CARIBBEAN/SOUTHERN CRUISES
Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, USVI, and Dominica are just some of the islands of the Southern Caribbean. As a reference, think of the Southern Caribbean as the area between the Caribbean and South America.
Curacao
Curacao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off of the Venezuelan coast. It is actually the large island of Curacao as well as the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curacao (translated as Little Curacao). The island is one of five island territories of the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The capital of Curacao is Willemstad.
There are many things to see and do in Curacao. The easiest way to go exploring is to take a 75-minute trolley tour around town. These tours operate several times each week and cost about $22 for adults and $16 for children.
There is a scenic waterfront that originally guarded the mouth of the canal on the eastern side of the island. However, that has been incorporated into the Plaza Hotel. There are various museums there, a floating market, various wildlife preserves as well.
If you’re looking for some adventure, you can experience sea lion and dolphin encounters (anywhere from $34 to $179 per person, depending on whether you’re a snorkeler or a diver). You can also swim among stingrays, grouper, sea turtles, and other marine life. There is a semisubmersible submarine activity which takes you to submerged wrecks off the shores of Curacao, so you can see the coral reefs and rainbow-hued tropical fish.
And, if you want to stay on dry-land (but not just do the typical vacation stuff) you can visit the Hato Caves where you can take a guided tour (one every hour) through a wondrous environment of stalagmites and stalactites.
Barbados
Don’t know anything about Barbados? That’s okay, because here’ your crash course in beautiful Barbados. The island is 166 square miles and is divided into 11 parishes. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, the weather is always pleasant, and the island is constantly cooled by the northeast tradewinds. The island’s official language is English, and the time difference is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is an island of many faces, but whatever you want to do, you’ll be happy and relaxed while you’re here, and you probably won’t want to go back to wherever you came from. You’ll love it, just ask Jake and Vienna from The Bachelor.
St. Lucia is your destination for romance, rejuvenation, or adventure. You’ll find undeveloped areas galore as you explore St. Lucia’s spectacular beaches, unspoiled rainforest, and majestic mountains.
Getting away with your spawn in tow? Families can have a great time there too! Surf, sail, or ATV your way to enjoy on this enchanted Caribbean isle.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis are the right places for you to go for a warm-weather vacation. There’s a lot to do here, so make sure that you’re all ready to go. The islands are a lush tropical paradise – the kind you’d expect to see in the South Pacific.
What visitors will particularly enjoy is long stretches of sugary-fine sand as they walk along the coastline. St. Kitts and Nevis are colonial harbor towns, and the focus on these two islands is natural preservation.
If you have the option to stay overnight (or you have a longer day-stop there) you can choose between hiking, golfing, fishing, boating, and diving or snorkeling in the pristine waters of the island.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two different nations. All told, the island has an area of 37 square miles. Despite its small size, the island hosts a variety of landscapes and cultures, and there is so much entertainment here that there will never be a dull moment!
The Caribbean’s largest lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon is landlocked with the exception of two narrow channels with draw bridges. The lagoon is large enough to host a large fleet of yachts, and you can come here just to see some of the mega-yachts, which you won’t want to miss!
There’s an active nightlife, surfing and sailing, and relaxation at St. Maarten, all that’s needed is for you to show up! While you’re there, you’ll meet residents from over 90 different nations. There are no restrictions when going from one side of the island to the other, so don’t worry about crossing over.
St. Thomas/USVI
St. Thomas is the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Its capital, Charlotte Amalie, is the capital. When you dock in Charlotte Amalie, you’ll see the other ships docked in St. Thomas, as well as white and pastel houses sprinkled in the emerald hills.
St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. It’s such a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean because it offers the following: secluded beaches, national parks, duty-free shopping, campgrounds, kayaking, hiking, ecological tours, world-class diving, superb sailing, tropical forests, local craftsmen, island art, sunbathing, fine dining, and of course, THE NIGHTLIFE!
Dominica
Dominica is a great place to visit, even if you’re just sailing through on a great cruise. When you arrive in Dominica on a cruise ship, it will be at one of three cruise ship berths – the Bayfront, the Deep Water Harbor, and the Cabrits. Visitors arriving at the Roseau Bayfront (RCB in your itinerary) or Deep Water Harbor (WBB) are near the island’s capital, Roseau. Places to visit in Roseau include the Old Market Museum, The Botanical Gardens, and the Parrot Research Center.
If disembarking at Cabrits (CAB) in Portsmouth, you are one hour from the capital. You can always book a tour or event after you arrive upon the island, and Dominica is great as a cruise destination because there are so many natural attractions easily reachable on a short tour. Water activities are also not far away – a 20-minute drive puts you within reach of snorkeling, scuba diving, or whale watching.
