Bridgetown - Barbados
About a mile from the capital bridgetown, the islands modern cruise ship terminal offers car rental, taxi services, sightseeing tours, and a tourist information office, plus bars, restauranrs an internet cafe, post office and of course shops. Retail stores, duty free shops and a plethora of vendors selling arts and crafts, jewellery, liquor, china, crystal, electronics, perfume, leather goods as well as great local source and punch de creme , a creamy rum drink.

Mount Gay's historic distillery is conveniently located five minutes away from Bridgetown in a picturesque setting across from the sea. Production at Mount Gay is particularly interesting, because Mount Gay Distilleries has adhered to many of the old, traditional methods of making rum.

If you like nature, hiking (at any level), plants, culture and natural history, then Welchman Hall gully must not be missed,Since Barbados does not have many remaining tropical landscapes that are easily accessible

Tourists to Harrison's Cave can access the subterranean environment on a tramway, The caves were opened as a tourist attraction in 1981. The caves allow visitors to see some of the most beautiful natural geological features of Barbados. It is now Barbados' Number One attraction

The house is open daily form 10am until 5pm and unlike most stately homes all rooms are open for viewing, where you can delight in its treasure trove of antiques, china, glassware and antique prints. In the grounds you will see the largest collection of horse drawn carriages in the entire Caribbean region

Experience the award winning Atlantis submarine tour which is one of the most highly recommended things to do in Barbados for families

Paynes Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island of Barbados for obvious reasons. Its stretch of white sand is lapped by warm, calm waters that make this area a great one for swimming, especially for families with small children.
Barbados differs from the rest of the Caribbean in small but distinctive ways. Geographically, it is the furthest east of any country in the Sea (100 miles from St. Lucia), not to mention one of the most diverse. Divided into eleven different parishes, they are each separate entities with different ways of life - moving from the capital city of Bridgetown towards the expensive villas to the west or to the busy bars of the south is as different as taking a ferry between, say, Dominica and Guadeloupe. Culturally, Barbados island is exceedingly British. Tea time, cricket matches and English pubs are firmly entrenched into everyday life here.
Of all the different locations on Barbados island, the three most popular are the luxurious west coast, the area surrounding the capital city, and the southern coast, where the party ends at dawn. Usually.
The capital city of Bridgetown is another tourist favorite. Not only do you get instant access to some of the most scenic Barbados beaches (the ever-popular Brighton Beach, for instance), you get to see the rich culture reflected in the city architecture. Other than the glistening acres of sugarcane that lie in the center of the island, Barbados history is best reflected here - not to mention that most of the nations population resides around the busy port. A sense of British sophistication mixed with the elegant Caribbean lifestyle is a wonder to behold. Not to mention that just south of the city is another enclave of posh Barbados villas, though not nearly as secluded as their cousins to the north.
But the finest part of Barbados Island lies on the shining southern coast. Thousands (no, really, thousands) of rum shops (island translation: bars) are found on the island, with the multitude of them located along the Barbados beaches here. Another island tradition here is the "fish fry," when villages become party central, and drinks, dancing and heroic amounts of food are laid out for anyone to enjoy. Calypso, soca and steel drum are alive and well here, and insanely popular. The price of all this fun is relatively small, too, making this a fantastic destination for the budget traveler.
About a mile from the capital, Bridgetown, the main cruise terminal has docking capacity for five cruise ships. A sixth can tie up at a nearby commercial pier, a five-minute shuttle ride from the terminal.
Castries - St Lucia
 Castries the capital has grown up around an extinct volcanic creater thats now a large harbour surrounded by trees.
 Most cruise ships arrive at the fairly new pier at pointe seraphine within walking distance of castries and boasting the islands best shopping centre.
 Reduit Beach St Lucia has been voted as the top beach in the Caribbean by UK's Independent newspaper and has grown to be the most popular of St Lucia beaches among tourist who visit the island.
 This delightful beach is located on St. Lucia's southern coast , 0.2 miles from Pigeon Island National Historic Park - features a 45-acre spot that is well visited for its views of northern St. Lucia. There hiking trails to the WWII fort, a viewpoint, and beaches.
