Holland Liberation Tour 2015

It is a bond of friendship that has spanned over 70 years and in May 2015, the Dutch people have invited their Canadian liberators, relatives and friends to come celebrate that friendship.

Every year, in the first week of May, there are ceremonies and events that are organized by the Dutch people to honor and remember their liberation from the Nazi occupation by the Canadian troops.

Welcome Again Veterans Foundation with the support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch#5 (Netherlands) are rolling out the welcome mat in 2015, inviting veterans, their families and all Canadians to 8 days of commemoration and activities from May 1-10, 2015.

Host family accommodations are offered in various towns to veterans and/or their immediate family members.  Additionally, there are hotel stay options available in Apeldoorn, Zutphen and Deventer.

For the past 25 years we have partnered with the committees in Holland to facilitate the travel arrangements for Canadians wishing to participate in this program.

Visit our website at www.verstraetetravel.com under the Our Agency tab, Verstraete Travel Specialty and Escorted Tours, for the brochure and booking form.

We can also be contacted at 1-800-565-9267 or 416-969-8100.

Battlefields of Europe Tour – August 2014

Join John Hetherington from August 18-29, 2014, as he travels to the battlefields of France and Belgium.

Battlefields Europe Tour 2014

The Gathering Ireland 2013 – It’s your year to visit the Emerald Isle

Create your own Gathering…Attend a Gathering…or just learn more about Ireland!

By Karen DeBeer                                                                      Travel Expert, Verstraete Travel & Cruises

Invitations have been sent and the preparation has begun. The people of Ireland are hosting The Gathering Ireland 2013, a time for all those scattered abroad whose lineage and heart ties are to the Emerald Isle to return for a visit.

It will be a time to tap the foot along to the strum of the violin and flute in the neighbourhood pub, or to lift a pint of Guinness, experience culinary delights, cheer on the local sporting club and maybe even kiss the Blarney Stone.

Early morning view of Ireland

A recent visit to beautiful Ireland, gave me a glimpse of all the preparation that is taking place for this event. Some of the outstanding highlights of our trip included:

Ancient Castles.  Dublin Castle is well worth a visit.

Magnificent Irish castle

Tours.  Take a tour of the impressive library at Trinity College and view the Book of Kells.

Theatre.  Enjoy an evening at the Gaeity Theatre featuring “Conversations on a Homecoming” by Druid Murphy.

Pub Crawls.  Spend a lively evening doing a Literary Pub Crawl of Dublin.

Karen toasting to Ireland

Farmer’s Markets.  Take a leisurely stroll to the Limerick Milk Market.  We met with Peter Ward, who is a board member of Good Food Ireland, a marketing group promoting the use of Irish artisan food in the hospitality industry. Limerick is well-known from the Frank McCourt book “Angela’s Ashes” and King John’s Castle.

Irish Farmer’s Market

Castle resorts.  Dromoland Castle is a five-star resort, set on pristine grounds, which offers falconry demonstrations, afternoon teas, fishing in the lake on the premises and an impressive golf course.  Absolutely beautiful.

Falconry demonstration at Dromoland Castle

Medieval banquets.  At Bunratty Castle and Folk Park there is a Medieval banquet in a castle setting, with delicious food and exceptional toe tapping, cheering entertainment which is enough to make you believe that you are actually in that time of history. Take home a CD of the accomplished violinist, Seamus Conroy. Interested in after dinner entertainment?  Only a few steps down the road is Durty Nelly’s pub, where you can enjoy a night-cap and music session.

Enjoying lively Irish music

History and Culture.  The Blasket Centre on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders with their native language, culture and tradition.  This is not to be missed!

Charming Irish Village

Quaint fishing villages.  Enjoy a stay at the Dingle Skellig Hotel, a short stroll to the town centre where you can taste a sea salt  and caramel ice cream cone at Murphy’s and take a tour of The Dingle Brewery and the new Dingle Distillery. This little fishing village with its resident dolphin boasts some exciting fishing excursions and there is no lack of good seafood served up at The Boat Yard and some more intimate dining at The Chart House.

Catching a fish in Ireland

Irish Cuisine.  When in Cork, meander through the English Market and make your way upstairs to enjoy the local dishes prepared by Kay Harte and her team of chefs.

Freshly caught fish from our fishing excursion prepared Irish style

The Blarney Kissing Stone.  A stop at the Blarney Castle is on most itineraries when touring Ireland. It is a tight climb up the narrow, stone staircase, but once on top the view will not disappoint. Kissing the stone involves laying on your back, holding the rails and leaning backward for the kiss..not for the faint of heart!

