Travel & Vacation Listings in Travel Guides: Articles @ RealAdventures http://www.RealAdventures.com/vacations/185036_articles-caribbean.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:02:07 GMT Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:02:07 GMT http://www.RealAdventures.com http://www.RealAdventures.com/vacations/185036_articles-caribbean.htm 100 100 La Rampa the most hectic area in the modern part (Cuba) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1156266_La-Rampa-the-most-hectic-area-in-the-modern-part http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1156266_La-Rampa-the-most-hectic-area-in-the-modern-part Articles Cuba Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:01:28 Havana has thousands of places to go and have a look. In the neighborhood El Vedado, La Rampa (The Slope) stands out in the ending part of the most central street in the city, the 23rd Street, and to anyone who is coming all along the Malecon, ... -
Havana has thousands of places to go and have a look. In the neighborhood El Vedado, La Rampa (The Slope) stands out in the ending part of the most central street in the city, the 23rd Street, and to anyone who is coming all along the Malecon, ...


Havana has thousands of places to go and have a look. In the neighborhood El Vedado, La Rampa (The Slope) stands out in the ending part of the most central street in the city, the 23rd Street, and to anyone who is coming all along the Malecon, this area opens itself to the center of Vedado. This area is one of the most hectic and crowded of the city for the large amount of hotels, stores, shops, and clubs that surround it.

La Rampa, during the colonial stage, belonged to the area called El Vedado, a part of the village that was a very huge forest, where nobody could trespass because of the wilderness. This neighborhood acquires its current name due to the beautiful elevation from the coast to what is at the moment the corner of 23 and L, the most central corner in the capital city.

It is necessary to highlight that the most significant of La Rampa during the colonial stage, was the battery of canyons that protected the coast of eventual attacks which was placed where today the famous National Hotel is located. It was built in 1930, and where excellent personalities of the art, the politics and the science have lodged, such as Errol Flynn, Sara Montiel, Winston Churchill, Almvar, among others.

Starting from the decade of the 50s in the 20th century, the highest buildings in Cuba were built in La Rampa, such as the FOCSA building, the Someilln building, the Mountain Lopez constructions that are indispensable in the Cuban architecture, as well as the fabulous hotels Capri and Havana Libre, which was the Havana Hilton during the Republic.

In La Rampa a great quantity of places of public services concentrates the traffic is more intense, the tourism becomes evident and people constantly circulate around its streets. For many Cubans, mainly for the young people, it has come being kind of a park and place of encounters. Everything is close, included the biggest and famous ice cream parlor in the world, Coppelia that is of those places that gets you into the habit of coming at least once in a week. La Rampa is a privileged place to which all the roads get you to drive there.

Walking around La Rampa is an incredible experience while you are having your holidays in Cuba, more specifically in Havana City. This area provides one of the most amazing views of the city, no matter if you are walking in the streets or have the chance to climb the FOCSA building, a jewel of the Cuban architecture. Standing on the corner of 23rd and L, you will have one of the most beautiful sights of this area the street goes down until it meets the Malecon, and there you have the sea at your feet. You will experience the bustle of this zone, which never sleeps due to the amount of places there, which are open most of them until the morning. Do not miss the chance of being in contact with the Cuban reality in one of the most known areas of Cuba.

Details & Reservations: La Rampa the most hectic area in the modern part
RealAdventures | Cuba Articles

]]> Chase Away The Winter Blues in Grenada (Grenada) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1025741_Chase-Away-The-Winter-Blues-in-Grenada http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1025741_Chase-Away-The-Winter-Blues-in-Grenada Articles Grenada Wed, 03 Mar 2004 00:03:00 The aroma of fresh spices, the beauty of mountains and blue green waters plus ideal temperatures make Grenada a great place to visit and seek out new dive spots. The cuisine is excellent as many locally grown spices flavor the dishes. - US $600 - 2,000
The aroma of fresh spices, the beauty of mountains and blue green waters plus ideal temperatures make Grenada a great place to visit and seek out new dive spots. The cuisine is excellent as many locally grown spices flavor the dishes.
Chase Away The Winter Blues in Grenada

Chase away the winter blues in Grenada


By Phyllis Steinberg



There is a law in Grenada that says no hotel can be taller than a Coconut Palm. That's why you won't see a lot of tall buildings obstructing the beautiful landscape of the country.


When I arrived on this island in the Eastern Caribbean in the most Southern of the Windward Islands, I saw lush green mountains and beautiful beaches.


The aroma of fragrant spices such as nutmeg, cocoa and cinnamon filled the air and the temperature was in the 80's, (year round temperatures are 75 to 87) tempered by the cooling trade winds.


