The next morning an alarm clock told me it was time to press onward. Decorating awaited, and I still hadn’t reached my destination. The Osprey Shuttle was scheduled to ferry our team the 23 miles from Grenada to Carriacou. According to the boat’s Web site, the crossing’s over in a “record time of 90 minutes!” That turned out to be optimistic. After an hour and a half spent clinging to the boat rail and dodging the salty spray, there was still no sign of the tiny island. Strains of the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song filled my brain, and I wondered if we’d embarked on a three-hour tour of our own.

I double-checked the shuttle’s ETA with our photographer as she tried to corral sliding equipment bags and cases filled with camera lights. Rumors circulated among passengers: Is this the right boat? Have we headed the wrong direction? Locals, calm—but certainly not dry—informed us that this was not, in fact, the new Osprey Shuttle, but an older, semi-retired vessel. And no, this wasn’t the boat pictured on the company Web site. Just then, eureka! We spied a lush, mountainous island jutting out of the sea. Relief. We’d make it in time for our photo shoot—with a greater appreciation for the film crew of Titanic.

Not bad for a day in the life of a decorating editor.

Destination Carricou
What you’ll find: Adventure travelers, unspoiled landscapes, clean beaches, world-class diving sites, local crafts, nature trails, island cuisine, basic to very basic (but ripe with character) lodging

What you won’t find: Demanding tourists, all-inclusive resorts, extravagant five-star hotels, fine dining, posh boutiques, touristy gift shops, thumping nightlife

Getting there: Flights to Carriacou available from Grenada, with connecting flights on SVG. Daily ferry service from Grenada on Osprey Lines.

Need-to-know: Passports required for U.S. citizens. Official language: English. Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). Jeep rentals: Bullen’s, 473/409-0703. Temporary licenses can be attained at the police station. Driving is on the left.