Irish musician

 

 

 

 

 

 

As our guide Ally so cleverly quoted in her Irish brogue, “I don’t mean to tell your granny how to make eggs….”  but The Gathering Ireland 2013 is an event that not to be missed!

Thinking of visiting Ireland in 2013?  If you want to create your own Gathering or join up with an existing one, give me a call at 800.565.9267 or send me an email at karen@verstraete.com and I’ll be happy to help you!

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One Day in Barbados

By Caron Palmer, CTC – Verstraete Travel & Cruises

Where we live in Ontario, the weather is starting to get colder, the leaves have almost finished turning colour and we know that winter is just around the corner.  I happen to love winter but I know that for many of my friends and clients, it is a great time to think of escaping to warmer climates!

Now is a great time to start making travel plans and think about where you might like to go for a brief respite from winter weather.  If you love gorgeous beaches, beautiful scenery and a bit of history and culture, consider the southern Caribbean island of Barbados. Situated in the southern Caribbean, the island’s climate is tropical and has constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild.

We recently returned from a cruise which included Barbados as one stop on the itinerary.  This gave us a tantalizing taste of what this island has to discover and we loved every minute of it.  However, if your idea of a vacation is to spend a week or two in one destination, Barbados is also a fantastic place to relax and explore.  One or two-week stays will give you an opportunity to get to know this island in-depth.

Beach time in Barbados

I have a special affinity for this island, having first visited Barbados when I was 19.  My friend and I spent two blissful weeks at a resort on beautiful Rockley Beach, exploring the many beaches, taking the local bus and visiting the market in Bridgetown, sampling the Bajan cuisine, trying our hand at parasailing, waterskiing and sailing and touring the island.  I’ve been back several times since because it has all the ingredients for a place to enjoy a wonderful holiday!

Parasailing in Barbados

Whether you decide to include Barbados as one stop on a cruise itinerary or take more time and stay at an all-inclusive resort or self-catering property, you’ll love the visual appeal and charm of this island.

Even though our most recent trip to Barbados with Carnival Cruise Lines was just one short day, we were able to explore parts of the island as well as relax on a beach – it is amazing what you can actually see and do in one day!   Normally I arrange my own tours by hiring local taxi drivers, however this time I wanted to get an idea of what a typical organized island tour would be like.  Along with six other cruise ship passengers, we set out to see some highlights of Barbados.

Sugar cane fields of Barbados

Our first stop was the Mount Gay rum factory.  The rum distilled at this plant is one of the oldest and best-respected rum distilleries in the world, and its name is nearly synonymous with Barbados.   We were introduced to the rum making process and learned more about the colourful history of the distillery and the island.

Showing us mahogany wood in Barbados

The next stop on our tour was to Medford’s Mahogany Craft World where craftsmen show you the process for carving mahogany.  They only use wood from felled trees and create beautiful works of art which are then  sold to tourists.

St. John’s Parish Church, Barbados

The island of Barbados is dotted with large sugarcane estates and gently sloping pastures,.  We wound our way through the different parishes of Barbados, passing sugar cane fields, small towns and getting a true glimpse of the countryside.  The next part of our tour took in some of the history of the island with a stop at St. John’s Parish Church.  It was built in 1836 (the original structure was thought to have been built in the mid 1600’s and rebuilt many times over the centuries).   It is a classic Gothic structure, beautifully designed, with a unique cemetery.  Perched on the edge of Hackleton’s Cliff, the church  grounds offer a magnificent vista of the rugged east coast of the island.

Cemetery at St. John’s Parish Church, Barbados

As we journeyed back to the south coast, we passed the Sunbury Plantation House.  Built  in the 1600’s, it offers a snapshot of life on a sugar plantation from that era.

Sunbury Plantation House, Barbados

Our last stop of the day was at Accra Beach on the south coast of the island and heralded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados  Our “young adult” kids and their friends had just finished an amazing parasailing adventure and decided to walk to this beach from the cruise ship terminal to meet us here.  The walk took them along the coastline, through the town and on the newly built South coast boardwalk.  It was a very warm day and it took them over an hour but they probably saw more than we did from our taxi!

Enjoying Accra Beach, Barbados

We spent a few wonderful hours with our kids walking the sugar white sands of the beach, body surfing in the breakers and just enjoying the sunshine and warmth of a beautiful day.    Accra Beach is great for swimming and we happened to be there on an afternoon when there was surf.  Earlier that morning our other children were at the same beach and it was calm.

