Cruise Vacation Caribbean – Southern
Caribbean Cruise
A southern Caribbean cruise
has a charisma all to its own. Travelers to this region will find that these
ports retain their rich heritage and cultures, and are less developed and
remain unchanged. This region boasts some of the most spectacular places in the
Caribbean. The distance of these islands from
the U.S.
mainland and cruise ports, make this area ideal for cruises with a lengthier
voyage.
Here are two popular southern cruise destinations and two of
the lesser known, but just as dazzling, Caribbean island jewels.
Aruba – Located
just about 20 miles north of Venezuela,
Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most southern
island destinations. Visited by about a half million people annually, this tiny
island paradise with its welcoming hospitality and very friendly people, is for
vacationers seeking excitement and non stop activities. Aruba’s
southern coast is lined with hotels, resorts and spas, fine restaurants, shops,
malls, and bazaars. Those interested in Aruba’s
nightlife will find casinos, night clubs, discothèques, theaters and cinemas. Family
activities run the gamut here in Aruba. From
water fun and excitement while wind and kite surfing, sailing and boating, deep
sea fishing, and parasailing above the crystal clear turquoise water, to
underwater adventures while snorkeling and scuba diving, and tours in a
submarine exploring shipwrecks, coral reefs, and witnessing the rainbow of
colors of the marine life. Families will find island tours by bicycle, ATV,
jeep or bus, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The pristine beaches, endless
sunshine, cooling trade winds, natural beauty, and rich cultural history, bring
vacationers back to this “happy little island”, Aruba.
Barbados – The Caribbean’s most southeastern
island, Barbados, is often
referred to as “little England”.
Upon arrival to the island, visitors immediately feel a sense of British
history, culture, and customs with the presence of many British vacationers,
cricket tournaments, and afternoon tea. With 70 square miles of beaches on Barbados, beach goers can find rough surf and
swells on the north and east coasts ideal for seasoned surfers, a blend of the
Caribbean and Atlantic waters on the southern
coast with resorts, cafes, restaurants, entertainment, and water sports
equipment rentals. Calm and sapphire blue water, with powdery sand beaches are
found on the west coast, perfect for spending a lazy afternoon swimming,
snorkeling, or just absorbing the Barbadian sunshine. A must see attraction is Barbados
Ocean Park Aquarium. A marine aquarium featuring exciting displays of ocean
life viewed from underneath the water, as well as fresh water exhibits and
outdoor gardens. Renting a car and touring Barbados is a great way to
leisurely view the country’s wildlife, sugarcane plantations, and historical
places. Remember to drive on the left side of the road. Be sure to partake in
one of the many festivals in Barbados,
complete with parades, music and dance, brightly colored costumes, and Caribbean cuisine and arts and crafts.
Grenada – Often referred to as “The Spice
Island”, Grenada
welcomes travelers with the scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, and
vanilla carried on the air by the balmy tropical breezes. Grenada is one of the most picturesque islands
in the southern Caribbean. With its lush
mountain vegetation, mangroves, lakes, coral reefs, and gorgeous beaches, this
island provides vacationers with plenty of photo opportunities of the varied
landscapes, diverse plant and animal life, and the remains of colonial forts.
Not to be missed are the numerous cascading waterfalls and taking a plunge in
the refreshing pools found at the end some of the rainforest trails. Many
different tours are available such as hiking, all terrain, kayaking, and snorkeling.
The cuisine is a fusion of West Indies,
African, Spanish and French that highlight exotic fruits, spices and seafood. A
little island, a little far off, a little less crowded, Grenada is big on beauty in
paradise.
St. Lucia – The island of St. Lucia
is such a natural beauty with its twin peaks known as the Pitons rising 2,000
feet, sheltering a rain forest full of wild orchids, gigantic ferns, and
beautiful birds of paradise, will make vacationers believe they are in the
South Pacific. St. Lucia’s National Rain Forest covers some 19,000 acres of
tropical forest and rich fertile valleys complete with invigorating waterfalls
and mineral pools. Many different types of nature tours allow vacationers
exciting views of the panoramic countryside, brightly colored and rare birds
and other exotic wildlife, sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. St. Lucia is
also home to the world’s only drive-in dormant volcanic crater. Being lesser
known compared to its neighbors, St. Lucia remains a haven for travelers who
wish to step back into colonial times and enjoy a place that is slower, exotic,
and having a wealth of breath taking natural beauty.
If you plan a longer cruise voyage, consider a
southern Caribbean cruise. You will find
excitement, non stop activities, and something more relaxing, peaceful, and serene
on these island beauties.