 An adventure on this fabulous 140ft Brig is featured in several movies, including Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean visits different sites on different days
St. Lucia has historically attracted two groups of people: pirates and honeymooners. The twin mountains of the Caribbean island helped pirates navigate while the dense rain forests provided excellent locations to disappear into. The colorful wildlife and secluded St. Lucia resorts have long been a favorite for newlyweds, despite the lack of pristine white sand beaches that the Caribbean is known for. A St. Lucia vacation is more than just a day on the sand – botanical gardens, waterfalls and scenic mountain escapes are available to any visitor.
The city of Soufriere is located on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia. If you hear the locals tell it, this is the ultimate in a St. Lucia vacation. The scenic capital city, strolling the streets is like returning to colonial France. The steep and narrow roads of the oldest town on the island parade visitors from all around the world – the finest restaurants are located here, and epic fish feasts provide fun, music and ridiculous portions of seafood into all hours of the night. Soufriere is also right at the foot of the island"s imposing Piton mountains – no St. Lucia vacation is complete without a few leisurely hikes up one of the landmarks.
St Lucia rainforest tours take the lead in island excursions. They are one of the best ways to explore this naturally diverse and ecologically unique environment. The tropical island rainforest is comprised of many special elements that together comprise an ecosystem so special people come from all over the world to discover it. For some, the very special Amazona Versicolor, a rare island bird, is enough of a draw to book vacations to St Lucia. For others, it's the exoticism of island's backdrop that sets the path for curiosity.
Most cruise ships arrive at Pointe Seraphine, within walking distance of the center of Castries. Two mid-to-large sized cruise ships can be handled. If more ships are in town, they will dock at Port Castries, an industrial terminal on the other side of the colorful harbor. Some smaller lines, such as Star Clippers, Seabourn, and Clipper, visit other sites around the island, anchoring off Rodney Bay to the north or Soufrire to the south and carrying passengers ashore by tender.
|
St Kitts
 The capital city of basseterre where the docks are located has typical british colonial architecture and some quaint buildings and a few shops.
  The St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes passengers on a 3-hour tour that makes a 30-mile circle around the beautiful Eastern Caribbean island of St. Kitts, with 18 miles by narrow gauge train and 12 miles on sightseeing buses
 The 38 acre brimstone fortress, dubbed "the Gibraltar of the east" is situated on the upper slopes of an 800 foot high mountain with superb views all around.
 An amazing fully supervised St Kitts Quad Bike tour that takes you on an exploration off the beaten track. An exciting Caribbean 4X4 self driving safari
 If you're into people watching and doing the "beach thing," _frigate_bay is the island's busiest beach. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented and many water sports are available such as jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and banana boating. The calm, warm waters of the Caribbean are ideal for swimming and you'll find many beautiful shells along the coastline. Don't miss the famous Monkey Bar and the Sunset Grill, a beach side full service restaurant and bar
Breadfruit tress line the roads as a warm breeze lazily sweeps the pavement. Converted plantations are everywhere - no longer housing sugarcane but visitors to St. Kitts island. And though St. Kitts and Nevis are forever interlocked as sister countries, both remnants of British colonies, each island has different ways of getting by. Though one thing they both have in common is: how well your day went is generally directly related to how many hours you spent in a hammock. And while relaxation is the norm along the beaches of the Caribbean, it is taken to new levels in St Kitts and Nevis.
Nevis sells itself as the untamed half. There are no traffic lights on the entire island. You are equally likely to find a wandering goat on the road as you are a vehicle. But only the former will try to eat out of your hand. While the greater percentage of visitors arrive by ferry, making Nevis a day-trip afterthought on many a Caribbean vacation (preferring the more refined St Kitts beaches, restaurants and nightlife), the untapped wildlife and high-quality resorts make Nevis a great place to stay. While a lot of the St. Kitts hotels are converted sugar plantations, there is hardly another form of lodging on Nevis. They are uniformly prestigious and well-maintained, operated by locals living on-site. The only drawback is that they are often not on the beach – but given the small area that Nevis occupies, “not far” from the beach is certainly a relative term.
St. Kitts island is the more popular of the two islands. Larger, with more beaches and a wider range of places to stay, this island also offers far more in terms of activities and opportunities. Rain forest hikes and horseback riding are common pursuits for travelers, and the fantastic golf courses are another important aspect of St. Kitts tourism. Both of the golf resorts are attached to a St. Kitts hotel and offer discounted prices for their guests.
