Category: Caribbean

CATAMARAN CRUISE TO THE PITONS

An introduction to St. Lucia and a way to experience the nature by cruising to see the island’s famous landmark which is now a World Heritage Site. This is an excursion for those who wish to enjoy nature’s beauty and the sea. Leaving the Castries harbor behind, you will cruise along the west coast, passing by the Vigie and La Toc peninsulas. Take in the views of the coastline and the small villages of Anse la Raye and Canaries, then on towards to the Soufriere Bay for the sighting of Petit and Gros Piton – rising over 2,600 feet above sea level.

Circling the Bay will give every one an opportunity to capture this wonder of nature. You will then cruise up along the coast to one of the bays where you will be served an assortment of dry snacks, water, soft drinks and rum punch. After, you will have some time to enjoy a swim in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Reboard the catamaran and continue to the idyllic Marigot Bay – one of the island’s most sheltered and famous for many battles between the English and French.

It is also renowned for its beauty and a film location for such movies as Dr. Doolittle and Firepower. It is then homeward bound to the ship. Of course, the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean music will have you snapping your fingers, humming a tune or even swaying your hips on your return journey back to the ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Persons should always take care when going down the ladder into the water for swimming as well as climbing back up. Life jackets are available for anyone before swimming and persons who maybe prone to motion sickness should take the necessary medication prior to the departure of the tour. We recommend that any alcoholic beverages be served after swimming in the interest of safety – hence the swimming stop is done on the first half of the tour

BEACH BREAK

What better way to enjoy a few hours on the island than relaxing on one of the island’s beaches. After a short drive through the capital city Castries, your journey takes you north where you will bypass Castries regional airport, commercial and residential areas before arriving in the Rodney Bay area – known for its restaurants, resorts, shopping and entertainment.

Here you will be taken to Reduit Beach with views of Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. You will be escorted to the area where your beach chairs await. Lay back, relax and enjoy the St. Lucian moment along with a refreshment of either rum punch or fruit punch. Your guide will indicate the time of departure from the beach, back to the ship.
Please note: All beaches are public on the island. Beach chairs are included, but not beach umbrellas. Guests are recommended to wear insect repellent

ST. LUCIA RYTHYMS

This tour commences with a short ride through Castries, the capital. Observe the Victorian buildings along the famous Derek Walcott Square, the home of the Samaan tree (400 years old). St. Marks is an old colonial style house, which is strategically placed high up in the hills and offers a panoramic view.

On a clear day, view Martinique out in the distance along the northern coastline. Enjoy typical Creole snacks and a rum punch or fruit juice after your tour of this home before heading to your next stop. Located approximately five minutes away, you will reach your next stop at Howelton Estate, previously known as Caribelle Batik, the home of the silky West Indian Sea Island Cotton, where the batik process comes alive. The tour continues along the countryside towards the north-eastern section of the island to an area called Chassin.

Be a part of the St. Lucian traditional practices at one of the Heritage Sites. Upon arrival at the Fond Latisab Creole Park, you will experience Creole traditions and practices that are still enjoyed today. You will be able to see the preparation of farine and cassava bread in the ancient Amerindian manner. You can watch the traditional method of cooking food on macambou leaves.

From log-sawing to the rhythms of the Creole music, you will feel inducted into the traditions of this culture. You might even be able to learn a few words of Patois, the language of Creole heavily laced with French, African and English grammar, not to mention learn a few folk dances. Depart Fond Latisab for your drive back to your ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes. Sandals/shoes preferably with rubber soles and attire should be cool and comfortable. Hat/Cap is also recommended and sunscreen. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

AERIAL TRAM ADVENTURE

The Aerial Tram transports guests from the lowlands to an ecological park in the higher areas of St Lucia’s forest reserve. You will ascend in an open-air gondola through the rainforest, offering great views. A Nature Interpreter will point out giant ferns, heliconia, and identify the calls and the plumage of the birdlife that makes the Caribbean Oceanic Forest its home.

