Ten Things Not to Forget on Your Next Caribbean Cruise

Here are a few items to pack before heading on your next cruise to the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, or Mexico.

* 1. Ambient Noise Maker It's possible that the guests next door may keep you up longer than you would like to stay up. Kids running up and down the halls or neighbors that have had one too many to drink, can disturb your sleep. An ambient noise maker can help drown out the background noise and give you a better night's sleep.

* 2. Snorkel If you are taking a cruise to tropical waters, there is a good chance that snorkeling is on your itinerary. Snorkeling tours usually have swim fins, swim mask, and a snorkel included free of charge on your excursion. You need to think though - how many mouths have been on that snorkel?

* 3. Camera Cruise lines have many photographers that capture great pictures while you are on your cruise. The problem is that they don't usually go on excursions with you. I would recommend a decent, but not too big or expensive of a camera to take with you. A big camera can get too heavy and an expensive one may make you a target of crime.

* 4. Sea Sick Medicine You never know when the rolling seas will make your stomach sick. There are patches and other medications to help ease sea sickness.

* 5. Diarrhea Medicine Yuck. From a bad drink of water on a tropical island to too many preservatives in some cruise ship foods, these problems can lead to a spoiled vacation.

* 6. Cell Phone On some islands you may actually be able to call home without having to pay for higher fees from the ship or 'calling shops" on land.

* 7. Plastic Bag A plastic bag comes in handy for keeping money, passports, or other important documents dry. Rain showers or ocean spray while on excursions can damage these items.

* 8. Back Pack Great for carrying your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, or other items while on an excursion.

* 9. Comfortable Shoes Sandals can rub blisters on your feet. A good, comfortable pair of shoes are especially important on excursions where a lot of walking is called for.

* 10. Hat A baseball cap or another type of hat is a good way of keeping your head from getting sunburned. It doesn't take long in the tropics to get sunburned with the high sun angle.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website Tropicalweather.net for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

Hurricane & Travel Message Boards and Tropical Temperature and Rainfall Averages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_Johnson

Bahamas Cruise Tips - What You Need to Know

Labels: Bahamas Cruise Tips - What You Need to Know Posted by Unknown

Bahamas Cruise Tips - What You Need to Know
By Fred Coolridge

Thousands of people take cruises in the Bahamas every year for various reasons. Without a doubt, two of the main reasons have to do with the spectacular weather and the beautiful beaches. While some people go to relax, others book a cruise to meet new people and have fun. Whatever your motivation is for taking a vacation from the routine of everyday life, the Bahamas is a great place to visit. Here are some Bahamas cruise tips that will inform you on what ship, time of year, and events are best for you.

Bahamas Cruise Tips: Which one is my dream boat?

Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line offer fun-filled and family oriented vacations. With supervised activities available for children, parents can enjoy the getaways as much as the kids! In most cases, the ships are huge and guests can choose from a wide range of entertainment and dining options.

Those looking for a luxurious experience should check out the high-end Celebrity Cruise Line Guests are invited to view original works of art (often available for purchase), enjoy fine dining and vintage wines, and be pampered from head-to-toe in their world-famous spas.

For a more intimate setting, Windstar Cruises promote smaller-scale tours for adults only. Their ships accommodate only a few hundred people, giving them a private yacht ambiance. Guests often appreciate the cruise's intention for less entertainment and more peace and quiet. An added bonus is being able to dock in much smaller ports than larger ships.

There are many other choices of cruise lines, some of which cater to vacationers with specific interests. Some focus on spring break, some provide an open bar, some boast an exciting casino, and others are Italian-themed. The great selection of tours is part of what makes Bahamas cruises so popular.

When is the best time to go?

Important Bahamas cruise tips include knowing when to travel to this tropical paradise. With regards to weather, tourists should be aware that hurricane season in the Caribbean is between June 1st and November 30th. However, many still take Caribbean cruises during that period of the year even though they are at higher risk of encountering bad weather.

Holidays and Cultural Events

Participating in the multiple events celebrated in the Bahamas can make your trip much more memorable! Of course, Christmas Holidays and New Year's Eve/Day are great times to visit, but there are many other cultural events that are exciting and worthwhile.

