Tag: Caribbean Vacations

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Caribbean

St. Thomas, USVI

Hull Bay Beach
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St. Thomas is the doorway to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. It is very exciting and has busy ports for many cruises. It is renowned for turquoise pristine beaches and snorkeling spots. In the 1600s, the Danish founded the territorial capital Charlotte Amalie. Charlotte Amalie is the largest city in the US Virgin Islands and the busiest cruise ship destination.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Charlotte Amalie from cruise ship
Charlotte Amalie from cruise ship
View of Charlotte Amalie from cruise
View of Charlotte Amalie from cruise
Figatebird approaching cruise to escort into the port Charlotte Amalie
Mountain Top
View from Mountain Top
View of Magens bay beach from the Mountain Top
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach
Dreak’s seat lookout
Charlotte Amalie overlook
Charlotte Amalie overlook
Havensight, St Thomas
View from Paradise Point
View from Paradise Point
View from Paradise Point
View from Paradise Point
Skyride to Paradise Point
Skyride to Paradise Point
At Paradise Point
Cruise leaving from Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Visas and Documents
    • U.S. citizens: No visa required, need to carry a valid ID
    • For non-U.S. citizens: Need a valid passport and visa
  • Fly into: Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
  • Cruise Terminals: Havensight, Charlotte Amelia
  • Driving
    • Drive on the left hand side of the road, but all vehicles are left hand driven. Use taxi or rental car to get around.
  • Best Time to Visit: December to May
    • Peak Season: December to March
    • Affordable season: April to May
    • Hurricane Season: June to November
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, swimsuits and a light jacket for the cool evenings
  • Best things to do
    • Rent a car and drive through the island. Here is the Google Map for popular stops.
    • Book a sightseeing tour bus.
    • Take a skyride to Paradise Point. You can buy tickets at the Paradise Point Base station at Havensight.
    • Book a day cruise to British Virgin Island.
    • Enjoy picture perfect beaches
      • Magens Bay Beach: Popular, crystal clear, turquoise water with all amenities, but be ready to hit a huge crowd. There will be an entry fee.
      • Hull Bay Beach: Tranquil, natural, crowd free small beach, but no amenities.
      • Lindquist beach: Most beautiful and pristine beach with turquoise water. Amenities include lifeguard, picnic tables and bathrooms. There will be an entry fee.
      • Coki Beach: Small but pretty, no entry fee. The amenities include waist high showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and food stalls.
Categories
Caribbean

Puerto Rico

Calle de la Fortaleza (Fortaleza Street)
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Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory in the Caribbean islands. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the largest city in the island. It is also the busiest and largest cruise port in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico attracts tourists with its rich heritage and dynamic culture. The island has a beautiful landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and colorful Spanish colonial buildings. Make sure to have El Marro and the El Yunque tropical rainforest in your list of places to visit.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Paseo de la Princesa
Calle de la Fortaleza (Fortaleza Street)
Calle de la Fortaleza (Fortaleza Street)
La Fortaleza – The official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico
San Juan Cathedral
San Juan Cathedral
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
View from Paseo del Morro Trail
Castillo San Felipe del Marro
Old San Juan, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and San Juan bay, View from the fort
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, View from Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico School, View from Castillo San Felipe del Marro
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
The colorful streets of Old San Juan
Old San Juan
Old San Juan
At San Juan Cruise Terminal
Near Jan Juan Cruise Terminal
San Juan Cruise Terminal
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passports, visas and documents.
    • U.S. citizens: No visa required, need to carry a valid ID
    • For non-U.S. citizens: Need valid passports and visas
  • Best Time to Visit: December to June
    • High season: December to March
    • Affordable season: April to June
    • Hurricane season: August to October
  • Clothing: Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and light jackets for the cool evenings
  • Fly into: San Juan International Airport or Rafael Hernandez Airport
  • Port of Call: The Port of San Juan (in Spanish: Puerto de San Juan)
  • Best things to do
    • Feel fresh at the boardwalk along Paseo de la Princesa.
    • Enjoy hiking at Yunque tropical rainforest.
    • Have fun at Isla Verde Beach.
Categories
Caribbean

