Unspoiled Caribbean: Dominica

By -
In a region of beautiful islands, Dominica is prized for its exceptional and unspoiled natural attributes. The island’s lack of commercial development means that much of its mountainous interior is best seen on foot. If you venture along the trails, which range from easy to challenging, you’ll be rewarded by the lush surroundings of rainforests, waterfalls, and natural freshwater pools.

As your ship approaches the town of Roseau (larger ships) or the town of Portsmouth (smaller ships), the island may look familiar – it’s had a starring role in a number of pirate movies. But, seeing the island on the movie screen can’t compare with being there in person. Jagged cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, mango and banana trees sway in the breeze, and whales can be spotted in the deep water around the island all year long.

 If you’re up for a fairly strenuous hike, Dominica’s Boiling Lake is one of the world’s largest hot springs (its impressively high temperature is due to hot gasses that escape through a crack in a volcanic crater). Another of Dominica’s top sights, the beautiful Emerald Pool in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, is on an easy, half-mile loop trail.

Dominica is great for bird watching, and Morne Diablotins National Park is home to gorgeous and rare Sisserou parrots. A boat ride on the Indian River is another way to see some of the island’s nearly 200 types of birds.

Dominica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean where descendants of the native Carib tribe still live. On the eastern side of Dominica, about 3,000 Caribs live in a special territory that includes a model Carib village. Look for intricately woven larouma reed baskets, a traditional Carib handicraft, available for sale around the island.

The waves are gentler on Dominica’s west side, and there are some narrow, sandy beaches where you can swim, sun, snorkel and dive. For a truly memorable snorkeling experience, visit Champagne Beach, where small gas bubbles rise from the volcanic sea floor. You’ll feel like you’re gliding through an enormous glass of Champagne.

To find out how you can cruise to the pristine island of Dominica, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
 
 Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel

Popular posts from this blog

Zip Line Adventures

By -
Zip lines – gravity-propelled, off-the-ground pulley and cable systems – are booming in popularity and are in high demand as cruise shore excursions. The cruise lines meet their guests’ desire to zip through the air, offering zip line adventures in many ports around the globe. It’s a great way to see scenery – forest canopies, mountains, remote waterfalls – that would be difficult to see from a lower vantage point. Zip lines had humble beginnings, serving as practical transportation down mountains or across river valleys. Today, most zip lines are used for entertainment and adventure: riders say the feeling is something like flying. Reputable zip line operators follow careful procedures; steel cables and strong harnesses assure comfort and safety, along with an exhilarating experience. Since 2007, more than 40,000 cruise ship guests have ridden the zip line at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, where the adventure begins with a scenic ride up the mountain (keep an eye out for...
Read more

Letter from Cruise Holidays

By -
At Cruise Holidays, the health and safety of our clients is always top of mind. As the coronavirus situation evolves, we want you to know that we are working hard to stay up-to-date on all the facts so that we can help address any of your travel concerns. We’re here to help you travel smarter. We are also in constant contact with our suppliers (i.e. airlines, hotels, tour operators and cruise lines) to understand their latest policies and terms to benefit all of our clients whose travel has been impacted. Here is some information that may be helpful. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resources: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring the situation in real-time. Both organizations have issued guidance for preventing exposure to respiratory illnesses. Older adults or those with chronic medical conditions may want to seek the advice of a medical professional. Travel warnings and advisories: Both the U.S. State Department ...
Read more

Dining With the Kids

By -
One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry. One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these). The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegeta...
Read more