Southern-Caribbean Cruise from FORT LAUDERDALE to BRIDGETOWN aboard Princess Cruises - Sea Princess

Ft. Lauderdale

The Seminole Indians were the original inhabitants of the area now known as Fort Lauderdale. The city itself was named for Major William Lauderdale, who led a group known as the Tennessee Volunteers into the area during the Seminole War.

Fort Lauderdale began as an agricultural community, full of citrus groves. By the 1960?s, the city took on a new identity as the place for college students to come for spring break. Hedonism and public drunkenness became the norm for much of the next twenty years, but the residents of the once sleepy town decided to take it back from the rowdy youngsters. The police began to make their presence known a little more, and soon Fort Lauderdale was off the list of top Spring Break destinations.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is a little closer to its roots, with a gentle breezy demeanor to it. You can still have a good time here, exploring the 300 miles of waterways that led to the labeling of Fort Lauderdale as "the Venice of America." There are places to rent boats, and plenty of opportunities to take a boat tour around the city. Or, get really acquainted with the water by snorkeling or diving in the Atlantic.

There is still plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale. Take a water taxi to some of the area's best restaurants and bars. Stroll along busy Las Olas and visit the eclectic shops and art galleries.

The sports enthusiast will get his fill here. Tennis courts and golf courses are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale. It's just a matter of deciding which one to play on. Choose from baseball, football, or jai alai. You can even place a bet at the greyhound racetrack.

The nature lover can check out over 500,000 acres of Florida Everglades, which are part of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. The Everglades, which were formed by the constant overflow of nearby Lake Okeechobee, are home to flamingos and alligators, among others.

Of course, if you're visiting Florida, chances are that you will want to hit the beach, and there is ample space for everybody along Ft. Lauderdale's beautiful coastline. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine here every year, so enjoy!

St. Martin

St. Maarten & St. Martin are two fascinating Caribbean countries that share a single island of only 40 square miles in size. In the year 1649, this Caribbean nation split in two; with the Dutch inhabiting the southern portion of the island, and the French inhabiting the north. Today, a peaceful coexistence between the two governments make both nations a charming getaway that welcomes all visitors to bask in their ample beaches, fabulous duty-free shopping, terrific nightlife, exciting casinos, and world-class dining.

If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the quiet and tranquility of the Caribbean, then you might be tempted to look elsewhere, for in recent years, especially after the massive and impressive rebuilding projects on the island following Hurricane Luis in 1995, St. Maarten/St. Martin has become a tourist mecca. But locals are stilly friendly, attractions are plentiful and affordable, and if you are drawn to a variety of water-sports and sport fishing opportunities, then the island is perfect for you.

There are two capital cities on the island, one for the Dutch side, and one for the French. Phillipsburg, St. Maarten is by far the largest city on the island, and the number one destination for cruise-ship passengers. Founded in 1763 by John Phillips, the city has evolved into a major port of call. Stroll through the town and visit Front Street, where you can shop for everything under the sun and enjoy some of the very best bargains anywhere in the Caribbean. The city is a hustling and bustling capital that is the epitome of the progress this island has made in recent years. As you head north to the French side of the island you will come across Marigot, St. Martin. Here you will be treated to a far more serene town that will remind you of a small French seaside village.

If time permits, then a small drive to Grand-Case is well worthwhile. Here you will find a quaint fishing village that has escaped the over-development of other parts of the island. Instead, you can soak in the beauty of the Caribbean surroundings in relative tranquility and dine on some of the best local cuisine available.

St. John's

Surrounding a small but beautiful harbor, and east of the Avalon Peninsula, St. John's, the capital city of Newfoundland, is the easternmost city in all of North America. The heritage and history of St. John's are inspiring, and in the beginning of the 16th century, Europeans started to pay particular attention to the bustling harbor. Because of its seaside location and close proximity to lucrative fishing sites, St. John's soon became famous, and attracted Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese sailors and fishermen. Explorer John Cabot sailed into the harbor of St. John's on June 24, 1497, which is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Cabot founded the city and named it in honor of his country's beloved saint. St. John's is officially recognized as being the oldest city in North America founded by Europeans, and is Newfoundland's major commercial and financial center.

Even with a modest population of 100,000, the attractions in St. John's are varied and vast. Great restaurants, shopping complexes, and lively pubs line the streets, making for spectacular evenings for those who partake in the active nightlife. Northgale and The Cellar are the two premier dining engagements in St. John's, featuring exquisite cuisine and lovely decor. Signal Hill is an incredible landmark that charms everyone who visits, and the Newfoundland Museum is pleasantly informative. The trees and trails of Pippy Park dazzle the young and old, and the accompanying Fluvarium is an enchanting ecological wonder. The actual harbor itself is quite working class, and collections of oil tankers and huge sea vessels are always nearby. St. John's is known as the most colorful city in the province, and the vibrant trees and flowers of the protected areas certainly convinced me.

