During a cruise on Royal Caribbean, we docked one day at Roseau, Dominica. Roseau and the rest of the island has not suffered "culturally" like many of the other Caribbean islands. Carib natives, waterfalls, and other venues make this islans somewhat interesting. In Roseau, cricket seems to be a popular sport.

I took a day tour about the island on a small bus that must've felt like forever on a single-lane road with lots of winding roads. We had stopped at two waterfalls and visited the natives. These hikes are certainly interesting for those who have not visited a rainforest before, and I would recommend them if visiting.

The island is one of the more impoverished islands I have visited. It doesn't look like they seem to mind that much. After all, it looks like there's plenty of coffee, bananas, flat bread, coconuts, and sasheens to go around.

BTW, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices are sold on the island. In fact, this is pretty much all that is found for sale close to the docks. However, be careful of what they sell. It looks like their saffron is mixed with turmeric, for example.

In summary, staying Roseau is not meant for honeymooners and for families. As the city is poor, Dominica is much, more suitable for adventurous travelers. The limited people who would like the island is why I rated it as such.

Went on the Princess Cruise line to many of the Carribeen Islands. While in Roseau, we arranged our own taxi to visit the Carib Village on the northeast coast of the island of Dominica. We hired a young man named Leon St. Jean through the St. Jean taxi hire. He was a wonderful young man and told us a great deal of interesting facts about his BEAUTIFUL country.

Whilst other tourists were milling around cheap trinket shops or very expensive diamond / watch shops, we were meeting and getting to know a lot of lving history of the last remaining peoples of the Carib nation. Their handmade baskets were so lovely as well as, so practical. The necklaces made of arrowroot and cocoa beads are so much more beautiful and valuable in my eyes than the gaudy bling of a cold diamond necklace. The resturant served us a sumptous feast of native foods-the bread rolls made of kasava still brings smiles of delight.

Too bad so few tourists take the opportuinty to meet the people of the islands they cruise to.

We started our stay with 6 days @ the Fort Y Hotel. Good hotel, but expensive & couldn't quite understand what all the fuss was about it! OK! Roseau is a sweet town, only downside is River Bank @ night-! But after that we rented a house in Goodwill-WOW! Walkable distance from Roseau-uphill v v good exercise or a $1.75 bus ride from the out bridge. Toured the island, Emerald Pool-go 7-8am before the Cruise ships come! Magnificant! Hot springs up @ Wotten Waven-heavenly, especially @ night! The Carib territory & Atlantic coast is stunning, the drive there hairy, but worth it, especially for the frequent stops for a "river bath", so welcome in the heat. The island is stunning, the people helpful and so proud of their island. Stopping along the road for a roast plantain with saltfish in was devine- & only $2! I want to spend the rest of my life there! Really you have got to go!! We back again next year!

My wife and I visited Roseau for the third time in February, '09. For an island tour from either Cabrits or Roseau be sure to look up Andy (Lion) Hogan who has 7 taxis with distinctive lion artwork on them. Just ask for "Lion". We found Andy and another driver, Tall Boy, to be exceedingly fair on fees and knowledgeable, a real and honest bargain. Consider the aerial forest canopy tram, a few miles outside Roseau and not even advertised by most cruiselines. Spectacular, and quite safe. We even crossed a rope bridge over a 300 foot gorge that is an optional part of the tram ride and again not widely advertised. Just ask your driver.
Be sure to visit the Rock Ruin Cafe and adjacent market downtown. Note the raised concrete pedestal in the market square. That is where the slaves were sold.