Body surfing in Barbados

One day in Barbados only provides a snapshot and glimpse of what you can see and do on this island.  Just imagine all the things you could do (or choose not to do and just relax) in a week or two!  We’ve been there so give us a call and let our travel experts help you plan your own amazing trip to Barbados!

1.800.405.6088 or niagara@verstraete.com

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Fair Island of Jamaica: Christopher Columbus had it right!

By Christina Van Hemert, Vacation and Group Specialist –Verstraete Travel & Cruises, Aurora Office

When Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica in 1494, he said, “It is the fairest island eyes have beheld; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky.”  

As my flight approached the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica for a landing, my bird’s-eye view gave me a first impression of the beauty of the lush green mountains, the white sand beaches and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.  What an incredibly beautiful island!  Christopher Columbus was right!

Travelling to Ocho Rios through Usain Bolt’s home town

Upon arrival in Jamaica, we made our way to the Jewell Dunns River Resort in the resort area of Ocho Rios, which is about a two-hour scenic drive from the airport.  Along the way our bus passed by the school that Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt attended in the town of Trelawny.

Our resort, The Jewell, is an adult’s only resort which caters mostly to couples.  The spacious rooms have either a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea or an equally stunning view of the mountains.  This is a wonderful resort for couples to unwind and enjoy a little romance in a spectacular setting.

The gorgeous beaches of Jamaica!

The beaches in Ocho Rios are beautiful – soft white sand under your feet and warm blue water.  This is a view from my resort window which is certainly nice to wake up to!  You can enjoy windsurfing, swimming and snorkelling or just relaxing with a good book on the beach.  For those who prefer freshwater swimming to the ocean, you can enjoy cooling off in the resort’s pool, complete with waterfall!

Try the local cuisine

The food was delicious!  It was flavourful and sometimes very spicy – no extra hot sauce needed here!   Fresh fruit grows in abundance in Jamaica and if you love seafood, you’ll love the fresh fish!  Enjoy coffee? Try Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee.  This coffee is known all over the world for its wonderful flavour.  Another well-known export is Jamaica’s Appleton Estate Rum.  These are two great Jamaican products to bring home as a reminder of a wonderful vacation. 

Weddings in paradise!

Thinking of getting married on a Caribbean island?  Jamaica is a wonderful choice as many of the resorts offer destination wedding facilities.  The on site wedding coordinators work out all the details with the bride and groom to make their day perfect!  

So many wonderful things to do in Jamaica

A highlight of my time in Jamaica was a visit to Dolphin’s Cove in Ocho Rios.  A family could easily spend a day here, swimming with the dolphins, meeting and holding sting rays, as well as learning about the sharks, snakes and other reptiles.  It is a great place to play as well as learn. 

Jamaica is also home to the original Jamaican bobsled team, made famous in the movie, “Cool Runnings”. This team first gained fame during their debut in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary.  They were known as the underdogs, trying to represent a tropical nation with no snow in a winter sport!  Mystic Mountain is the place made famous by the Jamaican bobsled team.  You can take a gondola up the mountain, zip line in the rain forest and of course try out the bobsled course!

One of the best known attractions in Ocho Rios and possibly in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls.  Visitors can climb up the 600 foot waterfall hand in hand, led by a guide or you can choose to walk up beside the falls. 

Whether you are looking for a small, intimate resort, a place to party all night, a romantic setting for your wedding, a great destination to share with your family or maybe somewhere between – Jamaica offers something for everyone.

Once you go, you know!

Thinking of a trip to Jamaica or another island destination this winter?  We’ll find the place that is just right for you.  After all, we’ve been there!

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A Finger Lakes Getaway

The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a pleasant five-hour drive from our home north of Toronto, Ontario.  I’m not really sure why it took me so long to visit this beautiful area and it will certainly not be my last!

Finger Lakes vista

Our first day of travels, en route to the Maritime provinces of Canada, took us to Geneva, NY, ideally situated on glacier-carved Seneca Lake, one of the five finger-like lakes in the region.  The I-90 from Buffalo takes you straight across the State and Hwy 14 south leads you to Geneva.

We only had one night to make the most of our stay and decided on the Ramada Hotel, located directly on the lake and very central for sightseeing, walking and exploring.  Our room was a Jacuzzi suite and it was huge with an excellent view of the lake.  The place is ideal for an overnight stop on the way to the east coast or to break your journey for a few days.  There is a lovely walking path along the water’s edge for strolling and their restaurant offers outdoor seating under a canopy.

