Cruising to Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is a small island west of Oahu, and what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. It is known as the Garden Isle, for it is covered with flowers and vegetation, the pleasant byproduct of a more generous supply of rainfall than received by the other islands. In fact, the summit of Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest places on the earth, receiving an average of 444 inches of rainfall annually. If you are lucky enough for your cruise ship to dock here, you will be swept away by the magnificent scenery, including towering cliffs and jagged peaks, lush green valleys and abundant rain forests, beautiful sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. Kauai has such an exotic beauty that several movies have been filmed here, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "King Kong", "South Pacific" and the "Jurassic Park" series. Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain, is located here, too, and it is almost 3000 feet deep with beautiful red earth cliffs.

Ships dock at Nawiliwili Harbor, which isn't known for much except its fun name. A local law mandates that no building may be constructed taller than the height of a coconut tree, so you won't find glitzy hotels or large shopping centers here. Less than one mile from the pier, you will find some of the best shopping on the island - especially of pearl jewelry - at Anchor Cove Shopping Mall. Just behind the shopping mall is a spectacular beach called Kalapaki Beach, which is supervised by lifeguards and is safe for swimming. Further south you will come to Poipu Beach, which is worth the 15 mile ride for its crystal clear water, pure white sand, and lava rocks. Kauai's most famous beach is at Hanalei, where you can catch surfers riding the waves. There are several shore excursions which bring you closer to the unbelievable beauty of this island, including river tubing, hiking and kayaking. You can even sign up for a zipline adventure, soaring high above the spectacular scenery on a high wire zipline.

If your taste runs more to history than scenery, visit Old Koloa Town, located about an hour's drive from the port. This town has been preserved from the days when waves of immigrants came here to work on the sugar plantations, with its original buildings now converted into shops and restaurants. In the center of town is a small history center, and individual buildings are labeled with plaques detailing their original functions and unique histories.

By: Stephanie Larkin

How To Truly Experience The Caribbean While On A Caribbean Cruise

How To Truly Experience The Caribbean While On A Caribbean Cruise - By: Joshua Poyoh

One of the most popular destinations to cruise in the world is the Caribbean. While you are having fun and adventure of a life time on board, lets look at what the Caribbean is.

The word Caribbean conjures up visions of many beautiful sandy beaches, vacation paradise and a lifestyle most people can only dream of. There are more than 200 island territories in the Caribbean; it is home to millions of people too.

It would be extremely advantageous to understand the geography, history, diversity, economy of the region and what it can offer to the average tourist. This can only add to your experience as a visitor.

The Caribbean is defined as the Bahamas and the Antilles. The Antilles are further divided into the Greater Antilles, consisting of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. Many of the Caribbean islands' original inhabitants were members of one or other of the two indigenous tribes, the Caribs and the Arawaks.

The Spaniards were the first to colonize the area, following the discovery of the West Indies by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The other Europeans namely the Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch follow suit. Power and control of the region changed hands in the various islands over the years, depending on the desirability of the particular location, and a given nation's ability to defend it.

As a visitor, if you're interested in the history of the region, your best bet would be the larger islands or territories; those whose history of European occupation is longest. A good example would be the Dominican Republic, where you can see where Columbus first landed on his maiden voyage to the New World in 1492.

If you can make it to Cuba, you will not be disappointed by the Spanish architecture in Old Havana. With the Cubans' understandable economic priorities and pressures, if the ravages of time allow the buildings to survive, this will be a treat for generations of visitors to come.

To be sure, each of the islands and territories has its own place in the history of the region, but simply with a greater or lesser story to tell. The really small islands offer great scenery, mostly great weather in the dry season, and a sheer brilliance in tropical color that is a welcome shock to the senses. And yes, great beaches for you to enjoy. This stuff is so commonplace in the region that local inhabitants take it for granted.

As for nightlife; any resort will necessarily have its fill. However, if you enjoy things 'closer to the edge', the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is hard to beat. This occurs officially on the Monday and Tuesday just prior to Ash Wednesday.

But if you truly want to experience the Caribbean and all it has to offer, the absolute best advice is to befriend one or more local families. That is when you will experience true Caribbean hospitality. And a better 'tour guide' you will never find.

One of the most popular destinations to cruise in the world is the Caribbean. It would be extremely advantageous to understand the geography, history, diversity, economy of the region and what it can offer to the average tourist.

To find out more information on great travel and vacation ideas and Caribbean
Cruise Ships Fun, please visit the Travel
And Vacation Information Guide

Hawaiian Cruise Time

Hawaiian Cruise Time - Ready To Imagine Your Dream Hawaiian Cruise Vacation?
By: Martin Haworth

Hawaiian cruises are quickly becoming one of the most interesting and exciting ways to see the islands of Hawaii. Regularly described as the ultimate "island-hopping" trip, simply taking you from one tropical Hawaiian island to another, in the most luxurious of circumstances.

And for many people, the opportunity to sample some of these cruise delights is easier than ever before, with more cruise ships; more cruise lines; and more itinerary options than you could shake a stick at. If there ever was a time, now it it!

Once aboard, it will be difficult to forget that you are experiencing the unique features of your cruise ship, giving you a truly magical vacation from start to finish. Beautiful weather (usually!), wonderful food and an amazing experience all round.

Whenever you go, Hawaiian cruise vacations provide great value and experience for travelers, certainly for families, where all ages can have fun in a variety of entertainment offerings.

You see, cruises offer the ultimate facilities for groups to travel together, where they can spend time as a group and still have their own space, whenever they want.

And with the Hawaiian islands, you have the added bonus of a variety of unique sights on a number of very different islands, from the comfort of one room and just once the effort of unpacking. What more could you ask?

If it's convenience you want, your travel can start from a convenient western seaboard port, where you can relax the night before embarking, in a luxury hotel, with easy transfer to your wonderful cruise ship during the next day.

Ready for that exciting departure, waving off those jealous onlookers as you sail off, sometimes into the sunset, for an even more dramatic escape!

Then it's time to settle in; find your way about onboard; get ready for your first dinner aboard too - what excitement!

Then it's a few days at sea, relaxation the aim, although on board many ships you will immediately be thrown into the many opportunities that the planned entertainment offers - lots to do!

Then, four or so days later imagine it - land ahead! The excitement of your first port of call on the amazing chain of 137 islands that make up your destination for the next few dreamy days. Watch as it grows on the horizon and experience sensations around the liner as everyone aboard realizes what can now be seen!

There are cruises of all shapes and sizes, even to the Hawaiian islands, with a range of themes, entertainment and itineraries. So, be it for a family, a group or just a smart way to enjoy the two of you, Hawaiian cruises are available for anyone.

Article Source: http://ezarticles.net