Now that the cat’s out of the bag, everyone is wanting to know one main thing: So we’re going on a cruise, but where are we visiting?
We will be taking the Eastern Caribbean sailing on the Oasis of the Seas in 2011. Embarking in Fort Lauderdale, here are the three ports that we will be stopping at:
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas:
Did you know that this Caribbean island is known as the Duty-Free shopping capital of the world? It’s true! You can bring home $1200 in merchandise without paying any duty!
Also home to beautiful beaches, St. Thomas has a lot to offer! Here are some of the things to do as per Royal Caribbean:
- Take a ride on Skyline Drive and enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbor. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Check out Coral World Marine Park, where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail.
- Sit back and enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove.
- Submerge yourself in a sci-fi adventure. Trek around coral reefs and get up close and personal with the marine life on the Atlantis Submarine.
- Experience a bird’s-eye view of the beauty of St. Thomas on an exciting helicopter adventure.
- Travel 700 feet above the sea via skyride to The Paradise Point and see the most fantastic vistas in the Caribbean.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten:
Our next stop is the famous “split in half” island of St. Maarten. With a Half French and Half Dutch heritage, we’ll be stopping in Philipsburg on the Dutch side to check out its endless beaches and cheap shopping!
For those who’d like to explore further, some more great things to do on this island:
- Rendezvous at one of the newest and trendiest restaurants in French St. Maarten. Explore Orient Bay, the French Riviera of the Caribbean, with over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches.
- Admire the delicate nature and dazzling colors of hundreds of butterflies as you tour St. Maarten’s popular Butterfly Farm.
Tour the saltwater lagoons by kayak, and discover egrets, plovers, heron and pelicans. - Discover the undersea world of coral reefs and exotic fish as you take a snorkeling expedition through Shipwreck Cove.
Nassau, Bahamas:
Our final port of call will be the popular Nassau, Bahamas! Home to the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, there are numerous things to see and do here:
- Take a break and relax on your own semi-private island. Located just a short boat ride away from Nassau, Blackbeard’s Cay is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. Or better yet, check out the Stingray Adventure. This amazing experience could easily be the highlight of your trip.
- Relive the swashbuckling past on an exciting pirates and dungeons tour of Fort Charlotte and the Pirates of Nassau Museum. (Eye patches and peg legs not included.)
- Go on a glass-bottom-boat tour for a glimpse into the underwater world of the Bahamas.
- Snorkel with the stingrays at Blue Lagoon Island.
- Visit Predator Lagoon where you’ll see sharks, barracuda and many other creatures from the deep.
- Dance the calypso and sip a refreshing rum punch while sailing aboard the 85-foot Yellowbird.
- Marvel at the flora and watch the famous “marching” flamingoes at Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Center.
- For an exciting adventure, hop on the powerboat Thriller, Nassau’s fastest ride. Enjoy Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island and many other amazing spots.
The cruise will then take us back to Fort Lauderdale, ending our week. Sounds good to you? Are you in? Stay tuned for more information over the next weeks. We’d love to have you onboard!
