Guadeloupe, like Martinique, is an overseas region of France, and as such is part of the European Union. It’s capital city is Basse-Terre. Here, you can use your Euros just as if you were on the mainland of France.

For those cruisers who want a little bit of Europe while in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is a good place to start. However, remember that you are in the Caribbean and that really makes a different. The cultural intermixture over the years has given the island a distinct feeling that differs dramatically from the mother country.

Guadeloupe, which is known as “the Emerald Isle” is actually two islands side by side joined by two bridges. An areal view looks like a butterfly. Grand-Terre, the Eastern island has rolliing hills and sugar cane fields, while the Western island of Basse-Terre is mountainous and dominated by the volcano of La Soufriere.

You can get to Guadeloupe by air but my favorite way to get there is by cruise ship. Check out my Guadeloupe,squidoo site for specific details on cruise shore excursions while in Guadeloupe.