Cruise Islands...

Margarita Island, Venezuela

La Isla Margarita, known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean", is situated 38 km north east of the mainland of Venezuela and far from the track of Atlantic tropical storms. Its location as an island in the Caribbean sea offers lots of beaches to explore, most of them virgin. There are beaches with or without waves, shallow and deep, large and small, cold or warm, or whichever combination you can think of.

Geographically, Margarita Island appears in the form of a distorted dumbbell, with the two unequal halves linked by 24 km sand split that separates the stunning Restinga Lagoon National Park from the sea. From east to west, the island measures 67 km from west to east, and 32.4 km at the longest part in the north-south direction. The western part of the island – called the Macanao Peninsula – is sparsely populated due to its arid features. Most of the 300,000 inhabitants of Margarita are concentrated on the eastern part of the island, which is home to the capital city Asuncion, shopper’s paradise, Porlamar, and the second biggest city, Pampatar. Juan Griego is another major town in the eastern part of Margarita.

The daytimes temperatures is on the average of 30ºC (86ºF) and the nights is never below 20ºC (68ºF). Even in the summer months when the temperature may reach 99F (36C) the cooling breezes keep the climate very liveable. Rainfall is scarce.

The shopping in Margarita Island offers interesting shopping opportunities and Isla de Margarita is a duty-free port so the prices are very good. There is a

strong demand for things like Cartier watches, Calvin Klein-jeans, liquor and expensive perfumes for a fraction of the normal price. One favorite is also the pearl necklaces which are amazingly cheap to buy, especially the long ones.

Around the island, you will come across locally produced jewelry and ceramic wares of varying quality. One of the nicer and more readily available handicrafts for sale on Isla de Margarita are the local hammocks, or chinchorro. These hammocks are an intricate weave of thin strands of rough natural fibers. You will also find woven baskets, hats, and handbags.

There are different types of beaches in the island for everyone's taste! For those who loves windsurf, the best is the famous "Playa El Yaque", just a 10 minutes from the airport. The largest and the most popular is "Playa El Agua", which is perfect for a nice walk or just to relax, it is at the northeast of the island. For an adventure, it is worth it to get a day tour in "La Peninsula de Macanao", and visit the beautiful "Playa Punta Arena". Right in the middle of the island it is located "La Restinga National Park", this is another place to spend the day and visit the fantastic beach of "La Restinga". "Playa Caribe" is another excellent beach to visit, it is located at the northeast of the island and few minutes from Juan Griego. And finally "Playa Parguito" which is the best place to practice surf in Margarita, it is also located at the northeast, just next to "Playa El Agua".

B Beyond its beaches, Margarita Island also has many places worth paying a visit and that includes churches, old castles and Mother Nature. Castle of la Asunción, Church Del Valle, Castle of Juan Griego, and Castle of Pampatar are some famous edifices from the past, located in the island. But, the most overwhelming of the attractions is the majestic Lagoon of La Restinga National Park, which covers a vast stretch of the island.

It is said that a trip to Margarita is never complete without spending few hours exploring the national park. Other enticements include night life opportunities, water sports vistas, an 18-hole golf course, shopping, and delicious Venezuelan cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy sea food and prawn dishes.

Oranjestad, Aruba

With its seemingly endless supply of white sandy beaches and turquoise blued waters, ARUBA is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for many sun-worshipers and cruise-ship passengers. The smallest of the ABC islands, Aruba is 25km north of Venezuela and only 30km wide. Over one million visitors a year come to this tiny island of 90,000 to indulge in the glitz associated with its luxurious beachside resorts, elegant restaurants, 24-hour casinos, shops and boutiques.

Once a Dutch colony and part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba is a sophisticated island blessed with eternal sunshine. Many folks are surprised to see how arid Aruba is when compared to other islands in the Caribbean. The capital city of Aruba, Oranjestad is a fascinating city that everyone will enjoy. Aruba's beaches are legendary. The Dutch influence can be readily seen by the pastel colored row houses in the downtown area of Oranjestad. These date back to the 1800s.

Visit the beach where water sports abound: snorkeling, rides on glass-bottom boats and submarines. Or venture into the countryside to see the haunts of the huge green parakeet, the unique rock gardens of Casi Bari, the curious divi divi tree, forever bending in the tradewind breezes. Aruba is an

enchanting blend of exotic cactus jungles and blue-water coves, traditional Dutch windmills and modern, glittering casinos. Even the beaches offer a wide range of choices, from lively Eagle Beach to tranquil Baby Beach. Small wonder that some of the world's toniest designers have opened shops here.