St. Kitts island also is home to Mt. Liamuiga. This dormant volcano, nicknamed Mt. Misery, is a sloping hike through the rain forests where, if you look closely, you may be able to see some of the Vervet monkeys that call the forest home. Don"t worry about the nickname, though. The hike is far from miserable.
Friar's Bay, just a short cab ride away from the main city of Basseterre, is by far the most popular St. Kitts beach. Many of the plantations converted to St. Kitts hotels are in the general vicinity and this bay is also where you"ll find the small vestiges of bars that pass for nightlife – which is actually a good thing, as it's never hard to find where both locals and tourists are, especially in the small hours of the night.
Sometimes overlooked in favor of St. Martin and Anguilla as far as destinations for fine cuisine, these islands more than hold their own in comparison. Both St. Kitts and Nevis also have an assortment of fine restaurants – meals here are generally considered highlights of any Caribbean vacation. Although they have little more than the usual Caribbean fare found on most islands, quality is definitely put before quantity on these islands. Nowhere will you find better Arawak chicken or fresher lobsters.
|
Fort de France - Martinique
 cruise ships dock atthe Pointe Simon terminal. It's located downtown, right in the heart of the waterfront, and the city's eateries, shops and historic attractions are nearby or the Tourelles Terminal. Located on the edge of the city of Fort-de-France , it's a 15-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride to the Centre of town.
 Defaced statute of empress josephine in downtown la savane, a 12 acre formal park with palms , mangoes and manicured lawns in the center of fort de france
 Fort-de-France has an abundance of boutiques selling the latest Paris fashions, as well as items by local designers, and numerous street markets where local handicrafts are on sale. Rue Victor Hugo and its 2 galleries (malls) have clothing and perfume
 Pointe Du Bout is the island's main resort area with some of the most popular beaches. A ferry service operates from the marina, taking visitors to and from Fort-de-France, located directly across the bay.
 Particularly vibrant, La Pointe du Bout and the beach at Anse Mitan host a large number of shops and restaurants and a small, traditional style Creole village (built in 1998 by the municipality), which also houses several businesses.
Martinique is a French island in the Caribbean and an integral part of the Windward Islands, also known as the Lesser Antilles, and part of the chain of French Caribbean Islands. The French Islands, or the French West Indies, include Martinique, St Bart's, St Martin, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. On Martinique, the majority of natives and visitors gather on the western side of the island of Martinique. The western coastline is flanked by the beautiful Caribbean Sea, providing easy access to the island's of Dominica and St Lucia via regular cruises. The west is also home to the largest, busiest, and most exciting city, Fort de France.
With the majority of locals on the island of Martinique living in the city and a high concentration of tourists staying there, it's a bustling metropolis full of many exciting attractions and pursuits. Most people on Martinique vacations choose accommodation at the Martinique hotels found in Fort de France. From the city, transportation around the island is effortless with plenty of affordable options when it comes to getting around. Looking at Martinique travel options around the island, rental cars, taxis, buses, and minivans operate all around the area.
Shopping is one of the top things to do in the city and is comparable to many high-fashion areas in France itself. With top designer names to local handicrafts, those who love to shop will love the abundance of shopping opportunities in Fort de France. History and culture also exist throughout the city in form of museums, galleries, and monuments commemorating the colorful island history. The city also plays host to some of the finest and most exciting festivals and events happening each year.
Venturing out of Fort de France, there are myriad Martinique travel options to choose from. For most visitors, the beaches are what they come for and where they spend the majority of their time. The best beaches to visit during Martinique vacations are those found along the southern coast near Les Trois Ilets. Les Salines, Cap Chevalier, Anse Ceron, Pointe de Bout, Le Diamant, and Sainte-Anne are the most notable white sand beaches in the south. The black sand beaches of the north testify to the presence of volcanic activity on Martinique. These beaches flank the warm, Caribbean Sea and are set against a lush green backdrop of rolling hills, intricate rock faces and swaying palms providing stunning scenery to accompany the lovely beaches.
As with most of the French Caribbean Islands, food is a major player in Martinique travel. Food, like shopping, is another integral aspect in French culture, and can be tasted and savored in fine dining restaurants, beachside stalls, city cafes, and local eateries. Creole cuisine, influenced by several fascinating cultures melded into one, offers tastes of exotic spices mixed with plenty of fresh seafood, succulent meats, and local produce to create a blend unlike any other. With fine food also comes fine wine, something the French are famous for. Rivaling the sumptuous wine blends on the island, a large variety of rum distilleries offer regular tours and tastings for visitors. Martinique is actually more famous for its rum than wine and is known world wide for a few of its top brands.
