Professor Cruise Ship

Cruise Port - Fort Lauderdale

2011-11-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

Introduction

Fort Lauderdale is located in the east-central part of Broward County, Florida, about 23 miles north of Miami, and 43 miles south of Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale is named after a Seminole War fort, built on the New River in 1838. The region was mostly farmland until the 1890s, when a road was made linking the area to Miami, a ferry service was established across the New River and the Florida East Coast Railway was extended further down the coast. The mild climate was attractive to new arrivals, and the settlement’s population increased dramatically in the early 20th century. But the two setbacks of a devastating hurricane in 1926 and the general depression of 1929 led to a complete reversal in the town’s fortunes. Like the vast majority of the US, Fort Lauderdale did not shake off the effects of the Great Depression until after World War II, at last returning to a period of strong growth.

Today more than 10 million tourists come to Fort Lauderdale every year to boat along its canal system, go to its large variety of family attractions and relax on its sparkling beaches.

Fort Lauderdale’s advancement owes a lot to its thriving port, Port Everglades. In 1928 a channel was cut from Lake Mabel to the Atlantic Ocean, creating the port. Having the deepest entrance channel of all port in Florida, the port was open to even the largest cargo ships, and trade through the port grew quickly. The first cruise ships arrived in the 1930s, with vessels from Chandris Line, Grace Line and Holland America Line calling at the port. Port Everglades has risen to be a major cruise hub, with ships from over 5 cruise lines homeporting from its modern cruise terminals.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises available comprise the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, St Maarten, Tortola and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Belize, Cozumel and Grand Cayman), the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau), or the Southern Caribbean (Bonaire, St Johns, Curacao and Aruba). Extended trips are also available, such as the Amazon, trans Panama canal to Florida and South America.

Cruises from Fort Lauderdale shows all the cruise departures from Port Everglades.

Cruise Terminals Map

Cruise Terminals

The northern end of Port Everglades is called Northport, and is the site of cruise terminals 2 and 4. The central part of Port Everglades is called Midport, and is home to cruise terminals 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29.

Northport

The cruise terminals have the usual facilities such as full A/C, vending machines, seating areas, bathrooms, an automated passenger boarding bridge and check-in desks. In addition terminal 2 boasts faster embarkation/debarkation times by having an extra passenger boarding bridge. Terminal 2 and 4 share the car parking at the Northport garage. Terminal 2 is allocated to Princess Cruises, terminal 4 to MSC.

Midport

The terminals have the usual facilities like full A/C, check-in area, seating areas, luggage handling, vending machines and restrooms. In addition terminals 18 and 21 boast faster embarkation/debarkation times by having an extra passenger boarding bridge. Parking lot 18 provides parking for terminal 18, and the multi-deck Midport parking garage provides parking for terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29. Terminal 18 is used by RCCI, 19 by Princess Cruises, 21 by Carnival Cruise Line, 25 by various cruise lines, 26 by Holland America Line, and 29 by several cruise lines.

For the port website see Port Everglades.

Sightseeing In Fort Lauderdale

Stranahan House
Stranahan House is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest house. It was built as a trading outpost for trade with the Seminole Indians, but also served as a school, post office and bank. The house can be found at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, around 2 miles north west of the port.

Riverwalk
The Riverwalk offers a lovely one mile stroll in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale by the banks of the historic New River. The route passes fashionable shops, friendly restaurants and lush landscaping and impressive cultural venues including the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Museum of Art, Stranahan House and Fort Lauderdale History center.

Museum Of Art Fort Lauderdale
Possibly the most memorable exhibit at the Museum of Art is the Indigo Room, a backlit installation by the Voodoo influenced artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. After taking in the art on show, be sure to browse the museum’s bookstore.

Fort Lauderdale History Center
The Fort Lauderdale History Center presents the story of the community's history from the pioneers of Fort Lauderdale to the citizens of today. Walk around the 1905 Acetylene building, a little shed which housed an acetylene gas generator, an 1899 replica school house, a rebuilding of Broward county’s first ever school, the 1905 New River Inn, the county’s oldest standing hotel and the 1907 King-Cromartie House, a private residence.

South Beach Park
At the southern end of Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches sits South Park Beach, a popular stretch of white sand. There’s lots of things to do at South Beach including fishing, swimming, wind surfing, rollerblading, snorkeling and jet skiing. Many shops, restaurants and bars can be found on popular Las Olas Boulevard, which joins with Hwy 1A behind the beach.

Traveling To The Cruise Port

By Car

SE 24th street off US-1, the 17th street causeway entrance at Eisenhower Bvld and Eller Drive all have gates which access Port Everglades. It is mandatory to have valid identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, to be allowed into the port.

From I95
Follow exit 26 to I-595 East, signed Port Everglades. Keep going for a little more than a mile then take exit 12B. Keep going on Eller Drive to the I-595 East entrance to the port.

Traveling from West on I-75
Head off at exit #19 to I-595 East. Continue for 12 miles then take exit 12B for Port Everglades. Keep going on Eller Drive to the I-595 East port gate.

From The Airport

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport is sited little more than a mile from Port Everglades. Transfer is easy by taxi or shuttle bus.

Cruise Port - Tampa

2011-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Tampa is situated at the center of the coastline of Florida at the head of a large bay sheltered by the Pinellas peninsula.

In the early 19th century the Federal Government made a decision to move the Seminole Indians to lands near Tampa bay. Fort Brooke was constructed on the east bank of Hillsborough River to maintain control over the area. It continued as an isolated and little populated outpost until 1884 when the Florida railroad businessman Henry B Plant determined to build a railroad which ran through Tampa, ending at Port Tampa. Following the completion of the railroad, Plant set up a steamship service carrying passengers, mail and cargo between Havana and Port Tampa. Following these projects Plant constructed a number of opulent hotels around the bay, including Port Tampa Inn and the St Elmo Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel by Hillsbrough River in Tampa.

In 1885 the Tampa Board of Trade enticed the Cuban Don Ybor to construct a new cigar-making factory in the town. The cigar business grew rapidly, in part due to the fact it was ideally positioned between the supply of tobacco coming in through Port Tampa and the retail markets of the USA.

At a similar time rich phosphate deposits were discovered near the city, leading to a mining and shipping boom. By 1900 Tampa had grown from a tiny outpost to one of the biggest cities in the state.

Tampa's rise continued through the next century, and today the city has evolved into a modern urban center busy with enterprise and commerce.

The economic achievements of the city are in many ways thanks to its thriving ports. At the beginning Port Tampa operated as the city’s port, but it was first joined by, then beaten into second place by, the Port of Tampa. The city was a busy departure and arrival port for foot passengers in the 1880s and 1890s but passenger operations dwindled through the next century. But it was not till the 1980s when cruises became popular, with Regency Cruises and HAL arriving at the Port of Tampa to operate cruises to the Caribbean. From 1994 Carnival also homeported a ship at Tampa, the Tropicale.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruise vacations from Tampa call at intresting ports of call including places in Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. Choose from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 day durations.

The ports-of-call make for a memorable trip - you can visit a wide range of exciting sights - in Belize experience lazy Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Costa Maya see the lush flora and fauna of the verdant tropical rain forest, in Grand Cayman stroll along the beautiful white sands of fabulous 7 Mile Beach and in Roatan swim in the blue waters of Half Moon Bay Beach.

Cruises from Tampa shows all the cruise ship departures from Tampa.

Cruise Terminals Map

Cruise Terminals

Cruise Terminal 2
Tampa Port Authority’s Garrison Seaport Center project of the late 1990s included the creation of Cruise Terminal 2. Available facilites include customs, baggage trolleys, a snack bar, taxi rank and restrooms. The terminal has access to a single mooring. Cruise Terminal 2 is home to Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.

Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was finished in 2002 to service a growing demand for cruise vacations out of Tampa. Facilities include a snack bar, luggage carts, restrooms, VIP lounge and customs. The cruise terminal has a single cruise ship mooring. Terminal 3 is used by Royal Caribbean, HAL and NCL cruise ships. Parking is located straight across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car park. Valet services are available.

Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is positioned just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 provides facilities for HAL. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship mooring. Parking is available next to the terminal.

For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.

Sightseeing In Tampa

Florida Aquarium
The whole family will marvel at the myriad of sea creatures on show at the Florida Aquarium. Favorite exhibits include Ocean Commotion, Coral Reefs, No Bone Zone, Wetlands and Aquariumania. Extra activities are available such as Swim with Fish and Penguins - Backstage Pass. The Aquarium is sited just beside cruise terminal 3.

SS American Victory
The cargo ship SS American Victory sailed all through World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been renovated into a working museum. Walk aboard and witness the entire ship including weapon systems, lifeboats, a hospital section, the bridge and steering center. The SS American Victory is moored by the Florida Aquarium.

Channelside Bay Plaza
The large Channelside development offers many bars, shops, eateries and entertainment venues.

Tampa’s Riverwalk
Enjoy the best-known sights of the city and sweeping views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the new Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk meanders along the waterside it passes a whole host of sites including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Channelside Bay Plaza, Teco Line Streetcar, USF Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the majestic Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian design. Nowadays the hotel building is primarily taken up by the University of Tampa, but it is also home to the well worthwhile Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famed entrepreneur.

Ybor City State Museum
With its Cuban roots Ybor City is one of two National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida. Ybor City’s iron balconies, narrow streets and brick houses give a glimpse of 19th century history. Drop in at a bar with flamboyant flamenco dancers, or buy a hand-made cigar at a shop. Several stops of the old Teco streetcar are near the cruise port and can carry you to Ybor city.

Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to go on a memorable trek crossing the magnificent Serengeti plains, take in a show with live perfomers, enjoy up-close meetings with rare wildlife and frighten yourself on pulse-pounding roller coasters. Busch Gardens is positioned 8 miles north of the cruise port.

Traveling To The Cruise Port

By Air
Tampa Airport is around 7 miles away from the cruise terminals. Catching a taxi is a simple way to travel between the two.

By Car
From Orlando
Follow I-4 westwards to exit 1. GoTravel south along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then head left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the parking area next to the cruise terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south along Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking lot is located on the right of the street across from the Florida Aquarium.

From St Petersburg
Take I-275 eastwards. Merge with I-4. Follow I-4 eastwards to exit 1 , signed Port Of Tampa/Ybor City. Continue southwards along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the open parking next to the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south on Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking garage is located on the right of the street just across from the Florida Aquarium.

Cruise Port - Palma De Mallorca, Mallorca

2011-07-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Introduction

In the Balearic Sea, one hundred miles off the south eastern coastline of Spain, lies the island of Mallorca. The city of Palma is positioned in Palma Bay on the south west side of the island.

The Romans were the first people to spot the ideal location of Mallorca as a trading center, and in 123BC founded two ports, one being Palmeria. In medieval times Palma was ruled by Moors, who named the settlement Medina Mayurka. There is little evidence of this era remaining, apart from the Arab baths and sections of the walls of Almudaina Palace. The Moors employed Palma as a base to harass Catalan boats sailing near the mainland.

In 1229, to remove the menace, James I of Aragon conquered Palma. The city was annexed into the Kingdom of Aragon. The Golden Age of Mallorca started, this saw a blossoming of the island’s agriculture, trade and industry. The imposing Bellver Castle and magnificent le Seu cathedral were constructed, and the Almudaina was transformed into a marvelous Gothic palace. In 1516 the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were united when Charles I, son of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, the first King of all Spain. Mallorca changed from an important part of the Kingdom of Aragon to a rather neglected region of a much bigger country.

For the following three hundred years Palma descended into a long slump, due to a mixture of political indifference, many plagues and frequent attacks by Barbary Corsairs. The French invasion of Algeria in 1830 at last saw a finish to the risk of attacks by Berber Pirates, resulting in the growth of marine traffic from Palma’s port.

Tourism started to become an important industry to Mallorca during the early part of the 20th century. Holidaymakers visited to experience the island’s tranquility and beauty. There was a lull in tourism during World War II, but after the war visitor numbers skyrocket, as people from all over Europe arrived for a sunny vacation.

Some may criticize the sometimes negative effects of the large number of tourists on the island, but Palma is still to this day a charming city with a lot for the visitor to see. The city’s Old Town, with its beautiful squares, quaint cobbled streets and medieval palaces are the historical highlight of the city.

Mallorca is situated in the middle of the Western Mediterranean sea making the island a favorite port-of-call for cruises. In recent years, in main due to the convenient and well served Palma de Mallorca airport, the island has also become a major departure port for cruise ships.

You Choose The Cruise

Palma is an excellent base for a week long itinerary calling at exciting ports in the Western Mediterranean.

Favorite shore trips available at Western Mediterranean ports would include the atmospheric D’Alt Vila of Ibiza, the eery Cappuchini Catacombs in Palermo, the opulent Monte Carlo casino in Monaco, the towering Colosseum in Rome (from Civitavecchia) and the superb La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

In fall repositioning cruises may be on offer to the Caribbean and the Canaries.

Cruises from Palma shows all the cruise ship departures from Palma.

Cruise Terminals

Estacion Maritima 1 Through 4 Cruise Terminals
Estacion Maritima 1,2,3,4 cruise terminals serve ships moored at the Poniente and Paraires quays numbers 21, 23 25 and 26. The cruise terminals are joined with a number of raised and covered foot bridges. Services include restrooms, health office, cafeteria, waiting areas, telephone kiosks, police station and post office. These cruise terminals are about a mile and a half to the southwest of Palma’s center.

Estacion Maritima 5 Cruise Terminal
Some cruise ships moor inside Dique Del Oeste (the west sea wall) at piers 28, 30 and 32. These berths are served by the Estacion Martima 5 passenger terminal. The No 5 cruise terminal is at the southern end of the harbor.

For the port website see Port Authority of the Balearic Islands.

Sightseeing in Palma

La Seu
Palma’s magnificent cathedral la Seu is the city’s favorite attraction. Construction work began in the early years of the 13th century, and continued for over 3 centuries. A major rebuilding project commenced in the the 20th century, with the renowned architect Gaudi making several contentious contributions.

Almudaina Palace
The attractive Moorish style of the Palacio de la Almudaina echoes its origin as a Moorish castle. After the conquest of Mallorca by the Catalan army in the 13th century the building was converted into a palace for the Mallorcan monarchy. Today it is a museum containing art such as oriental carpets, Flemish tapestries and an excellent selection of paintings.