Aruba is blessed with perfect weather (if you like sunshine.) With less than 20 inches of rain annually, Aruba basks in a perfect climate that averages 82 degrees year around.

The cruise ship terminal is located in Aruba's capital city of Oranjestad and is within easy walking distance of town.

Oranjestad offers numerous shops, boutiques and malls that are all within easy walking distance of the ship. Just head for the main street in Oranjestad and you will find many stores, shops, boutiques, restaurants and street vendors to investigate. Many of the shops in Oranjestad offer duty free shopping so look for bargains on jewelry, watches, crystal, fine collectibles, designer clothing and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, porcelain figures, fine Dutch china and lace work, as well as the usual tee shirts and souvenirs and tourist items.

Close to the cruise ship terminal is the Royal Plaza Mall, which offers a wide selection of local handicrafts and art and collectibles. Also located in the same area is the Seaport Village Mall featuring lots of designer clothing and shops of interest to visitors.

Besides shopping and barhopping, Aruba offers great beaches I like the beach at Eagle Beach (about 10 minutes away by taxi) and adjacent to the hotel and resort district.

One of the main features on Aruba is the Natural Bridge on the windward side of the island. The 200 foot opening that forms the natural bridge was carved out of solid rock by the surf and wind. While interesting, I wouldn't recommend it unless you are tired of shopping, beaches and want to see something unique. It does offer a great photo opportunity however. HINT: Driving in Aruba is difficult, at best. The roads are not marked with street names and the maps are of little use. I would suggest taking a taxi or a local tour rather than renting a jeep or automobile to see the sights if that is your objective. A visit to the National Park and the Natural Bridge would cover the most interesting points and would only take a couple of hours.

Besides exploring Aruba's many beaches and villages, there are a good number of opportunities for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, horse back riding, fishing and all water sports. Cruise ships normally offer an island/city tour, SCUBA diving, a booze cruise, fishing, snorkeling, 4 X 4 island tour and horse back riding.

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

As this is an island of 2 different countries, French is the official language of St. Martin and Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten, but the main language used on both sides of the island is English. Currency in St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin (the guilder) and it is the Euro in St. Martin, but the US dollar is accepted on both sides. Stores will have prices listed in both local currency and US currency, with change given in like currency.

St Maarten/St. Martin is 144 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. At only 37 square miles, this is the smallest land mass in the world to be divided between two governments. In the early 1600’s both the Dutch and the French established small settlements on the island. They fought together to prevent a Spanish invasion and decided to share the island. According to local folklore, the island was divided by a walking contest between a Dutchman and a Frenchman. The Dutch control 16 square miles, and the remaining 21 are under French control. Duty-free shopping, 12 European style casinos, and lively bars keep Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, bustling with activity.

Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, on the leeward side of the island, is much quieter and secluded. This quaint town, only four streets wide, emanates the romance and ambiance of a small French village. Grand Case, a little fishing village, on the northern tip of St. Martin, is quite picturesque and provides yet another component of this complex island. The island was heavily damaged by a hurricane in 1995, but extensive restoration has made for a fresh, rejuvenated island. The lush landscape of verdant, rolling hills, miles of beautiful sandy beaches, salt ponds and placid lagoons is a tropical delight.

Temperatures year round are idyllic. In the summer, temperatures range from the mid to upper 80’sF. Gentle trade winds cool things off and keep the high humidity at bay. In the winter temperatures fall to the lower 80’s. Occasional

showers occur in late summer and early fall. Water temperatures are quite pleasant also, as it is 78-80° in the winter and 82-84° in the summer.

Most ships dock on the Dutch side, in Great Bay, at the A.C. Wathey Pier in Point Blanche. The pier is about 1 mile from the center of Philipsburg. Some ships anchor in Great Bay and tenders will transport passengers directly to the center of town. Taxis are readily available at the pier. Although taxis are not metered, fares are required to be posted on the Dutch side. Fare to Philipsburg is $2 and $10 to Marigot. Downtown Philipsburg is an easy 15 minute walk from the pier.