Amber Cove, Puerto Plata

Floating Cabanas
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Amber Cove is one of the Caribbean‘s newest cruise terminals in Puerto Plata Province in the Dominican Republic. This new cruise port has a large shopping village with restaurants and a huge swimming pool with a swim-up bar. You can relax at the port by renting the beautiful, spacious, air-conditioned floating or hillside cabanas, or do some fun activities like water sliding, zip lining, etc.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Beaches at Puerto Plata
Floating Cabanas on the shore of Amber Cover cruise terminal
Cruises on dock
Bicycle rickshaw transferring guests
Spanish Caribbean fortress greets visitors as they enter the shopping village at Amber Cove
Boardwalk near cruise terminal
All Directions Sign Post
Huge masks at the shopping village
Amber Cove Cruise Terminal, Puerto Plata
Live show at the shopping village
Shopping Village
Huge masks at the shopping village
Huge masks at the shopping village
View from the Sky Bar
View from the Sky Bar
Floating Cabanas
View from the Sky Bar
Hillside view from the Sky Bar
Floating Cabanas
Wedding Altar at the port
Floating Cabanas – View from the Sky Bar
Beaches at Puerto Plata
Floating Cabanas on the shore of Amber Cover cruise terminal
Beaches at Amber Cove, Puerto Plata
Kite surfing – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Beach Horseback Riding – Amber Cove
Beaches at Puerto Plata
Goodbye, Carnival Sensation!
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passport, visa and documents
  • Best Time to Visit: December to May
    • Peak Season: December to March
    • Affordable season: April to May
    • Hurricane Season: June to November
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capri, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings
  • Best things to do
    • It’s easy to walk around and explore within the cruise port.
    • Enjoy the live show, the exhibition of Dominican carnival huge masks, tropical palm trees, man made waterfalls.
    • Enjoy shopping at the variety of local shops in the shopping village. They have pretty wooden crafts, clothing, local coffee, chocolate, and other unique gifts.
    • Gear up and fly on the zipline over the huge swimming pool. $20 for an all-day zip lining.
    • Enjoy the free water slides and lazy rivers at the resort style pool. The pool also has a swim-up bar and plenty of lounge chairs to relax.
    • Take a short walk to the Sky Bar to have a stunning 360 panoramic view of the port.
    • Rent a Beach side/Hill side colorful cabana and relish the nature.
Categories
Caribbean National Parks

San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico

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San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico (an unincorporated U.S. territory in the Caribbean islands), is the largest city in the island. It is also the busiest and largest cruise port in the Caribbean. San Juan attracts tourists with its rich heritage, dynamic culture, and colorful Spanish colonial buildings. One of the historical landmarks is San Juan National Historic Site and this site has been declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical site is in the Old San Juan region and includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, most of the city walls, the San Juan Gate, and Fort San Juan de la Cruz.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and The Lighthouse
Puerta de San Juan – The San Juan Gate
Paseo del Morro Trail
Paseo del Morro Trail
Paseo del Morro Trail
Paseo del Morro Trail
Paseo del Morro Trail
View from Paseo del Morro Trail
The nature trail behind El Morro
The nature trail behind El Morro
Calle De Marro
Castillo San Felipe del Marro
Turret at Castillo San Cristobal in San Juan
Entrance To Sentry Tower Castillo San Felipe Del Morro Fortress
Castillo San Felipe del Marro
Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico School, View from Castillo San Felipe del Marro
Sentry Tower Castillo San Felipe Del Morro Fortress
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
View of a Garita and the Ocean
Entrance to Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, View from the nature trail
Castillo San Felipe del Marro and Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
Old San Juan, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and San Juan bay, View from the fort
View of Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery from the fort
View from the Castillo San Felipe del Marro
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passports, visas and documents.
    • U.S. citizens: No visa required, need to carry a valid ID
    • For non-U.S. citizens: Need valid passports and visas
  • Best Time to Visit: December to June
    • High season: December to March
    • Affordable season: April to June
    • Hurricane season: August to October
  • Getting there:
    • By air: Fly into San Juan International Airport or Rafael Hernandez Airport
    • By cruise ship: The Port of San Juan (in Spanish: Puerto de San Juan)
  • Clothing: Weather is warm, so pack lightweight causal t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, hats, rain gears and light jackets for the cool evenings.
  • Operating Hours: 9am to 6pm, open year around except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
  • Entrance Fee: $10, valid for both Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal.
  • Best things to do
    • Take a stroll to the historical and cultural site Castillo San Felipe del Marro commonly known as El Morro.
    • Take a trail through the Paseo del Morro and feel fresh with the Atlantic Ocean breeze, beautiful views of San Juan bay, and massive stone walls of the fort. It is slippery when it rains and very windy so dress accordingly.
    • Walk through the nature trail behind El Morro for the panoramic view of the fort, San Juan bay, and Old San Juan.
    • Visit the largest Spanish fort Castillo San Cristobal and enjoy the beautiful view of Old San Juan.
Categories
Caribbean

Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos islands are a British overseas territory consisting of larger Caicos islands and smaller Turks islands. Grand Turk is a British territory in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.  It is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos with an area of 7 square miles (largest island in the Turks islands). Grand Turk may be small but it’s packed with stunning crystal clear beaches and historic charm.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Sunset at Grand Turk
View of Pillory Beach from Cruise
Beaches at Grand Turk
Shipwreck on Governor’s Beach from the cruise ship
Cruise center Beach, View from the cruise
Grand Turk Cruise Center
Cruise center Beach
The brown patch is the walls and brine for sea salt production
Shipwreck on Governor’s Beach
View of Governor’s Beach from Cruise
Governor’s Beach
View of Governor’s Beach from Cruise
Grand Turk Cruise Center
Tour Boats at Grand Turks
Grand Turk Cruise Center
Sunset at Grand Turk
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Visas and Documents
    • U.S. citizens: No visa required, need to carry a valid ID
    • For non-U.S. citizens: Need a valid passport and visa
  • Best Time to Visit: December to May
    • Peak Season: December to March
    • Affordable season: April to May
    • Hurricane Season: June to November
  • Getting there
    • By Cruise Ship: Grand Turk Cruise Center. Arriving by cruise ship is easy as all customs and immigration are taken care by the cruise lines
    • By Air: Fly into Providenciales International Airport
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, swimsuits and a light jacket for the cool evenings. Pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Turks and Caicos is a great place to visit throughout the year
  • The currency is the US dollar and English is the official language
  • There are no direct flights from Europe to the Turks and Caicos, so you will need to connect through the United States or Canada.
  • Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • No public transport, but rental vehicles, taxis, bicycles, and ATVs are available for visitors.
  • Food and groceries are more expensive than in the US. Pack/Drink plenty of bottled water, as the tap water is not safe to drink in some areas.
  • Remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
  • All beaches are public and free to access.
  • Beach Cabanas, snorkel masks, fins, vests, floats, and other accessories can be rented from the Cruise Center Beach huts.
  • The excellent Cruise Center beach, also known as SunRay beach, is very close to the cruise ship pier and has all the facilities like restrooms, showers, beach accessories, restaurants, and gift shops
  • To avoid the cruise crowd, go to Governor’s Beach which is just 1.5 miles away
  • The Boaby Roak Point beach, the southernmost point of the Grand Turk, is just 6 mins walk from the Cruise Center beach and the beach continues on as White Sands Beach
  • The beaches closest to the cruise port are the most crowded so if you desire more privacy, take a shared ride for less than $10 to Pillory beach, English Point Beach, Cockburn Town Beach, or White Sands Beach
  • Depending on your interests there are other activities you can do like scuba diving, snorkeling, ATV tours, Boat tours, Island tours with open air trucks, horseback riding, etc. For more information, visit this link.
Categories
Caribbean

Beaches of Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos

English Point Beach
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Grand Turk is home for many gorgeous beaches. These beaches are well known for their white sand, turquoise color and shallow crystal clear water.

These photos are from our Eastern Caribbean cruise trip during the second week of February, 2019.

Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Pillory beach
Dried Sea Urchin
Pillory beach
Shipwreck on Governor’s Beach
Cruises on dock at Grand Turk Cruise Center. View from Governor’s Beach
Cruises on dock at Grand Turk Cruise Center. View from Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach
English Point Beach
English Point Beach
English Point Beach
English Point Beach
English Point Beach
Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach
Cruise center Beach, View from the cruise
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • All beaches are public and free to access.
  • Beach Cabanas, snorkel masks, fins, vests, floats, and other accessories can be rented from the Cruise Center beach huts.
  • The excellent Cruise Center beach, also known as SunRay beach, is very close to the cruise ship pier and has all the facilities like restrooms, showers, beach accessories, restaurants, and gift shops
  • To avoid the cruise crowd, go to Governor’s Beach which is just 1.5 miles away
  • The Boaby Roak Point beach, the southernmost point of the Grand Turk, is just 6 mins walk from the Cruise Center beach and the beach continues on as White Sands Beach
  • The beaches closest to the cruise port are the most crowded so if you desire more privacy, take a shared ride for less than $10 to Pillory beach, English Point Beach, Cockburn Town Beach, or White Sands Beach
  • Depending on your interests there are other activities you can do like scuba diving, snorkeling, ATV tours, Boat tours, Island tours with open air trucks, horseback riding, etc. For more information, visit this link.
Categories
Caribbean

Nassau, Bahamas

Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
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Nassau is the largest city in the Bahamas and is the capital of the Bahamas. Nassau is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean and the city has a beautiful landscape with crystal clear beaches. Offshore coral reefs are popular for diving and snorkeling. The Bahamas is a member of the Commonwealth and it is an independent country northwest of the West Indies, located 50 miles south-east of the coast of Florida, USA and north of Cuba. The Bahamas are actually in the Atlantic, not in the Caribbean, yet sometimes the Bahamas are encompassed as being islands of the Caribbean.

These photos are from our first ever cruise, Disney Wonder Cruise to Bahamas in the second week of November 2010.

Sunrise in Nassau, View from the cruise ship
Sunrise in Nassau, View from the cruise ship
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
View from the cruise ship
Nassau, View from the cruise ship
Prince George Wharf, Bahamas Port of Call
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
Marine Habitat at Atlantis
Marine Habitat at Atlantis
Marine Habitat at Atlantis
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
Paradise Lagoon, Atlantis Resort
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
Paradise Lagoon, Atlantis Resort
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
A perfect sunset over Nassau, View from the cruise ship
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passports, visas, and other documents.
  • Fly Into: Nassau International Airport.
  • Bahamas Port of Call:  Prince George Wharf.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to April
    • High season: December to March
    • Hurricane season: July to October
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings.
  • Early start is the best way to explore more.
  • Public Beach is a 2 mile round trip from the Cruise port.
  • Avoid walking alone at night and take extra caution of your belongings.
  • Take a stroll along the pier for great photos.
  • In case of taking taxis, take only official taxis (yellow license plates).
  • Taxis are cash only and US currency is accepted everywhere.
  • Remember that driving is left hand side.
  • Top Attractions
Categories
Caribbean

Castaway Cay, Bahamas

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Castaway Cay is a Disney Cruise line‘s private island and privileged only for Disney cruise guests. It is an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships in the Bahamas, near Great Abaco Island. Disney’s Castaway Cay is a tiny 3.1 mile long and 2.2 miles wide island, but offers plenty of activities like waterslides, parasailing, kayaking, a stingray interaction, bike and walking trails, open-air massages, water play areas, fishing, and more.

These photos are from our first ever cruise, Disney Wonder Cruise to Bahamas in the second week of November 2010.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passports, visas and other documents. Check with Cruise lines.
  • Port of Call: Castaway Cay
  • Best Time to Visit: November to April
    • High season: December to March
    • Hurricane season: July to October
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings.
  • Always carry your stateroom key: to disembark or board the ship and for rentals.
  • Best things to do
    • Enjoy the beach.
    • Take a shoreline stroll.
    • Take photos with your favorite Disney characters to make wonderful souvenirs.
    • Rent a bike or use a free shuttle to roam around.
    • Go for kayaking, parasailing, sailboats, and fishing charters (available for rent).
    • Rent a Beach Cabana to relax.