Bellver Castle
The impressive Bellver Castle is home to the Palma History Museum and the Despuig Classical Sculpture Museum. There are wonderful views from the castle’s ramparts over the turquoise blue Bay of Palma. Bellver Castle is a 10 minute walk upwards from the cruise terminal.

C'an Pere Antoni Beach
The shoreline south of the city center has a narrow ribbon of sand, which, if you stroll for 5 minutes in an easterly direction, widens into the large C'an Pere Antoni beach. The sands shelve gently into the sea. A few palms behind the beach provide a cooling shade, and nearby shops offer snacks and beach gear.

Palma To Soller Railway
This old-fashioned narrow-track electric train connects Palma de Mallorca with the mountainside township of Soller, a journey 27km long. The route traverses a wide stretch of countryside, then climbs up through 13 tunnels to get to Soller. The excursion, taking just over an hour, is an interesting way of getting to know the undeveloped landscapes of Mallorca. The Palma terminus is positioned in the center of the city, nearby the modern train station.

Getting To The Cruise Port

The easiest way of traveling between the airport and the cruise port is by coach or taxi. One other way is to get the no 1 bus which runs from the airport through Palma center to the Estacion Maritima. From the bus stop walk into the Estascion Number 2 terminal across the street then follow the signs to your required terminal.

Cruise Port - Seattle, USA

2011-06-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Seattle is positioned on a strip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. On the western side of Puget Sound lie the Olympic mountains, which fall into the Pacific Ocean, and on the eastern of Lake Washington lie the higher Cascades.

White settlers arrived at the Seattle area in 1850 to establish an outpost they originally named New York. These first pioneers soon realized a better harbor facility was available close by, and relocated to what is now called the Pioneer Square neighborhood. In respect to a local native Indian leader who had aided the pioneers, the new township was given the name Seattle.

Processing and exporting lumber was the first business enterprise of the new outpost. In the fall of 1863, surveyor Edwin Richardson discovered coal beside a stream later called Coal Creek. Almost immediately extensive coal mining began, and coal joined lumber as a principal export from Seattle docks. In 1883 a connecting railroad between Seattle and the Northern Pacific transcontinental railway was constructed, and the town's population soared in the 1890s.

In 1889 the city was almost completely destroyed when a raging fire raged through its center. The burnt-out buildings were replaced during a hectic decade of reconstruction. The new layout included reconstructed piers, municipal sewer works and wide streets.

The Seattle population carried on growing through the early 19th century, as the city’s thriving businesses drew people from as far away as Asia and Europe.

Ship building grew during World War I, thanks to huge demand. The end of the war saw the Seattle general strike, which left the city with a reputation as a nursery of radicalism and socialism. In the following years, the Great Depression hit the city hard, with industrial output slowing drastically. World War II sparked an industrial turn around as Boeing, a previously little-known airplane manufacturer, grew its workforce quickly. In 1962 Seattle sponsored a huge world's fair, the fantastic Century 21 Exposition. The Seattle Center, the Seattle Center Monorail, the Space Needle and the Pacific Science Center were all built for the Expo, and have become much-loved features of the Seattle skyline.

Today the city is a foremost commercial harbor, and the heart of a prominent business area.

From early days the economy of the city has been closely tied with the commercial activities of its docks. The export of timber and coal was the main commercial activity of the docks in the early years. Apart from big cargo ships, small boats plied the route along the coast northwards, supplying resource industries based on mining, timber and fishing. Summer voyages to Alaska were in demand even in the early 19th century, with Alaska Steamship Company selling week long cruises. By the 1950s the popularity of cruises to Alaska had fallen, and the Alaska Steamship Company closed. During the second half of the 20th century Seattle’s cruise ship business was non-existent.

Then in 2000 Seattle once again tried to become a major cruise ship homeport, when the Port of Seattle inaugurated the Bell Street Pier cruise port. In 2009 the Smith Cove terminal was built to further cruise passenger capacity. In 2010 the Port of Seattle boasted 223 cruise ship visits with nearly a million revenue passengers.

You Choose The Cruise

The winters in Alaska are long and cold, so Seattle’s cruising season is almost completely May through to September.

Seattle cruises take a different course to Alaska than those leaving from Vancouver. The additional total distance adds up to around 320 miles, and the quickest way to Alaska is to hug the outside of Vancouver island. This way only became possible for week-long cruises when fastercruise ships were introduced. This outside passage route through the north Pacific can be rough and stormy, and there is virtually no picturesque land scenery for 2 sea days of the cruise. Also note cruise ships will typically call at Victoria on Vancouver island’s coast, as foreign-flagged ships operating in US waters are mandated to stop in a foreign port on their overall itinerary.

A very well-liked route is the 7 day return trip visiting Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Juneau. You will see magnificent coastal and mountain landscapes, mighty glaciers calving into the ocean and historic port towns.

When the Seattle cruise season finishes a range of interesting repositioning cruises are on offer: to destinations such as Hawaii, Asia and Florida.

Cruises from Seattle shows all cruise ship departures from Seattle.

Cruise Terminals

Seattle boasts 2 cruise ports, the premier downtown Bell Street Pier, and the Smith Cove Piers, 2 miles north of the city center.

Bell Street Terminal
The Bell Street Pier cruise ship terminal was inaugurated in 2000 as a important component of a 10-acre, city center, coastline, multi-purpose development. The terminal is located on Pier 66 which has a historic past dating back to 1914. Over the following years the pier had many roles like refrigerated storage, on-dockrailroad station and warehousing. The terminal is laid out over 2 levels, with a modern boarding system giving easy ship access from the upper floor. Facilities comprise baggage handling, concierge, check-in, retail kiosks, rental car kiosk, customs, restaurant and café. A 1700 space parking garage is positioned just across the road. The terminal has access to just one cruise ship berth. The Bell Street cruise terminal hosts Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises ships.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal
The Smith Cove cruise ship facility is located 3 miles north west from the city center, on Pier 90 and Pier 91. The waterfront was purchased by the port in 1912 for use as a commercial port. During World War II the navy managed the port as a supply point. Thanks to its previous use, the terminal surroundings have a very industrial looking look. Services include customs, luggage checking, check-in, car rental desk, concierge and shops. A 1,000 car parking lot is sited not far away with a free shuttle to the terminal. The cruise port boasts 2 cruise ship moorings at Piers 90 and 91. Smith Cove is home to Holland America Line, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises and RCL.

For the port website see Port Of Seattle.

Sightseeing In Seattle

Space Needle
Seattle’s iconic Space Needle is 605 feet tall, and has an exciting observation deck near the top of the tower. You can see the sound, the downtown skyline, Washington Lake and the far-off mountains. Drop by at the souvenir shop for a memento or, for a meal with a twist, eat at SkyCity, the tower's revolving restaurant that turns once per hour.

Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is the position of Seattle’s first timber mill, the economic hub of the original pioneer township. The great 1889 fire ruined the wooden structures constructed by the town’s founders. Today the district is characterized by 1890s brick and stone buildings, and is bursting with friendly cafes, interesting shops, splendid architecture and art galleries. Pioneer Square is situated about a mile southwards of Bell Street Pier.

Seattle Aquarium
Sited by Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium keeps an incredible range of ocean life. Watch colorful fish, Puget sound creatures, Lake Washington fresh water reatures, mysterious octopus, the coral world of the Pacific and lively otters in excellently presented exhibits. Take a break at the stylish Aquarium café, and browse the aquarium store.

Pike Place Market
In 1907 a local councilor helped set up a farmers’ market, to cut out the enormous take of greedy middlemen. The market has matured into a vast shoppers’ heaven laid out over 9 acres. Walk around numerous food shops like vegetables, honey, nuts, dairy and bakery, and then to follow an even bigger number of non-food shops including jewelry, leather, goods, basketware and candles. It's often crowded, and busy so you’ll be happy to take a relaxing break and sip a coffee at the first-ever Starbucks, located in the market. Pike Place market is positioned just by Bell Street Pier.

Museum of Flight
In addition to being the hometown of behemoth Boeing, Seattle has an outstanding Museum dedicated to flying. Inspect a traffic control tower, the supersonic passenger jet Concorde, a history of air hostess fashion, an outstanding collection of WWII fighter planes and Air Force One. The Museum of Flight is about 4 miles southwards from downtown.

Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is overseen by Seattle Art Museum. It is a free-admission outdoor sculpture park with a whole series of curvaceous and thought-provoking sculptures, with a lovely outlook over Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains behind. The park is positioned on the coastline just north of Bell Street Pier.

Getting To The Cruise Ports

Bell St Pier
From the Airport
The travel time from Sea-Tac airport to the cruise port by taxi is in the region of 30 minutes. Alternatively take the Sea-Tac airport to city center Light Rail, alighting at the terminus Westlake. Then hail a taxi or walk to Bell Street Pier, three-quarters of a mile away.
By Car
From the North
Join Interstate 5. Take exit 167, signed Mercer Street/Seattle Center. Make a right onto Fairview Av. Then the first left onto Valley St. Continue along Valley St which turns into Broad Street. When you reach the waterfront turn left onto Alaskan Way. Just before the cruise port building, take a left onto Wall St for the entrance to the cruise terminal garage.
From the South
Join Interstate 5. Take exit 164A signed Dearborn St, James St, Madison St. Follow Madison St/Convention Center signs. Turn left onto Madison Street. Keep on Madison Street until you reach the seafront. Turn right to join Alaskan Way. Carry on for a mile, passing the cruise port to the left hand side. Turn right onto Wall Street to access Bell Street Pier garage.

Smith Cove
From The Airport
The journey time from Sea-Tac airport to the cruise port by cab is about 30 minutes.
By Car
From the North and South
Take I-5 to exit 167 marked Mercer Street. Make a right turn on to Fairview Av North. Turn left onto Valley Street. Valley Street becomes Broad Street. After the Space needle turn right onto Denny Way. The road bends to the right onto Western Avenue. Western Av joins with Elliott Av West. Follow signs for Magnolia Bridge. Follow signage to Smith Cove and cruise terminal.

Cruise Port - New York, USA

2011-05-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Introduction

New York was first inhabited by Europeans in the early 17th century, when a Dutch outpost called New Amsterdam was set up to collect beaver furs. Friction with the indigenous Lenape Native Americans was unavoidable, and to oppose the threat, the settlers built Fort Amsterdam. Disputes multiplied, eventually turning into full-scale fighting. The Dutch sent out more soldiers to the colony, and succeeded in defeating the Native Americans, resulting in a fragile ceasefire.

In 1664 English forces took control of the colony and gave it the new name of New York. Over the following century the colony grew quickly, as a center for shipping between England and the New World. Disputes between the colonies and the English government led to the American War of Independence of 1775-1783. For much of the rebellion New York was under the control of the English, who used the city as a military base and control center. At the end of the war George Washington triumphantly returned to the city on the withdrawal of the English. New York served as the US’s first capital city until superseded by Philadelphia in 1790.

The city expanded in population and as an economic center throughout the nineteenth century. In 1825 the new Erie Canal, which connected New York to the farming area of Eastern Canada and the US Mid West provided a great stimulus to commercial activiy. The number of immigrants from Europe increased significantly in the mid 19th century, as a result of the Great Irish Famine.

New York carried on growing all through the 20th century to become a world center for industry, commerce and trade. A highlight of this century was the construction plan which saw the emergence of Manhattan’s amazing skyscraper filled skyline.

All through the history of New York its shipping docks situated on the Upper Bay have been key to the city’s success. A big reason for the ports’ importance lies in the big numbers of passengers that have come to New York by ship. The first immigration center was Castle Garden, superseded in 1892 by Ellis Island. At the beginning of the 20th century, migrants did not arrive at Ellis Island but at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan Island, from where steerage passengers were transferred back to the immigration center. But Chelsea Piers was incapable of hosting larger cruiseliners, and longer piers were built between West 44th and 52nd streets in the 1930s, making the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal, or ‘Luxury Liner Row’.

Passenger volumes fell rapidly after the introduction of commercial air flights. But the cruise industry came back to life when the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal relaunched itself in the 1970s as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Demand for cruises rose and two further cruise terminals opened in the Hudson Bay. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook opened 2004 and Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonnne, opened in 2005.

You Choose The Cruise

Popular all-year cruises include the Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport), and the Caribbean (Antigua, St Kitts, Dominican Republic and St Maarten). This far south you’ll escape the chilly Maryland winter, as you voyage into warmer weather. During the summer, cruises to Bermuda generally stay two days, so passengers can savor the buzzing nightlife.

Also available in summer are northward-bound cruises along the eastern coastline of New England and Nova Scotia, with charming and historic ports-of-call. Another idea during summer and fall is the classic transatlantic cruise to Europe.

Cruises from New York shows all cruise ship departures from New York.

Cruise Terminals

New York City has 2 cruise ports, the Mathattan Cruise Terminal beside the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan Island, and 6 miles to the south Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on the eastern side of Hudson Upper Bay on the Red Hook coastline of Brooklyn. Also nearby is Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal, on the west coastline of the Bay, at Bayonnein New Jersey.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is situated between West 44th and West 52nd streets West 44th through West 52nd on the west Hudson River shoreline of Manhattan Island. The cruise terminal covers three docks, 88, 90 and 92. A terminal building sits atop each pier. The facilities at the terminal include customs and immigration, seating areas, check-in areas, VIP areas, rest rooms, snackbars and newsstands. All three of the cruise terminals have a car parking lot on the top of the building. There are 5 quays at piers 88, 90 and 92, lengths 1040’, depth 36’.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal is mainly used by Holland America, Carnival and NCL cruise ships.

For the Port Authority Website see New York City Economic Development Corporation

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

The Brooklyn cruise terminal on the Red Hook shoreline opposite Governor Island was opened in 2006. The terminal contains immigration, check-in, vending machines, restrooms and customs. There is an adjacent parking area able of holding 520 cars. Brooklyn Cruise Terminal has 1 berth, pier 12, length 880’, depth 34’.

Cunard Cruise Line and Princess Cruises ships dock at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Bayonne Cruise Terminal

Cape Liberty cruise terminal is located at the Peninsula in the Upper Bay of New York Harbor. Inaugurated in 2004, the port was formerly the Bayonne Navy base facility. The terminal offers customs, a snackbar, immigration, check-in desks and restrooms. Passengers need to be shuttled by bus from the terminal to the ship dock, as the two are half-a-mile apart. Convenient passenger car parking is sited nearby to the cruise terminal.