Most cruise ships dock in the heart of Fort-de-France, at the Pointe Simon Cruise Dock, which has quays for two mid- to large-sized vessels. On heavy traffic days, one mega ship, or two smaller vessels, may also wind up docking at the Tourelles Passenger Terminal at the main harbor, a 5-minute cab ride from Fort-de-France. Expansion of the Pointe Simon area is underway, including construction of additional berthing for megaships. When all cruise piers are full, additional ships can dock across from the Tourelles terminal at a commercial pier, about a 5-minute shuttle ride from Tourelles.
|
Oranjestad - Aruba
 Cruise ships arrive at the port of Oranjestad. The three modern terminals have tourist information booths, phones, atms and a handful of shops.Its a five minute walk to the shopping districts of downtown oranjestad.
 The Crystal Casino, across from the waterfront in Oranjestad, is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. It's lavishly decorated with marble, brass, and gold leaf, all lighted by dripping-crystal chandeliers. Live entertainment is featured in the main room each evening, and a long-running Latin dance-and-music show is featured in the adjoining Crystal Theatre.
The only casino actually on the waterfront is the Seaport Casino, which is about half the size of the Crystal and located across L.G. Smith Blvd at the Seaport Marketplace. It's a more casual place, with the usual table and slot machines, plus bingo games on Tuesdays and Sundays. Live entertainment is featured Friday and Saturday nights.
 If you are looking for things to do in Aruba, Atlantis Submarines offers two exciting ways to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea; the Atlantis Submarines tour and the Seaworld Explorer tour - both considered must do tours in Aruba.
 Renaissance Mall is home to luxury brands, like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Chopard, BCBG, Furla and many more.
With over 60 stores, cafés, full-service restaurants, entertainment, Renaissance Mall makes your shopping experience an enjoyable, and exciting one. The Mall is perfectly located in the heart of Oranjestad, a short walking distance from the main street, and opposite of the picturesque Renaissance Marina were you'll find the Atlantis Adventure Center tour office.
 The renowned two-mile-long strip known as Palm Beach is home to glamorous high-rise hotels and dotted by water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants and shops. Calm waters make this a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkelers.
|
Roseau - Dominica
 Most ships dock at Roseau Cruise Ship Berth. It is located right in town and literally just steps away from shops, restaurants and transportation.
 The Dominica Aerial Tram allows visitors a unique opportunity to see life in the canopy of a rainforest. Tram rides take approximately 1.5 hours and a guide provides information on the rainforest while the tram moves along, 80 ft above the forest floor.
The scenery is spectacular with lush mountains, ravines, and waterfalls
 Seated comfortably on your personal ATV, explore remote forested areas that are home to both wild and cultivated flowers, including anthuriums, ginger lilies, orchids, birds-of-paradise, and others.
  Whale Watching on the island is not difficult. A short boat ride brings visitors into contact with the world's largest toothed animal in the calm turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Fishermen, yachters, and marine adventurers report seeing the Sperm Whale at Scotts Head, Roseau, Layou, and Point Round. Dominica is the only country in the world where the Sperm Whale resides all year long, although sightings are most common between November and March.
Dominica is the model getaway for nature lovers. The kaleidoscopic menagerie of wildlife is everywhere you go, from the lush rain forests to the ethereal water, even up to the top of the island's volcanoes. Waterfalls greet hikers as they explore the extensive national parks and divers are sure to speak fondly of Dominica watersports. The entire island is a visual feast: whales and dolphins surround the tiny island and those fond of birdwatching could hardly choose a better location. On the island of Dominica adventure is everywhere.
In comparison to the rest of the Caribbean, Dominica has rocky, uninviting beaches. A volcanic island, black powder covers the Dominican coastline. Since the island of Dominica gets only a fraction of visitors compared to nearby Guadeloupe or Martinique, there are fewer hotels and bars, but that is hardly why anyone seeks out this refuge. Almost the entire landscape is preserved national forests and parks – and each is fervidly protected by the vigilant island's forestry service. The northeast corner of the island is one of the few remaining homes of the Caribs – the indigenous people who give the entire sea its name – a people with a longstanding connection to the storied history of Dominica. The traditional crafts of the Carib Indians are on display throughout the nation – not to mention many fine rum and coffee products. There are also extensive island remedies for nearly every malady, whether physical or mental. The proof that modern times have not yet diluted ties to the history of Dominica.