Seneca Lake view from the Geneva Ramada Lakefront Hotel – Geneva, NY

The Finger Lakes region is noted for its scenic beauty as well as its many wineries, state parks and quaint towns.  As we drove through Geneva we noted the manicured lawns, the restored century homes that graced the tree-lined streets and vistas of the lake.

One of the main attractions in the area is Belhurst Castle, a short ten-minute drive along the lake from the Ramada Hotel.  It is one of the premier attractions in the region and offers both a historic and romantic setting for a get-away with beautifully appointed accommodations, exceptional dining in Edgar’s Restaurant in the castle section, and of course, their very own winery.  Built in the 1880’s it graces the shores of Seneca Lake.

Belhurst Castle

We strolled through the immaculate grounds of the property with centuries old oak trees and enjoyed a fine dinner in the restaurant on their outdoor covered terrace.  Since we were staying in the Finger Lakes we also sampled the wine from their own winery.  The region reminds me very much of the Niagara Peninsula which is also noted for its many fine wineries.

Dining on terrace of Edgar’s Restaurant, Belhurst Castle

Due to our tight schedule we were only able to experience one tiny part of the Finger Lakes region and if you are planning a trip, I recommend that you take a few days or a week to explore the lakes, the quaint villages, take a winery tour, hike in the state parks and stay in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments or hotels dotted throughout the region.  We will definitely be back and for longer than one evening!

Need help with your travel plans?  We’re experts on North American escorted tours, cruises, European getaways, all-inclusive vacations and more.  Call our travel experts at: 1.800.405.6088 or 1.800.565.9267. 

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The Wonders of Fundy – Exploring the highest tides in the world

By Caron Palmer, CTC – Verstraete Travel & Cruises

Fundy National Park of Canada

The east coast of Canada is a spectacular place to visit and with my daughter attending Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, it always gives me a great reason to cross the country and explore the highways and byways of the eastern provinces.

It’s a two-day journey from central Ontario but somehow it just doesn’t seem all that long when there is so much to see and do on the way.  On a recent trip, we decided to stop for a few days in Fundy National Park along the shores of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.

It’s a beautiful park, with lots of great vistas.  You can either camp or rent a cottage or stay in a yurt (which are the traditional dwellings of Central Asia nomads with a modern touch).  It’s a great way to have a home base and explore all to see and do in the area.

Fundy National Park vistas

On our first day in the park, we enjoyed a hike overlooking a gorge and saw one of the old covered bridges that New Brunswick is known for.   You can also bike, swim, golf, rent non-motorized watercraft, enjoy special events that the park holds, do some bird watching or fishing and take a picnic with you wherever you go.

Covered bridge and gorge, Fundy National Park

The park has beach walks with an interpreter who will be able to answer questions on the tides and the flora and fauna of the park.  Fundy also has a photo safari with a professional photographer during the summer months, evening programs at the outdoor theatre, campfire programs and a “Crab Nab” where you can search for crabs that are being studied by Park staff.

Finding treasures at Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park’s claim to fame is having the highest tides in the world. The difference between high and low tide is quite dramatic.  When the tide is out you can walk along the muddy bottom which, just hours earlier, was completely covered with water. Look for sea creatures that emerge each time the tide goes out or just enjoy the beauty and watch the tide come back in.  It really is something special to experience!

Low tide at Fundy National Park

Bay of Fundy tides

We also tried our hand at sea kayaking along the beautiful coastline of the park.  We were given a small course on the finer points of sea kayaking and then proceeded with our group for our kayaking adventure.  It was my first time to try this sport but I soon found my sea legs and the rhythm of cutting through the Fundy waves and admiring the cliffs, beaches and water.   Another option to consider, which we didn’t have time for, is to take a sea kayaking tour around the Hopewell Rocks, the Bay of Fundy’s ‘Flowerpot Rocks’ – sculpted by the tides over the eons.

Sea Kayaking on the Bay of Fundy

Our time in Fundy National Park was short but the memories will last a lifetime.   If you find yourself traveling through this beautiful part of Canada, make sure you take some time to relax, explore, learn or experience a true national treasure.

And if you prefer to have someone else make arrangements for you or love exploring beautiful places as part of a tour,  Verstraete Travel & Cruises specializes in escorted tours throughout North America and beyond.  Check out our tour offerings for this summer and fall.  We’ll take the guesswork out of doing it yourself and you’ll benefit from the expertise of leaders who have been there before!