The following Cruise Lines offers tours to the Caribbean-Southern
- Azamara Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Holland America Lines
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
CARIBBEAN/WESTERN CRUISES
If you’re going to the western Caribbean, the destinations that you can visit include Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Yucatan Peninsula, and Calica.
Cozumel
Cozumel is the best of Mexico and the Caribbean all rolled together. You’ll enjoy friendly faces, diversity, and a warm welcome here. You’ll find almost every watersport here – diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. If you want to explore inland, Cozumel’s undeveloped center territories are host to jungles, swamps, lagoons, and native wildlife.
Honeymooners can enjoy beautiful, colorful, breathtaking sunsets on the beach, go for moonlit walks, or swim through crystal blue waters or enjoy a romantic candle-light dinner.
If you’re “down” for it, try a ride in the Atlantis Submarine, a real, 48-passenger submarine that offers even non-swimmers a chance to experience the wonders of the deep blue sea. Don’t worry about holding your breath as you descend 100 feet below the surface of the water into your aquatic adventure.
You can also snorkel into a stingray encounter – with small group sizes, personalized attention from the trip guides will be plentiful. Don’t worry about anything – the guides will show you how to swim with the stingrays, and all stingrays have had their barbs trimmed, so it’s safe for you.
Cayman Islands
Settled in the tropical waters of the Western Caribbean is the British Overseas Territory best known as the Cayman Islands. Made up of three islands just South of Miami, Little Cayman, Cayman Broc, and Grand Cayman lie in peaceful wait a paradise unlike any other.
In the Islands, size lies much of its charm. The total landmass of the three islands doesn’t reach beyond 100 square miles. Little Cayman only occupies 10 square miles and reaches its peak elevation at 55.75 ft which is more than enough to harbor its famous Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park- One of the world’s best dive sites.
Cayman Broc boasts a majestic bluff reaching 151.57 ft. above Spot bay. An explorer’s paradise, there are countless mysterious and awe-inspiring caves carved through this piece of Paradise.
Be sure to bring your passport as you won’t get into the islands without one! The Cayman Islands also have their own currency with a fixed exchange rate with the US Dollar of CI$1.00 equals US$1.25. But don’t fret, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere along with most major credit cards (with the exception of MasterCard) and traveler’s checks. Banks and ATMs can also be found throughout the island to exchange most other widely used currencies.
The turquoise waters and white sands of the Caymans provide some of the world’s most well-renowned dive sites. Or explore the deep without ever getting wet in the Atlantis submarines or the two-seater SEAmobile submarine tours that offer a 360-degree at depths of up to 60ft.
Once the sun goes down the night sparks to life offering an assortment of live music, bars, restaurants, romantic sunset cruises and anything else your heart could desire. The Cayman Islands is a true paradise not to be missed.
Yucatan Peninsula
Comprised of the Mexican states Yucatan, Campeche, and Quinta Roo, the Yucatan Peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, with the northern coastline on the Yucatan Channel.
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico including Cancun. Once a sleepy fishing village, this slice of paradise is “the” Hot Spot for nightlife and beach party-goers. Probably best known its raucous Spring Break antics Cancun is a diverse destination with beautiful beaches, diving, amazing hotels and all the touristy amenities you could hope for.
For something a little more relaxed look to Mahahual. A classic little fishing village revered as the last frontier of the Mexican Caribbean Mahahaul is most publicized as a dive resort. However, with crystal clear waters and miles unburdened sandy beaches lined with palm trees- Mahahual is the perfect destination for some solid R&R.
For those searching for the perfect balance between quiet relaxation and nightlife wander towards Playa del Carmen. Centered around its main attraction, the chic Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen offers pristine beaches and beautiful Caribbean waters without all the fuss and costs of Cancun.
Calica
The Port of Calica on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera offers a world of adventure and excitement. Located minutes from Mexico’s larger cities like Playa Del Carmen – Calica offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.
The Port of Calica’s location makes it an ideal starting point for excursions throughout the riviera. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters to exploring ancient Mayan Ruins and flying through the air on jungle zip lines Calica is an adventurer’s paradise. Rent ATVs and blaze through Mayan Jungles or sit back and relax on a luxury catamaran. Indulge in your adventurous side and then head over to Playa del Carmen for incredible shopping and nightlife.
The following Cruise Lines offers tours to the Caribbean-Western:
- Azamara Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Holland America Lines
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
CARIBBEAN/BAHAMAS CRUISES
Bahamas
The islands of the Bahamas lie in the Atlantic Ocean, just of the southeastern coast of the United States. This archipelagic nation has over 700 islands and 3000 cays, which are sprinkled in some of the most beautiful waters in the world. The islands by name, are Grand Bahama Island, Bimini, The Berry Islands, The Abacos, Nassau/Paradise Island, Andros, Eleuthera/Harbour Island, The Exumas, Cat Island, Rum Cay/San Salvador, Long Island, Acklins/Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Inagua.
