NASSAU PUERTO RICO KEY WEST ST. THOMAS ST. MAARTEN
COZUMEL GRAND CAYMAN LABADEE BERMUDA COCOCAY
Here you will find information about some of the ports of call you may visit while on a cruise. Please check back often, as we are just developing this page and gathering information.
NASSAU - This city is known for its warm sun and balmy breezes. But, Nassau has a tumultuous past. It was first settled by the English, the area was contested by England, France and Spain. For many years, Nassau was a home base for many pirates. It was burned to the ground by the Spanish three separate times. Since 1740, however, visitors in search of relaxation and adventure have made Nassau their favorite destination.
Here are some of the activities to do while you are visiting Nassau. You might want to get up close and personal with a dolphin. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the dolphins, have your picture taken while kissing one, learn about their anatomy, and pet and feed them while standing in waist-deep water.
You can also check out the Stingray Adventure. This amazing experience could easily be the highlight of your trip. Swim with and pet these amazing creatures!
Maybe a beach day is more to your liking. Take a break and relax on a semi-private island, Blackbeard's Cay. This island is located just a short boat ride from Nassau. It is surrounded by clear turquoise water, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Take a step back to the past. You can relive the swashbuckling past on an exciting pirates and dungeons tour of Fort Charlotte. Don’t miss the Pirates of Nassau Museum near the dock.
There’s also a glass-bottom-boat tour available. Take a glimpse into the underwater world of the Bahamas. Maybe spend the day snorkeling with the stingrays at Blue Lagoon Island.
Spend a few hours dancing the calypso and sipping rum punch while sailing aboard the 85-foot Yellowbird.
Take a short cab ride over to the Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Center. Here you will marvel at the flora and plant life. Be sure to watch the famous "marching" flamingoes while you visit the gardens.
For a little adventure, get on board the powerboat "Thriller". This is Nassau's fastest boat ride. Or compete in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts. This is one event you won't want to miss if you love sailing.
PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Here you will find mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and a massive rain forest. This rain forest supplies fresh water to most of the island. San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a large city with a busy business district. There are resorts and casinos, as well as stunning examples of colonial life.
When you in San Juan, don't miss the natural beauty of Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth. Baño Grande is a natural swimming pool. Take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest.
Old San Juan is the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Don’t miss San Felipe El Morro. It is the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. Also visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel.
See the gorgeous scenery by bicycle. Visit the Piñones Reserve, home to the island's most spectacular views.
Puerto Rico is a great place to enjoy authentic Spanish-style sangria and taste a wide array of delicious tapas.
COZUMEL - The Conquistadors saw Cozumel while searching for gold. Today, visitors to the island seek out gold and silver jewelry in the shops of San Miguel. Here you can have a great time in its many local bars and restaurants. The waters around Cozumel's sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world
You also have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm. The ruins are perched above the turquoise Caribbean. The site was occupied as far back as 600 A.D. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which sits atop a forty-foot cliff. The nearby Temple of the Descending God provides insight into the architecture of the Mayan people. The Mayan’s gained considerable achievements in the arts and sciences. However, the populations declined and vanished for no apparent reason.
While in Cozumel, you can explore the underwater world of Chankanaab. Go aboard the deep-sea adventure of the Atlantis Submarine. You may also want to play and swim with the dolphins at Chankanaab National Marine Park
At Playa Mia Beach in Cozumel, sit and relax while you bury your toes in the white sand. Here you have many options. This destination offers food, drinks and many activities, including relaxing massages on the beach
Maybe a Jeep safari adventure is more your style. Take this safari through the tropical landscape of Cozumel's east side.
Enjoy golfing? Play a round of golf on the championship course at the Cozumel Country Club. Experience the snow white bunkers and breathtaking views as you play.
If you enjoy snorkeling, Cozumel has clear sapphire colored water around it’s coral reefs. It is one of the world's premier snorkeling destinations. You can rent equipment, get instruction and guidance at Sand Dollar Beach. From there you can begin your snorkeling adventure.
Cozumel has become one of the world's best duty-free shopping ports in the Caribbean. Find unbelievable prices on diamonds, colored gemstones, jewelry, watches, gold, sterling silver, and Oriental rugs. You will also find great deals on Mexican house wares and handicrafts.
ST. THOMAS: Today, St. Thomas is known as a beautiful vacation spot. But its history is not so peaceful. In the 18th century, the island was at the center of the pirate culture. Famous swashbuckling pirates such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen items in the port of Charlotte Amalie.
This Caribbean island is home to amazing beaches, gorgeous sea and landscapes and some of the best duty-free shopping.
St. Thomas is known for it’s shopping area. Browse through the shop lined streets of Charlotte Amalie. Here you will find out why St. Thomas is called the "duty-free shopping capital of the world.". Visitors to St. Thomas can bring home $1,200 in merchandise without paying duty - twice the limit as most as the rest of the Caribbean.
