Cruise from New York to the Southern Caribbean
Written by Jeff Heath
Your next vacation is going to be an ocean cruise on a luxury ocean liner to the Southern
Caribbean. Soft salt-air breezes, lounging in the sun on deck chairs, open air aerobics,
dancing till dawn after dining on a 5-star, 5 course, gourmet dinner. Spend afternoons
relaxing in the casino enjoying a friendly game of chance or swimming in a freshwater pool
in the middle of the ocean. The port of calls entice one to enter the world of the tropics
and spend the days snorkeling, diving, beach lounging and fantastic duty-free
 | Courtesy Holland America Cruise Line
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shopping.
Port of Calls Include the Virgin Islands, Barbados, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Grenada
The capital of the United States Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie. This is also one of
the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie is known for its pastel
painted houses, colorful dock along the waterfront and a world-famous shopping center. St.
Johns, Antigua became independent in 1981 from being a British settlement since the 17th
century. St. Johns is the perfect stop for a hiking safari with a panoramic view at 1,200
feet. St. Georges, Grenada was founded in the early 18th century by the French. St.
Georges wraps around the perimeter of the island's natural harbor and is the most
appealing capital in the Caribbean.
Bridgetown, Barbados is at the southernmost port of the island. Crystal clear waters,
miles and miles of white sandy beaches, blue sky and soft south-easterly trade winds mean
you have arrived on Barbados. Whether you arrive by jet or sail in on a luxury yacht or
ocean liner, you have embarked on one of the best vacation experiences in the tropics.
Stretching out on a sandy beach seems the most natural way of life. The lure of the
colorful towns and cities filled with the hub-bub of hustle invites you
to markets and street fairs, boutiques and gourmet dining of world renowned pleasures. For
those looking to take in a game of golf while vacationing in the Caribbean, Barbados is
the island of choice. With some of the region's most luxurious and breathtaking courses,
Barbados has gained unprecedented attention among the world's golf community.
Upon arrival in the port of Fort-de-France, Martinique you feel you have arrived in a
French settlement in the tropics. There are French taxis, sidewalk cafes and streets lined
with boutiques and pastry shops familiar to neighborhoods in Paris. Basseterre, St. Kitts,
the capital, is noted for its rain forests, sugar cane crops and tropical fauna. San Juan
attracts tourists who enjoy gambling casinos, fine beaches, tropical climate and a touch
of the old world. This is the most popular and heavily visited city in the Caribbean. Old
San Juan is a 465-year-old neighborhood that was originally a military stronghold which
has changed into a charming residential and commercial district. The streets are paved
with cobble stones that were brought over from Spain. The town is comprised of some 400
restored 16th and 17th century Spanish buildings. The narrow, steep streets along with the
heavy traffic lends itself best to a walking tour.
Sailing on the Norwegian Dawn with Britto, Warhol, Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir
Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises sailing from New York on the Norwegian Dawn. The
Norwegian Dawn was first launched in 2002 and is 971 feet in length. There is 24-hour room
service, one outdoor pool, one indoor pool, 4 Jacussi, a fitness center, world spa, beauty
salon, 14 bars and lounges, 10 restaurants, a casino, library child-care services,
self-service laundry, 12 elevators, 147 suites and over 1,100 doubles outside and inside
and 515 verandah cabins. Also included aboard is an Atrium gift shop, a 20,000 square foot
department store for duty-free shopping, jewelry and souvenir shops, wine cellar, photo
shop and film developing, kid's water world pool area, internet cafe and wedding chapel
available for weddings and vowel renewals. One of the unique aspects of cruising on the
Dawn is the rare art collection on display. No other ship in the world offers such a
display of original art. Imagine stepping outside your cabin and seeing an original Romero
Britto or Andy Warhol displayed in the hallway. The Le Bristro restaurant displays Monet,
Van Gogh, Matisse and Renoir in its decor.
Cruise the Southern Caribbean on the Cunard Queen Mary 2
The Queen Mary 2 is not only the largest, longest, tallest and most expensive ocean liner
in the world - the Queen Mary 2 makes you feel like royalty when you dare to sail with
her. Her 14 decks, 5 pools, 10 restaurants, planetarium, Canyon Ranch Spa, personal butler
and concierge services all surround you in an unsurpassed experience of luxury. You will
be indulged with champagne and truffles and you may have your spirit rejuvenated at yoga
classes and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. The Queen Mary 2 has a grand ballroom and a
full-circle promenade deck. There are activities such as the Oxford Discovery and a
full-scale planetarium. After a 5-star dinner served upon Wedgewood china, you may dance
until dawn in the grand ballroom or enjoy a sporting game in the Empire Casino. There is a
branch of Harrods aboard to fill your shopping needs, a book shop, bridge and dance
instructions, computer learning center, aerobics and classical performances by
world-renown.
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