Posts Tagged ‘Caribbean’

PostHeaderIcon Cruise to North America & the Caribbean Areas

Alaska Amongst the top spots in Alaska, the Inside Passage, the Glaciers and the Bering Sea are the ones which contain hidden treasures such as massive glaciers, waterways, Eskimo settlements near the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands respectively. On board activities to warm you up are always available in the cruises.

New England and Canada. Depending on the traveller preferences, cruises can include Ireland, Iceland and Maritime Canada. The usual destinations are Montreal, Nova Scotia, Quebec and New England. Fully equipped cruises with a wide variety of facilities cruise these waters so that holidaymakers can enjoy before getting to the ports.

Hawaii. With two basic alternatives, Hawaii is one not to be missed. Start from Honolulu, go around the other Polynesian islands and get back to the most populated island takes around seven days. Other choices would leave from Vancouver, San Diego or LA. The longest cruise would take almost two weeks from mainland, taking few of those days to get to Hawaii. Visit the big Island and look at the volcanic formations, enjoy luxurious Oahu and Maui full of resorts and beautiful beaches.

The Bahamas. With around seven hundred islands to visit, the Bahamas region is one of the most favourite destinations for tourists. Do not miss the chance to visit the Grand Island or do some shopping in the Freeport Harbour. Spectacular sandy beaches where one can enjoy water sports and other marine related activities, and luxurious hotels and villas to have the time of the life.

Caribbean. Most cruises leave from Miami and take around seven days, though there is a large variety of other US ports one can take a cruise from. This popular zone is divided into three areas, Western Caribbean including Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, South Florida and the Keys, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The Eastern Caribbean compromise Puerto Rico, Leeward and the Virgin islands. And finally the Southern Caribbean which covers Martinique, St Lucia, Dominica and Grenadines also passing by Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba and Curacao.

PostHeaderIcon A Caribbean Cruise Is The Perfect Getaway

The Caribbean is the number one vacation spot for thousands every year. It appeals to so many because it offers so much. You’ll find sun, sand, warm water and multitudes of friendly souls. Keep reading to learn why the Caribbean is so popular.

The Caribbean generally consists of the group of islands that find their home in the Caribbean Sea. The east coast of Mexico is sometimes considered part of the Caribbean as well, most notably Cancun, Cozumel, and the Mayan Riviera. This area of the world enjoys wonderful weather year round and is one the hot spots for pensioners heading south for the winter, otherwise known as “snowbirds”.

With so many beautiful places and islands in the Caribbean, how do you decide which one to visit? Each island has its own unique charm and history. Many of the islands host fascinating ruins that are the artifacts left behind by the original inhabitants to the area. If you head to the Mayan Riviera, the archeological sites and the ruins are awe-inspiring. These ruins date back to Mayan times. Some of the islands have a multi-national population, such as the island of Saint Martin (Sint Maarten). Half of Saint Martin is Dutch, and half are French. The two territories are unique and offer tourists different sites to explore.

One of the sights that you won’t want to miss when you visit the Caribbean is the island of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe consists of two islands: Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The islands have a huge Creole influence and culture, merging a flamboyant blend of African and French traditions. Guadeloupe is famous for its wonderful beaches and resorts, as well as its rum! When you visit Guadeloupe you will be pleasantly surprised as you travel the islands visiting the many beaches, the modern cities, and the out of the way inlets.

Another of the Caribbean Islands that is a treat to visit is St. Thomas, which is known by sailors the world around as one of the yacht capitals of the world. The shopping in St. Thomas will keep you busy for hours before you head back to your private villa or exotic resort.

When you visit Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, you will be able to dine at one of the many restaurants that line the streets before talking a stroll along the boardwalk. If you are in the mood for staying out all night you can indulge yourself in one of the many bars that can be found along the coastal waters.

Regardless of which Caribbean Island you choose to explore, you can always be assured of blue pristine waters, beautiful beaches and amazing sunshine. You’ll always find something to grab your attention and make you want to keep coming back for more.