The terminal access to a single cruise ship berth, 900ft in length.

Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal is home to Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships.

Sightseeing in Manhattan

Empire State Building
New York’s famed Empire State Building rises over a quarter of a mile above the center of the city. The pavilion and promenade at 1050feet high, is a vertigo causing, but very exciting trip. It is a half-hour walk from the cruise ship terminal.

Central Park
In the center of Manhattan island sits iconic Central Park, a huge landscaped park conceived and built in 1857. Well worth visitingare the Obelisk, Sheep Meadow, the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo and Strawberry Fields.

Sightseeing in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge
Finished in 1883 Brooklyn Bridge which spans the East River is Brooklyn’s most famous landmark. There is a walkway the length of the bridge, which can be reached at Tillary/Adams streets or by a staircase on Prospect St between Cadman Plaza East and West. As you walk across Brooklyn bridge you will see marvellous vistas of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Upper Bay .

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden was started in 1910, on the site of a rubbish dump. Wander around the Children’s Garden, the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Herb Garden and the Fragrance Garden. Also in the garden are a garden store, a café and a gift shop.

Sightseeing in in Bayonne

Liberty State Park
This waterfront area that is now enjoyable Liberty State Park used to be a busy transportation center. The old Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), important in New Jersey's history, is situated at the north end of the park. A two-mile waterfront path offers visitors a panoramic view of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.A all year round ferry service is available from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Statue of Liberty
For the immigrants that flocked from Western Europe to the US, the Statue of Liberty was the first glimpse they had of the United States. Made in Paris by the sculptor Bartholdi, with help from Gustave Eiffel, this towering monument to freedom was a gift from France to celebrate the centennial of American Independence. Tickets to the base area may be booked or bought at the site. Entry to the spiral staircase and crown is limited to just 30 people per hour, so crown tickets must be reserved in advance.

Getting to the Cruise Ports

Manhattan
By Air
Newark International, La Guardia and John F. Kennedy. airports are the closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Taxicabs are available from each airport. Some cruise lines organize a bus transfer.
By Car
Cars access the terminal from the north at the junction of 12th Avenue and 55th Street. Parking is available at each of the three cruise terminals.
From North/Yonkers
Travel south on the Highway 9A, exit to the right at 55th Street.
From East/Jersey City
Travel through the Holland Tunnel, follow the directions for Route 9A. On reaching the waterfront turn right onto 9A. Carry on for 1 mile then follow the sign for the Ship Terminal.
From West/Long Island
On exiting the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, drive west by 34th Street to reach 12th Avenue. Head right and continue north to the ship port.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Station are the nearest stations to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cabs are on hand at both. An alternative is to take the subway to Columbus Circle, and walk from there to the cruise terminal.

Brooklyn
By Air
LaGuardia is the nearest airport to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, John F K and Newark Liberty are only slightly further away. Taxis are readily available at each airport. Some cruise lines lay on a shuttle coach.
By Car
Vehicles access the cruise ship terminal at the junction of Imlay Street and Bowne Street.
From the North/Manhattan
Drive through the Battery Tunnel, I478 into Brooklyn. Leave at Exit 26 into Hamilton Avenue. Make a U-turn at the junction of Hamilton Avenue and Clinton Street, then return along westbound Hamilton Avenue. Turn leftwards at Van Brunt Street, and after 2 blocks, make a right onto Bowne Street to reach the terminal.
From the South/Elizabeth
Drive across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Keep on Interstate 278 in the direction of Brooklyn. Exit at Exit 26, Hamilton Avenue. Continue along Hamilton Ave to the end, make a left turn onto Van Brunt and travel 200 yards to make a right onto Bowne Street to enter the cruise terminal.
By Train
Grand Central Station and Penn Station are the nearest stations from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Taxis are available at both.

Bayonne
By Air
Newark Liberty Airport is the best airport to reach Bayonne cruise terminal at a distance of about 5 miles. John F. Kennedy and La Guardia are both about 25 miles away. Cabs are readily available at each airport. Often cruise lines arrange a shuttle bus transfer.
By Car
From NJ Turnpike (North/East)
Leave the NJ Turnpike, Interstate 78, at Exit 14A. Head onto 440 South. Continue for a mile, then make a left into Cape Liberty Terminal Blvd
From Staten Island Expressway (South/West)
Turn onto 440 heading north. Drive across Bayonne Bridge and continue on 440. Make a right into into Cape Liberty Terminal Boulevard
By Train
The best-located train station is the HBLR station at 34th street. Catch a taxi onward to the cruise terminal. Be warned that no public transport goes to the cruise terminal itself, and pedestrians are banned from the cruise terminal.

Cruise Departure Port - Vancouver, Canada

2011-04-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Vancouver is counted among the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, tall trees, and sandy Pacific beaches. The city lies on the west coast of Canada, sheltered from the rough waters of the Pacific ocean by the vast landmass of Vancouver island.

The huge forests in this part of Canada were a big potential source of timber, and the late nineteenth century saw the founding of a number of lumber enterprises. The small township of Granville was founded beside Burrard Inlet to cater for the needs of the thriving lumber processing businesses. In 1871 British Colombia merged with the newly formed Dominion of Canada after agreement was reached that the railroad system was expanded to the western coast. Granville was picked as the west coast last stop. In 1886, the city was incorporated and given the new name of to Vancouver. Officialdom felt that this name was more widely known (on account of well-liked Vancouver island) and more fitting for the railway’s terminus. In the same year the first ever CPR train arrived. Later the same year the city was almost entirely ruined when the Great Vancouver fire raged through the center.

The city continued to grow through the 20th century, with arrivals of migrants from eastern Canada, Asia and Europe. Today Vancouver has a major commercial harbor, and the center of a prominent business area.

Vancouver’s excellent deep water port has continually played an important role in its growth. Initially lumber and grain were the main goods exported from the docks. Apart from big cargo ships, small boats sailed the route along the coast northwards, servicing resource businesses based on fishing, wood and mining. Accounts of unbelievable coastal landscapes came back with the travelers on these smaller boats. Summer voyages to Alaska were busy even in the early 1900s, with shipping lines running week long cruises. Sadly by the 1950s the Alaska cruise industry had shrunk to only CPR’s Princess Patricia and Canadian National Steamers’ Prince George.

1957 saw the founding of Alaska Cruise Lines, which ran Yukon Star and the Glacier Queen. The company, now named Cruise West, was acquired by Holland America in 1971. Encouraged by the popularity of such small cruises, Holland America brought their new cruise ship ms Prinsendam to Vancouver in 1975. Before long Princess joined HAL, sending two cruise ships, and this in turn attracted other lines to homeport ships in Vancouver for the summer.

The number of cruise passengers continued steady growth from in 1970 to more than 1 million in 2001. But the arrival of Seattle into the Alaskan cruise market in 2000 brought to a close Vancouver’s growth. By 2010 the number of cruisers leaving from Vancouver each year had fallen to around 600,000.

You Choose The Cruise

Vancouver serves as a cruise port only in summertime, due to Alaska’s hard and long winter months. All the cruises which leave out of Vancouver make through the famous Inside Passage route, getting to Queen Charlotte Sound by the legendary Seymore Narrows. The calm nature of this itinerary to Alaska is better than the Pacific itinerary out of Seattle.

The most popular itinerary is the 7 day return cruise with calls at Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord. You will see mighty glaciers falling into the ocean, spectacular coastal and mountain scenery and characterful port towns.

Another option is to take a one week one way cruise from Vancouver visiting Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway and Ketchikan before sailing across the Gulf of Alaska to end up at Seward or Whittier. You can return by taking another cruise, or by plane flying from Anchorage. This choice enables you to make your vacation longer with a tour into the picturesque Alaskan interior.

At the end of the cruising season a number of excellent repositioning cruise itineraries are available: to places such as California, Florida and Hawaii.

For a list of cruise from Vancouver, see cruises from Vancouver.

Vancouver Cruise Terminals

There are 2 cruise terminals in Vancouver. Near the center of the city is Canada Place, Vancouver’s foremost cruise port. A mile and a half to the east of the center lies Ballantyne, a secondary facility, a short bus or cab journey from the center.

To simplify visits at Alaskan ports, a US Customs desk processes passengers prior to embarkation in Vancouver. As an alternative American citizens transferring from Vancouver airport can follow the US Direct Program, this allows for fast customs clearance.

Canada Place

Canada Place has developed from its beginnings as Canadian Pacific Railway terminus pier B-C, this handled the quick movement of corn from rail to docked ships.

The cruise terminal is housed in the original Canada Pavilion from Expo 86 and has a unique 5 sail shape, echoing the city’s rich seafaring tradition. Beside the cruise terminal, the complex holds Port Metro Vancouver corporate offices, a large VINCI car park, a World Trade Center office and a Pan-Pacific five-star hotel. Facilities available include customs, restrooms, security, luggage trolleys and a snack shop.

The terminal has access to 3 cruise ship berths, named East, North and West.

Ballantyne

Ballantyne cruise terminal was enlarged and redesigned in 1995, and today gives speedy cruise ship passenger processing. On account of its history as a commerical port, the terminal surroundings have a commerical docks feel. Facilities on offer include baggage trolleys, food and drink concessions, security, restrooms, customs and taxi ranks.

The cruise port has just one berth East. Sometimes the West quay is employed.

For the port website see Port Metro Vancouver.

Sightseeing in Vancouver

Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the largest urban park in North America. It’s home to the Vancouver Aquarium and an interesting assortment of native American Totems. Enthusiastic hikers can contour the 6 mile seashore, along a pathway which gives magnificent views across the ocean.

Vancouver Aquarium
Visit Vancouver Aquarium and experience sealife close encounters, with sea lions, dolphins, belugas and sea turtles. Children will adore Clownfish Cove, with its sea stars, sea urchins, clownfish and sea cucumbers.

Harbour Center Tower
Standing 581 feet tall the Harbour Center Tower is the highest skyscraper in British Columbia. Take a short elevator to the top and enjoy a 360-degree view of Burrard Inlet, the city and the North Shore Mountains.

Gastown
The 19th century beginnings of Vancouver lie in the characterful district of Gastown. Though the original timber buildings were totally razed in the 1886 fire. See the statue of ‘Gassy Jack’ in Maple Square and the steam clock hiss then have a quiet break at a friendly café.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
In the heart of the city’s booming Chinatown, you’ll find the stunning Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The Garden is built to reflect the mixing of the four elements: plants, water, architecture and rock, resulting in perfect balance.

Getting to the Cruise Ports

By Car From USA

Canada Place
Cross the Canadian Border on Interstate 5. I-5 becomes Rte 99. Carry on northwards and cross the Oak Street Bridge. Turn left onto 70th Avenue. Then turn right on Granville Street. Carry on driving northwards across the Granville Street Bridge. Follow the Seymour St exit. Carry on northwards along Seymour St to reach West Cordova St. Turn left on West Cordova Street. Next turn right onto Howe Street, and after a block you’ll get to Canada Place. Parking can be found at the Vinci car park.

Ballantyne
Head across the US/Canadian Border on Interstate 5. This becomes Rte 99. Leave at junction 36 and turn right onto Rte 91. Then make a left onto Knight Street. Knight Street becomes Clark Drive. Keep on on Clark to the foot of Clark next make a right onto Stewart St. Continue about half-a-mile to arrive at Ballantyne. No parking lot is available at the cruise terminal, but an idea is cruisepark, positioned at the waterfront between Canada Place and Ballantyne.

By Air

From Vancouver International Airport
The new Skytrain Canada Line, built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games offers a fast connection from the airport to Waterfront station taking just of 28 minutes. Departures are every 9 mins. Canada Place is a small walk from the station. However Ballantyne is a taxi ride away. Another option is to take a cab from the airport to the required cruise terminal. It takes about 30 minutes.

Cruise Departure Port - Bridgetown, Barbados

2011-03-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The island of Barbados has a surfeit of nature's beauty, interesting places to visit, and seemingly endless ribbons of white sand beaches, surely amongst the finest in the Caribbean Sea. The countryside ranges from the hills and rough waves on the Atlantic east coast, to the flatter lands and beautiful picture-perfect beaches on the west Caribbean coast.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries Barbados was operated essentially as a large sugar farm under British management, and today there are still a few original sugar plantations reborn as museums chronicling the hardships of the slaves toiling in the fields.

Today the inhabitants of Barbados are termed Bajans, and the ancestors of the old plantation economy live in relative harmony in a democratic society.

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and nomally avoids the terrible effects of the region's tropical hurricanes due to the fact that the island is situated outside the major storm path. Records show that a hurricane only hits the island around once every 35 years.

All these plus points make the island a very popular cruise ship port, and in recent years, mainly due to the very convenient Grantley Adams airport, it has also become a busy starting port for cruises.

You Choose The Cruise

Due to its ideal position at the center of the Southern Caribbean, Barbados makes a good choice as s departure port.

Itineraries include the Greater Antilles (Jamaica), the Windward Isles (Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent), the Leeward Isles(St Barts, St Martin, St Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Tobago), the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire) or even as far south as the Brazilian Amazon.

For a list of cruises from Barbados, see cruises from Barbados.

Bridgetown Cruise Port

Bridgetown Port is positioned in Carlisle Bay on the Western coast of the island of Barbados. The Port handles all of the country's cargo ships, together with a large number of cruise ships. Constructed in 1961, the Deep Water Harbour was formed by a manmade breakwater added to a natural bay. In 2002 the main channel and the inner harbor were deepened to facilitate large ships to call. Since the dredging project the port has experienced an increase both in goods and cruise ship volumes.

The port consists of four docks totaling 1531 meters in length, and can handle 5-6 large cruiseships.
The official port website is Port of Bridgetown.

Beside the quays sits the cruise terminal, opened in January 1994. It acts as the center for services for cruise passengers and crew members arriving at the island. The cruise terminal houses the normal departments to manage cruise passengers, like Immigration, Customs, Health Center, Animal Quarantine, Barbados Tourist Center and Post Office. There are other useful facilities, including restaurants and bars, a business center, a large shopping area, and an internet cafe.

Cab services and rental cars are available for passengers just outside the cruise terminal main entrance. As an alternative the adventurous can make their way to Bridgetown's main bus station, the Fairchild Street Terminal, around a twenty minute walk, to take advantage of the island's cheap bus system.