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Four Days to Love Chicago

Chicago has so much to offer to visitors – from world-class attractions and shopping to special events, amazing architecture and fabulous dining.  There really is something for everyone in this beautiful city.

So why not make a trip to Chicago a part of your summer travel plans?  If you only have a few days to spend, you could take an escorted tour that takes care of all the details and gives you the must-see attractions and activities.

Check out the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower and for even more thrills, try the new “Ledge”, offering the ultimate in visibility – straight down!  Perhaps your interest lies in checking out the Museum of Science and Industry with its many fascinating displays, including a captured German U-Boat from World War Two.

Care to view the marine life at the world-famous Shedd Aquarium located at the beautiful waterfront?  Or perhaps a visit to Navy Pier for lunch followed by an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River?

Maybe you’d like to enjoy some wonderful Greek food and music at the annual Greektown Street Festival or a visit to a “Blues” club?

If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, put on your walking shoes for a stroll through Millennium Park or shop the “Magnificent Mile”.  Pay a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago followed by an evening at Tommy Guns Garage Dinner Theater.

If this all sounds like a wonderful way to spend a few summer days, check out the escorted tour that brings you all this and more.

It’s a four-day tour from Verstraete Travel and hosted by Earl Clint and John Swatridge from August 24-27, 2012.   It includes many of these attractions and activities as well as hotel accommodation, deluxe motorcoach travel from southern Ontario to Chicago, all museum entry fees, local guide, boat tour, three breakfasts and two dinners and the services of two dedicated tour escorts.  Click here for complete tour details.

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A dozen great reasons to visit Aruba this year

  By Karin Knight, Vacation Specialist – Verstraete Travel & Cruises

Gorgeous beaches of Aruba

For those who’ve never been there, Aruba sounds exotic and for those who have been there, they love it!

Even though it is a small island, it packs a great punch.  The weather is consistently warm and breezy and the end of the day brings beautiful sunsets followed by warm comfortable evenings, making for fabulous beach days capped with wonderful evenings spent outdoors.  Enjoy walking along the boardwalk or sitting at a patio, never needing a jacket or sweater. You’ll only be bored if you choose!

Aruba is known for its friendliness, cleanliness, excellent dining (whether fine or family style), the world’s best water (designated as such by the World Health Organization) and safety.

Knowing these facts then, one can imagine how enjoyable and relaxing the time spent here can be. English is fluently spoken, but so is Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento, the local tongue.

Gorgeous Beaches

Beautiful Palm Beach, Aruba

Pick a beach, any beach….there are plenty of them, all with soft, fine white sand. Large beaches, or tiny nooks, quiet waters, or ones with surf, you name it, Aruba has it all for you. Pack a picnic and go – the water is warm, clear, and great for snorkeling and diving or just a refreshing swim. Palm and Eagle Beaches are co-rated # 2 in the world!   Hadicuri beach has great winds, and is known the world over for its kite-surfing – even if you don’t kite-surf yourself, what a spectacle it is to see those who do!

Want to get to know the island?

Although I’ve been to Aruba four times in the past, I had never taken a jeep tour around the island.  This is a wonderful way of seeing this compact island, including the well-known landmarks and vistas, but also to visit more unusual places such as the wild rugged beaches on the northern side of island (NOT suitable for swimming!), abandoned gold mines and even having lunch at a local restaurant outside of the tourist zone.  Some parts of the “road” are only accessible by 4X4’s, – so pack your sense of adventure!

Aruba beaches

Atlantis Submarine – Aruba

Cuisine from around the world

We enjoyed sampling the local traditional foods.  What an experience!  In Aruba, there is a different restaurant for every day of the year! Many of them are within walking distance of the hotel zone, and there is an atmosphere of “gezelligheid” (the Dutch word for a good, cozy social time) on the patios that spill out of the restaurants. You can find virtually every cuisine from around the world in Aruba, either in high-end restaurants or Mom & Pop places (or at a combination of both).

One restaurant I enjoyed was “Papiament” which offers an excellent premium menu, and the couple who started it 40 years ago, still oversee the restaurant and its activities.  Of course, as with many places, favorite and familiar chain restaurants are situated throughout the tourist areas.

Where to stay?

Where to stay, then? Well, as it is easy to move from area to area, it doesn’t really matter as you have access to it all.  All inclusive hotels are available and top-rated, but on this island it is just as much fun to stay in your choice of accommodation, and dine around.

