Posted 12/13/07
Modern Caribbean history began 500 years ago with the European explorers and traders from Spain, Britain, Holland, France and Denmark. The result is an eclectic combination of native, European and African cultures that makes each island truly unique. And many of the islands are still colonies or dependent territories of European nations making them tied not only historically, but politically and economically as well.
This combined with stunning natural beauty and nearly perfect weather year-round has made the Caribbean the most popular vacation destination in the world and the number one place to take a cruise. Island-hopping by ship provides a special opportunity to sample the best that each island has to offer in comfort and convenience.
SHOPPING
The Caribbean has changed from a major world trade center for slaves, sugar, rum and guns to a famous shopping area specializing in luxury goods from around the world. The main attraction is that most ports enjoy duty-free status, and some do not have sales taxes, which means that price are 25 percent to 50 percent less than in the U.S. and Europe. Some shop owners are also willing to negotiate.
Jewelry is an especially attractive commodity to vacationers, and an incredible selection of gold, silver and precious and semi-precious stones can be found in elegant boutiques on every cruise itinerary. One can also find fashion and leather goods from Italy, linens from Ireland, perfumes from France, crystal from Switzerland and cameras and electronics from Japan.
Casual shopping through the streets and waterfront markets can yield a great variety of products made in the Caribbean including jam, jelly, honey, spices and sauces, all types of artwork, baskets and pottery, embroidery and of course, rum.
SIGHTSEEING
The Caribbean’s Colonial past can be found in historic forts and plantations and government buildings on almost every island. The old streets are ideal for walking and give you a perfect chance to explore museums, art galleries, shops and cafes. You can even tour a rum distillery. But perhaps one of the most incredible sites can be found in a visit to one of the many Maya ruins found in Mexico and Central America.
The Caribbean is a nature-lover’s dream and filled with diverse landscapes and underwater beauty including volcanic mountains, tropical gardens filled with flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds, rainforests, limestone caves, waterfalls, lush green hills, mangrove swamps and some of the most fabulous coral reefs in the world. In addition, there are dozens of national parks, nature reserves and protected reefs and beaches through the islands of the Caribbean and Central and South America.
FUN IN THE SUN
Vacations are a time for relaxation, but they are also the best time to put a little adventure in your life. The Caribbean offers an extraordinary range of exciting activities including hiking, snorkeling and diving, horseback riding, flightseeing, sailing, golf, tennis, jetskiing, parasailing, fishing and much more. Any many activities are available via shore excursions booked through the cruise line.
Or just lie back on one of the dozens of gorgeous beaches you’ll find on any cruise itinerary and enjoy the sun, sand and the view. Many cruise lines build a perfect day at the beach into the itinerary by offering a private island experience complete with beach games and barbeque.
Whatever you’re seeking from your Caribbean cruise vacation you are sure to find it, and much more!
Posted 12/13/07
Mojito
1 1/2oz. Light Rum
1 oz. Lime Juice
1 tsp. Sugar
3-4 Mint Leaves
Club Soda
Combine lime juice, mint and sugar in a Collins or highball glass.
Stir gently to bruise the mint.
Fill glass 3/4 with ice.
Add the rum, top with soda and stir well.
Cuba Libre
1 1/2 oz. Rum
Cola
Lime Squeeze
Rub the rim of a highball glass with the lime. Fill with ice.
Add Rum and fill with Cola. Drop in the Lime squeeze.
Bahama Mama
1/2 oz. Light Rum
1/2 oz. Gold Rum
1/2 oz. Dark Rum
1/2 oz. Coconut Liqueur(Malibu is good)
Fill a Collins glass with crushed ice.
Combine the following in a shaker with ice.
Mix well and strain into the glass.
Fill 1/2 with orange juice & 1/2 with pineapple juice
Top with a splash of grenadine
Garnish with a cherry & pineapplewedge and paper umbrella.
Pina Colada
1 1/2oz. Light Rum
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Cream of Coconut
1/2 Banana
1/2 cup crushed ice
Combine all ingredients in an electric blender with the ice.
Blend 20 - 30 seconds and pour blended mixture into a Collins glass.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and paper umbrella.
About Rum
Most Rum is made from molasses which is more than 50 percent sugar, but it also contains significant amounts of minerals and other trace elements, which can contribute to the final flavor.
Rum is distilled and the choice of stills has a profound effect on the final character of Rum. All Rums come out of the still as clear, colorless spirits. Barrel aging and the use of added caramel determine their final color. Since caramel is burnt sugar, it can be truthfully said that only natural coloring agents are used.
White Rums are generally light-bodied, usually clear and have a very subtle flavor profile. If they are aged in oak casks to create a smooth palate they are then usually filtered to remove any color. White Rums are primarily used as mixers and blend particularly well with fruit flavors.
Golden Rums, also known as Amber Rums, are generally medium-bodied. Most have spent several years aging in oak casks, which give them smooth, mellow palates.