Dominica adventure tours are rare due to the relatively small tourist industry on the island, so you will have to do much of the exploring on your own. What is available are usually run through one of the few resorts on the island, and involve a variety of dives and hikes. And though the coastline is nothing spectacular – and relatively unsafe to swim in - it is what's underwater that counts. Even the most cursory dive will redefine the word "teeming" for most visitors, and it is easy to see why Dominica adventures are the island's main attraction.
The history of Dominica is another. Though it was eventually colonized by the British, the island remained virtually untouched throughout its foreign rule. Thus Dominica offers a rare glimpse into what the islands must have looked like hundreds of years ago, before tourism, slavery and colonization scratched their marks onto the Caribbean.
Dominica has three cruise ship ports that can each handle one ship at a time. The most frequented is the Roseau cruise ship berth in the heart of Roseau, the country's capital and largest town. The Woodbridge Bay Port is about a mile north of Roseau, and the other is the Cabrits cruise berth, near the northwestern town of Portsmouth, with a tourist welcome center and quick access to Fort Shirley and Cabrits National Park. Additional cruise ships must anchor offshore and tender passengers to the terminal (about 5 minutes).
|
St George's - Grenada
 most ships dock at the melville st cruise terminal, passengers exit through the esplanade shopping mall onto the carenage (st georges main street).enjoy the area's duty-free shops and waterfront restaurants or walk to nearby St. George's
 a tour around the cocoa production area of Belmont Estate is informative, interesting a and comes with a cup of chocolate tea. Afterwards, you can lunch at the upper floor restaurant (the lower is a cafe) overlooking the coco bean drying racks.
 Grand Anse Beach is 2 miles of white sand in a sheltered bay, and is a favourite of many visitors. It is heavily featured in advertisements about the island, and several major hotels are located next to it. It is considered to be one of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean. As the beach is on the western (leeward) side of the island, it is usually well sheltered and calm, and is a favourite with both locals and visitors alike. Grand Anse beach has a lot to offer, from water sports and scuba diving shops, to the vendors market and several good restaurants.
The original Carib inhabitants were first defeated by the French, but rather than concede to their subjugators, the fierce warriors through themselves of the Northern cliffs of the island. The French later gave way to the British in 1783, which began a long chapter of peace in Grenada history – a period eventually ended with the invasion of Grenada.
But ever since, tourists have begun to return to the island, entranced by the native beauty and friendly people. Not even Hurricane Ivan could destroy the island"s thriving tourist industry here, and now much of what was ruined has been patiently rebuilt, and the nation"s splendor is on full display no matter where you go. The capital city of St. Georges is a wonder – a West Indian city that appears little changed since colonial days. Its epicenter is the elegant harbor where ferries, schooners and other assorted watercraft lie, waiting to take eager passengers into the warm water beyond. Experienced and novice sailors alike congregate here year-round, and the main drag is populated with fine seaside restaurants, bars and hotels for both the budget conscious and wealthy alike. In fact, if you can find a listing for cheap flights to Grenada, the rest of your expenses are fairly small, even with stops at the famed rum distillery or the Island of Grenada National Museum.
Many of the extravagant gardens and secluded beaches are free to the public, or cost at most a dollar or two. The Levera National Park and Bird Sanctuary provide nesting seabirds and Arawak ruins, while the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve contains most of the island's best hikes and sights. The former is located on the northeastern ridge of the island, and the latter is in the dead center – both are easily accessible by car or tour from St. George.
