Shore Excursion

We are taking Southern Caribbean Cruise very shortly on Carnival and the port calls are St, Maarten, Martinique and Barbados. This is our first Caribbean cruise and could use some help deciding shore excursions. Though we have been on cruise to other locations and have seen experience posted here from which we have benefitted. Lots of time we have noticed that excursions recommended by past travellers are better, more honest and even cheaper.
We would like any input for at least one excursion at each of the above mentioned Islands offered by other than the cruise line with name and web site of the tour company.
We are leaving Jan 2, 2004 on Carnival Spirit and any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Nanatravel]

St. Martin and Barbados are very easy to do on your own. No special tour company needed. Just go outside of the port terminal area and get a taxi tour. At St. Martin, take a Half Dutch & Half French tour to include stops at Marigot, Gran Case', Orient Beach and Dawn Beach. You may wish to stay at the beach for a few hours and have the taxi return for you at a set time. There are beach clubs which serve drinks and food if you need refreshments, too. Leave some time for shopping in downtown Phillipsburg.
Take a half day taxi tour at Barbados to include Harrison's Caves and a Floral or Orchid garden plus a journey throught the countryside. Martinique is not a favored port but this is what we did on our very first cruise. Go to town and get to the Ferry pier. Take the proper ferry to Point du Buc. There was a LeMeridien hotel there where you could rent a lounge and sit on the beach.
Bon Voyage

Thanks a bunch Nanatravels.

[LisaK]

Martinique has a great outdoor combination flea and farmer's market downtown --its fun. Helps if you speak french. Found Martinique in January to be terribly oppressive and hot, no great snorkeling, decent beaches- topless.