When sight seeing on the French side, a good place to begin is Marigot's numerous boutiques and restaurants followed by a side trip to its bustling port, La Royale Marina. From there, visit the St. Martin Museum inn Sandy Ground Road or climb the stairs to the restored Fort St. Louis for a panoramic view of the entire French capital.

From Marigot, one might continue northeast toward Grand Case, stopping first at intimate Friar's Beach, then turn inland for a short drive through a tree-lined country road leading to Paradise Peak, at 390 m (1278 ft), the highest point on the island. Next up is Grand Case, whose acclaimed restaurants have earned this charming beachfront town the title "Gastronomic Center of St. Martin."

Continuing to the east, Anse Marcel is a pretty bay with luxury hotels and Orient Bay includes a sensational beach with a clothing-optional section. Not far from here is the pastoral hamlet of Orleans (also called French Quarter), the island’s oldest French settlement. Lovely little cases (small houses) are set in meadows that blossom with hibiscus, bougainvillea, wisteria and flamboyant. From here, there are a number of secluded coves and beaches, and at Oyster Pond there are so many scenic and nautical delights that it's easy to miss the French-Dutch border crossing.

Just west of Marigot, the strip between the lagoon and the sea at Baie Nettlé is a popular resort area lined with hotels and restaurants. The westernmost part of French St. Martin is Terres Basses, an exclusive area that is famous for the spectacular beaches of Baie Longue and Baie Rouge, the renowned La Samanna hotel and some of the finest private villas in the entire Caribbean.

Excursions to the neighboring islands of St. Barth and Anguilla are available by helicopter and may include island tours and lunch in the fee. Tours operate from Anse Marcel and from Espérance Airport near Grand Case.

When sight seeing on the Dutch side, starting just west of the airport, the village at Maho Bay offers shopping malls, restaurants, casinos and other night life, beautiful resort and villa complexes and a popular beach. Continuing east along the narrow isthmus separating the Simpson Bay Lagoon on the north and Simpson Bay on the south, enjoy the beautiful lagoon and sea views and note the wealth of watersports options available to visitors in this area of the island.

Further east is the largest town and capital city of Philipsburg, home to numerous shops, restaurants and inns, many in restored Colonial style houses. The duty free shops along Front Street are a mecca for shoppers, offering a vast array of items at substantially reduced prices. At Wathey Square, seek assistance and information at the Tourist office if needed, and stop to see the historic Courthouse, which was built in 1793. Since then, the building has fulfilled many and varied functions including the Commander’s home, a firehouse, a jail, and the post office. Captain Hodge Pier off the square offers good views of Great Bay, one of the most popular cruise ship stops in the Caribbean.

The Sint Maarten Museum in Philipsburg has a permanent display featuring the historic forts built on both the Dutch and French sides of the island, as well as rotating cultural exhibits and a collection of antique maps. The ruins of two historic forts guard the entrances to Great Bay. Fort Amsterdam, constructed on the western edge of the bay in 1631, was the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean. Remains of a Spanish-built fort, constructed during Spain’s brief occupation can be seen at the eastern edge of the bay near Point Blanche.

North of the Great Salt Pond near Madam Estate, a small zoo features local fauna and flora. Heading northeast from there, stop at Oyster Pond on the border, starting point for the Dutch and French citizens whose legendary foot race in opposite directions divided the island and established each country’s boundaries in 1648. Take the scenic drive south from Oyster Pond toward Dawn Beach to enjoy the spectacular sea views and a look at charming St. Barthélemy across the channel, as well as numerous quaint West Indian houses.

Land excursions to points of interest on the island are available, ranging from a two hour taxi tour to a luxury limousine ride for up to 8 people, complete with stereo and a fully stocked bar. Excursions to the nearby islands of St. Barthélemy, Saba and Anguilla are available by boat or helicopter.

The entire island is duty-free, but most shopping is done in Philipsburg along Front Street. This mile long main street, as well as the numerous alleyways and flower laden courtyards that run between Front Street and Back Street are a shopper's paradise.

On the French side, the best shopping is at the West Indies Mall along the harbor at Marina Port la Royale, in Marigot. Marigot also sports a wonderful outdoor marketplace right on the water's edge by the marina that offers numerous items of interest to visitors. Don't forget the many shops right at the cruise pier itself. Many of the Caribbean's largest retailers are found here.

