St. Kitts Railroad! - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 09-16-2007, 08:47 AM

This is turning into quite an informative little thread here. And, sadly, St Kits is a port that many of us know very little about.

Pete -
What other things did you learn about St Kitts that you can share with us?

Cruise Planner · 09-16-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canarymoon

This is turning into quite an informative little thread here. And, sadly, St Kits is a port that many of us know very little about.

Pete -
What other things did you learn about St Kitts that you can share with us?

One of the places we went to via cab that is not available by train is the Romney Manor. It is a beautiful place and you can see them make the famous Caribelle Batik. You can also purchase this amazing craft work.

We also went to the Brimstone Hill Fortress, where we had a stunning view of the area.

I think overall you just miss alot by taking the train. Plus, with a cab, which is actually a van with a guide, you learn so much more, see much more, and can stop where and when you want.

This is our favorite way to explore a new island that we've not been to. We almost never book a shore excursion or pre-book an independent tour when going somewhere for the first time. It's just more exciting and more interesting.

Pete

canarymoon · 09-16-2007, 08:17 PM

Thanks, Pete!
The Batik you mentioned... can you buy only the cloth, in lengths ... or can you actually buy pieces made from it?

Cruise Planner · 09-16-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canarymoon

Thanks, Pete!
The Batik you mentioned... can you buy only the cloth, in lengths ... or can you actually buy pieces made from it?

Gee, you're stretching my memory to the breaking point! If I remember right, I think you can only buy it in pieces - some larger than others. Most people were buying it to frame, since it really is like a piece of art.

Pete

canarymoon · 09-17-2007, 08:07 AM

Yep - I have seen it framed. Even made it for framing.
But once, on my wilder and younger days, actually had a formal skirt made of Batiked material.

shargurl · 11-12-2007, 01:08 PM

Thnks for the info. I was looking at doing this, but I have decided not to!

MrLee · 11-13-2007, 08:15 AM

I just took this train on Nov. 1 and I have to agree it's probably not worth the price but it was to me. I understand the cost since they have to pay a bus driver, engineer, conductor, server in each of the 5 cars and a station agent.

The reason it was worth it to me was to get an overview since it was my first time on St. Kitts. I like to take that kind of tour to get a general feel of what I specifically want to do next time (definitely Brimstone Hill!).

On a 14 day cruise it was the only excursion we booked since we had been to the rest of the islands before.

Rosie · 11-13-2007, 08:16 AM

Pete is absolutely right--get a cab & take a tour of the island, you will not be disappointed.

The new shopping area right at the pier is shaping up to be quite nice--of course, touristy things, booze & jewelry!!!

shargurl · 11-13-2007, 10:20 PM

Ok, so for St. Kitts, the best thing to do would be to take a cab and tour the island right? We are a group of 6. I've never done this before, would we just tell the driver to show us around, or should we have specific places in mind? Do we ask for a price before getting in the cab???

Cruise Planner · 11-14-2007, 01:39 AM

When you get off the ship, there will be taxi vans waiting for your business. Talk to a couple until you reach an itinerary and a price that suits you needs. If you can't agree on what you want, find another.

I would do a little research first so you'll have an idea of a couple of places you'd like to see and then you can discuss with the driver where you'd like to go.

But you'll always want to negotiate a price before you agree to anything.

Pete