Out to Sea for Nov.
17/18
By Jim and Barb Fox
Anchors aweigh is
exactly what’s happening as more ships are plying the clear blue waters of the
Caribbean and Bahamas.
Even with the three
back-to-back hits in two weeks last year from hurricanes, that part of the
world retains its claim as one of the top cruise destinations.
Cuba is also
continuing to grow in visits by both ships and passengers.
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| Celebrity and Disney ships disembark thousands of passengers at a Caribbean port. (Jim Fox photo) |
Many new ships
including those with thousands of passengers coming into service have Caribbean
itineraries for year-round, seasonal and splitting with Alaska during prime
season.
There are more than
235 ships with 27-million passengers visiting the Caribbean annually.
The numbers are
sure to grow as cruise lines have on order 50 new ocean-going vessels able to
carry 220,000 passengers over the next 10 years.
As for the largely
irrational mood of the hurricanes, many ports were spared significant damage.
Cruise Critic
website said “most islands with cruise ports made a swift recovery, working to
bring tourism dollars back into the economy just weeks after the storms.”
It reports the
“good news is that every single Caribbean cruise port is open and welcoming
cruise ships and visitors.”
Bon voyage
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| The Pigeon Man of San Juan, Puerto Rico shows off his flock. (Jim Fox photo) |
Travellers looking
to cruise to the idyllic, sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean will have more
than 100 Holland America Line sailings to choose from now through next April.
Ranging from three
to 21 days, guests will have their pick of eight of the line’s premium,
mid-sized ships including the newest addition to the fleet, Nieuw Statendam.
Most of these Fort
Lauderdale departures include a visit to what has been called the best private island
in the cruise industry, Half Moon Cay.
This private,
uninhabited Bahamian island is known for its pristine beaches, exciting shore
excursions, exclusive beach cabanas and child-friendly activities. hollandamerica.com
Princess Cruises continues
its commitment to year-round Caribbean cruises by recently announcing the
summer 2020 program.
The family-friendly
line’s summer vacations feature the popular Eastern and Western Caribbean
itineraries, roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale.
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| The sign says it all at Half Moon Cay private island. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Cruisers will enjoy
the beach, sunshine and island life while sailing aboard Caribbean Princess,
the first Ocean Medallion activated ship delivering enhanced levels of
personalization and guest service.
Among the cruises
is a 21-day Circle Caribbean Adventurer that visits off-the-beaten path
southern ports including Antigua, St. Kitts, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad,
Curacao and Aruba.
Carnival Fascination
resumed its year-round schedule of seven-day southern Caribbean departures from
San Juan, Puerto Rico
last winter.
The ship underwent
an extensive multi-million-dollar dry dock that added a variety of popular food
and beverage facilities.
It sails Sundays on
week-long voyages visiting five tropical destinations: St. Lucia, Barbados, St.
Kitts, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. carnival.com
Cuba is hot, hot, hot
Carnival Cruise
Line will expand its Cuba cruise offerings next year and in 2020 to include the
first sailing from Charleston.
The 3,002-passenger
Carnival Sunshine will be the largest cruise ship ever to call in Havana, said
publicist Vance Gullickson.
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| Brilliant sunsets are guaranteed over the Caribbean Sea. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Carnival is adding 23
sailings of three-to-five days to Havana aboard five ships departing from four
convenient East Coast homeports.
The Sunshine will
cruise from Charleston; Carnival Triumph from Fort Lauderdale; Carnival
Paradise from Tampa; and Carnival Victory and Carnival Sensation from Miami.
Guests can select
from about 20 shore excursions that showcase the island’s vibrant culture,
majestic beauty and centuries-old architectural landmarks.
A variety of
Cuban-themed activities and entertainment is featured such as Havana-inspired
deck parties, trivia contests and salsa lessons.
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| A map of the Caribbean islands. (Association of Caribbean States) |
There’s also an
onboard Cuba expert who discusses the country’s rich history and culture.
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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca
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