A Dazzling Array of Products Available in St. Maarten/St. Martin Everything from watches and jewelry to linens and swimwear can be purchased on this duty-free island. Electrical products and Italian leather goods are also "good buys". Some of the best prices in the Caribbean can be found in St. Maarten. Be aware, however, that the same

generous customs allowance permitted for goods purchased in St. Thomas does not apply here. Speaking of liquor, guavaberry, an island liqueur made with rum and rare local berries, can be purchased at the Guavaberry Company and makes for a unique island purchase. Plan to do your shopping in Marigot if you are looking for European fashions and haute-couture.

This is another of the island gems that lends itself so well to dividing your time between power shopping and lounging at a world-class beach. You will find a wonderful visitor information center right at the foot of the A.C. Wathey Pier where you can find tours and local visitor information.

There are many beaches throughout the island which you can also enjoy. On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay are the most popular. Water sports equipment can be rented at Simpson Bay. For convenience, Great Bay and Little Bay are right downtown, but do not offer the most pristine conditions.

Although there are numerous beaches on the French side, Orient Beach stands out as stellar. Alive with energy and activity, Orient Beach is the best location for para-sailing, beach bars, people-watching and just limin' ("hanging out" Caribbean style). On my list of "party beaches", this definitely makes the top 10. Although Orient Beach is known as a clothing optional beach (as are many beaches in Europe), it is very possible to spend the day at Orient Beach without feeling the necessity to shed your bathing suit.

The south end of Orient Beach, near Club O, is reserved for naturists. If you venture to the other end of the beach, it is very doubtful that you will encounter any nudity. If water sports, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing, snorkeling or diving do not interest you, then you can always try your hand at a little black-jack at one of the European-style casinos. Horseback riding, golf and hiking are other alternatives. As for plain old-fashioned sight-seeing, a visit to the Butterfly Farm provides an opportunity to see rare and exotic butterflies amidst flowers, waterfalls and music.

Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe

Pointe-à-Pitre, the island's main city is located on the on eastern “butterfly wing” of Grande-Terre and can be interesting to explore on foot. Among the most popular attractions are the open-air and covered marketplaces just a couple of streets from the harbor front.

They are worth a visit not only for their multicolored and many-scented treasures, but also because of the animated exchanges of the locals.

By contrast, jewelry and French high fashion are available in abundance along the narrow, bustling streets of the city.

On the Rue Peynier behind the St. Antoine Market, is the Musée Schoelcher, dedicated to Victor Schoelcher, the man credited with helping abolish slavery.

Not far away, on the Rue René-Boisneuf, a plaque marks No. 54 as the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning poet St. John Perse. Nearby, the Musée Saint-John Perse is housed in a handsome, historic, much-photographed building, located on the corner of Rues A.R. Boisneuf and Nozières.

Guadeloupe is tropical and enjoys a dry season from January to June and the rainy season starts in July and lasts until January.

The ship docks at the Centre Saint-John Perse terminal in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe's main city.

The downtown area is only 1 block away.

The modern Centre Saint-John Perse, a beautifully designed commercial complex on the city's harbor front, has a hotel, boutiques, shops and restaurants. Easily accessible to cruise passengers, it is conveniently located for other visitors as well.

The shopping starts right off the ship. While there are shops on many streets in Pointe-a-Pitre, the main shopping streets are Rue Schoelcher, Frébault, and Nozieres. The streets, shops and boutiques are quaint and wonderful to shop in. Even if you are not going to buy anything, just visiting the area is a visual treat.

The best things to buy is everything French. Guadeloupe is a duty free port and offers just about everything French one can imagine. Of special note is the huge selection of French wines that are available. You will also find designer fashions, jewelry, cosmetics, French perfumes, china, lace work and other items you would expect to see in duty free shops. In some of the tourist shops you will find myriad local handicrafts including wood carvings, shells and shell jewelry, straw items, pottery and unique cloth dolls.

Place de la Victoire remains a cool oasis in the bustle of Pointe-à-Pitre. In addition to royal palms, there are majestic shade trees called sabliers, as well as Gabon tulip trees and royal poincianas. Bordering the Place are houses mostly made of wood with attractive open-air balconies. These buildings, dating from the island's colonial past, lend a stylish, old world atmosphere to this part of town. Not far from here is the 19th-century Cathédrale de St. Pierre et St. Paul, nicknamed the ''Iron Cathedral" because of its skeleton of bolted iron ribs, designed to keep the church standing through hurricanes and earthquakes. In the opposite direction, away from the port, is a new area of startling modern architecture.

