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Showing posts from January, 2018

Cruising the South Pacific

The South Pacific is dotted with idyllic islands – about 7,500 of them. Approximately 500 of them are inhabited, which makes deciding which islands to visit slightly more manageable. A cruise is a wonderful way to see as many islands as possible, gliding over the blue water from one fragrant port to another in comfort and style. The islands that anchor many South Pacific itineraries include Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Fiji. Tahiti . In addition to stunning beauty, Tahiti is known for pearls in a rainbow of colors, including rare black pearls produced by the black lip oyster. You can learn all about the island’s pearl industry and buy some to take home. But, don’t get so wrapped up in pearls that you miss the Papeete Public Market, just a block from the cruise ship dock. The market overflows with colorful fruits, vegetables, and crafts. Enjoy sipping an ice-cold coconut as you watch the flower lei makers at work. Bora Bora . This island has a lagoon that’s generally regarded as ...

Cruising the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, a truly unique spot on the planet, look a little like a science fiction movie set: there are iguanas that swim, immense tortoises that live longer than most people, birds with incredible wingspans, flightless birds, and other unusual creatures. That’s not to mention the surprisingly arid landscape, complete with lava flows, cacti, and leafless shrubs. Still, the islands are no movie set, but a protected treasure. The Galapagos archipelago of small islands is a national park and province of Ecuador, which is about 600 miles to the east. Geographically speaking, the islands are young and seem to be in the midst of an evolutionary process that’s different from any other place on Earth. That’s exactly what makes them such a fascinating destination. Many people who have been to the Galapagos agree that a cruise is the best way to have an immersive experience in these unforgettable islands. It’s possible to travel there on your own, and there are some small h...

Cruising to Puerto Rico

The port city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a mainstay of Caribbean cruising. A variety of cruises from Florida ports call on San Juan; other itineraries sail roundtrip from San Juan, giving you the opportunity for a pre-or post-cruise stay. The island of Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so you’ll see some familiar shops and restaurants, and the U.S. dollar is the local currency. Still, it’s unlike any other place in the U.S., with a unique mix of indigenous Taino, Carib, European and African cultures. If you have just a day in San Juan, don’t miss the old city, a remnant of Spanish colonial days. There are narrow streets of distinctive blue cobblestones winding between buildings that date back to the 16th century. You can see San Jose Church, built in the Spanish Gothic style; Hotel El Convento, built as a convent in 1646; Casa Blanca, home of the Ponce de Leon family; and many other well-preserved buildings of historic and architectural significance. In addition to the ...

The Top Five Things NOT to do on a Cruise

A cruise is an opportunity for to relax and play, join in deck parties, explore new places, indulge your foodie tendencies and dance the night away. But, while you can let your hair down, a cruise isn’t exactly an “anything goes” experience. Here are some important things to avoid doing on a cruise. Don’t throw anything overboard . Not anything, no matter how small, and not even if you think no one can see you. Anything you toss overboard could land on another part of the ship, making it a dangerous practice. The worst thing to toss is a cigarette butt; the wind could blow it back onboard, causing a fire hazard. Tossing anything overboard is enough of a rules violation to have you dismissed from the ship. Don’t skip the muster drill . This drill is mandatory for all passengers; it lets you practice what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. The crew makes sure everyone attends, and the consequences for skipping the drill can be as serious as being dismissed fro...

Options for Australia Cruising

Australia, vast and isolated, brims with unspoiled natural beauty and some very sophisticated coastal cities, too. A cruise is a wonderful way to see this island nation, and a wide variety of cruise options are available. The most basic decision to make about your Australian cruise is whether to cruise between the west coast of the U.S. and Australia or to fly to Australia and make a partial or full circumnavigation along its coastline. Sailing to or from the U.S. is a great choice if you would like to visit other destinations in the South Pacific. Stops along the way may include Hawaii, Moorea, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand. These cruises are usually two weeks in length or more. If you choose to cross the Pacific by air, landing in Sydney will provide the most options for cruises of Australia, although ships depart from other Eastern Seaboard cities like Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide; and, from Perth (Freemantle), the capital of Wester...