The descent affords a bird’s eye view of the forest and a panoramic vista of the north of the island. With much to see and listen for, the tram ride is a celebration of colour, life and a restorative retreat making this a peaceful way to enjoy St. Lucia’s surroundings before heading back to the ship.
Please note: All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

ADRENALINE

The Adrena-line zip line tour is best suited for those seeking an adrenaline rush. This zip line tour starts with a short walk through the tropical forest, but that’s as calm as it gets. Then get hitched up to a series of cables and zip from platform to platform high up in the tree canopy. If your adrenaline isn’t flowing then, a brisk hike to the next set of platforms will juice things up a bit before you zip back to the base camp. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. Walking/hiking shoes mandatory (no high heels, sandals or flip flops), Long shorts or trousers (not skirts or dresses), Shirts/t-shirts with short or long sleeves recommended (wearing harness), Sun/Rain protection, Insect repellent. Minimum waist 45.7cm Maximum hip/waist 127cm, Maximum weight 170 kg. This tour is not available for pregnant woman or persons with back or neck injuries. Only suitable for the physically fit. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

WATERFALL and BEACH ADVENTURE

Your excursion begins with boarding your open safari truck for a drive through Castries and to the Morne viewpoint for a view of the Castries Harbor and northern landscape. Continue to the village of Anse La Raye for a quick stop to walk along the waterfront. Depart for a short drive to a natural waterfall. Your adventure includes a hike through rocky streams and over uneven terrain before getting to the waterfall.

There is no swimming allowed at the waterfall. Your time at the waterfall comes to an end but your journey has just begun. Drive to a nearby beach and enjoy time swimming in the Caribbean sea or simply relaxing on the beach. Enjoy the sun before getting back onto your vehicle for the return transfer to the Port. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be in good physical condition, not suffering from heart, respiratory back or neck challenges in order to participate on the tour. There is a lot of exposure to the sun so light clothing, hat or cap is recommended along with sun bloc.

Sandals/shoes should be with rubber soles and persons. In the event of heavy rainfall, the water flow and water pool will be full, and the water pool looks brown due to excess silt. In the event of low rainfall, the water flow and water pool level is low. There are at least 40 natural earth steps leading down to the Waterfall. This is not a self-driven tour; a driver will be provided. The type of vehicle used on this tour is an open-air safari truck. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate

ST. LUCIAN BEAUTIES AND LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO

You will first pass through the city of Castries which consists of the colourful marketplace and the Conception Cathedral, known for its’ paintings, completed by the famous local artist, Dunstan St. Omer. A view of the island can then be seen from Morne Fortune before you travel through the Cul de Sac and Roseau banana plantations heading to Marigot Bay.

Continuing your drive along a winding road on the edge of a rainforest, where there is an abundance of tropical flowers and trees, you then reach the town of Soufriere. Here, the Pitons, rising more than 760 metres (2,500 feet), tower over the entire area. You will enjoy an approximately 30-minute guided tour of the Sulphur Springs, known as the world’s only ‘drive-in volcano’ because you can actually drive right into its crater! Next, you will visit the Maranatha Garden or Prayer Park for approximately 30 minutes, where different specimens of flowers, fruit trees and birds mingle to form a peaceful setting for garden-lovers and picture-takers! A drink awaits, served at the Beacon viewpoint and hilltop restaurant, situated on three naturally ventilated balconies. From here, you can spend approximately 35 minutes enjoying views of the Pitons, the Caribbean Sea and the Soufriere Valley. You will then return on an approximately 1 hour and 15-minute journey back to Castries harbour where your ship will be waiting.

Please note: Travel traverses bumpy and winding roads. Guests suffering from motion sickness must take adequate precautions. The scenic drive to Soufriere takes approx. 1.5 hours. Guests must be able to walk over uneven surfaces and climb steps