Nicknamed the Isle of Spice, Grenada history is mirrored in the countless spice plantations that clutter the inner part of the island. Though most visitors never make it this far, considering the wealth and beauty of so many Grenada beaches and national parks, there are still something to see. But, just like most Caribbean isles, the main draw here are the sun-strewn beaches, and there is hardly a Grenada beach that will disappoint. The most popular are found just south of St. George, particularly Grand Anse. Widely accepted, not only as the top Grenada beach, but as one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean, Grand Anse renders all hyperbole moot. Exaggeration is certainly unnecessary - the warm sand and fragrant air speak for themselves
Two ships at a time can dock at the modern Melville Street Cruise Terminal and one more at the main quay. Up to four vessels can anchor in the picturesque St.George's harbor and send their passengers on a short tender ride to the pier.
|
St John's - Antigua
 Most cruise ships dock at heritage quay in st johns (home to over 40 duty free shops) the islands only town of any size. To your right as you leave the docks redcliffe quay is antigua's most interesting shopping complex.
 nelsons dockyard is a restoration of the dockyard which was used by the Royal Navy during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as a base of operations in the Caribbean Sea. Around ten restored buildings are there, along with ruined forts and historical artefacts. The name is given because Horatio Nelson was at one time commander of the dockyard.
 View from the terrace of admirals inn at nelsons dockyard. Built in 1788 the restored brick building originally stored pitch, turpentine and lead used to repair ships. Lunches usually include pumpkin soup and main courses such as red snapper, grilled steak and lobster.
 Fort James Beach is located at Fort Bay on the northwest coast and only 5-10 minutes drive away from the Cruise Ship dock in St.John’s. Fort James is a very popular beach for both locals and visitors alike
Antigua touches both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and both Antigua and Barbuda are situated in the midst of the Leeward Islands in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. Guadaloupe is to the north and St Barts and St Martin are to the south. Antigua Island is the biggest of all English speaking islands in the region. It is roughly 14 miles long and 12 miles wide and encompasses 110 square miles total. The island of Redonda, and uninhabited atoll, is part of the nation of Antigua. St John's is Antigua's capital and a lively and colorful city full of things to do.
Many tourists choose a vacation to Antigua for several reasons, but the weather is number one. Winter months feature temperatures around the mid 70s and up to mid 80s during the summer season. A low annual rainfall makes it easy to visit Antigua tourist attractions without contending with rainy days. The relatively low humidity is another reason Antigua Island is such an attractive destination. Upon deciding when to go, weather has little to do with the decision and tourists can vacation when it's convenient for them, which is a big plus.
Antigua's main attributes are the beaches that make the island a prime spot for vacations. An incredible 365 beaches are scattered over the meandering coastline with most located within the protected reefs of the Caribbean Sea side. The main resort area is developed around Runaway Bay and Dickenson Bay, around the northwestern island area. This is where the majority of visitors take a vacation to Antigua. For the more isolated beaches, head toward the west and southwest region where less development offers welcome privacy and uncrowded shores.
With a strong resurgence of luxury hotels in Antigua, visitors can escape to lavish facilities where they can just relax, do nothing, and get the royal treatment. Others need to keep active and Antigua Island can serve this need as well with an extensive menu of activities, excursions, and attractions to fill up endless days. Sightseeing in Antigua is exciting and diverse. One of the top sightseeing tours is Fig Tree Drive, akin to 17 Mile Drive along California's beautiful central coast. Fig Tree Drive stretches twenty miles through lush countryside lined by coconut, mango, and banana trees, and dispersed with some charming fishing villages. Devil's Bridge, Nelson's Shipyard, and Shirley Heights are other popular stops. Cruises are another excellent way to see the island.
The incredible number of watersports available creates endless options for fun. Sea kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling and diving, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding are some of the top activities to try out Antigua island. A vacation to Antigua wouldn't be complete without shopping at the many unique boutiques and shops the island over. The best shopping area is in St John's where places like the waterfront at Redcliffe Quay and the shopping and entertainment complex Heritage Quay offer a dizzying array of goods.
History buffs on a vacation to Antigua should not miss the many historical landmarks and monuments found in several areas. From the island's discovery by Christopher Columbus to colonialism to independence from the British, there are many fascinating keys to Antigua's development over the years. Antigua's Carnival—the best of all island events—a host of casinos, and plenty of lavish spas offer even more reason to choose Antigua as your place to get away.
Most cruise ships dock at Heritage Quay or the Nevis Pier, or if both are occupied, the commercial pier at Deepwater Harbour. All are located in St.John's, the island's only town of any size, located on the island's western coast. The three piers have a total capacity of six ships. A handful of smaller vessels drop anchor at Falmouth Harbour, on the English Harbour main road in Falmouth, on the south side of the island. This anchorage is also used for overflow if the St. John's piers are all occupied.
|
Willemstad - Curacao
 As you sail into the harbour at willemstad look out for the quaint queen emma floating pontoon bridge which swings aside to open the narrow channel.close to the famous floating market and next to thr renaisance shopping and entertainment complex.