PostHeaderIcon Highlights of an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

If you are new to cruising, the Eastern Caribbean makes an ideal destination. The area is relatively compact as the islands are close together. It also offers plenty to see and do for everybody, beautiful beaches, watersports, shopping, dining, and nightlife. The weather is almost perfect year round, with temperatures ranging around 78F to 85F. Planning a cruise to this part of the world is simple since many cruise lines travels to the Eastern Caribbean.

St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands has the advantage of being part of the United States, so US citizens do not need passports. St. Thomas is also one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. This island offers just about everything for the cruise ship passenger, including some of the best shopping in the Eastern Caribbean, excellent beaches, fishing and scuba diving. Nearby St. Croix and St. John, half offer a more relaxed and laid back feel.

Tortola is the largest of the several islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands. Tortola has a West Indian flavor, along with plenty of maritime charm. It is also an island of stunning natural beauty, with dramatic mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, and clusters of mango and banana trees. The island is also a major destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts.

St. Lucia remains one of the most scenic and well-preserved destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. The island has been named one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world; it is also a popular spot for honeymooners. St. Lucia has two volcanoes, both rising to over 2,000 feet, as well as a spectacular lunar landscape with bubbling hot sulfur springs and rejuvenating mineral baths.

The island of St. Martin is the smallest territory in the world shared by two states. St. Maarten, the Dutch side, is well known for its duty-free shopping and nightlife. The French side of the island, St. Martin, is a little more relaxed and has a decidedly French feel to it, complete with excellent bistros and restaurants. Scuba diving and snorkeling are both popular on the island. The nearby Dutch islands of St. Eustatius and Saba both offer a break from the crowds since it is in a more secluded area. This provides a more relaxing experience when compared to the other islands.

Martinique is considered one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, with its lush rain forests and miles of pristine beaches. Like St. Martin, it also has a noticeably French feel to it, especially in its modest capital of Fort-de-France. The landscape varies from distinctive black sandy beaches to high mountains and rain forest. It is also a great place for bird watching.

Some people insist that Guadeloupe offers a more authentic French experience than Martinique. Guadeloupe offers cruise ship passengers the usual sandy beaches and wide variety of sporting activities. It is also an island of great beauty, with its still active volcanoes, tropical jungle, and sugar plantations. Much of the island has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is also home to many restaurants many of which specialize in delicious Creole cuisine.

Dominica is the greenest island in the Caribbean, still relatively untouched by mass tourism. It is an excellent place for hiking, mountaineering, and bird watching, rather than for beaches and shopping. The center of the island is still covered with dense tropical rain forest, which contains vegetation found nowhere else in the Caribbean. One highlight of a stop in Dominica is a trip to the Carib Indian Reserve. Indigenous Indian people still live here as they have for centuries.

Barbados has been named “the fantasy island”, perhaps for its natural beauty and many opportunities for outdoor activities and watersports. It also has a British feel to it, along with plenty of reminders of its often turbulent history, as well as some wonderful duty-free shopping. There are lavish resorts as well as miles of beaches. Barbados is generally regarded as having more natural and man-made attractions than any other Caribbean island.

Regardless of which island you visit, one of the highlights of an Eastern Caribbean cruise is simply the chance to relax, celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or to meet new people amid some beautiful scenery. The Eastern Caribbean provides many opportunities for an exciting vacation. Whether you enjoy shopping, relaxing on pristine beaches, or just enjoying the beautiful weather, there is something for you with a trip to this area. Some islands to consider are St Thomas, Tortola, St. Martin, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Croix, and St. John. These are all beautiful islands. Next time you are planning a trip to the Caribbean, consider these islands because a trip to the Eastern Caribbean is well worth it. A cruise to the Eastern Caribbean can create memories that last a lifetime.

