12 Great Reasons to Cruise the Caribbean


The Caribbean Islands are classed as a Conservation International Biodiversity hotspot, as they support exceptional diverse ecosystems, with rare and threatened species ranging from reptiles, mammals and birds.

On a Caribbean cruise you get to visit a host of these exquisite islands.

1. The 37 square mile island of St Maarten is the most visited of the Leeward Islands, and is renowned for its bustling nightlife with casinos and discos staying open to the early hours.  With world class duty free shopping, glorious golden beaches and a host of restaurants St Maarten's cosmopolitan atmosphere makes this one of the most vibrant islands in the Caribbean.

2. St Thomas has a wealth of activities and things to see, from the famous Blackbeard's Castle to Buck Island National wildlife Refuge centre, situated 2 miles south of St Thomas.  One of St Thomas's greatest attractions is the Coral World Ocean Park, where you can pet a shark and hand feed a stingray.  Kayak and hiking tours are a great way to see more of the island.

3. Nassau is known for its perfect white sand beaches and aquamarine waters, a perfect combination of cosmopolitan shopping and dining to meandering cobblestone streets where you can get a feel for the real Caribbean. Visit the Atlantis Casino the largest in the Caribbean or for something a little quieter Kafe Kalik which offers fantastic authentic Bahamian cuisine and live music.

4. Grand Cayman offers great first class activities. From George Town Harbour you can explore the depths aboard the Atlantis Deep Dive Submarine the only excursion of its kind, or if you are a scuba diver try the world renowned Stingray City, the world's best 12-foot dive.  Grand caymen has beautiful clear shallow waters fantastic for snorkelling, and a host of great beaches including the Seven Mile Beach.  Take time to stroll around the capital George Town full of lovely boutiques and first rate restaurants.

5. Princess Cays is the private island of Princess Cruises and offers a wealth of water sports from kayaking to snorkelling in the beautiful clear warm waters around the island.  Famed for its party beach atmosphere, and fantastic beach barbeques.   Explore the ocean from a glass-bottom boat, or try your hand at deep sea fishing, or just relax and enjoy a beach side massage.

6. Labadee in Northern Haiti is famous for its Dragon's Breath Zip line, which is not for the faint hearted.  A zip line takes you from one mountain top across the ocean to the other.  For those who want the best vantage point to watch their intrepid travellers there can be no better place than the beautiful Dragon Tail Beach.

7. Grand Turk boasts the most stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs.   Boats take you out to the reef to dive or fish, these perfectly calm water waters are heaven for any keen water sport enthusiasts.  At sundown take a horse ride along the beach and then head to a beach side cafe and enjoy the superb cocktails,

8. Ocho Rios means ‘Eight Rivers', and is an island full of tropical foliage. Famous for Fern Gully a rocky gorge that zig- zags from the Ocio Rios coast to the central mountain area of the island.  The famous Dunn's river falls are the top attraction, climb or swim in the tantasling cool water, also the Eden Falls are equally breathtaking.

9. They say that Cozumel has a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, famous for its coral reefs, deep-sea fishing and diving.  Chankanaab National Park and Santa Sur are ecological reserves and host a myriad of wildlife.  With breathtaking sunsets and secluded beaches Cozumel feels like you are on your own romantic desert island.

10. Dominica boasts the world's second largest boiling lake, and with 365 rivers all rushing towards the sea, this island is lush with vegetation, waterfalls and lagoons.  A paradise for outdoor adventure and known as the Whale and Dolphin watching capital of the Caribbean.

11. Barbados is famous for its people the Bajans, whom are some of the most warm, friendly, and hospitable people in the Caribbean.  Barbados is a coral island, and at the Barbados coral core there is an array of caves and underground lakes which supply some of the purest water in the world.

12. Grand Bahama is a mix of modern attractions and historic charm.  Visit the Garden of the Groves a 12-acre botanical garden filled with waterfalls and fountains.  Lucayon National park contains the most secluded beaches on the island and offers superb snorkelling.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/12-great-reasons-to-cruise-the-caribbean-2995212.html

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