AAA Traveler - Special Edition 2021 (Carolinas) - 19

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
WESTERN CARIBBEAN
Setting Sail: The Western Caribbean begins just south of
Florida (in fact, many cruises include a port call at Key West).
Grand Cayman and Jamaica, Mexico's Yucatan Pennisula, and
Caribbean-facing destinations in Central America such as
Belize are found in this region. The Western Caribbean is a
popular choice for its incredible beaches, abundant history as
well as eco-oriented adventures.
Up the Gangway: Many of these Western-bound cruises
begin in Florida, including the majors: Ft. Lauderdale, Port
Canaveral (Orlando) and Miami. Tampa is seeing more ships
depart from there, as are Galveston, TX and New Orleans.
Port Talley: Belize City with its world-class scuba and
snorkeling, Costa Maya, Mexico with its nearby Mayan ruins,
Falmouth, Jamaica with its shore tour to Dunn's River Falls,
and Key West with its abundant history and funky vibe are all
worthwhile stops in the Western Caribbean.
Set a Distinctive Course: With Mexico and Belize
part of these voyages, Mayan culture is never very far away.
Visit Tulum and other archaeological sites to see what remains
of this ancient, but sophisticated, civilization. The underwater
world proves as interesting. Here, the Mesoamerican Barrier
Reef extends along the coasts of Mexico, Belize and Honduras,
making it one of the premier diving and
snorkeling spots in the world. These
western waters teem with under-thesae
activities. Don't worry about
missing typical island culture;
Jamaica's ports ensure plenty
of sugar plantation tours,
rum samples, jerk
chicken and reggae
beats.
Setting Sail: The largest share of the Caribbean's islands
lie east and south of St. Maarten/St. Martin and the region
has always been somewhat different than the West and East.
Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Barts are territories of France.
Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire (the ABC islands) are part of
the Netherlands while Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda still
show off their British Colonial legacy. Looking for Latin
flair? Trinidad and Tobago, the islands farthest south, won't
disappoint.
Up the Gangway: Longer Southern Caribbean cruises
depart from Florida ports - Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral,
Tampa and Miami. Since the region is further away from the
east coast of the U.S. than the Eastern or Western Caribbean,
shorter cruises typically depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Port Talley: Hit the beach in Aruba. Eagle Beach has
soft white sands and is near the cruise port. Curacao's capital,
Willemstad, has a historic district that's a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. And in Dominica, even novice hikers can walk the
20-minute trail to Trafalgar Falls, with its upper and lower falls.
Set a Distinctive Course: The effects of European
expansionism carry through Southern Caribbean communities.
The influence is primarily Dutch, evident in the pastel-colored
cottages on Bonaire and in the overall vibe of Curaçao. Aruba
and Grenada present silvery, unspoiled strands, while Dominica
boasts few beaches and looks like a hiker's paradise with
its rainforest-draped mountains pushing out of
the blue sea.
East, west or south? Let a AAA Travel Agent help you decide. Stop by your local AAA office or call
800-750-5386 and plan your perfect cruise today!
TRAVELER RETURN TO CRUISING 2021
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AAA Traveler - Special Edition 2021 (Carolinas)

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