Take a tour and ride along Skyline Drive. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the St. Thomas Harbor. Travel on up to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay.
At Coral World Marine Park, you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail.
Try a day of sailing. Enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht. While you’re there, snorkel in Turtle Cove.
Go aboard the Atlantis Submarine and trek around coral reefs. Get up close and personal with the marine life.
Helicopter adventures are available on St. Thomas. Get a bird's-eye view of the beauty of St. Thomas.
Travel 700 feet to The Paradise Point via the "skyride". From here you will see the most fantastic vistas in the Caribbean.
Take an exhilarating ride all the way around the island on the 100-foot trimaran, Wild Thing. This is a once in a life time experience.
Rent a bike and tour through historic and picturesque St. Thomas harbor.
ST. MAARTEN: When the Spanish closed their fort on St. Maarten in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island. They decided to share the island. Soon after, the Netherlands and France signed a formal agreement to split St. Maarten in half. You will experience both Dutch and French culture and architecture while visiting this island.
Spend the day competing in an actual race on an America's Cup shortened course. Get a hands on experience or sit back and enjoy the day sail. It’s up to you.
Explore Orient Bay, the French Riviera of the Caribbean. It has over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches.
At the Butterfly Farm, you can admire the delicate nature and dazzling colors of hundreds of butterflies.
Take a Kayak Tour of the saltwater lagoons. Discover egrets, plovers, heron and pelicans while kayaking.
Take a snorkeling expedition through Shipwreck Cove. Here you will discover the undersea world of coral reefs and exotic fish.
There are about 500 duty-free shops on St. Maarten. Many prices are 25% to 50% below those in the U.S. Be sure to try a bottle of St. Maarten's own guava berry liqueur. The guava berry is exclusive to this island
KEY WEST: Key West was the home of Ernest Hemingway. Today it is the home to modern day adventurers, artists and poets. Do the "Duval Crawl" on the island's Duval Street. In this part of the island charming Old Town, there are many restaurants, bars and unique shops.
Enjoy a ride on a glass-bottom boat. This tour offers a unique and informative eco-tour of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. This reef is home to over 300 species of fish. The glass bottom boats are specially designed to provide maximum viewing with minimum stress to the delicate reef environment.
Visit the Museum of Art and History at the Custom House.
Take a trolley tour through historic Key West. The fun and informative tour guide will give you a quick history of the island while pointing out the many sights along the way.
Discover the real Key West on your own. Ride through the lazy back streets on a bike-tour adventure.
The schooner Liberty departs Key West Harbor for a relaxing sail around the harbor.
Stroll through Key West's famed historic homes and gardens.
Visit Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. Marvel at the priceless treasures discovered by these treasure hunters.
Kayak through the canals. Here you can observe many species of bird and fish.
Snorkel the clear waters of Key West. These waters are swimming with colorful and exotic marine life.
Race a catamaran in an actual yacht race called the Key West Regatta.
GRAND CAYMAN: Grand Cayman is one of a group of three tropical islands. Christopher Columbus called them "Las Tortugas" (the turtles) because of the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. Later the islands were labeled the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for "crocodile." The name "Caimanas" refers inaccurately to the iguanas native to the islands, which possibly were mistaken for crocodiles.
On Grand Cayman, you can snorkel with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar. These relatively tame creatures will swim right into your arms and glide around you. They have velvety soft skin and love to have their bellies rubbed. These stingrays are very gentle and won't hurt you as long as you stay away from their tails.
George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands. Take a tour around this city. Stop at the Conch Shell House, constructed entirely Conch shells. Visit the town of Hell, whose name was inspired by its unusual rock formations. Visit the Turtle Farm to see the sea-turtle nursery, where green and hawksbill turtles are bred and raised
Explore the seemingly endless stretch of coastline. Visit the world-famous Seven-Mile Beach with its snowy white beach and turquoise water. Rent a Kayak and paddle along the beach.
Get away for an island retreat to Rum Point Club, which is situated on the north side of the island.
Sail the beautiful waters of the North Sounds, aboard the 60-foot racing catamaran Cockatoo.
Explore the underwater world in a submarine. See the exotic marine life and huge coral formations while on board.
Explore a historic shipwreck while snorkeling.
Rent a bicycle and visit the island's quaint villages.
Grand Cayman has fabulous duty-free shopping. Find bargain prices on designer merchandise. Local crafts and treasure coins can be found in retail shops as well.
LABADEE: This is Royal Caribbean’s private paradise on Hispaniola. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage. This destination offers beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and many water activities. There is an amazing aqua park for kids.
Here you will find sandy beach and coral reefs. This is a perfect place to relax and have fun. Some of the things you can do while on the island are: kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing or just relaxing on the beach.