Emancipation Day on August 1st celebrates the freeing of slaves in the British Empire. The first day includes a fun-filled footrace. The world-famous Bahamas Junkanoo Festival is held the following day in Fox Hill Village, near Nassau. Here tourists are invited to enjoy an outstanding feast of locally-prepared foods, while musicians compete against one another. Another Bahamas-specific event is July 10th - Independence Day. Beach parties are in full swing and fireworks are displayed all over the Bahamas, the largest celebration being on Paradise Island and in Nassau.

Things to do

In the water

The natural beauty of the Caribbean islands is breathtaking and some activities allow guests a closer look. Scuba diving is a popular attraction in the Bahamas; Andros Island is said to be the best place to dive and explore.

Another exciting underwater excursion is Hartley's Undersea Walk. Air is pumped into lead masks that bring guests to the ocean floor, allowing them to interact with marine life.

Swimming with the dolphins has become an extremely popular activity that takes place on Blue Lagoon Island. Participants can feed and pet the dolphins; however, visitors should book early. Also located on Blue Lagoon Island is Stingray City where tourists can actually swim with these friendly fish. In all the underwater activities, natural coral and colorful fish abound, so do not forget your waterproof camera!

On land

For those who prefer to be on foot, the Versailles Gardens are spectacular! Even though they are located on hotel grounds, they are open to all, free of charge. In addition to exotic tropical flora, the gardens feature French statues and art work.

Golf-enthusiasts can enjoy some of the world's most beautiful courses on Grand Bahama Island and Paradise Island, while those looking for a taste of culture and history can visit the Queens Staircase. This is a walking tour of Nassau, featuring a 102 feet high staircase built by slaves in 1793. Interesting sites are plentiful!

Whatever ship you choose to set sail on, your destination should be the Bahamas - a great spot to relax and have fun!

Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - http://www.exumabahamas.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Coolridge

Western Caribbean Cruise

Labels: Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean Cruise Deals, Western Caribbean Cruise Posted by Unknown

By Clint Leung Platinum Quality Author

We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the western Caribbean cruise on November 28/04. This was our second cruise with Royal Caribbean with our first last year on the larger Adventure of the Seas. After one cruise with RCI, I expected roughly the same standards with the Radiance and in general, I wasn't disappointed.

Staterooms:

Our stateroom was an inside aft cabin and we were not disappointed. It was roomy enough and the lighting was adequate. Closet space and drawers were also sufficient for our use. We noticed that the double beds here were actually a bit better than the one we had on the Adventure since we couldn't really feel the split between the two separate beds like we did last time. If there's one thing that can be improved is the shower curtain. The one installed was not adequate in keeping in all the water from the shower. The shower on the Adventure utilized a double glass door system which was far superior. Otherwise, the cabin was nice and dark for sleeping at night. Although we heard a little noise from the cabins next to us, it was minimal. We didn't miss having any window or balcony at all since we were hardly ever in our stateroom. We were either at port or elsewhere on the ship and went back to our cabins just to relax or sleep. We would definitely book an inside cabin again with RCI unless we had a free upgrade.

Dining:

The main Cascades dining room was nice and meals were good. Breakfasts had the same menu every morning. Lunch at the dining room was okay. The dinners were good but not every meal item was a winner. There was the odd appetizer and dessert that was not up to par. One thing that my partner noticed was that the portions of the main courses seemed to be smaller than those served on the Adventure. We usually went upstairs to the Windjammer to get more food after dining at the Cascades. In some parts of the Cascades room, the tables were placed too cramp so walking to out own table was tricky at times. The self serve Windjammer was good. It usually had more variety of food than served downstairs at the Cascades. Breakfast and lunch were busy at the Windjammer but during evenings, most people chose to dine at the Cascades. The two other optional restaurants onboard Portafino and Choppe House were available at $20 US per person but we never tried them since the meals already included at the Cascades and Windjammer were fine by us. Other passengers who did go to these optional rooms told us that they were nothing special. There was another cafe available during late evenings called the Seaview and they provided fare such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. This was a nice feature. One thing we did object to was that they charged for the coffee and tea there. There was also a specialty coffee place on the main centrum of the ship and they also charged. We had more availability of free beverages on the Adventure.