Grande-Terre offers an abundance of beautiful beaches and many fascinating sights. Leaving Pointe-à-Pitre on the "Riviera" road that leads to many of the island's tourist hotels, the first area of interest is Bas-du-Fort. It has a

large, handsome marina for boats and yachts and the historic Fort Fleur d'Epée. Next, just off the main highway, is the newly refurbished Guadeloupe Aquarium, which ranks as number four in all of France. Gosier, with its convenient central location, is the major resort area of the island. Continuing east, past charming Ste. Anne and the resorts of St. François, one comes to the rocky formations of Pointe des Châteaux, a most surprising landscape for the Caribbean, resembling Land's End or Finistère in Europe. In the distance is La Désirade island.

Continuing on around the coast, the road passes a stately colonial Maison Zevallos and goes through Le Moule, formerly the capital of Guadeloupe. Here, the handsome Musée Edgar Clerc, is a gem both architecturally and historically. Further north is the Porte d'Enfer (Gate of Hell), a jagged coast with a magnificent view; and finally La Pointe de la Grande Vigie overlooks a stunning scene of stark white cliffs rising abruptly from the ocean. Returning to Pointe-a-Pitre, one passes through the towns of Port Louis, Petit-Canal and Morne-a-l'Eau. The latter is known for its very large cemetery, with 000000 and white tile, aboveground crypts, resembles a miniature city. On the night of All Saints (November 1), the amphitheater-shaped cemetery is ablaze with thousands of candles.

Guadeloupe's western ''butterfly wing" is Basse-Terre. After crossing the Pont de la Gabare bridge over the Rivière Salée, one has the choice of going either north or south along the coast, or straight into the National Park, an ecological wonderland covering one-fifth of Guadeloupe's total terrain. Those going directly to the Park will encounter a lush rain forest and enjoy such sites as the Cascade Ecrévisses, a sparkling waterfall and pond, the Parc Bras David, for good walking tours of varying lengths, and the Parc Zoologique et Botanique, an interesting zoo and botanical garden. For travelers following the northern route, a first stop could be the Compagnie Fermière de Grosse Montagne, a working sugar factory that is itself a work of art. The refinery was recently revamped, its gigantic machinery repainted in a rainbow of vibrant colors, resembling a Guadeloupean version of Paris' Centre Georges Pompidou. Further west, just before Ste. Rose, is the Musée du Rhum, which traces the island's proud history as a rum producer. The museum has explanatory texts in English. A free dégustation (tasting) is included in the entrance fee . Turning south along the leeward coast, one finds miles and miles of beautiful stretches of sand, topped off by the popular Deshaies Beach. Underwater enthusiasts will want to stop at Malendure Beach, for a trip by glass bottom boat to its offshore Pigeon Island and Cousteau Reserve, one of the best dive spots in the world.

South of here at Vieux-Habitants is one of Guadeloupe's oldest churches, and still further south one encounters the capital city of Basse-Terre, its historic fortification dating from 1643. Formerly called Fort St. Charles, in 1990 it was renamed Fort Delgrès commemorating Louis Delgrès, whose death in 1802 made him an early hero in the movement for abolition of slavery. Other sights in the city of Basse-Terre include a colorful outdoor market and three imposing monuments: the Prefecture, Conseil Général, and Palais de Justice, all majestic reminders of the island's colonial past.

From Basse-Terre city there are wonderful views of the impressive dormant volcano, La Soufrière, seven and a half miles away. Motorcoaches take visitors through the lovely suburb of Saint Claude almost to the top of the mountain. You can hike (take a jacket, it can be chilly) to the very summit (1444 m /4,813 ft) to see the amazing fumaroles and wisps of sulfur vapor (they can also be seen from the parking area at Savane à Mulets). Recommended on an excursion to La Soufrière is a visit to the museum at the lookout point, which describes the arc of volcanoes that formed the Lesser Antilles.

Heading further south, be sure to stop at the Centre de Broderie, or lace-making center in Vieux-Fort. Hundreds of intricate handmade designs are on display and for sale. From here, it's on to Trois Rivières and the lush grounds of the famous Parc des Roches Gravées, with its rock engravings of animal and human figures by the pre-Columbian Arawak Indians, most likely done between 300 and 400 A.D. From Trois Rivières, you can also catch a ferry to the nearby islands of Les Saintes.