Sightseeing Around Bridgetown

Broad Street
The main street of Bridgetown. The street is lined with duty free shops, banks, larger department stores, and bars. A good detour is Swan Street which features many discount clothing stores.

Harrison's Cave
Barbabos's number one visitor attraction. Get on an electrically powered tram and ride through a beautiful subterranean world.

Welchman Hall Gully
The lush tropical gardens set among natural caves are filled with tropical specimens, here long before the British arrived in 1627. Chattering monkeys fill the treetops.

Sunbury Plantation House
A Plantation Great House whose rooms is open to the public. The 300 year house is rich in history, with old paintings, fascinating plantation inventory lists, characterful antique funiture and a small museum of of horse carriages.

Beaches
The island's beaches are open to the public. Easiest to get to are the beaches of the Gold Coast. Payne's bay is good for swimming. Nearby is Fresh Water Bay, which boasts a lovely trio of beaches, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery and Banks Beer Tour
If you like your alcohol go on a guided tour and sampling at the island's main rum distillery, next head over to Banks Brewery to enjoy the island's favorite beer.

Getting To The Cruise Port

Grantley Adams International Airport is 13 miles from Bridgetown Port. The airport is served by aeroplanes from Europe, North America and other islands in the Caribbean. The journey from airport to the cruise terminal is easiest by taxi, and takes around thirty minutes. The charge is around 60 Barbadian dollars.

Cruise Departure Port - Port Canaveral, Florida

2011-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Introduction

On one of the long offshore islands fronting the Atlantic coast of Florida, halfway between Jacksonville and Miami, sits Cape Canaveral. Enclosing the city to the east is the Banana River, on the north side is Port Canaveral, on the west side is the Atlantic Ocean and on the south side is Cocoa Beach.

The currents which whirl around the Cape make it perilous to ships, and countless seamen have met their fate in wrecks around the Cape. The promontory was named Cape Canaveral by seamen from Spain during the sixteenth century. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was erected in 1844 with the aim of making the coast safer for shipping.

In the 1910s a small community centered on fishing was founded just south of Cape Canaveral. The town was called Artesia. To the south of Artesia the community of Avon-by-the-Sea, with streets named after presidents, was started by a club of property speculators. WWII brought about the establishment of Banana River Naval Air Station at the Cape which had the role of supporting coastal seaplanes.

After World War 2 the US air-force, searching for a neck of land extending into the Atlantic ocean to make an ideal launch base, selected the Cape. Avon-by-the-Sea and Artesia were engulfed by the new facilities constructed to cater for the space employees of the base, and the city of Cape Canaveral was founded.

The Cape Canaveral base needed a facility for retrieving booster rockets from the ocean, and Port Canaveral was constructed and dedicated in 1953. The theme parks of central Florida are a huge attraction, and in the 1970s the port was first utilized by cruise ships as it was a port-of-call close to Orlando. During the next decade, Premier Cruises and Carnival Cruises based ships at Port Canaveral, offering cruises to Freeport from newly constructed cruise ship terminals. The 1990s were a period of fast expansion for the cruise port, with the construction of cruise terminals 5, 8, and 10. Disney cruises started operating from the port.

Today more than a million passengers depart on their cruise vacation from Port Canaveral every year. Royal Caribbean and NCL have been added to the list of cruise lines operating cruises from the port.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises on offer include the Eastern Caribbean (St Maarten, San Juan and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan), or the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau). Longer trips are also to be had, such as transatlantic cruises to Europe. For a list of cruises from Cape Canaveral, see cruises from Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals

Port Canaveral has several cruise terminals, though just 3 are used day-in/day-out for multi-day cruise ships. These are terminals 5, 8 and 10 which are on the north west shore of the port. Terminal 2 hosts a casino cruise ship. Terminals 3 and 4 are not utilized often.

A Side (North) Terminals

Cruise terminal buildings 5, 8 and 10 are sited on the A or north side, alongside Charles M Rowland Drive.

These more modern terminals are each capable of handling 3000 plus people, and have large docks to berth the newer super sized ships.

Cruise Terminal 5 is an attractive 2 story building, with a 30ft high central hall filled with tropical vegetation and gushing waterfalls. Embarking cruisers are handled on the top storey, disembarking passengers on the bottom. Cruise Terminal 8 was constructed for Disney Cruise Line, and is an eye-catching art-nouveau style terminal with an impressive 90ft circular glass foyer. Cruise Terminal 10 has a 3 layered passenger loading/unloading arrangement, and completely automated baggage processing. The cruise terminals respective dock lengths are: terminal 5 970ft, terminal 8 1000ft, terminal 10 1100ft.

Each terminal provides the necessary facilities including pay phones, ATMs, check-in desks, restrooms, vending machines and cab rank. A dedicated parking lot for the use of passengers is situated next to each terminal building.

B Side (South) Terminals

Cruise terminals 2, 3 and 4 are located on the south west or B side, along George King Boulevard. These terminal buildings were amongst Port Canaveral's first facilities dedicated to the cruise lines, and each can handle about 1800 passengers. The 3 terminals share 2,150 ft of continuous dock offering the capacity to accommodate two large or three medium-length cruise ships.

A large parking area for passengers’ use stands adjacent to each cruise terminal building.

For the port website see Port Canaveral Port Authority.

Sightseeing Around Port Canaveral

Jetty Park
Jetty Park is a attractive coastline park which encompasses a beach, picnic areas, pavilions, camping and a playground. A favorite with both walkers and fishermen is Jetty Park pier, which offers great views of marine traffic departing from/arriving at Port Canaveral, and super fishing for tarpon, common jacks and redfish. The long sandy Atlantic-facing beach offers many facilities like year-round lifeguards, convenient parking, showers and restrooms. The lively Cove Waterfront area positioned between the park and the port has shops, cafes and restaurants. The park is managed by the Port Authority, and is located on the south side of the port’s exit channel.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The excitement of space travel is infectious to almost everybody. The Kennedy Space Center is the core of NASA’s activities and was the launch pad for the Apollo missions. At the Center you can go by bus to the LC39 Gantry and the Apollo Center, watch a movie at the IMAX center, learn about the future of space exploration at the Exploration Space exhibition and undergo the Shuttle Launch Experience. The Center is only 10 miles northwards of the port.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame
The Astronaut Hall of Fame celebrates American astronauts. See an absorbing collection including space suits, a realistic astronaut training simulator, the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket and the Science On A Sphere exhibition. The Hall of Fame is about 5 miles west from the Space Center.

Cocoa Beach Pier
Originally built in 1962 Cocoa Beach Pier is among the most popular landmarks on the Space coast. The 800 foot pier houses souvenir shops, four bars, frequent live street entertainment and 5 restaurants. The beach next to the pier has restrooms, beach-hire stalls, freshwater showers and year-round life guards. Cocoa Beach is only 5 miles south of the port.

Orlando Amusement Parks
Head west from the Port on Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway to reach fabulous attractions like Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and Walt Disney World all of which are no more than an hour’s drive away.

Getting To The Cruise Port

By Car
North Cruise Terminals
Drive towards Port Canaveral on Hwy 528, cross Merritt Island, and exit at the sign marked A Cruise Terminals onto SR 401 North. Drive 1 mile on SR 401 North next exit at the sign marked with the cruiselines.
South Cruise Terminals
Enter into Port Canaveral on Highway 528 and leave at the sign marked B Cruise Terminals. Next make a left under bridge to George King Boulevard. Carry on for a mile. Next follow directions to get to the required cruise terminal.

By Air
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport, positioned in the southern outskirts of Orlando, is around 45 minutes drive west from Port Canaveral. Travel from the airport can be arranged by taxicab or shuttle.
Melbourne International Airport
Melbourne International Airport is roughly 30 miles south of Port Canaveral. Travel from the airport is possible by shuttle bus or cab.

Cruise Departure Port - Dubai, UAE

2011-01-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Introduction

The City of Dubai is a member of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The city is sited on the southern coast of the Gulf of Arabia. As recently as the 1950's Dubai was a small fishing and trading town. Today a towering metropolis has risen. All around is bigger, taller, and more spectacular. Steel and glass towers spring out of the sterile desert and dreamlike islands have been built in the Arabian sea, formed as palm trees or unbelievably a map of the globe.

Dubai is today a huge trading zone and has become a key commercial center in the vicinity. It is called the 'City of Merchants', due to the huge amount of business, and also 'City of Gold', thanks to its vast taxfree Gold markets. Dubai's most unique feature is its wonderfully furnished hotels and its gigantic shopping malls, certain to amaze even the most travel weary.

The air is hot making it necessary that all indoor areas are air-conditioned. In winter, Dubai is perfect, warm and dry, perfect beach weather. Later on temperatures can easily hit 40°C and it is tiringly sticky.

You Choose The Cruise

The most popular cruise is a tour of the Arabian Gulf calling at interesting ports such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat and Fujairah. More extended sailings to Far East and India are also available. A further option is a sailing to the Mediterranean sea. Cruises From Dubai shows all cruise ship departures from Dubai.

Cruise Terminal

2010 marked the unveiling of a brand new cruise ship facility was unveiled forming part of an extensive reworking of the ageing Rashid area. The new building spans 3,450 square metres and is intended to handle four cruise ships simultaneously so enabling a rising number of visiting ships. Traditional domes, arches and carvings are the foremost architectural features of the building’s exterior. This appearance is of up-to-date Arabic architecture, and reflects Dubai's long history as a trading center.

The cruise terminal contains lots of facilities like souvenir shops, currency exchange, a post office, duty free shop, business center and ATM machines.

Sightseeing in Dubai

Dubai Museum
Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the nineteenth century, houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of cultural, artistic and military artifacts. The fort, Dubai's oldest standing building, was constructed to protect the town from warlike tribes. These days tourists can see pearl diving tools, traditional musical instruments, alabaster statues, copper jewelry and clay pots. Situated on the southern side of Dubai Creek.

Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Dubai Creek, which separates the city's Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods, is a seawater inlet which is hectic all the time with ships voyaging between Dubai and India, Arabia and East Africa. Catch a abra for a trip up the Creek and back. Next saunter along the creekside path, which extends from seafront and attractive Creekside Park. Where the visitor will find mini-golf, fishing piers, a cafe and gardens.

Gold Souk
Though you may not be considering to buy something, a stroll through the glittering Gold Souk is enjoyable. The shops sell incredible quantities of silver, platinum, diamonds, gold and precious gems. Be sure to negotiate. Both sides of the lanes of the gold souk, each shop front is full with gold necklaces, watches, rings, earrings and bangles. The prices are amongst the lowest anywhere. Situated on the north waterfront of Dubai Creek.

Spice Souk
At the narrow alleyways of the spice market, the visitor can smell the feeling and the aromas of years of history. Large bags of flower petals, medicinal herbs, spices, incense, fragrances and aromatic oils are presented at each stall. Next to the Gold Souk.

Burj Khalifa
At 2625ft and 160 stories Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. You can go to the observation deck on story 124 or the restaurant at story 122. Access is by the lower basement level of the Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab hotel
The amazing Burj Al Arab is the star of the Dubai skyline. It’s seven star rating may or may not be outrageous, however everyone agrees upon its amazing design.
One way to get inside the hotel without paying for a room is to book a meal at one of the hotel's classy restaurants.

Bastakia Quarter
The traditional Bastakia Quarter is a memory of the era when the city was a little fishing port. Walk along the maze of streets and witness the attractive homes with their distinctive wind towers that directed any breeze down to the house so providing cooling. The Quarter is situated on the north bank of Dubai creek.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach boasts fine soft sand and crystal seas. It is occasionally very busy. You’ll find picnic areas, lifeguards, showers, playground, toilets and food kiosks.
On Mondays the beach park is reserved for children and women.
The park is sited one mile in a southerly direction from the cruise port.

The Desert
Experience the sands around the city in a 4x4 expedition. After the ride stop at a Bedouin encampment and enjoy a feast with a performance from a belly dancer.

Getting To The Cruise Port From The Airport

Dubai Airport is sited about 3 miles to the northeast of the city’s center. The new airport is at Jebel Ali twenty miles south of the city center. The easiest way to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal is by cab.

Cruise Departure Port - Baltimore, USA

2010-11-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Baltimore is sited in central Maryland, on the Patapsco river, an inlet of Chesapeake Bay. In the first part of the 18th century the region was a hub of tobacco growing, and a port was built on the bay to allow the trade of tobacco to Europe. Baltimore began as a small town by the port, providing for the requirements of the thriving docks. The town expanded as new products like corn from the adjoining region, and sugar from the Caribbean, went through the port.

During the American War of Independence Baltimore acted as the US’s capital in the short term, because congress was forced to abandon Philadelphia. The war increased shipbuilding in Baltimore, and the Fell’s Point yards produced both trade and privateer ships. In 1812 the British attempted to negate the threat by attacking the city, but were eventually repulsed in the heroic Battle of Baltimore.

Constructed in the years 1828 to 1853 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad allowed the movement of grain from western states to the port and led to a large increase to business in the city. In 1904 a great fire swept through the center of Baltimore, leading to the destruction of more than 1500 buildings. The burnt-out buildings were replaced during a busy decade of reconstruction.

Another period of redevelopment happened in the 1980s, with an ambitious project to redesign the Inner Harbor area. This waterfront area is today a big draw for tourists, and attractions are the Maryland Science Center, the Historic Ships Museum, the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Harborplace shopping center and the American Visionary Art Museum.

Baltimore has become the United States’ eighth largest port, stretching over 22 miles of shoreline. As well as trade, the port has traditionally welcomed passengers. The city was the 2nd biggest landfall for immigrants in the early 20th century. Local steamship cruises were all the rage in the middle of the 19th century. Today there’s a sunnier pick of cruises available, though, as cruise ships travel to the fantastic Bahamas and Caribbean.

You Choose The Cruise

Favorite all year long cruises include the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These destinations offer warmer weather even in winter, with sunshine-filled days and balmy evenings.

During the summer, sailings to Bermuda generally include a one-night stopover, so passengers can experience the nightlife. Also available in the summer months are cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Canada, visiting charming and historic ports-of-call.

For a calendar of cruises departing from Baltimore, see cruises from Baltimore.

Baltimore Cruise Terminal

The Maryland Cruise Terminal, a former paper-shed building was inaugurated in 2006 on the South Locust Point shoreline. The terminal building provides the basic services like vending machines, pay phones, check-in desks, an ATM and restrooms. Beside the terminal stands a parking lot, with capacity of more than 1500 vehicles.

