Hello, me and my girlfriend are going on a cruise on the Carnival Victory in October 2009, as this is our first cruise we have a few queries which hopefully someone may be able to help us with.

We are a bit concerned about the currencies, our travel agents have told us that we can use American Dollars at each port but we need to be careful about our change as we could have lots of money in different currencies as change is given in the local currency.  Any comments would be appreciated! 

Are there any excursions anybody could recommend, my girlfriend really wants to do the Emerald Pool Rainforest hike in Dominica, but other than that we don't really know what to look for on other islands.

Many thanks Lee

HI there we are going in Oct too, I booked threw carnival the cave adventure in Barbodos, the jeep stuff in St Lucia, stingray in Antigua and the 4 wheeling in St kitts.

I havent decided which excurisions  I want to do in St thomas or Dominicia yet. In Domincia Im thinking about the Domincian favorite its suppose to be the best 2 spots in one check it out.

Im told you can use our cash on the islands but all cards are accepted too.

I've been to St. Thomas before, and I don't know how you feel about shopping, but it is a paradise for those of us who love to browse. Little cobblestone streets, fountains, cafes. Just take a cab and go into town on your own and explore. That's what we're doing when we sail in Oct.

I researched about the currencies...

St.Lucia: The unit of currency used in St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) but a wide range of currencies such as US$, Canadian dollar, Euro and British pounds are freely convertible in our banks. The EC dollar is fixed to the US dollar at the rate of US$1.00 = EC$2.70 and varies in value along with it against the other world currencies.

Barbados:When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 U.S.

The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the U.S Dollar and does not fluctuate. Its rate to other currencies fluctuates daily based on their fluctuations relative to the U.S. Dollar.

On your travels around Barbados you will find that US currency is accepted across the island, and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and travellers cheques. Of course most Barbados hotels and other lodging also accept these various forms of payment.

Dominica: The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades at EC$2.67 to US$1.00. Banks will offer EC$2.68 for a US$1.00 traveller's cheque. Everywhere on the island businesses accept United States Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.

I HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPED YOU!

sussy (sailing on Octuber 25th, 2009)

did you book your excursions through Carnival or another tour company?  We're thinking of Megan's Bay  and shopping for St. Thomas, Jalousie Beach for St. Lucia - I found beautiful pictures of that beach,  Antigua by the Sea for Antigua and not sure about Dominca or St. Kitts. May attempt Ziplining in Dominca since they have beautiful rainforests.  I heard about the Cave Excursion and heard that the best one is Harrelson Cave but that it is closed during October.    Which cruise are you going to in October.  We're going on the October 11th.

Hope to hear from you soon.

I visited St.Thomas twice in the last 5 years and I love it.

I did not book the excursion through Carnival. We took the little shuttle to Megan's Bay ($8.00 per person) and we spent like 3 hours in there (swimming, tanning). Is such a beautiful place to visit, take your camera...

Then I took another shuttle to down town and I shopped for several hours...Then I walked back to the cruise shopping through the other stores... Very secure place to go!

The last time I took a tour through the whole island (made like 4 idfferent stops), they charge me $20.00 per person! Was ok...

Megan's Bay looks beautiful.  Thank you for the info.  My husband and I are celbrating our 30 yr. Anniversary and he turned 50 in August and I will be 50 when we arrive to St. Thomas.  What a way to spend a birthday!!!!!  I definately want to spend by birthday at the beach and of course shopping.  I've been to St. Thomas once and my husband and I bought some beautiful jewerly at amazing prices.  If I remember correctly the shopping is in walking distance to the port.  Where do you catch the shuttles and how far is it from the port to Megan's Bay? 

By the way, no one ever said when in October they were cruising on the Victory.

hiya we go on the victory on the 21st  of october 09 cant wait .

Great way to spend your anniversary and your husband's b'day!

My family loved this beautiful island! The shuttle will be at point where you get off the boat, but also there is another shuttle location close to the down town area...

Megan's Bay is like located about 30-40 minutes away from the port...They bus driver will make probably 2 stops on the way there so; you can take some great pictures from the highest point! Megan's Bay is a nice beach..Enjoy it!

cruising victory in October 25th...I can't wait...

Cruising on Victory in December. Any advice from anyone on what the best excursions are in Antigua and St Kitts?

Try the Scenic Rail Tour.  It's a narrow gauge railroad that circles the island and was originally used to haul sugar cane to port.  The scenery is spectacular, the ocean on the right and mountains on the left.  The rum punch is pretty good too :)  

Thanks! Yes, that looks pretty good.  Any advice on best beaches for snorkel in Antigua or St. Kitts?

Just got back from St Kitts on Oct 3rd on Victory. We took a shuttle bus with friends we met to Cockleshell beach wasnt a great beach but loads of fun . They have a bar with good drink specials, volleyball and other things to do. This was the last Island we visited and we had planned it as a beach day just to relax after a full week of excursions after excursions. In Antigue we did the zipline tour.. STAY AWAY  it was a rip off compared to what we heard from other peopel who did it on other islands.

Hope you have fun