On the relaxing kayaking tour, your guide will lead you through beautiful coral reefs. You will see the exotic marine life around Labadee. You'll also pass several fishing villages that have been unchanged for decades
Soak up the sun while you float on a beach mat.
Enjoy the fun-filled floating aqua park. You can bounce on trampolines, and slide on the inflatables.
Get a bird's-eye view by parasailing 400 feet above the beautiful peninsula of Labadee.
Take an exhilarating ride aboard a wave runner. Go down the scenic coast line to see the sights and view your ship.
Go shopping for beautiful handmade local artwork, woodwork and crafts.
Lay in the shade in your own hammock while sipping on tropical drinks.
BERMUDA - King's Wharf, Bermuda has many shops and museums to stroll through. Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda Arts Center and Craft Market, the snorkel park and water sport facilities. Love to golf? There are world famous golf courses here. There is something for everyone to do.
Be sure to purchase a multi-museum pass. This will allow you unlimited access to the eight museums of the Heritage Bermuda Group. These include: the Bermuda Aquarium; the Bermuda National Gallery; the Bermuda National Trust Museum; the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute; Fort St. Catherine; the Maritime Museum; Verdmont Historical Museum; and the Tucker House.
On Bermuda's glass-bottom boats, you can see Bermuda's Sea Garden. Here you will experience the undersea world of fish and coral formations.
Kayak through the Paradise Lakes. This is nature at it's best! Experience both sea life and several species of birds.
Go deep sea fishing for blue marlin and other big game fish.
Golf one of the many beautiful courses on the island.
If shopping is on your list of things to do, Bermuda has a wide variety of items available. Look for cedar wood gifts, collector coins, polished shark's teeth in 14-karat gold and, of course, the famous Bermuda shorts.
COCOCAY - CocoCay is another one of Royal Caribbean's private islands. This island is part of the Bahamas island chain and is surrounded by beautiful blue water. Here you can enjoy the many aquatic facilities, nature trails hammocks and people watching.
Things to do here include: Renting wave runners, playing in the Aqua park, parasailing, and snorkeling.
Kick back for the day by relaxing in a hammock. Enjoy the islands Barbecue and tropical drinks.
OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA - Ocho Rios, Jamaica has beautiful white sand beaches. The landscape here is unbelievable. The most famous area of Ocho Rios is Dunn's River Falls. The mountain waters plunge 600 feet to a smooth limestone. You can climb the falls or swim in the on the ocean side waters.
Other then the falls, you may want to board a bamboo raft. A guide will take the raft down a two-mile tropical river. Here you will be able to enjoy the lush Jamaican foliage.
Maybe a safari like Jeep® is more your style. Take this safari up 2,000 feet to Murray Hill. You will get a panoramic view of Ocho Rios, the Blue Mountains and Cuba.
Take an invigorating river-tubing safari down the White River.
Take a bike ride through the valleys of Ocho Rios. You will experience the beautiful landscape. Stop at one or all of the eight springs which form Dunn's River Falls.
Shop in Jamaica at one of the hundred duty-free stores while your on the Jamaican Shopping Bonanza tour.
BELIZE - Belize has miles of lush tropical rain forest. It is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Belize is located between Mexico and Guatemala. Belize was first inhabited by the Mayans in 900 A.D. Learn about the Mayan Indian heritage and also the European history of this area.
Climb to the top of El Castillo, a 135 foot structure. It is one of the tallest Mayan structures in Belize. From the top, you can see the Peten Forest, the Mayan Mountains and Guatemala. Keep a look out for flocks of toucans and parrots. They reside in the trees below.
Visit the Baboon Sanctuary and Belize Zoo. These are great places to see some of Belize's wildlife.
Snorkel or dive in the waters of Belize. Experience the exciting underwater world. Explore the coral structures, intricate caves and exotic marine life.
Get on board a powerboat "Thriller". This is Belize City's fastest boat ride.
The marketplace in Belize City has many local vendors offering fruits, vegetables, and arts and crafts.
ARUBA - Oranjestad, the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, is Aruba's cruise port. It is full of multicolored houses with open-air patios. Enjoy Aruba's culture, beautiful beaches, snorkeling and entertaining nightlife.
Board a Jeep® and head toward the northern part of the island to the California Lighthouse. Stop at many other scenic sights throughout the beautiful country side. Visit De Palm Island and snorkeling in the clear waters and experience the coral and colorful marine life. Watch for the famous Watapana (Divi-divi) tress which are shaped by the trade winds.
Discover the outdoor markets of Aruba. Here you will find tropical fruits, and local arts and crafts.
Play a round of golf on the Tierra del Sol Golf Course. This course is surrounded by ocean views and desert scenery. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., every hole has four sets of tees and approach angles to provide a wide variety of challenges for all skill levels.
Shopping in Aruba you will find Swiss watches, French perfumes and fine jewelry. Look for the great buys on Dutch and Indonesian goods.