Service:

The service by the stateroom attendants and dining room staff was top notch as expected.

Entertainment:

The evening shows at the Aurora Theatre were a mix of the ship's own crew of dancers and singers plus some outside comics and singers. In general, the shows were quite good. We would have liked them to mix up the entertainment each night rather than allocate music, comedy and magic into different evenings. Rather than an entire show of magic, we would have preferred each night featuring a variety of entertainment. Live music around the ship was a nice added touch.

Amenities:

Although smaller than the Adventure, the Radiance had fine amenities including the gym/spa, mini golf, pools and the shops. There was internet access but at 50 cents per minute, the service is a bit steep. There were things to do during the days at sea such as art auctions, cooking demos and dance classes. However, we felt that there was more offered on the Adventure. As for embarking and disembarking, there was no problem on the Radiance. The 6th level contained the casino and for non-smokers, this was a problem. The ventilation in the casino was not great and as a result, cigarette smoke travelled to adjacent areas near the casino. My partner wanted to avoid going on the 6th level whenever possible.

In summary, we enjoyed our cruise on the Radiance of the Seas. However, comparing it to the larger Adventure of the Seas, we would rate the larger ship a bit higher. We liked the huge promenade on the Adventure which was not available on a smaller ship like the Radiance. Given a choice in the future, we would opt for the larger ship. For first time cruisers, the Radiance would still be a good ship to vacation on. This is simply the case of where veteran cruisers would expect more especially if they have been on higher end ships.

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Inuit and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.

Get the Best Caribbean Cruise Deals From Your Travel Agent

Posted by Unknown

By Ann Richter Platinum Quality Author

There is a wealth of options available to you when planning your vacation. For example, you have first to decide where you want to go and then consider the best method of travel, road, sea or air. Finding the perfect vacation may seem a rather daunting task. However, if you are planning to take your family with you a Caribbean cruise vacation may be just what you are looking for. Again with Caribbean cruise deals you will still be faced with a great deal of choice but there are some great offers to be had which can save you money and provide you with the perfect vacation. The best way to take advantage of these deals is to either search the internet or contact your travel agent who will be in the best position to know what deals are available and will find the best one for you and your family.

Finding an travel agent couldn't be easier. You may have already used one to arrange previous vacations. If not, your telephone directory will list all the ones that are local to you, or failing this use the internet which will give you listings of all travel agents and their contact numbers. By using the services of a travel agent you are handing over all the hard work you would normally have to do to find what you are looking for. Finding the best deals for their customers is their reason for being and don't forget this is how they earn their salaries. If you are looking for the best Caribbean cruise deal they will find it for you while you sit back and relax.

Your travel agent will require certain information from you to begin searching for the ideal vacation package for you. First of all you need to supply the dates you are free to take vacation, and if there is any flexibility within those dates or even if you have no fixed dates at all. The latter may be an advantage to you as there are some excellent last minute deals available during off peak seasons. You may find that, during hurricane season, for example, cruise lines offer their best deals as many people may prefer not to take a cruise vacation at that time for fear of extreme weather conditions. However, if there is no flexibility in your vacation dates your travel agent will need to know so that he can use this information to find the right vacation. You should also give him a breakdown of your requirements, what you are looking for in terms of activities and destinations and the size of the party travelling with you.

Are you ready for break from the cold winter? Good news, you can take a warm tropical Royal Caribbean cruise any time of the year. Discover which Caribbean cruise is the best one for you by reading Caribbean cruise reviews.

Get the Best Caribbean Cruise Deals From Your Travel Agent

Labels: Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean Cruise Deals, Caribbean Cruise Vacations, Travel Agent Posted by Unknown

By Ann Richter Platinum Quality Author

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

Labels: Beautiful Tropical Beaches, Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean Cruise Vacations Posted by Unknown

By Brian Schmidt Platinum Quality Author

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches. These golden sun drenched beaches are just waiting for us to come and enjoy. A great way to experience a number of these beautiful tropical beaches while on one vacation is by cruising. Travel in relaxing and luxurious comfort across the sparkling turquoise water from one destination to another by magnificent cruise ships and then enjoy yet another tropical paradise and the marvelous beaches waiting there! You'll want to check out some of the beaches listed below!