At Bananier, stop to enjoy the view of the offshore islands of Les Saintes. A detour to the west brings you to the trails leading to the three magnificent Chutes du Carbet (the Caribbean's highest waterfalls) and the Grand Etang (Grand Pond). Returning to Pointe-à-Pitre via Basse-Terre's eastern coast, you'll drive through the famous Allée Dumanior, a dramatic stretch of road lined with century-old royal palms. Popular stops along this coast are the Hindu Temple at Changy and Ste. Marie where Columbus landed (a monument commemorates the event). Just before reaching Grande-Terre, a stop should be made at the lush Domaine de Valombreuse, a six-acre floral park located just outside Petit-Bourg and featuring over 100 varieties of tropical plants and flowers.

Roseau, Dominica

Dominica is a small island nation that is known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled nature. Roseau is the main city on Dominica. The beaches are OK, but the real treasure inn Dominica is its hiking trails, rivers and unique culture. Home to some of the last remaining Carib Indians, Dominica is a great place to take a ship's tour of Dominica's vast natural resources.

The island's nickname - the nature island - is inspired by the hundreds of streams and lakes that make Dominica a nature-lover's paradise. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, the steep, mountainous terrain on Dominica prevented much clear-cutting, and the pristine rain forests remain largely untouched. To help maintain this natural resource, the government has set aside almost two-thirds of the island as parks and nature preserves. Hikers can climb the 4,700-foot/1,410-meter Morne Diablotin on the island's north or tackle the Trois Pitons or the Soufrière volcano in the south. Hikers also trek across to the Valley of Desolation and Boiling Lake, a natural hot springs.

Ships dock right in downtown Roseau and shopping starts at the end of the dock.

Right off the ship you can explore the shopping areas of Roseau starting just within the cruise terminal. Be sure to explore the Old Market Plaza (once a slave trading market located next to the Roseau Museum) and the boutiques found in and around it.

During the winter months (December to May) Dominica is blessed with excellent weather, however it can be very rainy during the summer months. Also, Dominica is right in the summer/fall hurricane track and is exposed should there be a tropical depression in the works. Be aware that the mountains in Dominica can be downright cold in the late afternoon and evening. I would strongly suggest a small portable rain coat be available as it rains approximately 350 inches a year in the mountains.

While Dominica is not known for its wonderful shopping, its local goods and products are interesting and fun to shop for.

There are many local items to purchase that are wonderful reminders of Dominica. Local rum, wood carvings, soaps, Caribbean music, leather goods, baskets and other weaved items, lace items, silk screened materials and batiks, as well as the more traditional tee shirts and other souvenirs and collectibles. Some of the boutiques offer art by local artists that is excellent. Be sure to keep an eye out for some exquisite pieces while exploring the shops. Several days a week the Old Market Plaza turns into a farmer's market with plenty of fruits, vegetables and flowers to please anyone and this is a great place to pick up a flower arrangement for your cabin.

Exploring Roseau is always a fun way to spend some time, it is difficult to get into Dominica's more remote surroundings in a short visit without taking a tour. This is a port where I would suggest taking one of the ship's tours if you want to explore the mountains, waterfalls and nature of Dominica. Ditto for the outstanding SCUBA diving that is available here.

If you want to take one of the many hikes available at no charge, they have many which are rated “Easy”, “Moderate” and “Strenuous”. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from the trailheads if you are on your own, but the hiking is excellent here. Note that the most famous of hikes on Dominica is an advanced hike to the "Boiling Lake", a deep blue lake with volcanic gases escaping from it. If you elect to do this hike, buy it from the ship to make sure that you get back in plenty of time.

Roseau's Catholic Church is worthy of a visit and is interesting to explore.

You can take a taxi to Champagne Beach for some sunshine and snorkeling. Be aware the beach is not too user friendly as there are small pebbles for sand, but the water is excellent and the snorkeling fantastic.

A visit to the botanical gardens is also very interesting and well worth the effort to get there and explore it. Head up Queen Mary Street (below Mome Bruce Hill).to gain entrance to the park.

No visit to Roseau would be complete without visiting the Fort Young Hotel. Constructed on the 1720 site of an old French Fort that was captured by the British in 1761 when the original Fort Young started construction, this hotel is Dominica's most notable structure.

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