Barbados

Barbados is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 1000 miles east of the Netherlands Antilles chain. In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese "discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which translates to "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards. Despite the Spanish name, there is virtually no Spanish influence that remains. The British landed a century later, and ruled the island until 1966. It was at that time when Barbados claimed its independence. The English culture, however, is alive and well, and this can be observed by the sport of choice on Barbados. Cricket is the featured game, and, in per capita terms, there are more Barbados born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.

The capital, Bridgetown, is a marvelous city full of bustling activity and breathtaking surroundings. The island itself is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Barbados is quite flat, and the highest point is Mount Hillaby at 1,115 feet. Sugarcane is the crop that has sustained Barbados for decades. The valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of this sweet plant. The people in the city of Bridgetown are especially friendly and hospitable, and they had better be, because tourism is the island's most profitable industry. Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the government of Barbados is stable and the business community sophisticated. The population is 260,000, and a great number of them live in or around Bridgetown. The perimeter of Barbados is gorgeous white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and flat grasslands.

All of the facilities on Barbados, and particularly in Bridgetown, are fabulous. The city of Bridgetown and all of the luxurious west coast has been named the Platinum Coast by British vacationers. Fine dining, scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the fabulous activities of Barbados. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the rich heritage of the island, and so many of the locations combine education and entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable, and Barbados has a terrifically active nightlife. A combination of European and strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and fascinating ambiance everywhere you go.

Kingstown

St. Vincent, located in the British Windward Islands, is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 100 miles east from the Netherlands Antilles chain. The English culture is alive and well here on St. Vincent, and this can be observed by the sport of choice, cricket. Cricket is the featured game on the island, proving that British culture permeates their lifestyle even though the Mother Country is so far away.

Kingstown is the capital of St. Vincent, and it is a marvelous city full of bustling activity and breathtaking surroundings. The plant life and tremendous array of flowers are the most striking aspects of this area. The valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of gorgeous shrubbery. The people in the city of Kingstown are especially friendly and hospitable, as well they should be, because tourism is the area's most profitable industry. Until recently, St. Vincent was known as a quiet little island with nothing really to do. It is only recently that tourism has really exploded, and this is in direct correlation to all of the new amenities on the island. Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the government of St. Vincent is stable and the business community is sophisticated. The perimeter of St. Vincent is a combination of striking black and gorgeous white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and flat grasslands.

All of the facilities on St. Vincent, and particularly in Kingstown, are fabulous. Everything is clean and new, and this is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Fine dining, scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the many wonderful activities on St. Vincent. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the rich heritage of the island, and so many of the attractions combine education and entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable, and St. Vincent has an understated but fairly active nightlife. A combination of European and strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and enjoyable atmosphere everywhere you go.

Bonaire

Bonaire is the marine life capital of the Caribbean, a "Diver's Paradise" full of deep sea treasures. For both diving and snorkeling, Bonaire is one of the premier locations in the entire world. In fact, it is said that it is easier to scuba dive in Bonaire than anywhere else on earth. Bonaire, French for "good air," is in fact not a French Island. This luxurious paradise is fifty miles north of Venezuela, and is the middle island in the ABC Netherlands Antilles chain (with Aruba and Curacao being the A and C).

The first human inhabitants of Bonaire arrived there over a thousand years ago. They were an Arawak tribe who sailed from Venezuela and lived uninterrupted for 500 years. In 1499 Europeans arrived, and then in the early 1900's oil was discovered in Venezuela, so Bonaire became a primary refining center.

Bonaire's beaches are uncrowded and intimate. The island is a mere 112 square miles, and varies between three to seven miles wide. It is shaped like a boomerang, and so comfortable that you will feel like the island is your own personal resort.

Diving is the main attraction for visitors of Bonaire, but you will find that there truly is much more. The animal and marine life alone is enough to fascinate and perplex even the most seasoned traveler. Among the most exotic creatures on the island are giant iguanas, blue-tailed lizards, wild donkeys, fluorescent lora parrots, and feral goats. Per square foot, there is more cacti in Bonaire than anywhere except the deserts of the southwest and Mexico.

The friendly locals of Bonaire are a perfect complement to the beauty and tranquility that envelops all that inhabit the island. A cornucopia of ancestries, you will find people of African, Dutch, and South American descent. Expatriates from the U.S., Australia, and Britain can be found as well. The majority of Bonaire's inhabitants live in or around the capital city, Kralendijk. Kralendijk is located on the West Coast of the island, home to the majority of the nightlife, exploratory sights, and dining facilities. Bonaire combines relaxation, excitement, and beauty, truly a marvel of nature. This miniature landscape may be geographically small but it is simply wonderful.

