January 5, 2014/ altair / Cruises & Ships

Have your heart set on a Caribbean vacation? Do not wait then! Book your Costa Cruises Caribbean Vacation with Altair Travel!

Antilles Cruise

The Antilles islands form the greater part of the West Indies in the Caribbean. The Antilles are divided into two major groups: the “Greater Antilles” to the north and west, including the larger islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico; and the smaller “Lesser Antilles” on the southeast—comprising the northerly Leeward Islands, the southeasterly Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles just north of Venezuela. Nestling between Florida and the coast of Venezuela, the Antilles separate the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago is blessed by eternal spring and comprises the Greater and Lesser Antilles, nearly all of which are volcanic in origin. The best way to explore the beauty of the Antilles is by boat, which will allow you to reach coral beaches, dive into the turquoise waters and journey deep into the lush vegetation.

Aruba Island is an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It is 30km long and 9km across, at its widest point, with an area of approximately 184 square kilometers. This flat, riverless island is renowned for its white sand beaches. Its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is almost constant at about 27°C. The yearly rainfall usually does not exceed 20 inches. Aruba layes outside the Caribean hurricane belt.

Bahamas Cruise

The designation of Bahamas refers normally to the Commonwealth and not the geographic chain. A pirate base in the 18th Century, the Bahamas have been an independent country since 1973. The main islands and the capital, Nassau, are now a tax haven and a destination for crowded package tours. However, somewhere among the 700 islands and 2,500 cays, or islets, that make up the country, you can still escape from all the modern hotels and disappear into a forest of mangroves or explore a coral barrier reef.

The biggest event in the Bahamian calendar is Junkanoo, a street carnival held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1). Junkanoo groups “rush” through the streets of towns, especially Nassau, wearing spectacular yet disposable costumes of crepe paper and playing distinctive Junkanoo music, which combines African rhythms with loud brass and cowbells, fusing them together in a medley that veers on cacophony but is exceedingly dancable. The costumes, made from scratch every year, are disposed of on the streets as the party ends and make a great free souvenir to bring home!Bahamas is also the site of Ms.Universe 2009

Belize Cruise

Belize, is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean:  only the Caribbean Sea to its east, and the only one in the region with English as its official language. With a long Caribbean coast, Belize is culturally similar to many of Britain’s former West Indian island colonies, with a majority creole or Afro-Caribbean population. Inland are the native Maya people, and especially in the north and northwest of the country Spanish is often spoken.

Both the landscape and culture of Belize, once known as British Honduras, closely resemble those of the Caribbean Islands rather than the bordering chaotic countries of Central America. This is evident from its paved streets and history without conflict. The country offers wonderful ocean floors perfect for diving and impressive Mayan ruins that rise above virgin forests.

World class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean sea with its attractive reefs, and visiting the Mayan ruins. Belize escaped the bloody civil conflicts of the 80′s that engulfed Central America and while it has not been immune to the rampant drug crime and grinding poverty of its neighbors it is a rather safe destination for the most part located in a part of the world that is not always considered safe. Income levels are still very low and the infrastructure is very basic. The Belizeans are very proud and friendly to visitors and the tourist industry grew greatly in the last decade.

Cayman Islands Cruise

The Cayman Islands are an island group ninety miles south of Cuba. The outstanding coral reefs and outstandingly clear waters have made this island group a favorite destination of divers. Great beaches and fine restaurants and resorts make it an excellent tourist destination as well. Vibrant coral reefs and beaches where the only sound you can hear is the sea breeze are some of the things that make the Cayman Islands so special. Its history, made up of natives, colonialism, pirates and an independence within the British Commonwealth, has since been revolutionized by tourism. Travelers of all nationalities flock every year to what is rightly considered a paradise

Costa Rica Cruise

Costa Rica has bewilderingly diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. From rain forests, to dry tropical and temperate forests, to volcanoes, to Caribbean and Pacific beaches, to high mountains, and marshy lowlands.

In Costa Rica, the variety of landscapes – volcanoes, coastlines, beaches, rivers and nature reserves is measured by the country’s rich cultural diversity. Its complex history is at the root of the fascinating ethnic mosaic that dominates this small Central American country, and became the chosen destination for Europeans, Catalans, and Basques first, then the Germans and English, as well as Afro-Caribbeans and Chinese over the last few centuries.

Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast”, constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949. It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world’s 22 older democracies. Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in the Human Development Index, ranked 62nd in the world in 2010, and is cited by the UNDP as one of the countries that has attained much higher human development than other countries at the same income levels. The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index

Dominican Republic Cruise

The Dominican Republic is a fascinating country with an ancient colonial past. The landscape offers white sandy beaches, impressive mountain ranges criss-crossed by rivers and waterfalls, lakes with exotic wildlife, and mangrove forests. The island’s charm also comes from the local festivals and the carnival with live music and dancing which are not to be missed.

The Dominican Republic has become the Caribbean’s largest tourist destination; the country’s year-round golf courses are among the top attractions. In this mountainous land is located the Caribbean’s highest mountain, Pico Duarte, as is Lake Enriquillo, the Caribbean’s largest lake and lowest elevation. Quisqueya, as Dominicans often call their country, has an average temperature of 26°C and great biological diversity. Music and sport are of the highest importance in Dominican culture, with merengue as the national dance and song and baseball the favorite sport.