Best Sand Beach! Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Harbour Island is only half a mile wide and three miles long yet has some of the nicest sand beaches with an unbelievable laid back atmosphere. The island has less than 2,000 locals and only a few tourists making it a special choice for a relaxing getaway. This tiny island was once the home of the capital city of the Bahamas, Dunmore Town. Enjoy the Georgian Architecture, stroll through the tiny shops on quaint streets. And of course, lap up the sun on the beautiful pink sand beaches!

Most Romantic Beach! Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

Just 18 miles long, Bora Bora is an enchanted tropical island in the French Polynesian chain. Nick-named the Romantic Island, Bora Bora lies in a secluded lagoon and boasts many secluded white sandy beaches. Intimate hotels and the quiet, relaxed South Seas atmosphere add to the feeling of romance. The secluded Matira Beach offers visitors all of that romantic atmosphere with bright turquoise water and brilliant South Seas sunsets!

Best Beach in America! Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

In May of 2004, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a respected environmental scientist, named Hanauma Bay America's best beach. About 10 miles east of Waikiki, one will find the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Nearly three thousand people visit the area every day to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and picnics. The bay itself is believed to be a 35,000 year old volcanic crater floor. Swimmers and snorkellers take special pleasure from the sheltered bay and are often greeted by a host of tropical reef fish.

Best Family Beach! Palm Beach, Aruba

Cond Nast Traveler have named this gorgeous white sand beach as one of the 12 best beaches in the world. And unlike many of the Caribbean islands, this Aruba and her beaches are geared up for the entertainment of families and kids. At Kibama Miniature Village and Park, kids can explore mini Aruban-style buildings. Adventure Golf in Aruba is billed as the world's largest mini-golf course. Swimmers, sailors, fishermen … and kids will all find Palm Beach, Aruba as an idyllic family vacation retreat!

Best Kept Secret Beach! Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Very few have had the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled, breathtaking beaches of Fernando de Noronha. Only a mere 420 visitors are allowed on the island - off the northeast coast of Brazil - at any time. In 1988, the island was declared a marine national park. Being part of a volcanic archipelago, the island treats visitors to towering rock "sculptures", pristine waterfalls with natural swimming pools and of course the exquisite white beaches tucked below jagged cliffs and caves.

Best Ancient Beaches! Tulum, Mexico

Dating from as early as 250 A.D., ancient Mayan ruins tower over the beaches. Swimmers and sunbathers can't help but be swept up in the aura of ancient mystery when they look up from the beach. White sand beaches and crystal blue waters greet visitors to the water paradise!

These are but a miniscule sampling of the wonderful and beautiful tropical beaches awaiting vacationers. To enjoy a number of exotic tropical beaches in one vacation, check out various cruise itineraries. On some Caribbean cruises for example, you could visit four tropical beaches on a seven or eight night cruise!

For more information regarding beautiful tropical beaches and cruises browse through some of other interesting articles at www.a1-discount-cruises.com/articles. To find the best beaches and cruise for you, go to our main discount cruises pages www.a1-discount-cruises.com and click on some of the merchant links there. Many of the cruises are deeply discounted and offer a great vacation cruise deal! Then all that's left to do is to book your cruise on-line… and Get Excited!

Brian A Schmidt is the author and web publisher of a1-discount-cruises.com your #1 source for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.a1-discount-cruises.com to book your fabulous romantic gift cruise vacation! For more interesting articles visit our Article Map pages.

Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises

Labels: Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises Posted by Unknown

By Jeff Mills Platinum Quality Author

For those new to cruising, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to cruising with any company. You can gather information on cruises and use it to find the lowest prices available. An internet-savvy customer has many opportunities to locate discount Royal Caribbean cruises.

One tip for the cruise bargain shopper is to consider a weekend trip or short cruise. This is a great way to experience the magic of a cruise vacation even if you don't have a lot of time or money to spare. On the Internet, you can also conveniently browse the company's featured cruises for more discounts. This is also the best place to enter sweepstakes and contests run by Royal Caribbean.

If you're serious about discount cruise opportunities, there is still another potentially valuable resource available online. There are a few organizations online that can teach you how to create your own travel website as a business you run from home. If done properly, you can earn an income right from home and take advantage of generous discounts on your own vacation packages, including Royal Caribbean cruise discounts.

