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburn. We are only 12 degrees north of the equator, so make sure to keep on a T-shirt or sunblock (at least SPF 25 and above).

Above all, just relax and enjoy your stay in the Spiceisle.

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Street Vendors

I would also ass some etiquette for dealing with the street or beach vendors. You know, the ones that come up to you with their handmade jewelry or other goods. A polite "no thanks" is better than a fib "maybe later." And it is okay to haggle but be respectful.

Brewa , October 15, 2009