Geography played a part in Bahamian history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. After observing the shallow sea around the islands, he said “Baja mar” (low water or sea), and effectively named the area The Bahamas, or The Islands of the Shallow Sea. Since it was located close to Florida and well-traveled shipping channels, The Islands Of The Bahamas caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders and traders. These people shaped the colorful history of The Bahamas and made the country what it is today.
The natural beauty of the Bahamas shines in its pristine white beaches, aquamarine waters, and lush vegetation. These natural features, coupled with a sunny climate, have made it a premier warm-weather destination, and the nation welcomes in excess of three million visitors per year.
The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were the Lucayan Indians, who were destroyed by the Spanish after Columbus visited the Bahamas in 1492. Over the centuries, the Bahamas has welcomed inhabitants from all over the world, and this unique mix of cultures has resulted in a strong Bahamian culture, which has been able to successfully withstand the neighboring influences of other more powerful nations. Many of the islands of the Bahamas have distinctive subcultures, which delight the visitor in search of a cultural experience.
By far the strongest cultural influence in the Bahamas is African, which originates in the influx of slaves to these islands. Of the traditions passed down through the centuries, none is as vibrant and dynamic as Junkanoo. Once a British colony, the Bahamas became independent in 1973. This young nation is a unique blend of the modern and its past legacy, The Bahamas….it just keeps getting better!
Renowned worldwide for a sunny climate, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters, the ‘island’s The Bahamas dot the Atlantic Ocean in a graceful arc stretching from just off the coast of Florida to within miles of the island of Cuba. The friendly people who inhabit these islands welcome millions of visitors to their shores each year. The warm hospitality of Bahamians is equally matched by their creative and artistic abilities, which are displayed in magnificent style each year at Christmas time, in the Bahamian festival of Junkanoo.
What’s also great about the Bahamas is that because it’s such a popular vacation destination, there are always a lot of great cruise discounts available all of the time.
As usual, the huge cruise discounts are given for bookings made far in advance. Many people expect that you’ll get bargain cruises at the last minute, but that’s generally not true. Just like flights, cruise operators think that if you’re booking last minute, you must really want to sail! That is not always the case, but true most of the time.
A Bahamas cruise vacation is a great way to spend your downtime, but be sure to check various itineraries and call us anytime with questions!
The following Cruise Lines offers tours to the Bahamas:
- Azamara Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Holland America Lines
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
CARIBBEAN/EASTERN
Grand Turk, Half-Moon Cay, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are just some examples of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. They are fantastic vacation spots and offer a lot to all visitors.
Grand Turk Island
Grand Turk Island is host to the Grand Turk Island Cruise Center. What is the Grand Turk Island Cruise Center, you ask? It’s a world-class, beach front cruise facility, nestled among nearly 14 acres of landscaped grounds. The island’s position and surrounding geography allow ships to dock safely year-round, making this a great place to stop for all cruise lines. The walk to the cruise center is short and allows guests to embark and disembark with relative ease.
At the cruise center, guests can choose between swimming in sparkling ocean water, or in one of the largest swimming pools in the Caribbean. You can also take a relaxed stroll along the beach, just sit around on the beach, or rent a private poolside cabana.
And if you’re looking to just have a good time (who isn’t) you can go to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville bar.
Half-Moon Cay
You can visit Half-Moon Cay if you sail with Carnival Cruise Line. Located on 55 acres of the 2,400 acre Little San Salvador Island, Half-Moon Cay has been rated as “Best Private Island” by Porthole Cruise Magazine for the past four years. You’ll also find a bird sanctuary (only 2 percent of the island is developed), and other breathtaking scenery.
Among the activities on Half-Moon Cay are horseback riding, stingray adventures, Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, hiking nature trails, or doing what you’re supposed to do in the Caribbean – relaxing in an air-conditioned private beachfront cabana.
Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos consist of 40 different islands and cays, of which only 8 are inhabited. Each island is as different as the cultures of the people that inhabit them. What’s great is that all islands offer year-round great climate, beaches, and underwater activities.
The best way to experience this archipelago is to visit each island and take your time while you’re there. If that’s not in the cards, you can make a few trips and see a few islands each time. Most islands are about 10 to 25 minutes by air from Provo (Providenciales – the tourist center), and most can be reached by boat as well.
Middle Caicos and North Caicos represent the best of the environment, with lush green woodlands, the biggest cave network in the Caribbean (on Middle Caicos), cottage pond and flamingo pond in North Caicos, as well as a large range of plant and animal life.
South Caicos is the fishing center of the islands. Products that come from South Caicos are fish, lobster, and conch. Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are privately owned islands and are home to the most exclusive resorts: Parrot Cay Resort and Spa and the Meridian Club.
The following Cruise Lines offers tours to the Caribbean-Eastern
- Azamara Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Crystal Cruises
- Holland America Lines
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International