One such travel club, Coastal Vacations, offers it members some pretty deep discounts on Royal Caribbean, and many other popular cruise lines.

As a member of the club, one can access an unlimited amount of cruises and only pay the processing fees, government taxes, and port taxes, making it a really great bargain for two people traveling.

Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor of 9 years, who is now a full time internet information entrepreneur, author, speaker, sales coach, and also an avid traveler. Jeff has passionately pursued seeking the best discount travel clubs and has discovered Coastal Vacations Travel Club to be the top of the heap. Discover more about it immediately at http://www.travelwithcoastalvacations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Mills

Caribbean Cruise - Expert Guide

Labels: Caribbean Cruise, Expert Guide Posted by Unknown

By John Metcalfe Platinum Quality Author

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the archipelago of the Bahamas), the Caribbean is a realtreasure trove when it comes to cruising. A rich
variety of vistas, people and places await, along with swaying palms and idyllic beaches of golden sand. The network of islands in the Caribbean is in fact so extensive that it is possible to book several Caribbean cruises and avoid going to the same islands twice!

There are four basic Caribbean cruise routes used by cruise operators:

Western Caribbean Cruise Route - Departing from seaports in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, the Western Route takes in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the island of Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and any number of islands off the coasts of Honduras and Belize.

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Route - One of the most popular Caribbean cruise routes, the Eastern Route typically departs from Florida and other seaports along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The route calls on destinations such as Key West, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands the Virgin Islands (including St. Thomas and St. Croix), and Puerto Rico.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Route - This route normally commences at San Juan in Puerto Rico, and takes in many possible destinations along the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles as far west as Aruba.

Exotic/Long-duration Caribbean Cruise Route - This route takes in any/all of the above destinations, and can sometimes end in a different place to where the cruise started.

Given this broad assortment of destinations available in the Caribbean, it can be a bit overwhelming whentrying to make that crucial decision on which islands to fit into your itinerary. After all, you don't want to miss out on some true Caribbean gems, do you? So,

whether you're planning a short vacation or a longer cruise break away from home, here is a selection of 'must-sees' & 'must-dos' on your Caribbean adventure.

St Croix (Virgin Islands) - Take a night kayak trip in Salt River National Park and visit the first
landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.

Grenada - Although ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Grenada is still well worth a visit for its scuba diving. You can explore the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean here and see an underwater volcano.

St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) - The Cinnamon Bay National Park offers excellent snorkeling
opportunities. You can see a wealth of underwater life in the shallow waters around St. Thomas.

Jamaica - Why not try your hand at bamboo rafting in Montego Bay?

Puerto Rico - No Caribbean cruise would be complete without a visit to the world famous Condado Beach on the island of Puerto Rico.

Aruba - Want to find Caribbean paradise? How about relaxing on one of the 365 beaches that surround the Dutch island of Aruba.

St Kitts - Swim with the turtles in the waters around St Kitts and then relax on the pink sand beaches on this beautiful island.

Good luck with planning your trip and happy cruising.

Looking for Cruise information ?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need to know about taking your dream Caribbean Cruise vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Metcalfe

Bahamas Cruise - Expert Guide

Labels: Bahamas Cruise - Expert Guide Posted by Unknown

By John Metcalfe Platinum Quality Author

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours. This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.

Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in downtown
Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble statue of Queen Victoria.

But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling, diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian life.

A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the tropics!

The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas cruise.

For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by the cruise company.

Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.

Looking for Cruise information ?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need
to know about taking your dream Bahamas Cruise vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Metcalfe

Selecting the Perfect Southern Caribbean Cruise Destination

Labels: Selecting the Perfect Southern Caribbean Cruise Destination Posted by Unknown

By Ann Richter

Cruising to the southern Caribbean offers many exotic and wonderful destinations that its visitors are almost spoilt for choice. Choosing the best place for the perfect vacation experience is difficult but there is one absolutely sublime destination, Oranjestad in Aruba, is idyllic and a perfect spot to visit on a southern Caribbean cruise.

Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba can be found on the beautiful coastal region of the southern Caribbean. From first impressions you will notice that Oranjestad is uniquely different from other southern Caribbean destinations in style of architecture which is attributed to its Dutch origins, unlike other areas of the western Caribbean which are more Spanish in influence. What you can expect to see in Oranjestad are buildings built in the traditional Dutch style being tall and of different colors. Another typical sight synonymous with Dutch landscapes is the present of windmills which are a common feature to this delightful location. Alongside Dutch carved wood structures and historical buildings you can enjoy the physical geography and beauty of the island which is naturally Caribbean. The scenic beauty of this island combined with its historic roots is further complemented by the availability of many water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Oranjestad also offers a variety of stunningly beautiful beaches on which to relax. By night, the city is alive with fabulous restaurants, bars and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Apart from the scenic beauty, water sports and nightly attractions there is a wonderful open air market where you can find an abundance of local produce and crafts, and for wine connoisseurs there is an excellent selection of wine and liquors. For those who wish to take home some of the flavor of the island you can find many items to remind you of your fabulous vacation.

For those who love tropical islands with deserted beaches and amazing marine life the De Pal Island is the place for you. From Aruba you can take excursions to this private island where you will be offered lunch on the beach cooked over a barbecue and then spend the day snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear water where a fantastic variety of coral and fish can be viewed.

Another reason why Aruba is so popular is because you can shop for items that would normally cost anywhere up to fifty percent more either in Europe or the USA. For those who absolutely can't resist a bargain shopping in Aruba is a must.

Aruba has become a favorite cruise destination for many because of its many attractions, natural beauty and historical origins. A visit to Aruba is highly recommended and there are opportunities to visit this paradise location by making sure you book a cruise that includes this destination in its itinerary.

Are your vacations boring and plain? Discover the amazing sights, sounds of the many exotic eastern Caribbean cruise destinations. Not sure which Caribbean cruise line to select? Not a problem, we have you covered with a guide to selecting the right Caribbean cruise line.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Richte

Cost Maya - The Ultimate Western Caribbean Cruise

Labels: Cost Maya, The Ultimate Western Caribbean Cruise Posted by Unknown

By Ann Richter Platinum Quality Author

A cruise to the Western Caribbean may be something you are considering in the future and you may be especially interested in visiting Mexico. If this appeals to you one of the best resorts to experience is Costa Maya which is a very popular destination and is highly recommended. If you are undecided or unsure of which area of the western Caribbean is best, you can be sure that Costa Maya is the ideal choice.

There are many reasons why Costa Maya is more desirable than other destinations. First of all Costa Maya is an island that has been custom built entirely to fill the needs and expectations of visitors and tourists and as such has resulted in the ultimate location, boasting a variety of wonderful restaurants, bars retail outlets and pools. Obviously this area of the western Caribbean is steeped in history but being purpose built has all the modern amenities of the 21st century. In short, Cost Maya is a luxury playground for adults. You can expect a dazzling array of entertainment, including a crocodile pit, to keep you amused and happy throughout your stay.

There has been a commitment from the creators of Costa Maya to create a dazzling but safe environment for its tourists and have created a water sanitation plant which enables tourists to drink the water without the fear of becoming ill, which is usually an issue for those who have travelled to Mexico.

In addition to the fantastic entertainment and amenities, Costa Maya is home to a site of ancient antiquity called Chacchoben. The history of Chaccoben dates back to 350 A.D. and belonged to the ancient Mayan civilization. The mixture of the old and the new is why Costa Maya, as part of the western Caribbean, is the ultimate resort.

The coastal village of Majahual is also part of Costa Maya and is a beautiful fishing village where you can sample the delights of fresh ceviche and laze on the stunning white sandy beaches for the ultimate relaxation. It is unsurprising that Majahual is so popular with locals and tourists alike.

Without doubt Costa Maya is an experience you should not miss as it has everything the tourists craves for the perfect vacation. A mixture of 21st century luxury and ancient history creates the ultimate western Caribbean destination.

Do you want to experience a completely different type of vacation? Good news, you can enjoy a beautiful Caribbean cruise even during the dead of winter. To get the most enjoyment from your Caribbean cruise be sure to follow this Caribbean cruise guide.