As our journey begins, we will be looking at some of the best places on all three points of the Caribbean. From the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean to the vibrant, colorful, ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico touching the Western Caribbean to the fabulous duty free shopping of the Southern Caribbean, we will take a first hand look at what cruising to these spots has to offer vacationers.

We begin first with the Eastern Caribbean Cruise itinerary, both rich in culture and offer breathtaking scenery. The itinerary usually includes the Bahamas (located in the Atlantic Ocean) and islands of the Eastern Caribbean which include St Thomas, St. Maarten – St. Martin, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Most cruises to the Eastern Caribbean begin in Florida, with some departing out of Texas and sometimes when the Ship is repositioning, it will depart out of one of the North East ports.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is a hub of activity. With its colonial forts and interesting sites, Nassau’s downtown area is perfect for walking and offers some great shopping opportunities. Atlantis, a world-class resort is located in Nassau, and must be seen to be believed. Nassau is a must see on your trip to the Bahamas.

The scenery alone are worth the visit to the lush island of St. Thomas, USVI, not to mention the duty free shops and treasure –filled boutiques that are abundant for shopping aficionados. Some points of interest include Fort Christian, a US National Landmark and the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Island and Government house, which has been the center of government in St. Thomas since the mid 1860’s.

The cultural aspect of St. Maarten – St. Martin, split between a French side and a Dutch side, makes it unique. St. Maarten, the Dutch side, is lively with casinos and a bustling nightlife. This nightlife is known to be the most energetic in all the Caribbean. St. Martin, the French side, is more docile with very little nightlife, but it does have the opportunity to taste some terrific food. Beautiful beaches surround both sides of this wonderful island.

With its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder the Dominican Republic brings visitors back again and again. Christopher Columbus landed here during his exploration of the new world and declared it in the name of Spain – Santo Domingo, today, is home to some of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Covered with spectacular white sandy beaches, and warm waters perfect for your water activities, Dominican Republic is one stop you won’t soon forget!

Some great cruise deals going on to the Eastern Caribbean are:

1. $379+: 7nt Bahamas Cruise Vacation Deal

2. $1079+: 8nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Sailing mostly out of Florida and Texas, the Western Caribbean cruises invite you to experience such places as the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Key West, Florida. Each with its unique distinctions, these spots have a world to offer any traveler.

Cozumel, an island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a popular destination renowned for its snorkeling and scuba diving. This vibrant, colorful island is home to the ancient Mayan ruins and ultra-modern resorts. It also has some of the whitest powder sand and the clearest blue water you will ever see!

Although Jamaica has quite a few different spots to visit while on your Western Caribbean Cruise, make sure your itinerary includes Dunhill River Falls and/or Negril, Jamaica.

Ochio Rios, a city on the northern coast of Jamaica, has gained popularity among tourists as it is touted as being one of the safest areas for tourists in Jamaica. Two must sees when you go to Ochio Rios is the Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cover, where visitors are able to swim and interact with dolphins.

Negril has been rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by many travel magazines. South of downtown Negril is West End Road, known as the cliff area. This area offers good water for snorkeling and diving, and if you’re really daring, jumping points reaching more then 40 feet high. Rick’s Café is the place to watch the cliff jumpers. Consider one of the 1,000 places to go before you die, Rick’s Café not only entertains you with cliff jumpers, but has some of the best sunsets are some of the best in the world.

Another stop on your Western Caribbean cruise is Key West. Lying near the end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys, Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Located north of Cuba and southwest of Miami, this laid back spot offers fun with its trolleys, great bars and music, and a plethora of water activities such as jet ski tours, kayak tours, and some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. If you are still around Key West during the early evening – don’t that you are in one of the most magnificent spots to view the sun set.

Take a closer look at some great deals to visit these and other islands in the Western Caribbean.

1. $499+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise

2. $599+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise – President’s Week

Finishing off the Caribbean cruise excursions is the Southern Caribbean.  Mainly departing from Puerto Rico, cruisers enjoy stops including Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. 

Antigua is the absolute ‘beach-bum’ vacation destination.  Priding themselves on having a different beach for every day of the year, Antigua’s beaches are lined with soft white sand which attract people from all over the world who simply want to get away from it all.  Although Antigua’s British past is still evident with several forts dotting this island, people come here not for the history lesson, but rather to experience the crystal-clear waters and velvety sand.

More water adventures can be had in Aruba.  Part of the Netherlands Antilles, this island was virtually undiscovered by the tourist industry until a few years ago.  Miles and miles of white sandy beaches and desert-like landscape make up this piece of paradise.  Outside of the hurricane path, the island receives only a few inches of rainfall yearly making warm weather a given at any time of the year.  Palm trees swaying in the warm breeze and turquoise water lapping over a white sandy shore-line is music to anyone’s eyes.

Barbados, sometimes known as the “England of the tropics”, is famous for its miles of pink and white sand beaches – and who could argue with that?  Other then the clear water of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is steeped with colonial history.  Buildings on the islands capital, Bridgetown, recall time of British rule.  A tad bit of history in Barbados, but the call of beautiful sandy beaches is what keeps people coming back to this magnificent island.

Along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao makes up the ABC Islands of the Lesser Antilles.  These are the only islands outside of the hurricane belt, so this would be the best itinerary to choose during hurricane season. Curacao is the perfect spot for those folks looking for warm water, an excellent nightlife and a unique cultural experience.  Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is like visiting a small European city with all of the charm – and shopping.   These waters are great for snorkeling and scuba diving, particularly at the Curacao Underwater Park.  There are also several interesting sites inland such as the Hato Caves and the Curacao Seaquarium.  If the Southern Caribbean is your choice to cruise, give this island a close look.

