St Georges

Melville Street Cruise Terminal passengers exit through the new Esplanade Shopping Mall to downtown St. George's. Mostly smaller-ship passengers using the Inner harbor step onto picturesque Carenage waterfront with traditional architecture, shops and restaurants. Tenders are sometimes used when very busy.

St. George's, Grenada's capital, is known as the Caribbean's most picturesque city. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor is ringed by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, it contains beautiful, well-preserved French and British Colonial architecture.

Grenada’s lush, mountainous interior means it is steadily being discovered by every sort of nature lover, from hikers and mountain bikers to bird watchers and waterfall buffs; it is known as "The Spice of the Caribbean". The island also offers recreational sports enthusiasts plentiful activities and facilities to keep them entertained. Those seeking Grenada’s true essence and character will find abundant sightseeing and historical sites alongside unique shops and outstanding cuisine.

Fort George, Grenada’s oldest fort, was established by the French in 1705 and is the centrepiece of the St George’s skyline. Climb to its top for the cannons and perfect views, then explore a series of dark defensive tunnels just outside the main fort area. Much of the fort remains intact and is open to visitors; however, its buildings are very dilapidated as a result of Hurricane damage and neglect.

The town is hilly, and cabs cost about $4.

Once you've arrived, getting around is just as easy, with a variety of car-rental companies, taxis and buses. In the capital town of St. George's, water taxis cross the Carenage for $4 to the Esplanade, or go as far as Grand Anse Beach for $10, often called the "most" Caribbean beach. Two lounge chairs and an umbrella cost $25.

Hiring a car adds a $12 charge for a temporary driving permit to the already expensive rates.

Many people take spice-factory tours, through the ship or by their own arrangements.

From exotic spices to duty-free bargains, shopping in Grenada has something for everyone. Bustling St. George's market, the centre of island life, offers fresh produce, spices and handicrafts. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops are prevalent throughout the St. George's district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. Grenada's best buys include batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft and wood carvings.

Spices: Essence costs much less than extract and includes ingredients beyond pure spice, so read labels before buying.

Most hotels, car rental companies and shops accept major credit cards, and travelers cheques are accepted everywhere. The local Eastern Caribbean Dollar is linked to the US Dollar. Banks exchange EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 travelers cheques. Exchange at banks, as rates elsewhere may be less favorable.

English is the official language, but a French-African patois is not uncommon to hear spoken.

Just inside the terminal, a cafe offers free internet, although buying a drink of at least $3.50 is needed for the password.

Shops usually open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers generally trade 9:00 am. – 7 pm., and one or two also open Sundays.

The market near the terminal opens every weekday morning, but Saturday is the best day, from 8 to noon.

Craft and souvenir shops open Sundays or Bank Holidays, particularly when cruise ships are in port.