Dark Rums are traditionally full-bodied, rich, caramel-dominated Rums. The best are produced mostly from pot stills and frequently aged in oak casks for extended periods. The richest of these Rums are consumed straight up.
Spiced Rums can be white, golden, or dark Rums. They are infused with spices or fruit flavors. Rum punches (such as planters punch) are blends of Rum and fruit juices that are very popular in the Caribbean.
Posted 12/13/07
What you do in the ports of call is one of the ways in which you personalize your cruise vacation experience, and everyone wants to make the most of limited time in port. So here are three easy tips to help you make these important decisions.
1. How much physical activity is involved?
The first criteria to consider is how active you want to be. Some adventurous excursions require special skills, such as the ability to swim or previous horseback riding experience. Or the tour may simply require too much walking over rough terrain.
In addition, some tours take you places you may be uncomfortable with. For example, submarines may be too claustrophic, or you may not feel comfortable with heights, flightseeing, aerial trams or ziplining. Eliminate those that you can’t or won’t do.
2. How long does the excursion take?
The second thing to think about is how much time the tour takes. Ask yourself if you’re up to a full-day tour or if a half-day excursion would be better for you. Full-day tours, even those with little physical activity can be exhausting! Plus, you have to consider how much free time you want.
Full-day excursions allow you to do and see more, and to travel farther from the ship. But your entire day is scheduled by someone else. Half-day tours have the benefit of a slower pace and allow you to explore on your own, shop and spend the time as you choose.
3. How much does the excursion cost?
And last, look at the cost and what’s included. Remember, your excursion may be offering you the only opportunity to experience something truly unique and memorable and later you won’t regret spending the money. Unfortunately, some tours may just be too cost-prohibitive, especially if you are paying for a family.
Cost is always going to be an important factor, so instead of taking an excursion in every single port, take only those that are truly a must-do and forego excursions for free time or beach time elsewhere.
Pre-booking your excursions won’t save you any money, but it will save you some time. And this way you’ll always have what you really want.
Posted 09/13/07
Did you know that NCL is the Official Cruise line of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour?
Golf Hawaii
You can play up to 7 beautiful courses on 4 different Hawaiian Islands in only 7 days.
Reserved Tee Times, Organized by a PGA Golfer Professional and staff
Pro Shop, Callaway Club Rental, Golf Lessons, Shoe Rental, optional tournaments all available.
Or Golf Bermuda
Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world.
Reserved Tee Times, Organized by a PGA Golfer Professional and staff
Pro Shop, Callaway Club Rental, Golf Lessons, Shoe Rental, optional tournaments all available.
Call Guy Toll-Free at 1-877-294-7668 or email guy@cruiseplanners.com to arrange your golf cruise adventure today. Tell your golfer buddies, we can even set up group packages.
Posted 05/26/07
We have just returned from the Cruise Planners Annual National Sales Convention, which was kicked off, on the NEW Royal Caribbean Mega-Cruise liner the Liberty of the Seas. We were hosted by Lisa Bauer (RCCL Senior V.P. of Sales and Marketing) for a FREE sailing aboard this beautiful ship. The Liberty of the Seas is the sister ship to the Freedom of the Seas (which we were on May 2006 as guests of RCCL). These ships feature great onboard activities for the whole family. Kids and kids-at-heart will love the NEW H2O Zone Water Park featuring water cannons and other water toys, the Flow Rider -- onboard surf station was amazing the staff was helpful, fun and entertaining. The Promenade was grand---gift shops, Seattle's Best Coffee (excellent every day for a good java fix), Pizzeria, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, etc.
We hit the Spa right away as usual to get our pedicures and my wife had a manicure/pedicure combo. Interestingly, the spa staff tells us that on virtually every cruise that they see as many men getting pedicures as women, but men do not get pedicures in their own hometowns.
The spa staff was very friendly and attentive.
The evening shows were remarkable---do not skip these, you will be amazed at the quality of the talent these entertainers possess. The sets were very impressive and the sound was outstanding.
Our favorite bar was Boleros, a new Latin-themed venue on the newest ships and it is being retrofitted into other existing cruise ships throughout the Royal Caribbean line. It was crowd pleaser, GREAT Mojitos!!! The bartenders put on quite a show.
Dinner was very good, excellent service and no issues at any meals. These ships also offer Johnny Rockets Diners (good burgers, milkshakes). Portofino’s and Chops upscale dining options are also available for small surcharges ---- always excellent food and impeccable service.
More to come
Posted 05/25/07
Welcome to the Cruise Planners / Stargazer Cruises Web Log (aka Blog). The goal here to share vacation travel ideas/suggestions for fellow travelers.
Please keep your posts clean (no foul language, or personal attacks will be allowed to be posted).
Regent Seven Seas ms Seven Seas Mariner on 06/24/09 · $4,295
Regent Seven Seas ms Seven Seas Navigator on 07/24/09 · $3,950
Crystal Symphony on 02/16/09 · $3,595
Crystal Serenity on 05/07/09 · $4,995