PostHeaderIcon You Deserve To Take Your Caribbean Cruise Today And Not Wait Any Longer

When preparing for a Caribbean cruise most people are only thinking about warm weather and sunny beaches . Pack some tank tops shorts and a sundress or two however also throw in a light jacket and one warm outfit. The weather can change quickly on your vacation . It has been known to rain from time to time as well as get quite chilly with the wind as well however there are also such activities as limbo dining dancing and many more. There are too many things for you to do on your first trip however it never hurts to be prepared. A small amount of preparing can keep you from being uncomfortable on your Caribbean cruise.
Think about how much cash you want to carry with you ATMs are good to use. You want to deter the thieves and pickpockets that exist in any vacation climate a good rule of thumb is to make sure you have enough cash for shopping and for tipping the staff. This again is where ATMs will come in handy. You may find fees inconvenient however less than losing the cash you had saved for the vacation.
Make sure that you arrange to have someone watch you house while you’re on your vacation. It’s good to use a friend whom you trust. Keep things running as usual as possible if you have a usual housekeeping or lawn service don’t cancel them. Also let someone know how to get in touch with you if they need to.
There is more to think about besides sunny weather and sun when thinking about a Caribbean cruise. Although you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the beach you will enjoy other activities as well. Pack some shorts some muscle shirts and some dresses. However bring a light jacket and at least a warm outfit. Keep in mind that you may want to go jet skiing in the magnificently warm blue waters or you may decide that you want to play a game of tennis in the outdoor or indoor tennis courts and you will need to make sure that you’ve packed appropriately. Even the sunny Caribbean can have unpredictable weather. A small amount of planning can keep you from being uncomfortable. While you are busy planning and scheduling your activities and what you might need do not forget to take into consideration those obvious items that you will need on a regular basis. It can be expensive to buy day to day items on the ship while on your cruise so remember while you’re packing for those contingencies to also remember to bring along those every day items so you won’t have to pay for them while on board the ship. Of course sunscreen and dark sunglasses are a must. Of course then remember activities such as a book camera and snack food also.
Just these simple steps can help make your special vacation relaxing. These simple steps can insure a relaxing time that is worry free. Pack strategically minimize your cash on hand and make sure your house is well tended. Now you can enjoy this Caribbean cruise you’ve been preparing so hard for.

PostHeaderIcon Caribbean Cruises That Will Provide a Lifetime Of Enjoyment and Memories

There is more to plan for than warm weather and sunshine when preparing for a Caribbean cruise. Make sure to pack for warm weather however remember that you need to pack cooler weather gear. Even the warm demeanor of the weather can turn quickly. From time to time it can get quite chilly and you’ll want to be prepared for this as well as be ready for all of the contingent events and activities in which you may become involved such as swimming water polo and so many more. There are too many things for you to do on your first trip however it never hurts to be prepared. A small amount of preparing can keep you from being uncomfortable on your Caribbean cruise.
Medical care is varied in the Caribbean. Especially if you’re going to be at sea for a long while. Of course remember to bring extra medication with you just in case. Check with your doctor ahead of time to insure that regular seasickness drug will not have unexpected reactions with your other medication. Remember to pace yourself while on your trip relax and don’t push yourself.
There is more to think about besides sunny weather and sun when thinking about a Caribbean cruise. Many activities require different attire. Make sure to pack for warm weather. However remember that you should bring along a light outfit. You may find yourself deciding that you would like to go for a jog around the promenade or perhaps you are in the mood to go out dancing or shopping these are all good activities for which you will need to plan and pack. If you decide that you want to go out and go dancing under the stars or perhaps you are interested in going on a hike while you are in port or dining at one of the more upscale restaurants you will need to keep these possibilities in mind while you are packing for your vacation. The weather can turn quickly on your trip. A little amount of planning can keep you from being caught off guard. There are always the possibilities for which you will need to plan however there are also the obvious necessities that you will also want to remember to bring along as well. Its also a must to bring along essentials such as sunscreen and dark sunglasses. As well as a camera something to read and some tunes.
Think about how much cash to carry with you the age of ATMs makes this question much easier to answer. Keep your cash to a minimum to deter pickpockets and petty thieves however you will need to make sure you have enough to tip the ship staff and shopping on the mainland. This again is where ATMs will come in handy. The withdrawal fees are significantly less painful than having your spending cash stolen from you.
By following these simple steps you can make sure that you enjoy your vacation. These simple steps can insure true peace of mind. remember diverse weather while preparing be cognizant of the amount of cash you carry with you and have your house tended by a trusted friend or neighbor. Then embark on a fantastic Caribbean cruise and enjoy the beauty.