Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

I am proud to be certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as an Elite Cruise Counselor. The Cruise Counselor Certification Program is CLIA's most comprehensive training which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences, and conduct ship inspections. Anita Thompson, Attheta Travel, dba Cruise Holidays.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Beautiful St. Lucia

In a region of beautiful islands, St. Lucia stands out as one of the loveliest. This volcanic Caribbean island is more mountainous that most, and the forested slopes make a stunning contrast to the blue water and beaches of white or dark volcanic sand.

 The islands’ signature twin mountain peaks, the Pitons, emerge dramatically from the sea, rising almost a half a mile into the sky. Near the base of the Pitons is the town of Soufriere, the island’s capital when it was a French colony. After admiring the colorful buildings adorned with decorative gingerbread trim, be sure to visit the Soufriere Drive-in Volcano. Don’t worry – the volcano is dormant, but there are plenty of steam vents and colorful sulphur pools (but, be prepared for the rather strong smell of sulphur).

The island’s current capital, Castries, is the place to browse for duty-free goods like designer perfume and fine crystal, or for hand-made local crafts and souvenirs.

Pigeon Island has served as the home of Carib Indians, a hideout for pirates and a battlefield where the French and the English fought for control of St. Lucia. Visit the museum on the island, located in the restored British officers’ mess building, to learn more about its history. A hike to the ruins of Fort Rodney will provide great views.

 Anse de Pitons, the beach nestled between the twin peaks, is a good place to swim, snorkel or dive. The snorkeling and diving is also great at Anse Cochon, where there’s a sunken ship to explore in addition to a reef teeming with colorful marine life. You can go whale-watching, dolphin-watching or try some deep-sea fishing. Take a helicopter tour over the scenic island, or stay on the ground at the public golf course of St. Lucia Golf Resort & Country Club. If you love waterfalls, plan a hike through the island’s protected rainforest to see some beautiful falls.

Cruises that call on St. Lucia usually call on other islands in the Windward and Leeward Groups of the Western Antilles, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Kitts. To learn more about how you can cruise to these and other gorgeous Caribbean islands, talk with your Cruise Holiday’s personal cruise expert.