Special Dominica Favorites

On this sure-to-be memorable excursion, you will enjoy two of Dominica's most popular attractions, Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls, and do so in the afternoon, after the cruise line mobs from the morning have gone away.

Your tour begins as you proceed to the Trois Pitons National Park (a UNESCO Certified National Park) to visit the Emerald Pool. To reach the pool, there is a 20-minute walk with your guide over packed dirt with some inclines. Once at the pool you may choose to take pictures of the 40-foot waterfall, take a quick dip, or just enjoy the beauty of this tropical rainforest.

From the Emerald Pool, travel through the lush countryside to the village of Trafalgar. Your first view of Trafalgar Falls will be of the top, cascading side by side out of deep gorges carved out by the falls. Guests will set out on a 20-minute walk over uneven and occasionally steep terrain, past ginger plants and vanilla orchids, to reach the falls' viewpoint where you can enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

Upon departing Trafalgar Falls, you will drive to the Botanical Gardens for fabulous photo opportunities. Perhaps you'll even catch a glimpse of Dominica's national bird, the Sisserou Parrot, found only here in Dominica.

Following your tour, you will be returned to your ship.

Soufriere Piton Waterfalls & Volcano Tour in St. Lucia

There's so much to see at scenic Soufriere, from the Piton Waterfalls to the "drive-in volcano," and we're ready to take you to it while avoiding as many public crowds as possible!

After boarding your air-conditioned van for your St. Lucia Volcano tour, you'll depart the ship pier and pass through Castries, St. Lucia's capital. Enjoy the spectacular views as you head south and wind along the scenic West Coast Road.

You will make a quick stop at the famous Marigot Bay to admire the beautiful scenery and have a chance to take some photos.

Along the way you will see St. Lucia's largest banana plantation and several quaint fishing villages. At the banana plantation guests will have a chance to learn about how bananas are grown and harvested and will also get to enjoy some fresh banana.

Before starting your hike you will drive through the fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries where you will be able to view the waterfront before stopping in the rainforest. A stop will be made to hike to the one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. With your guide you will enjoy a short, uphill walk with a few steps to reach a beautiful breathtaking waterfall. During your visit, you can enjoy a refreshing bath in the natural swimming pool.

Your next stop is at the Soufriere volcano, referred to as the "drive-in volcano." A short, easy walk in the rainforest will take you to a point where you will see (and smell) sulfur springs bubbling up from below. As your knowledgeable guide informs you about this Soufriere volcano you'll also have a bit of time to admire the pots of boiling water that are multicolored at the surface as a result of sulfur, iron, calcium oxide, copper oxide, magnesium, carbon and other minerals within the water. For those interested, mud baths are available at the sulfur springs for an additional fee of $8 US per person (not included). As you wind your way through the island's hills, photo stops will be made of the rugged landscape including the island's famous Pitons, two volcanic plugs that rise dramatically 2,500 feet into the sky. They are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

During your drive, a stop will be made at a local bakery for a snack, such as bread with cheese, local jam, or salt fish. A cooler of water, soft drinks, rum bunch and beer is on board your vehicle for your enjoyment. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to sample some of the island's fresh fruit on your drive back to the pier.

Please Note: Roads on St. Lucia are in various levels of disrepair/repair. Because of this, guests must expect there will be stretches of bumpy riding. If you have neck, back or hip issues, you should take this into account. The tour covers a wide area of the island and there is a lot of driving required. For those interested, mud baths are available at the sulfur springs for an additional fee of $8 US per person (not included).

Shopping, Sightseeing & Beach Day Excursion in St. Maarten

Two countries on one island for almost 400 years. Wouldn't you love to know how they do it? Come along on this St. Maarten excursion for an Island Drive and Beach Tour with a twist. You'll visit parts of the island usually not seen by cruise guests.

Departing the cruise terminal, you will drive through part of Philipsburg towards Cole Bay and Belle Vue. Making a photo stop at the Harold Jack lookout point high on a hill overlooking the sea, clouds permitting, you will have fantastic views of the neighboring islands of Saba (the home of Kong in the original King Kong movie) St. Eustatius to the south, and British Anguilla to the north. You will also begin to see Simpson Bay and its lagoon as you crest the hill.

This St. Maarten tour continues on to Marigot, the French capital, which is a quaint French village with a Caribbean twist. Sidewalk cafes serving cappuccino overlook mega-yachts, framed by palm trees. Gourmet restaurants sit in the shadow of a 200-year-old fort, and bold tropical prints in the open-air markets mix with the latest fashions from French boutiques. You will have some free time to experience this wonderful blend.

Then it's on to Orient Bay. This sweeping two-mile long, white-powdered sand beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, and the bottom has a very gradual slope. It is the island's most popular and busiest beach. On this St. Maarten excursion, you will have approximately 1.5 hours to swim, beach walk, or relax on the white sand.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase lunch or indulge in a tropical drink in paradise at a local restaurant located on the east end of the beach.

Returning to Philipsburg through the center of the island, you will have the option of being dropped off downtown for shopping or taken back to the pier.

Guests departing downtown will need to arrange their own transportation back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi or walking.

Please Note: The tour will also make photo stops with scenic views of Orient Bay. The clothing-optional beach at Club Orient, the naturist resort, is located at the east end of the beach, approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Bikini Beach, where you will be visiting. Although most guests in the Bikini Beach area will be wearing swim attire, be advised that you may encounter topless and possibly nude sunbathers anywhere. This St. Maarten excursion may operate in a different order due to traffic conditions or crowds at the venues. On Sundays, most shops and restaurants on the French side are closed. All stores are closed on the following national holidays: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Kings Day, Carnival Day, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Emancipation Day, Constitution Day, St. Maarten's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Guests booking on these days will have the option to window shop or spend more time at the beach.

Snorkeling with Turtles & Half Day Sail Excursion

Climb aboard a Morgan 46-foot ketch for this half-day sail and snorkel St. Thomas excursion to the Marine Sanctuary, where you'll have a date with a giant green sea turtle.

To begin your St. Thomas excursion, you will sail past the cruise ships as you head for the open sea on a 25-minute boat ride. You may choose a seat in the center cockpit, designed for shade and to provide a firsthand view of how a beautiful boat is sailed. Or, if you want to soak up the Caribbean rays, spread out on the bow or the stern and relax while breathing the refreshing ocean air. The professional and courteous crew will greet you with complimentary drinks and snacks as the sails are raised and we catch the breeze. The crew has been on the island for years and will share some of the history and pirate lore during your three-mile sail to the sanctuary at Buck Island.

After the yacht anchors in Turtle Cove, the crew will offer professional instruction, quality snorkel gear, and the best flotation devices in the entire U.S. Virgin Islands. Then, follow the crew into the water, where they will assist and explain all the different species of sea life that you encounter. In addition to the turtles, you may see octopus, conch, urchins, starfish, squid, and a variety of tropical reef fish, as well as the coral reef of this deserted island during your one hour of snorkeling.

After your snorkeling and swimming, climb back on board for a quick, freshwater rinse on the aft deck. Then partake in a cold beverage including rum drinks, beer, and soft drinks, as the crew sets the sails and turns towards home.

Please Note: The tour departure location is within walking distance of the WICO (Havensight) Cruise Pier. Guests docking at Crown Bay will need to hire a taxi for an approximately 15 to 25 minute ride (approximately $6 US per person each way), which is not included in the tour price.