The cruise ship berth is 1139ft long and is dredged to 35ft, which limits the cruise port to just one ship.

For the port website see Maryland Department of Transportation Port Administration

.

Sightseeing in Baltimore

National Aquarium
Discover to the ocean world at the National Aquarium. The best exhibits include a massive shark tank, acrobatic dolphins, a stingray zone and animal planet Australia.

Harborplace shopping center
A shoppers’ heaven with more than 100 shops and 15 restaurants. The open square is nearly always host to street musicians.

Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum
The collection of ships at the Historic Ships Museum are the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, USCGC Taney, the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk and the Lightship Chesapeake.

Federal Hill
Federal Hill got its name after a day of partying instigated by Maryland’s inclusion into the US constitution. Revelers launched a mock ship, named the ‘Federalist’ from atop the hill into the harbor. It’s now a small park, offering spectacular views over the bay. To its south you’ll find the pretty neighborhood of Federal Hill, with elegant streets and townhouses. It makes a good spot for a stroll with a break at a welcoming snack bar.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
The museum presents the history of industry and commerce in the Baltimore area from the last two hundred years, with a set of exhibits featuring early era machines.

Fort McHenry
Just half-a-mile to the west of the cruise port lies historic Fort McHenry overlooking the bay. In the 1812 War, United States forces based at Fort McHenry succeeded in defending the city from attack by the British in a fierce fight. The Battle of Baltimore was witnessed by Francis Scott Key from a boat at anchor in the bay, and he was stirred into composing the words of the Star Spangled Banner.

Getting to the Port

From The Airport
Baltimore Washington International Airport airport offers frequent services from lots of places around the US, and internationally.

The cruise terminal is about 5 miles from the airport, a ten minute ride by the cruise shuttle express or taxi.

By Car
From both Annapolis and Washington it takes under an hour to the Maryland cruise terminal.

From the North
Follow I-95 southwards under the Ft McHenry tunnel. Keep in the right side lane as you exit the tunnel. Turn off at Exit 55, signed Key Highway and Ft McHenry. Pass under the interstate. Turn left at the lights to join East McComas street. Follow the signs to the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

From the South
Head along I-95 northwards to Exit 55, signed Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight ahead on East McComas Street. The Maryland Terminal is to the right.

Cruise Departure Port - Miami, USA

2010-10-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Miami is situated on the Florida mainland. Offshore, due east in the Atlantic, there are a series of islands. The most southerly of the islands is Key Biscayne. Moving north the next is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and finally Miami Beach. The bay between the islands and the Florida mainland is named Biscayne Bay.

Miami started as a small orange farming settlement. Then when a railroad was constructed to the settlement, its hot temperatures and coastal location proved attractive to newcomers, and as a consequence the town grew quickly.

In the early part of the 20th century hotel companies looked to the Atlantic beaches of Miami Beach, and so began the construction of the fashionable Art Deco hotels at South Beach. The storms of 1929 caused huge damage to the island, but proved just a hitch as new properties sprung up as speedily as before.

The 1960s saw a large migration into Miami of refugees from Cuba, fleeing the government of Fidel Castro. As a result Miami assumed the feel of a Latin America city, with much liveliness mixing with a relaxed approach.

Today Miami is a major city for industry, entertainment, tourism and the arts. The city’s cruise port is a large center and Miami is often named the Cruise Capital of the World. The cruise port hosts several major cruiselines, with itineraries to the beautiful Caribbean or further.

You Choose the Cruise

Cruises on offer are the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, Tortola, St Maarten and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Cozumel, Belize and Grand Cayman), the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau), or the Southern Caribbean (St Kitts, St Johns and Barbados). Longer voyages are offered, examples would be South America, the Amazon and trans Panama canal to Florida. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Miami.

Miami Cruise Terminals

The Port of Miami is situated on Dodge Island, an area of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the merging of 3 islands, Lummus, Dodge and Sam’s.

Dodge Island is a mere two miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, joins the city to the port.

Eight cruise terminals are in operation at the port.

Terminals B/C, D, E , F , G are on the north side of Dodge island, terminal J on the south coast, and terminal H on the west. The container ship facility is along the south coast of Dodge island. Cruise terminals D and E, which began operating in 2007, are the most newly built. These are capable of berthing large ships. The overall distance end-to-end of the cruise ship piers is about one and half miles, and eight cruiseliners can be berthed simultaneously. Each terminal has the basic services, including cab ranks, shopping, cafes, check in and bars. Additional services at terminals E and D include airline style check-in desks, conveyor-belt like luggage handling, and an all-in-one Federal Multi-Agency Facility, with US Department of Agriculture, United States Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Services.

For the port’s official website see Port of Miami.

Sightseeing In Miami

South Beach (or SoBe)

This fabulous Art Deco designed seafront neighborhood has everything, beautiful historic buildings, funky shops, laid-back cafes, a huge sandy beach, up-market boutiques, fine eateries and wonderful people-watching. The art deco district is about 25 minutes from the port by cab.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, built in the 1870s, is Miami’s oldest area. It's an area of galleries, restaurants, lively bars and stylish shops. Venture into Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th century estate constructed by a Chicago businessman with the intention of reconstructing a European like 16th century estate.

Fairchild Tropical Garden

Garden enthusiasts should make for the Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a group of attractive ponds are overhung by beautiful plants and trees.

Little Havana

For a taste of current Cuban living, venture into Little Havana, the place where thousands of migrant Cubans came to after getting away from Cuba. Saunter the length of Calle Ocho, watch cigars being produced at the Credito Cigar factory, make a trip to the Cuban Museum and visit a bar for a cup of traditional Cuban coffee.

Coral Gables

The Coral Gables area was founded in the 1920’s, and has a mixture of fine eateries, fashionable boutiques, cool bars and modern galleries. Bring swimming gear and call in at Venetian Pool, the unique public pool hewn from a quarry.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida is situated on the southernmost point of Key Biscayne barrier island. Here you’ll find the very old lighthouse originally constructed in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846.

Visit the park to swim, hike, sunbathe, picnic and surf along over one mile of beautiful Atlantic beachfront.

Bayside Marketplace

It’s an easy walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, a busy shopping mall. It's an open air mall, and can be oppressively hot in the summer months. It has a lot of fashion stores, souvenir shops, bars and eateries.

Getting To The Port

By Road

From the North

Take Interstate-95 southwards and exit at 3B Bayside. Head south and make a left at 5th Street. 5th Street crosses Port Boulevard bridge. Keep going over the bridge and follow signage to the correct terminal.

From the South

Follow Interstate-95 north and turn off at NW 2nd Street. Carry on to NW 5th Street and make a right. 5th Street will lead onto Port Boulevard bridge. Continue across the bridge and follow the signs to the correct cruise terminal.

It’s a good idea to reserve by internet long term parking required.

There is a free bus to ferry you from your car to your cruise terminal.

By Air

The cruise port of Miami is just a few miles eastwards from Miami International Airport. To travel from airport to cruise port, take a cab or jump on the supershuttle bus.

For transport options from airport to port see http://www.miami-airport.com

Cruise Departure Port - Los Angeles, California

2010-09-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Los Angeles, also called LA, is the foremost city in the state of California, and the second most populated city in the whole of US. Sited on a broad flat area in South California, LA is surrounded by massive mountain peaks, parched plains, the Ocean and widespread forests.

Beginning as a insignificant settlement in the eighteenth century, LA began to grow when the railroad came, and enlargened rapidly until the present. These days the urban area has as its hub LA County, but extends into Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Orange County.

The city is home to eighteen million people who originate from all parts of the globe. LA has people of many backgrounds, including a big Hispanic population, a large Asian community, and big communities from other national backgrounds.

Los Angeles is an important center of global trade, business, retail and culture, but is most famous as the home of the world's movie industry. The glamour of Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Bel Air has enhanced the city’s attraction as an accessible dream further pushing the area's massive enlargement.

The popularity of Los Angeles’s cruise ports has increased dramatically recently, and today nearly 300 cruises start from the port every year. Routes available include the Hawaiian islands and the Mexican Riviera. A cruise from Los Angeles makes an unforgettable vacation.

You Choose the Cruise

The best liked itinerary from LA cruise port is a trip down the western coastline of Mexico. Baja California cruises typically call at Ensenada and Catalina island. Mexican Riviera cruises stop at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Longer cruises available are roundtrips to the Hawaiian islands, and non-return trans Panama canal trips to the eastern US. In early summer there's also a variety of itineraries to Vancouver, as ships prepare for the Alaska cruising season. For a list of cruises from Los Angeles, see cruises from Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

There are 2 cruise ports in San Pedro bay, the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles (often called simply San Pedro), and four miles to the east Long Beach Cruise Terminal adjacent to the Port of Long Beach. Cruise ships dock at the World Cruise Center, except most (but not all) Carnival-affiliated cruise ships which leave from Long Beach.

World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals

There are two cruise terminals at the World Cruise Center, Terminal 91-92 for access to berths 91-92 (total length of pier 1550') and Terminal 93 for boarding at berth 93 (span of dock 1200'). Capacity is two to three large ships.

Each terminal has the basic facilities, including shopping, cafes, cab ranks, check in, parking areas and bars. For the port website see Port of Los Angeles Website

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

In 2003 Carnival Cruiseline deserted San Pedro cruise port and commissioned the Long Beach Cruise Port five miles away.

The cruise terminal is situated inside the white dome that used to house Spruce Goose, today located in Evergreen Aviation museum, McMinnville Oregon.

Long Beach cruise center possesses a single 1110-foot sized berth able to accommodate one massive cruise liner.

The cruise terminal has all the basic services, like cab ranks, parking areas, check in, eateries, bars and shops.

Next to the terminal lies the Queen Mary ocean liner.

Sightseeing In San Pedro

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Be introduced to the history of Los Angeles harbor at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, sited at the Municipal Ferry Terminal. Check out hundreds of displays such as models, old documents, machines and photographs from famous vessels and boats. Sited near Harbor and 6th around half mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Ports O' Call

Designed like a New England coast town, Ports O' Call is a great place to visit. There's several shops, bars, galleries and restaurants, connected by charming cobblestone paths. There is a quayside for boat sailings around the bay, day trips to Catalina Island and whale watching cruises. Ports O’Call is around a mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Red Car Trolley Ride

The Waterfront Red Car Line is a one and a half mile long vintage trolley service running between the World Cruise Center and the Marina. The car stops by Ports O' Call and the LA Maritime Museum. The Red Cars are entirely refurbished to their previous glory, with upholstered wooden seats, ornate polished fittings and hardwood paneling.

Abalone Cove

Abalone Cove is an attractive beach, with a gorgeous coastal setting, radiant sunsets and superb views over Catalina island. Nextdoor Sacred Cove gives excellent rock pooling. Four miles west from San Pedro port.

Sightseeing in Long Beach

Queen Mary

In 1936 Queen Mary was launched for the historic Cunard Cruise Line and the liner sailed the seas for over thirty years, with a time of military service during WWII. The ship crossed the Atlantic over a thousand times, and set speed records on several occasions. In the late 1960s Queen Mary came to Long Beach and became a notable resident.

Sited adjacent to the cruise port.

Shoreline Aquatic Park and Aquarium of The Pacific

Be introduced to the colorful reefs of the Tropics, the frigid environment of the Arctic and the sunny seas of Southern California at this brilliant aquarium. Observe the ocean’s fearsome predators in the big Shark Lagoon. Subsequent to your tour to the aquarium amble around neighboring Shoreline Aquatic Park, a large area of parkland overlooking the sea. Located just across from the cruise terminal, taking five minutes by cab.

See Naples’ canals from a Gondola

Naples island possesses nearly a mile of canals, consisting of the straight Naples Canal and the large Rivo Alto Canal. A singing gondolier dressed in stripes makes a wonderful guide.

Rental gondolas are on offer near to the Bayshore Aquatic Playground Park. Or you can rent a kayak at the park, for a much lower price. Located around 2 miles east of the Long Beach cruise terminal.

Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch

Built in the mid 1800s, the house and grounds of Rancho Los Cerrotos Ranch are rich with the history of a mix of Spanish, Mexican and American California beginnings. Furnishings in the exhibit rooms show the work and leisure of both the owners and the workers of old-style ranch. Located around 5 miles northwards of Long Beach cruise terminal.

Alternative Ideas

Other attractions include Getty Center, Disneyland, Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros Studios, Universal Studios, Walk Of Fame, Farmers' Markets, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Venice Beach.

Getting to the Cruise Ports

San Pedro

By Car

Join the Harbor freeway (I-110) in a southerly direction. Leave at CA47 and proceed through the Harbor Boulevard junction. Make a right to enter the World Cruise Center.

From the Airport

Join the supershuttle minibus to the Word Cruise Center cruise terminal. Around a 45 minute ride.

Long Beach

By Car

Join the Long Beach freeway (I710)southwards. Follow the signage leading to the Queen Mary. On arriving, watch for signs for the cruise terminal drop-off and passenger parking.

From the Airport

Board the supershuttle service to Long Beach cruise terminal. Allow for an hour’s ride.

By Train

The closest train station to the cruise terminals is in central LA, about twenty-five miles away. When you book your ticket, choose San Pedro-Catalina Terminal Bus Stop (SPD) or Long Beach Queen Mary (LBQ) as the termination. A thruway coach will transfer you onward from the train station to the arranged bus station. The bus stations are within a short walking distance of the cruise ports.

Blog mentioned at BlogCatalog.

Cruise Departure Port - Sydney, Australia

2010-09-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Sydney, which has a population of over 4 million, is the biggest urban district in the country of Australia. The city is located in a coastal plain, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury River.

Sydney was founded in the late eighteenth century when a convict fleet from England arrived in Australia. The transportation of convicts to Australia was the brainwave of the British Secretary of State, Lord Sydney. Consequently the new settlement’s name. The original colonist had a hard existence, living in wood hovels, eking out poor rations, and undergoing cruel punishment at the hands of the wardens. The natives, however, were to fare even more baldy, as the new diseases wiped out vast Aborigines. The mild climate, and the multitude of opportunities proved a draw, and the first free colonists came in 1793.

Unconstrained by bureaucracy, the settlement developed quickly through the next hundred years, as the migrants established hundred of mines, farms, businesses, factories and shops. Throughout the twentieth century, growth carried on as immigrants came from both Europe and Asia. Nowadays Sydney is a multicultural, large and modern city, with inhabitants hailing from all over the globe.