You can view some great cruise deals to the Southern Caribbean here:

1. $449+: 7nt Southern Caribbean Cruise

2. $609+: 7nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Of course, there is more to the Caribbean then the places above. A whole world of adventure and relaxation await you on any of the three points of the Caribbean. Enjoy your time exploring!



Thanks to Rich Gonzalez for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

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Islands in the Caribbean are world famous for their natural beauty, pristine beaches, and clear waters. However, the islands always get associated with postcards that reflect the beachfront scenes. The truth is that the interiors of these islands are as exciting as the shores. The shores are tropical in nature and traveling on foot might not be to everyone’s taste in those parts. Moving inwards of the islands and higher up where the temperatures are cooler opens up other forms of exploration in form of Caribbean hiking. On these hikes, people are afforded up and close view of the unique plant and animal life of the Caribbean. These include hummingbirds, bromeliads, orchids, fruits, and several species of exotic plants. The increasing trend of eco-tourism has increased the Caribbean hiking preferences among people.

Caribbean hiking takes place along trails that offer plenty of diversity across the islands. Due to the presence of plantations, most trials run through them, the tropical forests that are a feature of the Caribbean, and from there they go up into the mountains. Due to the different varieties of Caribbean hiking, there are easy and tough hiking trials. Make proper inquiries of the trial you are thinking about before embarking on it. Not all Caribbean hiking trials are convenient for all people. Likewise, make sure you are dressed appropriately. Since the Caribbean in tropical, rainfall is almost consistent in those parts and several hiking trials may be reduced to muddy paths that you might find difficult to navigate. Depending on the island where you intend to go Caribbean hiking you might need permission to venture out on your own. Some islands make it mandatory to have a guide.

Here are some of the popular Caribbean hiking trials.

Dominican Republic

This is only for extreme hikers with the highest point being Pico Duarte at 10,700 feet. Beginners had best avoid this 12-mile Caribbean hiking trial that lasts for 2 days.

Grenada

This Caribbean hiking trial is suitable for all hikers. You can go on any of the guided tours that will take you into the rainforest. You may go alone after taking the required permission. Grand Etang Lake is an easy Caribbean hiking trial.

Puerto Rico

Located within the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest, the El Yunque Trial is a moderate to extreme Caribbean hiking trial. It takes the hiker to a height of 3500 feet while covering 2 miles. The trial goes through many forest types and offers views of the sea and mountains.



Thanks to James Penn for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

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St. Lucia is a place in the Caribbean that is covered with absolute greenery, tropical plants, and splendid beaches protected by tall palm trees. The beauty of the place helps in creating the most unforgettable memories of life for the couples. It really makes the couple feel romantic to walk holding hands through the captivating scenery of Eden. The beauty and environment of the place evokes romance. Hence, St. Lucia is the best place for couples to spend a memorable luxury holiday.

The luxury holidays to holidays to St Lucia is the best way to get rid of stress and anxiety of your routine life. It is a chance to spend quality time with your partner. Every couple desires to have a relaxing and peaceful holiday. Therefore, St. Lucia is the only way to let your dreams come true. Although there are several resorts in the Caribbean, but St. Lucia provides the couples with the ultimate luxury holiday destination.

There is a wide variety of group resorts in St. Lucia that are meant particularly for the couples. The most famous resorts that offer the luxury holidays are Rex Resorts group, and the other is Almond Resorts group. These resorts enrich the couples with a plush and romantic holiday. The Almond Morgan Bay is the newly developed part of the Almond Resort.

In order to enjoy the luxury holidays in St. Lucia, the couples can also go for the St. Lucian resort. It is well known and is regarded as the best place for its beauty and location. The couples can also take part in the activities offered at the resort. Moreover, they can acquire a chance to explore the local heritage of St. Lucia during their holiday.

The most exclusive way for couples to spend luxury caribbean holidays in the Caribbean is to go for the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort. This is a place worth selecting to spend your most memorable luxury holidays of your life. This place is meant for couples in particular. This is the top most resort of St. Lucia that fertilises romance.

It is situated on the northern edge of St. Lucia and also establishes a link with the Pigeon Island on one end while with the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The rooms of the resort are extremely lush and comfortable. They are well furnished with Venetian red furniture, and the décor is amazing.

The beds and sofas are decorated with beautiful fabrics. There are balconies with twenty-four of the lagoon rooms. The best part of the resort is the lagoon style pools. Hence, this luxurious resort offers unbelievably wide-ranging facilities.

Apart from the luxuries offered within the hotel, there are a number of restaurants, bars, outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, nightclubs, gymnasium, spa and health centres. During your stay in St. Lucia, you can also explore the wonders of water skiing and snorkelling. Hence, there is no better place for couples to enjoy their holidays in a luxurious manner except St. Lucia.



Thanks to Caribbean Connection for contributing this article to our Caribbean blog:

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Can you answer SAINTintheCITY’s question about Caribbean?:

I am trying to find the best 2 or 3 islands to pursue for a Feb 08 Vacation with the family. 2 adults and 7 and 5 year old boys. We want a 2 bedroom villa on the beach with a pool. Cost is not an issue. I just don’t know which islands to pursue. Thanks.

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