Florida Cruise

Florida is the most south-eastern state in the United States of America. Known as “The Sunshine State”, it became a popular winter destination for the well-to-do from colder climates over a century ago, and has gained ever greater popularity since. Florida is blessed by fortune and beauty. Its roots in agriculture are still present, with oranges being a chief export. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, located in the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle.

The beaches are one of the most popular attractions, along with some of the world’s best known theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. However some of Florida’s best secrets are in secluded locations away for tourist areas and well worth seeing. Regardless of preference Florida has something to offer for any kind of traveler.

When the Spanish arrived here in the 1500s they called it Florida, an adjective that in Spanish means “blooming”, referring to the fertile land. Every year thousands of tourists flock to the beaches in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West, resorts that are famous all over the world.

Honduras Cruise

This land which connects the two Americas is characterized by two different climates, warm and tropical along its coasts, fresh in the internal areas. The historical events of the Maya civilization and of the Spanish colonialism are surrounded by a breathtaking environmental frame. The capital Tegucigalpa is a colored city surrounded by huge green pine forests. A characteristic scenery where you can taste appetizing tortillas and “liquados”, genuine milkshakes made of fruits and fresh milk.

Honduras is the second biggest country in Central America. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Mayan ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), and a Pacific and Caribbean coastline and the Bay Islands, with great beaches and coral reefs where snorkeling and diving are exceptional by any standard. Good amenities can be found in cities like Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Tela, Utila, Roatán and at Copan, but elsewhere conditions can be quite basic, especially in the rural areas. You can find good hotels even in small towns if you are willing to pay a bit more (Honduras is not really an expensive country). Nevertheless a visit is worthwhile, especially to the ancient Maya ruins in Copan, the colonial towns of Gracias and Comayagua, and the fantastic Caribbean Coast.

Jamaica Cruise

An estimated 1.3 million foreign tourists visit Jamaica every year.

Unconventional and relaxed, Jamaica is one of the most beloved Caribbean islands for its beautiful beaches and clear blue sea. The unmistakably informal Jamaican lifestyle and the strong influence of reggae have created a legend of an island where life is lived naturally and the language is musical, colorful and simple.

Though a small nation, Jamaican culture has a strong global presence. The musical genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, dub, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island’s vibrant, popular urban recording industry. Jamaica also played an important role in the development of punk rock, through reggae and ska. Reggae has also influenced American rap music, as they both share their roots as rhythmic, African styles of music. Some rappers, such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Heavy D, are of Jamaican descent. Internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was also Jamaican.

Mexico Cruise

Friendly, hospitable and colorful, Mexico is visited by a large number of tourists each year, due in part to its great cultural heritage. The Maya and Aztecs left important traces of their empires, now protected in archaeological sites of inestimable value. Variety is the distinctive feature of the Mexican landscape: arid areas and volcanoes alternate with rocky coasts, white beaches and forests.

Mexico’s extensive coastlines include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Mexico has nice and warm people, unique food, art and archeology, pyramids, museums, Haciendas, 6,000 miles of shoreline, superb architecture and 21 century cities, weather from snow mountains in the Sierras, to rainy jungles in the Southeast and desert in the Northwest, lots of golf courses throughout the country, excellent fishing, world top destinations like Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Patzcuaro. Mexico is ranked 7th major destination for foreigner visitors, according to WTO.

Mexico is one of the most popular tourist countries on earth (over 20 million foreign visitors last year). Much of the tourist industry is centered around the beach resorts as well as the altiplano in the central part of the country. Visiting the northern interior allows visitors to get off the beaten path a bit. American tourists tend to predominate on the Baja peninsula and the more modernized beach resorts (Cancún, Puerto Vallarta), while European tourists congregate around the smaller resort areas in the south like Playa del Carmen and colonial towns San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Turks Islands Cruise

Maybe the most fascinating of the whole Caribbean archipelago. The Turks Islands boast wonderful beaches and hundreds kilometres of coral reef, making them one of the ten main destinations of the world for underwater diving. Grace Bay, set in the Northern part of Provo, was elected “the best beach on the earth” by the readersof Conde Nast Traveller, and one of the 5 beaches of the world by the London Sunday Times.

The United States was the leading source of tourists in 1996, accounting for more than half of the 87,000 visitors; another major source of tourists is Canada. The government is pursuing a two-pronged strategy to increase tourism. Upscale resorts are aimed at the wealthy, while a large new cruise ship port and recreation centre has been built for the masses visiting Grand Turk. Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a premier diving destination.

Providenciales is home to a restaurant scene popular among tourists. There has been a recent trend towards authentic local tastes, with on-the-beach spots such as Da Conch Shack (run by popular Canadian island resident John Macdonald) attracting locals and tourists alike in droves.

Several Hollywood stars have built homes in the Turks and Caicos, including Dick Clark and Bruce Willis as well as studio executive, Eric Edmeades. Ben Affleck married actress Jennifer Garner on Parrot Cay in 2005. Actress Eva Longoria and her ex-husband Tony Parker went to the islands for their honeymoon in July 2007 and High School Musical actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens went for a vacation there.

Virgin Islands Cruise

Nature is the true star of these islands: green hills, blue skies, amazing sunsets and wide open beaches with soft sand. Once a hideout for buccaneers and brigands, now they’re a top choice for sports enthusiasts, who are attracted by the tropical breezes and year-round mild climate.

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Tags Costa Cruises: Caribbean Cruises