Today Sydney has become a very popular destination with tourists. Well-known attractions include Bondi Beach, The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. The city’s sightseeing attractions and coastal location have made it a top cruise ship port. More than 150 cruiseliners utilize the port every year.

You Choose The Cruise

There’s a fantastic range of cruises departing from Sydney to pick from. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Sydney, see Cruises From Sydney.

First time cruisers will enjoy the short cruises to nowhere, which give a great feel for cruising. Cruises to mysterious Tasmania or sunkissed Queensland are popular 7 day itineraries. Longer (9-10 night) cruises journey to the beautiful beaches of the Pacific islands Vanuatu and New Caledonia. 14 day routes include a circumnavigation of New Zealand, or a sailing to the lovely Pacific islands of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Cruise affiicionados will appreciate longer sailings to the oriental wonders of Japan and China, or the ambitious circumnavigation of the Australian continent.

Sydney Cruise Terminals

Sydney’s cruise services are split between 2 places, Wharf 5 and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Overseas Passenger Terminal
The OPT has access to an eight hundred foot quayside, with a capacity of just one large cruise ship. The terminal is a modern building with the usual variety of facilities for cruise passengers. It has restaurants, an hotel and outside eateries. The OPT is situated at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House within walking distance from Sydney’s sights.

Darling Harbour Wharf 5
Whilst new facilites are under construction at White Bay, Wharf 5 at Darling Harbour is being used as a temporary terminal. The terminal offers customs control, a departure area, an immigration area and an arrivals area. The terminal is within walking distance of the Circular Quay area. For the port authority website see Sydney Ports.

Sightseeing in Sydney

If you’ve a day or so to spare at either end of your cruise holiday, Sydney is a great place to visit.
The Rocks
The original colonists landed at The Rocks, and lots of of the buildings here are well preserved, for instance the Merchants House, Susannah Place, Campbells Storehouse and Cadman’s Cottage. Integrated into this historical area, the visitor will see shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. The Rocks area is very near to Circular Quay.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath giving easy access to the sightseer. Call at the Pylon Lookout on the south side of the bridge to see a fascinating display on how the bridge was constructed. If heights don’t frighten you join the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a 3 ½ hour expedition to the very top of the bridge. The climb leads you up catwalks, girders and ladders at day or night.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, located on Bennelong Point on Syney Cove, is thought by many to be amongst the archictectural wonders of the world. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed with much controversy, the landmark building was opened in October 1973. Try to watch an opera, a concert or a ballet, if your vacation timetable enables you to. The Opera house is a quick walk along the coastline from Circular Quay.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery sited between the ocean and the urban center of the city. A path leads around the sea front, giving lovely views over Sydney Harbour and Farm Cove.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is known the world over as a home of surfing. During summer Bondi beach is the place for surf, fun and sun. The beach looks out on a large moon shaped bay of blue ocean. Bus 380 from Circular Quay will get you there in about forty minutes.

Getting To The Port

From Sydney Airport
Overseas Passenger Terminal - Catch the train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Circular Quay (green line). The OPT is a short walk from Circular Quay Station.
Wharf 5 - Take a train from either the Sydney Airport Domestic station or International Train Station to Wynyard station (green line). It is half a mile from Wynyard station to Wharf 5. An alternative option is a cab.

From Central Train Station
Main line train services terminate at the Central Rail Station.
The Inner West and South lines connect Central station to the city center. Get off the train at Circular Quay or Wynyard. A further option is a taxi.

By Car
Neither cruise terminal has integrated parking lots, however long stay parking is available nearby.

Cruise Port - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome

2010-08-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Situated around 80km northwest of Rome, Civitavecchia, translated as 'old town', is a working cruise, ferry and cargo port with good transport links to the Rome area and the middle of Italy. You'll find an efficient direct train service from Civitavecchia Port to central Rome, with services every 30 minutes, and a journey time of around an hour.
Emperor Trajan founded Civitavecchia Port in the part of the second Century, giving it the name Centumcellae. Even today, ruins of Trajan’s Port, which lie within the walls of the modern port , can still be seen. At the end of the fifteenth Century, Civitavecchia port was subject to frequent attack by mercenaries. Pope Julius II instigated the building of a massive castle to protect the harbor. This was finished by Michelangelo in 1537. In the 19th century Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by a railway. World War II brought destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. The rebuilding extended the Harbor beyond its pre-war area.

Nowadays many cruiseliners dock regularly at the Port of Civitavecchia. Cruise companies with a presence at the port include Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Princess, and Seabourn.

You Choose The Cruise
In general itineraries focus on either the Eastern Mediterranean - Greece, the Greek Islands and Istanbul, or the Western Mediterranean - France, Spain, Morocco and Mallorca or Ibiza. A typical 7 day Western Mediterranean itinerary would call at Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma, and Cagliari. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Civitavecchia see cruises from Civitavecchia.

Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals

Much of Civitavecchia port is occupied by container ship and ferry ship traffic. Cruise ships berth at quays on the land side of the long sea wall. These are 11 (Traianea), and 12 and 13 (Antemurale Colombo). Number 25 (Commerciale) is also used as an overflow berth. Currently there are 3 cruise terminals, named the Bramante at pier 12, and temporary terminals on quays 11 and 25. The port website is at Port of Rome.

Sightseeing in Civitavecchia

Being the official Port of Rome, Civitavecchia is the access port to one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. But if you've visited Rome before, and fancy a change, Civitavecchia has several sights of interest well deserving a visit. Wander through the city center, and you will see remains of the old town walls, Benedict XIV's fountain, medieval buildings such as the old hospital, pretty piazzas and plenty of everyday Italian life. Follow a tour a the town with a relaxing hour or two at the beach (or gastronomes may prefer a trip to a restaurant!). Specific sights of interest in Civitavecchia are:

The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Franciscans built Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on the remains of 17th Century monastery. The Baroque-Neoclassical design of the cathedral attracts many visitors. Pope Gregory IX laid the foundation stone in 1228, and the cathedral was completed in 1253. The church features intricate stained glass windows and decorative frescos.

Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortification named Forte Michelangelo towers over the port. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno.The middle tower was designed by Michelangelo. Built on the ruins of Roman barracks, the fort is made from walls over 6 metres thick.

Civitavecchia Beach
Steps leading from the coastline walkway, just opposite the train station, lead to a pretty sandy beach. The sea is very clear and the beach is popular with swimmers.

La Scaglia tombs
The La Scaglia Necropolis dates from the Estrucan period. View these extensive underground tombs. The cold sacerdotal atmosphere seems eerily unnerving, but nonetheless fascinating.

Getting to the Port

From Leonardo da Vinci Airport
By Cab
A taxi ride from Fiumicino airport to the Civitavecchia Port costs about €150 one way. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. It's a good idea to only use registered taxis (white vehicles showing a taximeter).
Train
Take the train from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the Rome Termini train station. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Remember to validate/punch your ticket before boarding the train. Connnect with the Rome-Civitavecchia train.

Travelling From Rome to the Port
Train
A train to the Port of Civitavecchia runs from Rome's Termini train station, located in the center of Rome. It's a half-hour service and costs about 12 euros per person. The trip takes between 70 and 80 minutes. The Port is a 10 minute walk from the train station. Turn right as you leave the train station, and walk along the road that parallels the sea front. The way is frequently signed. When you get to the entrance to the port, adjacent to the Michelangelo fort, look for a bus stop. Here cruiseline shuttles leave to the cruise piers. There's also a nearby information kiosk which can be very helpful.

Cruise Departure Port - Barcelona, Spain

2010-07-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, a defiant and independent region of Spain, which has a distinct culture, language, and history. Situated on Spain's southern coast its climate is perfectly Mediterranean, sea breezes chasing away the heat. It’s the perfect location for a vacation, spending time bystrolling the boulevards, shopping, spending time at a café, sampling Spanish fare for dinner, and visiting awesome sights.

You Choose The Cruise

There's a big range of cruises available which stop at many diversedestinations. The most popular is a trip around the Western Mediterranean. Alternatives include the Canary Islands, North Africa, or longer trips to the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands. A typical Western Mediterran cruise would call at ports like Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, St Tropez, Monaco, Portofino, Livorno, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Civitavecchia. For a full listing of cruises departing from Barcelona, see cruises from Barcelona.

Barcelona Cruise Terminals

Ships berth at Port Vell. The area has become a tourist attraction in its own right with a large Maremàgnum shopping mall with a fun IMAX theater, and Europe's largest aquarium. Port Vell leads directly on to Las Ramblas, the main Barcelona street packed with cafes and entertainment that leads into the heart of the city. Las Ramblas is alternately called the singular form, La Rambla.

The port has 8 terminals at Port Vell, split into 3 locations.

Adossat Quay
Cruise Terminals A, B, C and D are located at the Adossat Quay and are furthest away from the city. Terminal D is also called Palacruceros. Shuttle buses make the quick trip from these cruise terminals to the start of Las Ramblas.

World Trade Center Terminals N, S
There are 2 terminals in the World Trade Center or WTC pier which are called North, and South. The East quay provides an extra quay. From these it is an easy walk to Las Ramblas.

Port Vell Quay
Across from the World Trade Center Terminal. This ferry terminal is only occasionally employed for cruise ships.

Each terrminal possessesa dedicated taxi rank. Other information

For the port website see Port Of Barcelona.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Barcelona takes a week to tour which is more than the single day cruise ship passengers often are given. Be sure to include well-known destinations such as La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's much photographed church, the and medieval Barrio Gothic district, and the Picasso museum. Don't forget to head up to Montjuic for a wonderful view over the whole of the city and the surrounding hills and ocean.

Las Ramblas
A fabulous promenade leading from Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya, right in the middle of of old Barcelona. It's packed with cafes, shops, florists, street entertainers, and Boqueria, a charming market. Half way up Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's magnificent opera theater. Las Ramblas ends at the Placa de Catalunya, a huge square surrounded by shops and cafes.

La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's funkiest church was designed by the famous Gaudi. Work began in 1883, and the imaginative building is only now nearing completion. Don't miss features like the nativity-themed facade, the mosaic bell towers, and massive doors representing faith, hope and charity.

Barri Gotic
In Barcelona's gothic quarter, the buildings date back to the 13th century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with busy life. Art lovers will enjoy the Museu Picasso, showcasing the works of Picasso. Another must see is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent example of early-European architecture.

The Museu d'art Contemporani de Barcelona
This shining white glass and concrete building towers over Old Barcelona. The Contemporary Art Museum collection, beginning around 1950, includes many works from Catalan, by artists like Antoni Tapies as well as works by International names such as Miguel Barcelo.

La Pedrera
Gaudí realised a fantastic house with undulating, lifelike curves for the property developer Pere Milà Camps. La Pedrera was Gaudi's last work before dedicating all his time to the Sagrada Família.

Parc Guell
A real treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is a pleasant town park. The planting is imaginative and colorful, but the mumber one attraction are Gaudi's buildings, such as faux temples and mosaic seats.

Montjuic
The area of Montjuic rises 700 ft above the city's port and is filled with boutiques, galleries,cafes and museums. Don't miss the Museu Arqueologic with a diverse range of items from prehistoric cultures from Catalonia and the Balearic Isles. Another super art museum is the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, highlighting Romanesque works.

Getting to the Port

From the City to the Port
Walking
The WTCcruise ship terminals are the nearest to the foot of Las Ramblas, being approximately a 5 minute walk. However the Adossat quay cruise ship terminals, A, B, C, D, are a lot further and you need to catch a shuttle bus named the Blue Bus, this picks ups at the memorial to Christopher Columbus and deposits you at Adossat dock.
Metro
The Drassanes station (Green Line, L3) is no more than five minutes by foot from the Christopher Columbus memorial.
Taxi
It's easy to take a taxi from Barcelona's center to the port. This is not expensive, cost around eight euros, and fast, generally under a quarter of an hour. .

Travelling from the Airport to the Port
By bus
Catch the Aerobusline A1 from terminal 1, line A2 from terminal 2 to Placa Catalunya in Barcelona, service approximately every 10 minutes, then travel by metro to Drassanes. From Drassanes walk to the statue of Christopher Columbus. Get on the Blue bus to take you to your cruise terminal.
Taxi
The quickest method for travelling from the airport to the port is a taxi. The trip takes about 25 mins and will cost you about thirty euros in total. The cost will include per-bag supplements and additional airport and cruise terminal levies.

Two Vacations In One - San Diego Cruise Port, California

2010-06-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Introduction

San Diego, California's oldest, second largest and south-most city is reputed for its balmy weather, miles of beaches, and position next to the border with Mexico, opposite Tijuana. At first San Diego was a nondiscript Spanish township, in the 19th century, and grew in fits and starts, up to the mid twentieth century, when the city boomed. San Diego bay is superb for boating, and the city possesses a long maritime heritage. The city is home to the United States Pacific Fleet. Nowadays San DIego mixes contemporary urban planning with colonial Spanish neigborhoods, blue sea scenes on the west side with dry, boulder-strewn hills on the east , and expensive dining establishments, standing nearby to homely Mexican restaurants.

You Choose The Cruise

Pick from a wide variety of itineraries from San Diego. Possibilities would be the Mexican Riviera, the islands of Hawaii, and the navigation of the Panama canal across to Florida. For the experienced cruiser more far-flung itineraries to South America or the South Pacific are available. For cruise line schedules see Cruise Schedules.
An example of a Mexican Riviera route would be San Diego, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas (7 Night Mexican Riviera from Holland America Line). For a comprehensive listing see cruises from San Diego California.

San Diego Cruise Terminals

The San Diego Cruise Terminal is positioned off North Harbor Drive on the B Street Pier, very close to central San Diego. The cruise terminal is a contemporary building with the usual variety of functions for passengers.
The berths at San Diego cruise ship terminal are numbered as follows. Quays on the northside of B Street pier are 1 and 2, on the westside 3, and on the south four and five.
The quays on the Broadway pier are numbered in an identical way.
On each of piers, wharfs 1 and 2 are combined to dock a big cruise ship, similarly 4 and 5. Quay three is kept for shorter vessels. To summarize the port has the ability to dock four cruiseliners at the same time.
The Port of San Diego is building a new cruise ship terminal on Broadway Pier, due to open in 2010.