Curacao

Montego Bay

The word Jamaica conjures up strong images in everyone's mind. Whether it's visions of impeccable Caribbean beaches or the thought of smoke wafting away from Bob Marley's lips, this small island has made a large impression on the world's stage.

Jamaica's history is similar to that of other Caribbean islands. In 1494, Columbus sailed into Montego Bay and named it Fair Weather Bay. Soon after, the Spaniards came here to hunt wild hogs and export lard. The bay became known as Manteca Bay, (Manteca is Spanish for lard) and eventually, Montego Bay.

Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba, and trails only its neighbors Cuba and the Dominican Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400 square miles. Inland, Jamaica is lush and green, with a mountain range that contrasts sharply with the coastline.

Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis courts, and five-star restaurants.

Mo Bay, as it is affectionately known, got its start as a tourist destination in the early 20^th Century. As early as 1908, the city advertised itself as a haven for weather-weary Americans, but it didn't catch on until the 1940?s, when the mineral springs of Doctor's Cove Beach started to attract the affluent traveling class.

In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and a rising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation.

Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island paradise.

Basse-Terre

Guadeloupe belongs to the Leeward Islands, the island chain directly north of the Windward Islands, where Martinique is found. Dominica separates the two cousin islands, but they are often thought of as neighbors. Guadeloupe is actually comprised of two islands that are joined by a very narrow channel of water called the Riviere Salee. Basse-Terre, in the west, is more mountainous than its eastern sidekick, Grande-Terre.

The island was originally settled by the Arawak Indians. They met their end at the hands of the invading Carib Indians, for whom this entire region of the world is named. Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover Guadeloupe, on November 3, 1493. The Caribs resisted European settlement for centuries, but fighting and disease finally killed most of them off. The French eventually settled Guadeloupe in the 1600?s.

Guadeloupe is under the auspices of the French, which means that the French franc is the official currency here. French is the official language, although an influx of American tourism has allowed English to become more widely spoken in recent years.

The city of Basse-Terre is on the southwest corner of the island with the same name. It is the administrative capital of the island of Guadeloupe, if not its most popular destination (that honor goes to Pointe-a-Pitre).

Basse-Terre's main attraction is a pair of natural wonders. La Soufriere, is an active volcano east of Basse-Terre. Peaking at 4,800 feet, the volcano has not erupted since 1975, but the threat of another eruption looms over the region. Standing in stark contrast to La Soufriere is the Parc Naturel de Guadeloupe, a nature reserve covering around twenty percent of Basse-Terre, with native plants and animals finding sanctuary here.

Guadeloupe is not an island for the timid. The best attractions are hidden, and take time and effort to unearth. A day spent only in Basse-Terre will do little to educate you on Guadeloupe's beauty. If you take a ferry trip to Guadeloupe's smaller satellite islands, Iles des Saintes, you will be enchanted.

Dominica

Dominica is part of the Windward Islands. The Windwards are made up of four main islands: Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These islands are not considered to be the heavy tourist attractions, as compared to their Caribbean neighbors, but this is a plus, as they are far enough off the beaten path to afford the adventurous traveler the pristine natural beauty this region has to offer.

Dominica has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, with various native tribes calling the island home over the millennia. The original settlers, the Ortoroid people, came, went and were replaced by the Igneri in about 400 AD. They lived here peacefully for the next thousand years, until the aggressive Carib tribe made their way up from South America and took over the island in 1400. Christopher Columbus was the first European to find the island, and he named it Dominica because he arrived here on a Sunday, November 3^rd, 1493. As a result, the 3^rd of November remains a national holiday here.

Dominica offers some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery in the world. The island only covers 290 square miles, measuring 29 miles from north to south and 16 miles from east to west. But the amount of scenery crammed on to this tiny island paradise is enough to take up the better part of a year, if only you had the time. Volcanic fissures form a perennially boiling lake, the second largest such lake in the world. Rare breeds of bird, including Jacquot and Sisserou parrots, make their home here. A local myth has it that there are 365 rivers in Dominica, one to explore each day of the year.

You will want to pack good shoes for your excursion to Dominica, as the best way to see everything there is to see here is by hiking. Scuba divers will also be in paradise here, as some beautiful coral reefs and rare fish can be seen in Dominica's mind-blowing crystal clear waters.

Most travelers spend the majority of their time in Roseau, Dominica's capital city, which is located along the southwest corner of the island. The rainforest is a little more inland, covering 17,000 acres in the southern part of Dominica.

English is widely spoken, as it is the official language of Dominica, but you'll be able to brush up on your French patois, if you are so inclined. The Creole influence is heavy here, in everything from crafts to local foods.