 Visit the Curaçao Ostrich Farm and make use of this opportunity to see these fascinating birds up close. You will be able to touch them, feed them and even ride them (only for the most daring).
 The Sea Aquarium is a "Great" place to visit for families with children that want hands on activities. You can touch & feed, sea turtles, flamingoes, rays, & nurse sharks. They have live shows in open air natural penned in areas for dolphins & sea lions. There is a touching pool where you can pick up & view starfish, sea urchins & other aquatic life.
 curacao is a shoppers paradise with more than 100 stores lining heerenstraat and surrounding area.the island is famous for its 5lb wheelers od gouda and edam cheese. look out for good buys on french perfume, dutch blue delft, italian silks, japanese and german cameras, jewellery, swiss watches, silver, linens, and leather goods along with island made rum with its distinctive blue color.
 blauwbaai (blue bay) just north of town is the largest and most frequented beach on curacao.
Curacao, the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, is a strange combination of dusty nothingness and luminescent sea, of brightly colored houses and barren landscapes. Just north of the Venezuelan coast, Curacao also boasts the most culturally diverse experience in the Caribbean. Though they are currently under Dutch rule, just like Aruba and Bonaire, they were initially settled by the Spanish, before being developed by the Dutch and populated by a large percentage of Venezuelans and descendants of African slaves – each culture has left their respective mark on the island. But the staples of Curacao tourism remain their serene beaches and exclusive diving resorts.
Most visitors step directly from their Curacao flight and head straight into the capital city of Willemsted. And it"s no wonder why: drive five miles inland in any direction and it looks unnervingly like the desert – there are even giant cacti to make you forget that you are in the Caribbean. But Willemsted is a picturesque place to start exploration of Curacao Island, a charming seaside town that can easily be traveled by foot and offers many of the island"s finest resorts and hotels, not too mention a growing number of casinos for you to spend your evenings. The bustling Punda district of the city offers endless shopping, bars and restaurants for when you need a break from even the finest Curacao beach. You can sit in the cool evening breeze and sip from the blue liqueur that borrows Curacao's name that almost singlehandedly gave the tiny island international renown.
Another attraction of the city is the bizarre architecture, splayed out across the face of the city like a deranged kaleidoscope. Legend has it that one of the city's governors in the 1800s suffered debilitating migraines, which he blamed on the glare from the sun off the city's white-washed buildings. Thus he ordered the entire town to be repainted in a variety of soft pastels.
Almost 40 beaches spread themselves along the outline of the island. Ranging from secluded coves to rocky hotel beaches, a new Curacao beach is always just a few hundred yards away. The popularity of Curacao diving is one of the country's main draws and the teeming reefs will not disappoint, whether you are a novice or veteran of a hundred deep-sea explorations. Many of the Curacao beach resorts cater exclusively to divers, smaller affairs located on the scenic west end of the island. The best example of Curacao diving is located at Westpunt, where tall cliffs lead directly into the warm Caribbean waters. Also located here is the sprawling Christoffel National Park, where the dusty countryside rises into the tallest point of the island. You can bypass hundreds of iguanas, wild goats and countless species of birds on your hike to the top. Less than an hour from Willemsted, the park is just another example of the complete accessibility of Curacao Island.
The most popular Curacao beach is just northwest of the capital, with white sand stretching in every direction. Blauwbaai is the model of every Caribbean postcard you've ever seen. For those who want to avoid the crowds (such as they are) of Willemsted, the tiny fishing village of St. Michel is not too far away from Blauwbaai, and this sleepy hive of human activity allows sunburned visitors a glimpse into everyday life on Curacao island. Continuing northwesterly, you'll find Daaibooi, which is much like Blauwbaai, but less touched by the hand of the Curacao tourism industry. Combining the beaches of Aruba with an interior that is uniquely theirs, there"s little wonder why Curacao continues to grow in popularity each year.
One large cruise ship at time can dock at the recently upgraded megapier just beyond the bridge at Rif Otrobanda, in the heart of Willemstad. Three to four smaller cruise ships may dock inside the entrance channel at the St. Annabay Wharves; there is no anchorage for passenger ships.
|