Sightseeing in San Diego

USS Midway Museum
Walk south for just five minutes on North Harbor Drive from the cruise port in the direction of the huge carrier ship, the USS Midway, docked at Navy pier. Stop at the USS Midway Museum to experience San Diego's unique naval heritage.

Seaport Village
There's some great shopping at Seaport Village. To find the village, hike or take a cab for around half a mile in a southerly direction from the cruise ship terminal along the coast . There are more than sixty quaint stores, so it's an ideal place to buy a San Diego souvenir.

Embarcadero Marine Park
Beyond Seaport VIllage sits Embarcadero Marina park. Walk along the coastline for great views over San Diego bay.

Balboa Park
The growth of Balboa Park began in 1916, when a series of Spanish Colonial style buildings were designed and built for the Panama-California exhibition. Nowadays the park is the biggest inner-city events park in the United States. Fifteen galleries and museums are situated in the 1200 acre area. The best known is San Diego zoo, but further highlights are the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art. The park also has wonderful landscaping, particularly the Inez Rose Parker Memorial Rose Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is has a global reputation for its presentation and large selection of fauna. At the zoo you'll find over seven hundred species, who are housed in a creatively built 100 acre park. Don't miss the Gorillas and Penguins. Kids will love the baby animal kindergarten and petting zoo.

Spanish Missions
San Diego has 21 missions, set up over two hundred years ago. The original aim of the missions was to covert the native Indians to Catholicism. The first, known as the Mother of the Missions, is named Mission San Diego de Alcala. This was founded in the late 18th century by Blessed Junipero Serra. Only a few years after construction finished Mission San Diego de Alcala was fired in a riot, but it was soon rebuilt.

Getting to the Port

From San Diego Airport
The port is a short three mile cab journey from San Diego International Airport. Cab pick-up areas are easy to find on the forecourts of all three airport terminals.

By Amtrak
Amtrak's main San Diego station, the Santa Fe Depot, is only a fifth of a mile away from the cruise port, so you can walk or take a taxi. For those choosing to walk, go west on Broadway street in the direction of the bay. On reaching the bay, the cruise port is easy to see.

By Car
If driving southward on I-5, follow the road into central San Diego. Exit at Sassafras, marked with a sign to the airport. Follow Kettner for three-quarters mile, until you reach Laurel. Make a right onto Laurel and proceed west until Harbor Drive. Turn left on Harbor Drive. The cruise port is one-half mile on the right.
If driving north on I-5, proceed on the road into central San Diego. Leave at Hawthorn, marked with a sign to the airport. Proceed along Hawthorn until Harbor Drive. Here, hang a left. The cruise port is half a mile on the right.
Numerous parking areas are available. Pre-booking is a good option.

Cruise Port-Of-Call Key West, Florida

2010-04-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Key West is continental USA's southern-most town, set at the furthermost end of the string of islands called the Keys. The town is well known for its liberated spirit; it harbors a community which prides itself for free thinking and tolerance. Even after the railroad connected all the Florida Keys in 1912, followed by the highway in 1938, Key West remained a home to the independent and easy-going.

The town's community is made up of a disparate population - Conchs (originally from the Bahamas), freshwater Conchs (long time residents) Hispanics (mostly migrants from Cuba) and a big helping of drifters, and dropouts. You'd be hard-pressed to find such a cosmopolitan mix anywhere.

As recently as 1982 you can find an amusing example of the residents' way of thinking outside the box. The US Border Patrol set up searches for vehicles flowing through Key Largo, to search for illegal substances. These actions had a harmful effect on business in Key West. The town seceded from the United States Union, established the Conch Republic, and declared war on the United States. They then surrendered, demanding foreign aid. The traffic restrictions were rapidly lifted.

Key West plays host to all sorts of visitors with its laid-back culture, rich past and dependable climate. Add a little Ernest Hemingway, unbelievable treasure hunting tales and the cosmopolitan locals to give you a great tourist port of call.

Key West Cruise Piers

Key West was first visited by a cruise ship in 1969, and rapidly became a don't miss destination. Today over 500 cruise ships call each year.
The port provides three cruise ship docks, Mallory Square , Pier B and Outermole (or Navy Mole) often abbreviated to M, B and OM. If your cruise ship moors at Outermole, expect a ten minute bus ride to the town center.

Sightseeing in Key West

Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street
Sloppy Joe's formally opened on Dec 5,1933 the very day that Prohibition ended. At first it was called Russells, next the Silver Slipper. Then it was Hemingway himself who encouraged the proprietor John Russell to update the bar's nameonce more to Sloppy Joe's. In the late 1930s the bar moved from one location to another - when in typical Key West fashion, the customers carried their drinks from the old bar to the new. The bar provides an extensive choice of food. For dessert, there's just one choice, Key Lime Pie.

Trolley Tour
The conch train terminus is situated in the heart of Old town, and you can get tickets for the tour at the kiosk. Here you'll also able to get brochures and maps ofKey West. The tour runs about every 30 minutes. There are 9 stops on the route - you are allowed to get off/get back on the tour as you want. On the tour the guide introduces you to the sites of interest.

Southernmost Point Buoy
At the meeting of South Street and Whitehead Street sits the much photographed Southernmost Point, marking thefurthest south place in mainland United States futher south lies Hawaii. The buoy inscription notes that Cuba is no more than 90 miles away, and just to its right, a sign remembers the desparate Cubans who have drowned trying to reach to America.

Mel Fisher Treasure Museum
In 1622 a fleet of twenty-eight galleons laden with treasures from South America sunk in a hurricane forty miles off the Keys. In 1985 diver Mel Fisher with a team recovered the booty from 2 of the sunk galleons, the Santa Margarita and the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The treasure recovered formed part of the looted riches of an empire, silver from Mexico and Peru, and gold and emeralds from Colombia. The fascinating tale of the quest for the wrecks is nearly as amazing as the riches on display. Another interesting display concerns the Henrietta Marie a slave vessel. The wreck was discovered at the same time as the hunt for the treasure galleons, and the recovered material give information on the shocking West Indies slave trade.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
In his 30s Hemingway divided his time between the Keys for the winter, and Wyoming for the summer hunting season. His wonderful book To Have and Have Not is centered on the 1930s in Key West. Hemingway was a notable character in the town, with his fondess of marlin fishing, late-night drinking, and feral cats. His Key West house is now a museum with many items evocative of those memorable years.

Finding a Cruise Visiting Key West

Key West is a favorite destination, and is incorporated in many itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa and Miami. To go to a lisiting of cruise lines calling at Key West, and timetables, click Cruises to Key West Florida at cruise schedules. Key West often forms the first stop in a round to Mexico. A further popular route is the circumnavigation of Cuba, calling at Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Holland America, Carnival and Royal Caribbean provide these itineraries. For the more daring, Key West is sometimes included as a port-of-call in lengthier trans Panama canal routes, travelling from the West to the East coast of the US.

Cruise Departure Port - San Juan, Puerto Rico

2010-02-25T01:49:00.001-08:00

Introduction
Suan Juan is a city steeped in history. As far back as 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon founded Caparra, a small town near to a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the base was abandoned and moved to the current position of Old San Juan. During the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish expeditionary forces leaving to a several regions in the Caribbean.
Even now the old city of San Juan offers an original Old World feel with over 400 restored Spanish 17th century villas. The area also contains many restaurants, bars, shops and casinos for cruise passengers to experience.

You Choose The Cruise
Many seasoned cruise vacationers turn to San Juan as an alternative to a Florida departure port. Thanks to its central Caribbean situation, the island provides good access to interesting Southerrn Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight saves the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The choice of cruises available from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). Several cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. For a complete selection see Cruises From San Juan Puerto Rico.

San Juan Cruise Terminals
San Juan port is split into 3 areas. Old San Juan quays 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships starting from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from Old San Juan).

Sightseeing in Old San Juan
Charming Old San Juan stands atop a bluff facing the Atlantic to the north, and the bay to the south. This walled fortified area, today a major historic landmark, was founded in 1510. Old San Juan is a small area, quick to get around on foot. When your energy runs out catch the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the tight cobblestone streets and admire the pastel colored buildings, craft shops, and wander around the interesting museums.

Paseo de la Muralla and Paseo de la Princesa
Two enjoyable walks are the Paseo de la Princesa, a newly reworked path that meanders along the coast and the Paseo de la Muralla which contours along the ancient city walls. Following these paths will help you get your bearings of the city.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating back to 1539, protects San Juan from sea attack. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thickstone walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort dates back to the eighteenth century and contains an intricate network of tunnels built for clandestine goings-on.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fort, constructed in 1540. It later became the governor's official residence. Informative tours lead you through the opulent interior, with golden banquet hall, tall galleries, and rooms laid out in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan
This impressive cathedral was built in 1592, on the same site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a hurricane. Located on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the bones of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, and the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coast is one of the prettiest in the city. It's quick to reach, and gives fabulous views along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coastline, is also worth a visit.

Shopping
Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the multitude of shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. Alternatively visit the two craft markets to find a wide choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, a short distance along from pier 1.

Getting to San Juan Port
From the Airport
The airport is located approximately ten miles from the Pan American dock and eleven miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes around three quarters of an hour in a taxi for the journey. The cost is around $20. There are extra charges for baggage.

Other Info
Official Language English and Spanish
Currency US Dollar
Weather Puerto Rico basks in near summer weather all year, with daytime high temperatures varying from 75 to 85F.
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time GMT-4

Cruise Departure Port - Southampton, England

2009-11-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Cruise Port of Southampton

The Port of Southampton found fame in the 20th century as the UK's most important port of departure for the great cruise lines. In terms of number of passengers, the busiest route used to be the cross-atlantic voyage to the United States. However in 1939 the first ever Pan Am flight across the Atlantic heralded the end of this remarkable era of sea travel. In the following years Southampton reinvented itself as a major embarkation port for cruises.

The port is split between the Eastern Docks and Western Docks. The Western Docks are the location for the Mayflower and City Cruise Terminals, the Eastern Docks the location for the QE2 and Ocean Cruise Terminals.

The Eastern Docks saw perhaps Southampton's biggest moment in history. In 1912 the Titanic departed from White Star Dock (near today's Ocean dock) on its maiden voyage. When the ship went down, of the 1500 lives lost, 500 were crew who lived in Southampton and the impact on the city was long-lived.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises from Southampton include the Baltic Sea, Canary Islands, round Britain, Norwegian Fjords and the Mediterranean. Transatlantic and longer cruises are also available. If you're UK based cruises departing from Southampton could not be easier, due to its excellent rail and road links. For a comprehensive list of cruises leaving from Southampton see Cruises From Southampton England at Cruise Timetables.

A selection of routes available would be
2 Night Short Break (PO Ventura) (Southampton, Zeebrugge, Southampton)

Canaries Spring Cruise (Fred Olsen Black Watch) (Southampton, Funchal, St Cruz De La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Agadir, Arrecife, Southampton)

Western Mediterranean (PO Oceana) (Southampton, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Monaco, Barcelona, Cadiz, Southampton)

Norwegian Fjords (PO Ventura) (Southampton, Bergen, Flam, Olden, Stavanger, Southampton)

Baltic (PO Arcadia) (Southampton, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Oslo, Kristiansund, Southampton)

Guide to Southampton Cruise Terminals

Eastern Docks
Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, Berths 38 and 39
The QE2 terminal was opened in 1966 by the Queen. The terminal is the home of Cunard's cruiseliners, Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Facilities include a short stay car park, a bar, a taxi rank and a cafe. The viewing area is not open to visitors.

Ocean Cruise Terminal, Berth 46
The original Ocean Cruise Terminal was a designer Art-Deco construction. Unfortunately this was demolished in 1983 The replacement building, completed in 2009, is a total change from its namesake, being a huge modern design with simple curved lines. Facilites available are a cab rank, a short stay car park, and a restaurant and bar.

Western Docks
City Cruise Terminal, Berth 101
This Terminal has undergone a 7 year rennovation to double its size. It can now handle the largest 'Freedom Class' ships of RCI. Facilities available are a short stay car park, a taxi rank, a bar and cafe. Closeby Mayflower Park is a great place to watch ship sailings.

Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Berth 106
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal, opened in 1960, has long been associated with the P&O fleet of cruise ships. Facilities include a taxi rank, a bar and cafe, and viewing gallery.

For more terminal details see Southampton Port.

Sightseeing in Southampton

Southampton is normally viewed as a port of departure, and not many cruise passengers linger to investigate the city itself. Though if you've spare time at one or the other end of your cruise, there's plenty to do and see.

Old Town
In the medieval era, the town was surrounded by a fortified wall with imposing gate buildings. The 'Bargate' at the northern end of the old town, is still Southampton's most famous building. The building is a good location to start the walk of the city's walls. Stop at the guardtowers, the remains of the castle, the West Gate, the remains of the and God's House Tower where you'll find is home to} the local Archaeological Museum (free). Other noticable places include the fully restored Medieval Merchants House, the Maritime Museum in the old Wool House (free entrance), with its Titanic exhibits, and the beautiful Tudor House, a (free) museum with peaceful grounds.

Shopping Centers
The city's main retail center, Above Bar, is where you'll find the main high street chains. An alternative destination is Ocean Village which has undercover outlets, a peaceful marina and many bars and excellent restaurants. Another possibility is the modern West Quay retail center which features leading chain stores.

Art Exhibitions
Southampton Art Gallery has a good reputation for its collection of pre-Raphaelite art.

Aviation Museum
The Solent Sky Aviation Museum showcases the innovative work of R Mitchell, the Spitfire's creator.

The Titanic Trail
Walk around the trail finding out about places with connections to the Titanic. The walk commences at the Musicians Memorial and stops at the Maritime Museum, situated in the Wool House, which showcases the history of the tragic voyage.

The New Forest
An enchanting area known for its unique heathland, and ancient arrangements of animal pastures.

Getting to Southampton's Cruise Terminals

By Car
The M27 motorway, linking places along the south coast of England, passes to the north of the city. The M3 motorway links Southampton to London and also, by linking to the A34 road with the Midlands and North. The M271 motorway, a spur of the M27, connects it with the Docks and city centre.

By Rail
Direct trains link Southampton with London, and many other parts of the UK. There is an every 30 minute service between London Waterloo and Southampton Central station. Rail routes run east towards Portsmouth, north towards the Midlands, and west to cities such as Salisbury, Bath, and Bristol.
From outside the train station you can either catch a taxi, or there is a free CityLink bus service between the rail station and Town Quay every quarter-hour.

