The
island of Trinidad is quite different from its neighbors in the southern
Caribbean. The island, about the size of Delaware, is an industrialized nation
with an economy that rests securely on oil and natural gas production. Cruise
ships dock in Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, a regional center of business
and finance complete with skyscrapers.
Venture
into and beyond Port of Spain, and you can find the cultural mix and historic
attractions that make Trinidad a fascinating cruise destination. Start with a
short ride from the dock to the Queen’s Park Savannah, a lovely park ringed by
the “Magnificent Seven,” a collection of historic mansions; the Royal Botanical
Garden, with an amazing collection of exotic
plants; and the Emperor Valley Zoo, with everything from toucans to
tortoises.
Trinidad
is a bird-lover’s paradise, with more than 400 species. The Asa Wright Nature
Center, a former plantation, is now a rainforest enclave that is home to
toucans, cuckoos and parrots as well as an array of butterflies and reptiles.
For the chance to see a scarlet ibis, as well as caimans and anteaters, visit
the Caroni Bird Swamp.
Trinidad’s
sister island of Tobago is known for its serene beaches, but getting there from
Trinidad requires a five-hour round-trip ferry ride, which does not accommodate
the schedule of most cruise ship calls. However, Trinidad’s Maracas Bay, an
hour’s drive from Port of Spain, has a gorgeous, sandy beach lined with palm
trees. For lunch, try a Bake ‘n’ Shark: a fry bread sandwich with grilled pieces
of shark.
Still,
you may want to spend your time on Trinidad enjoying the urban vibe of Port of
Spain, with its incredible cultural diversity. Around the Queen’s Park Savannah,
in the malls along Frederick Street or on Ariapita Street’s Restaurant Row,
you’ll find a terrific mix of restaurants featuring authentic Trinidadian,
Indian, Creole and Chinese food.
For
a true souvenir of Trinidad, pick up a bottle of Angostura Bitters, which is
distilled on the island from a very secret recipe of alcohol, herbs and spices.
To
reserve your spot on a southern Caribbean cruise that calls on Trinidad, talk
with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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