St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A top attraction is the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Located just a short 10-minute taxi ride from Kingstown, these lush gardens are home to a variety of tropical plants, including a descendant of a breadfruit tree brought by Captain Bligh.

For panoramic views, visit Fort Charlotte, a historic British colonial fort perched on a ridge 600 feet above Kingstown. It offers a commanding perspective of the city, the harbor, and the nearby Grenadine islands.

Nature lovers can venture to Dark View Falls, located on the northwest coast, about an hour's drive from the port. The excursion involves a short walk across a bamboo bridge to reach two spectacular waterfalls cascading down high cliff faces into natural pools.

For the most adventurous, a guided hike to the crater of the La Soufrière volcano is possible. This strenuous trek requires a full day's commitment but rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the summit of this active volcano.

The island of Bequia is the most popular nearby destination, located just nine miles south of St. Vincent. It's easily reachable via a one-hour ferry ride from Kingstown. Bequia is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, such as Princess Margaret Beach, its rich boat-building history, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

A must-see for nature lovers is the Tobago Cays Marine Park, an archipelago of five small, uninhabited islands protected by a massive coral reef. Reaching the cays requires a longer boat tour, often via catamaran, which takes up a full day but offers some of the best snorkeling and turtle-watching in the Caribbean.

For a glimpse into cinematic history, visitors can travel to Wallilabou Bay on the leeward coast, about a 45-minute drive from the port. This picturesque bay was a primary filming location for the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, and some of the original set pieces remain.

The cruise port is located in Kingstown, the capital city of St. Vincent. The cruise ship pier is situated on the southern end of the city's bay.

The main downtown area of Kingstown is a relatively short distance from the pier, approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk. Taxis are also readily available at the terminal for passengers who prefer not to walk or are heading to attractions further afield.

The cruise terminal building itself contains amenities for passengers, including tourist information services, duty-free shops, and local craft and souvenir stalls. While larger ships dock directly at the pier, smaller vessels or those visiting more remote parts of the Grenadines may anchor offshore and use tenders to bring passengers to land.

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately US$1 to EC$2.70.

US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, including shops, restaurants, and by taxi drivers. However, you will likely receive change in XCD.

ATMs are available at the cruise terminal and throughout the capital city of Kingstown. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but it is essential to carry cash for smaller vendors, market purchases, and taxi fares.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a generally safe destination for cruise passengers, but it's important to exercise common sense and situational awareness. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the Kingstown market, so keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit streets or deserted areas. Sticking to well-populated tourist areas during the day is recommended for independent exploration.

While exploring Kingstown on foot is generally fine, for excursions to more remote natural sites like the La Soufrière volcano or interior waterfalls, using a certified tour guide or an organized shore excursion is highly recommended for safety and navigation.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a tropical climate, characterized by warm, humid weather year-round. The main cruise season from December to May aligns with the island's drier season, offering plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures.

Average daytime temperatures typically range from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Even during the dry season, brief tropical showers can occur, so packing a light rain jacket is a good idea.

The official hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk of storms from August to October. While direct hits are infrequent, cruise itineraries can be altered during this period. Passengers should pack light clothing, swimwear, and strong sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, regardless of the season.

Taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation for cruise passengers and are readily available at the cruise terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is crucial to agree on the price with the driver before beginning your trip. Licensed taxis can be identified by the letter 'T' on their license plates.

For a more local experience, privately-owned minibuses, known as 'vans', operate on various routes across the island. They are an inexpensive way to travel but have no fixed schedule, departing only when they are full, which may not be ideal for visitors on a tight schedule.

Inter-island ferries depart from Kingstown to nearby islands like Bequia, offering a great day-trip option. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available in St. Vincent.

The main shopping areas are located in downtown Kingstown, which is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, and at the terminal itself. The streets of Kingstown are lined with shops, and a vibrant local market offers fresh produce and a glimpse into local life.

Look for unique local souvenirs such as handcrafted model sailboats, a nod to the island of Bequia's boat-building heritage. Other local specialties include batik fabrics, wood carvings, spices, and locally produced rums like the potent Sunset Rum.

Duty-free shopping is available for international visitors at the cruise port terminal and select stores in town. You can find deals on liquor, jewelry, and perfumes, but you will need to present your cruise ship ID and a photo ID to make a purchase. While prices in most stores are fixed, some gentle bargaining may be possible with vendors at craft markets.