By Aeroplane
From London Heathrow Airport There is a National Express coach to and from Heathrow Terminal every hour.
From London Gatwick Take the train to Southampton Central station.
From Southampton Airport Catch a taxi to the port. The airport is well served, with planes from Belfast, Jersey, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Isle of Man, Aberdeen and Liverpool.

Two Holidays in One - Cruise from Venice, Italy

2009-10-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Cruise Port of Venice

The Venice Cruise Port is situated on the western edge of the city, sandwiched between Tronchetto Island and Piazzale Roma. In this area there are 3 transport facilities (cruises, ferries and hydrofoils). The volume of passengers has risen from three hundred thousand in 2000 to the current figure of well over 1,000,000. The numbers are still growing, confirming the city as a top destination for travellers.

The port of Venice is not directly on the Mediterranean, but sits on the Venetian Lagoon, which is joined to the Adriatic by a narrow channel called the Porto di Lido. The company that operates Venice Port is the Venezia Terminal Passeggeri.

You Choose The Cruise

There's a great variety of itineraries on offer from Venice, from a short tour of the Adriatic sea, to longer round-Italy, or the Greek Islands, or even further afield choices. The editor's favorite is 'Greek Islands In The Sun' from MSC (Venice, Baris, Corfu, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Dubrovnik, Venice). More adventurous options would be
'Holy Land' from Princess (Venice, Split, Alexandria, Port Said, Ashdod, Haifa, Kusadasi, Santorini, Athens) or
'Mediterranean Empires' from Holland America Line (Venice, Split, Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon, Venice). A useful resource is Cruises From Venice at Cruise Schedules, which details all the up-and-coming cruise departures.

Guide To Venice Cruise Terminal

Venice Cruise Terminal consists of three main areas: the Marittima basin, which can berth the biggest ships that operate from Venice, and and the smaller Santa Marta and San Basilio quays. These are nearby in the Giudecca Canal.

Marittima is the biggest of the ship docks at the Port's Venezia Terminal Passeggeri, with three terminal buildings and enough docking space to handle several large ships simultaneously. Ships docking here include the Carnival Dream (Carnival), Musica (MSC), Artemis (Carnival), Armonia (MSC). It consists of the Isonzo Quay (berths 18 and 20), the Tagliamento Quay (berths 107, 109, 110, and 112), the Piave Quay (117) and the TM Quay (TM berth).

Santa Marta (Quays 24 to 28) and San Basilio (Quays 29 to 31) is the long quay than runs from the main basin to the Fondamenta Zàttere, the walkway along the southern edge of the Giudecca Canal. Santa Marta handles ships like Europa (Hapag Lloyd), Black Prince (Fred Olsen), Wind Spirit (Windstar), Insignia (Oceania). San Basilio handles smaller ships such as the Regatta (Oceania). For a map of the cruise terminal, see half-way down the page at Venice Cruise Terminal Map.

Travelling to The Venice Cruise Terminal

If you're boarding a cruise ship at Venice, the least hassle method to travel between the airport and the ship is to buy the transfer when booking your cruise. If you've booked the components of your vacation separately, the following describes how to travel to the VCT.

Travelling from the airport
The cruise terminals are a 15- or 20-minute taxi journey from Venice's Airport. A cheaper option is the airport bus to the Piazzale Roma, followed by a taxi or bus ride. Another option is a private water taxi, pricey but fun.

From the Piazzale Roma
The Piazzale Roma is the major transport hub for Venice and is the final point motor vehicles can reach before the city center. It is located at the termination of the access causeway to Venice. The piazza is home to the bus station, and sits between the train station, and the cruise and ferry terminals. There is also a major Vaporetto stop (For ACTV timetables see http://www.alilaguna.it) operate an express boat service between the Piazza San Marco and Marittima (Line M) every half hour from morning until late afternoon. It takes 20 minutes. As an alternative, you can take a water bus (# 1 or 2 line) to the Piazzale Roma and proceed from there as described.

From Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station
It's a quick walk to cross the new Ponte della Costituzione (Constition Bridge) to reach the Piazzale Roma. From Venezia-Mestre Train Station
Mestre train station is on the Italian mainland. Catch bus line #2, this departs directly outside the station, to Piazzale Roma on Venice island.

Other Things to Know
Language Italian
Currency Euro

Cruise Departure Port - Piraeus, Greece

2009-09-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

The History of Piraeus

Piraeus has served as the port for Athens since the Golden Age. The port was conceived during the the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who foresaw the potential of its three deep water harbors. The early buildings and docks were extended by Pericles with the construction of fortified 'Long Walls' to protect the corridor to Athens. Today it is a substantial city in itself, handling much of Greater Athens' commerce. For the majority of visitors, however, it is Piraeus's inter-island ferries that are the reason for coming. The port despatches up to 60 ferries each day.

Incidentally the correct Greek way to spell Piraeus is now Pireas, and all signs have been changed accordingly.

Athens is just seven miles from Piraeus, and most tourists will spend the majority of their visit in Athens, rather than Piraeus. Situated on a plain surrounded by five mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. But at the city's center stands the iconic Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for travellers from all around the world. Near the Acropolis lies the welcoming tourist-friendly district of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and the Acropolis and Plaka form the main draw for travellers.

Port of Piraeus
Your ship will dock in the Piraeus Port located to the south of the city. For more see port details. The port sits on the Saronic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea. Piraeus port is a major ferry terminus, providing a service to the many Greek Islands. As Greece is made up of many islands, ferry traffic is vital and ferries arrive at and leave from Piraeus round the clock. The cruise ship berths are on the southern side of the port.

Cruiseliners moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, accessed by gate E11, is situated in mid-harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris quays. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, lies at the mouth of the harbour, inside the Termistokleous pier. The cruise ship capacity of the port is up to 11 ships, depending on their size.

A map of Piraeus port can be found at Port Map .

The cruise ship routes from Piraeus include a wide selection from ports in the Greek Islands, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and the Black Sea. For a comprehensive listing of cruises, Cruises From Piraeus.

Sightseeing in Athens

The Acropolis
The main attraction in Athens is the Acropolis. It costs EUR12 for admittance into the Acropolis.
At the top of the Acropolis stands the magnificent Parthenon, a superb ancient Greek temple, a magestic sight from everywhere in Athens.
Another iconic building is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that act as pillars are replicas - you can see 5 of the originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with large pieces of the Parthenon frieze.

Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their one-of-a-kind skirt with white tights and oddball shoes. A memorable sight is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits Plaka. This pretty area is made up of pedestrian streets, shops and pavement restaurants.

Roman Forum in Plaka
The Roman Agora is situated at the west side of Plaka. Here sits the interesting Tower of the Winds, a 8 sided tower with a different wind god on each side. Shares ticket with Acropolis.

The Shops in Plaka
There are a ton of local products worth considering. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced nearby and give great value for money. The local antiques market is bustling and interesting.

Restaurants in Plaka
Dining in one of the pavement restaurants enjoying a plate of local food with a glass of ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the evening.

Things to See in Piraeus
Marina Zea, the leisure marina - pretty waterside, with cafes and bars.

Hellenic Nautical Museum - painting, models, flags, maps all with a Greek nautical theme.

Archeological Museum - impressive bronze statues of the Greek gods, from both the Classical and Roman periods.

Getting to the Cruise Terminals
From the Piraeus Metro Line station
It's around 1 mile from the station to Cruise Terminal A, and about a mile and a half to Cruise Terminal B. Walking's not practical, as its quite a hike on a boiling day. Instead walk over the main road via the new bridge for pedestrians. Take one of the following buses to the cruise terminal: 832, 833, 843, 859.

From Athens City Center to Piraeus Port
Metro Line
The best way to travel from Athens to the Piraeus Port is via the metro electric rail line. ISAP Line 1 (green, Kifissia - Piraeus) joins the city of Athens directly to Piraeus Port. Look at the metro map (http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/ath/athens.htm) for the correct route to take from your location in Athens.
By Bus
There are 2 buses that travel between Piraeus and Athens. Buses Nos 040 and 049 operate all day, running every 20 minutes from 6am until midnight and then every hour. Bus No 040 runs between Syntagma square (Plaka district) in Athens and Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus (situated right between the cruise terminals). Bus No 049 links Omonia Square in Athens and Themistokleous Square in Piraeus. Get off at Karaiskaki square which is opposite gate E8, and from here take a 843 bus to the cruise terminals located at gate E11 or E12.
Taxi
Taxi fares are relatively low in Athens, but scam taxi drivers are fairly not uncommon, so use the service arranged by your hotel. It's extra for baggage (EUR0,30 for each item), and extra for entrance to the port ( EUR0,60). The trip between Athens' center and Piraeus takes around 30 min and the taxi fare is around EUR20.

Travelling from Athens Airport to Piraeus
Metro Train
Line 3 links the airport to Monastiraki station where you change to Line 1, taking you to Piraeus. The journey time between the airport and the port is about an hour and a quarter.
Bus
Bus no X96 runs day and night between the airport and Piraeus's Karaïskaki Square, with services 3 times an hour. The bus leaves from the area outside arrivals Gate 5. On arrival at Piraeus catch a further bus to the cruise terminals (numberno 832, 833, 843 or 859).
Taxi
There's a surcharge for trips from Athens' airport, luggage costs more per item and the ride takes at least 1 hour (iit's 30 km between Athens' airport and Piraeus port) so the cab price can come to €50 or more.

Favorite Port Of Call - Castries, St Lucia, Windward Islands

2009-09-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The shoreline of St. Lucia is nothing short of spectacular with its secret coves and uncrowded beaches. The 2 symetrical peaks, called the Pitons, form the island’s highest peaks and its most impressive icons.

The islands' capital, Castries, is appealingly situated in a sheltered bay beneath a backcurtain of mountains. The strategic importance of its superb natural harbour was recognized from the earliest days of European colonialism. For many decades Britain and France fought for possession of the island. At the end of the 19th century, Castries was an major hub for Caribbean shipping.

Numerous earthquakes, hurricanes and devestating fires have obliterated any remnants of Castries' colonial charm, leaving a modern town. There are only a few nineteenth and twentieth century Creole style traditional buildings that have been saved from destruction.

St Lucia also boasts the planet's only drive-in volcano, as well as stench-ridden sulphur springs, and famous Diamond Falls where the mineral-laden waters are renowned for their beneficial qualities and swimmers can enjoy in ponds of varying heat.

Without a doubt, the island’s gorgeous scenery, unspoiled beaches and luxuriant greenery make St. Lucia an unmissable destination.

Castries Port - Description

The cruise ship will be scheduled to dock at Pointe Seraphine in Castries. The center of town is about 15 minutes on foot. If the Point Seraphine berths are full, your cruise ship will dock at Port Carenage, which is even more convenient. Port Seraphine can host 1 to 3 cruise ships simultaneously. If you're taking a taxi into town, note that taxi fares are set, so make sure you use a registered taxi, marked by a TX on the number plate.

For more port details see the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Website. For a list of cruises that call at Castries see Castries Cruise Schedules.

Don't Miss

Shops
There are two modern tax-free shopping cemters at either side of the docks. Pointe Seraphine, the closer, offers souvenirs and island-made handicrafts. Local products are hand-made batiks, impressive pottery and intricate straw baskets and jars. Across the port La Carenage is a large shopping center filled with outlets and restaurants. Water taxis offer a service between Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. For an entirely different experience, try the local and lively market in central Castries. Here the first Market Hall, built completely of iron and finished in 1894, still stands. The market is home to over three hundred traders.

Dining
For food-lovers 2 restaurants can be recommended in the vicinity of the port. The Coal Pot, which features New World cooking - a combination of local seafood with traditional French cuisine. Or try Froggie Jacques Bistro for a different take on fusion cuisine. Both these two establishments are located in the Ganters Bay area, just a few minutes from the port.

Derek Walcott Square

The square is named after the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, well known for his superb poetry. For a taste of his work -

Those five or six young guys
lunched on the stoop
that oven-hot summer night
whistled me over. Nice
and friendly. So, I stop.
MacDougal or Christopher
Street in chains of light.
(taken from Blues)

The grandest building on the square is the Cathedral. Its sombre exterior hides a stylish inside of note for the richly colored stained-glass windows. Whilst in the square also clock the 400 year old samaan tree. Close by you'll reach Morne Fortune, translated as 'lucky hill'. Its top gives a super panoramic vista of Castries.

Tour to Soufriere

This is St Lucia’s most historic town named by the French after the sulphorous whiff that wafts down from the nearby volcano. Situated in the southern half of the island and in a beautiful setting, it is around an hour’s trip from Castries, along a winding road through steep, green-clad countryside.
The town even now features some original Creole wooden buildings, but it is more famous for its incredible natural surroundings. Wonder at the famous twin Pitons, the world’s only drive-in volcano, take a dip in its sulphur springs. And include in your visit the booming Diamond Falls waterfall. At the moment Holland America Line offer a cruise that visits both Castries and Sourfriere. See

Cruises to Soufriere.

Trip to Pigeon Island

This beauty place isn’t actually an island, as it is linked to the mainland by a manmade causeway. Pigeon Island can boast of a greater amount of history than any other part St Lucia. It has been used both as a pirate hideout and a military station. Impressive are the partly restored remains of an eighteenth century fort constructed by the British. Also visit the Pigeon Island Museum, which chronicles the island's development. Windstar cruiseline visit Pigeon Island, click on

Cruises to Pigeon Island.

Trip to Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is St Lucia's main resort, a lively center of shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels behind Reduit Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. (Rodney BayThe townThe resort} is about a 15 minutes by car from Castries.

Jungle Activities

St Lucia’s steep, hilly terrain lends itself to adventure. On offer are hiking, walking, quad-biking, biking and horse-riding. The daredevils amongst you will try out the zip-wire rides soaring through the jungle. An option is more chilled-out Aerial Tram, which gives wonderful views of the lovely surroundings.

Tour to Fond Doux Estate
This nineteenth century West Indies style working plantation gives tourists the chance to experience a real taste, feel and smell for St. Lucia through the tropical fruits and plants in the grounds. There are acres of cocoa bushes, bananas and coconuts along with coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardomon, and lots of citrus fruits. The orchards, original sugar works and fascinating spices plot are always open for tourists to see. Fond Doux's restaurant serves a superb Creole cuisine.

Other Information

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Language Spoken: French and English
Time Zone: GMT minus four hours

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