Beautiful view from the hotel balcony in Aruba

In the town of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, there is the option of staying in the “Low-rise Area” (Eagle Beach) or the “High-rise Area” (Palm Beach).  Whether you prefer accommodation right on the beach, across the street from the beach, off the beach, full service hotels, villas or housekeeping apartments, Aruba has it all.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Come tell us what you want out of your holiday, and we’ll find the place that is just right for you.  After all, we’ve been there!

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How to have a honeymoon with your kids

When my husband and I decided to get married, we knew we wanted a small wedding and we also knew that most of our kids had other obligations and were living in various parts of the world at that time.  So we did the next best thing and had a spontaneous backyard garden party wedding and completely shocked all of our guests who thought they were attending my husband’s birthday party!

We also went one step further.  The money we would have spent on a wedding would instead go towards a honeymoon that would include all four of our young adult children and four of their friends!

How could you not take these eight with you on a honeymoon!

Many called us brave; others called us crazy and others just questioned why we would want to spend our honeymoon with our kids.   We just called ourselves fortunate and excited to be able to start our new life together with some of the most important people in our lives.

We made a list of all the things that would be vital to make this a wonderful honeymoon and much-needed vacation for all ten of us:  A great destination, beautiful beaches, the opportunity to have each person be able to do what they wanted to do, experiencing different cultures, having time to relax and time to explore, as well as opportunities to get together over wonderful dinners to share our day’s experiences.

This seemed to be a tall order to fill but our final decision to take a cruise turned out to be the right one.  We decided that Carnival Cruise Line’s ms Victory would deliver all this and more.

Carnival’s ms Victory docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico

The itinerary was what really sold us.  Traveling in early May (the only week in the entire year that our university aged kids didn’t have school or work), we didn’t have a lot of ship or itinerary choices as many cruise ships were already being deployed to Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean.   However, Carnival’s seven day Southern Caribbean itinerary just seemed to have it all.   The cruise would depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico…

Isla Verde Beach, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

…with the first port of call in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands…

Enjoying the spectacular beach at Magen’s Bay, US Virgin Islands

…then onward to Bridgetown, Barbados….

The sugar white sands of Accra Beach, Barbados

Excited to be in Barbados

…with the next stop in lush Castries, St. Lucia…

A bird’s eye view of St. Lucia’s beautiful Pitons

The rainforest of St. Lucia

…before heading to Basseterre, St. Kitt’s & Nevis where we would explore the downtown parks and black volcanic beaches…

Walking through the park in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Volcanic black sand beach in St. Kitts & Nevis

…and on to our last port of call in beautiful St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles before heading back to San Juan.

Crystal clear waters of Orient Beach, St. Maarten

Wow!  Beautiful beaches?  Spectacular.  Culture?  Absolutely.  Relaxation?  As much or as little as you want.  Pick and choose what you want to do?  There are so many choices that each person in our group was able to do what appealed to them most – from scuba diving to snorkelling to swimming, hiking and just relaxing.  Time to get together and share our stories?  A table for ten on the ship and conversation over dinner ensured that we had ample opportunity to find out all the exciting things that each of us had done that day.

Table for ten on our cruise

We were able to get five staterooms close to each other on the Lido Deck (one of the top decks on the ship).  Since it was our honeymoon we opted for a balcony stateroom, a decision that we did not regret and probably spoiled us for all future cruises!

It was a treat to be able to open our door to our own private balcony, relax on our deck chairs while sipping on coffee and enjoying breakfast that we ordered through room service, all the while watching the ship’s arrival at our next port of call.  Each evening we would relax at the end of a wonderful day to view the sunset and the islands that we passed, the water rushing by below us and the sight of flying fish skimming the waves.

Relaxing on the balcony of our stateroom on the ms Victory

The other staterooms for our party of ten were inside staterooms.  While there were no windows or portholes, there was ample room for each person.  The Lido deck was a great location for our group as it was near the pools and the buffets (very important for some of our kids) and central to almost everything else.  Our kids didn’t really miss having a window because they spent most of their time outside of their stateroom, either on deck or doing other shipboard activities.

If you are considering taking your kids or family members on your honeymoon like we did, or just wanting a vacation getaway with your family, a cruise is a wonderful way to travel.  We’ve been there and if you want some more ideas to plan your own honeymoon or vacation just call us.

In future blog posts I’ll give you some more insight into what it’s like to be on a cruise ship for a week and we’ll also showcase some of the great islands that you could visit in the Caribbean.

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