What's not to like? I needed a vacation and this Caribbean getaway seemed to match my mood.


This was my second visit to the island of Grenada. My first was by cruise ship a few years ago. I was intrigued by its beautiful harbor, accented with&nbsp dozens of&nbsp sail boats and lavish yachts. I also enjoyed shopping in its quaint shops and stores surrounding the harbor on my first visit and knew that someday soon I would return.


Return I did. A friend told me that the Spice Island Beach Resort was the most beautiful place to stay in Grenada, so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did.


The Spice Island Beach Resort is located on the Grand Anse Beach, and its two miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear water in St. George's. This elegant resort also offers magnificent views of the harbor and its cruise ships. The resort has a fully inclusive concept which includes all meals, afternoon tea, premium brand liquors, wines and a full range of watersports.


The resort's facilities included a spa, fitness center, tennis courts and a&nbsp business center.&nbsp The watersports included in the price of the vacation included paddle boats, canoes, sail boats and more.&nbsp


The beautiful beach was dotted with comfy chaise lounge chairs with padded cushions. Some were placed under a tree. Others were spread out for sunworshippers in direct sunlight. The chairs were also included in the allinclusive rate.


My beachfront villa was just steps from the beach. It included a whirlpool bath for two, and a separate shower, with a desk, television and sitting area. What more could a guest want? Surely, this was paradise with a capital "P".


The delicious meals didn't take second place to the accommodations. Every evening a new tasting adventure awaited guests. The menus included everything from eggplant caviar to rack of lamb and veal dishes, delicious fresh locally caught fish and fabulous desserts, all prepared with a Caribbean flair.


The resort has a wonderful Sunday luncheon buffet, where they barbecue on the beach while a steel band entertains. There is also nightly entertainment.&nbsp&nbsp


The island of Grenada which produces an abundance of wonderful spices including cloves, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa, uses these spices in its wonderful cuisine. Fruits also are grown on the island and used to make mouthwatering desserts such as Lemon Tortes, Mango Cakes, Rum and Raisin Cakes, Spicy Gingerbread Cakes, Pineapple Bars and Mango Mousse.&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp


Michael Carroll, Executive Chef at the Spice Island Resort, uses the wonderful spices of the island to create savory soups such as pumpkin and squash and also uses them in stews and in bases for fish and chicken dishes.


I have been to many allinclusive resorts in the Caribbean islands, but the Spice Island Beach Resort achieves a higher standard in cuisine than most of the socalled "allinclusive" resorts.


But don't expect speedy service. The wait staff are friendly and eager to please, but the service is slower than normally experienced in a fullservice resort.


The surroundings at the Spice Island Resort are clearly enough of a vacation for any guest, but there are many other attractions on the island.


There are many snorkel trips sponsored by area yachtsmen, that will take visitors out into the bay for a morning or all day trip of snorkeling. The island is an excellent dive site with many species of fish and coral reefs.&nbsp


I also enjoyed a visit to Nutmeg processing plant, where the spice is produced. There is a also a chocolate factory and a rum distillery.


The Belmont Estate is a nice place to have a Plantation buffet while you relax in a covered porch.


It is also fun to shop at the Craft and Spice Market. Be sure to bring home some wonderful spices. They are cheap and fun to cook with when you get home. The savory aroma of your cooking will be a pleasant reminder of your Caribbean vacation in Grenada.&nbsp&nbsp


Details & Reservations: Chase Away The Winter Blues in Grenada
RealAdventures | Grenada Articles

]]> A visit to the Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024976_A-visit-to-the-Dominican-Republic http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024976_A-visit-to-the-Dominican-Republic Articles Dominican Republic Wed, 14 Jan 2004 00:01:00 The Dominican Republic is a country with a lot of history.The capital city of Santo Domingo has been called the cultural heritage of the new world. The country also has beautiful beaches with inexpensive allinclusive resorts. -
The Dominican Republic is a country with a lot of history.The capital city of Santo Domingo has been called the cultural heritage of the new world. The country also has beautiful beaches with inexpensive allinclusive resorts.
A visit to the Dominican Republic


Details & Reservations: A visit to the Dominican Republic
RealAdventures | Dominican Republic Articles

]]> Sailing the Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony (US Virgin Islands) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1025033_Sailing-the-Caribbean-on-the-Crystal-Symphony http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1025033_Sailing-the-Caribbean-on-the-Crystal-Symphony Articles US Virgin Islands Wed, 14 Jan 2004 00:01:00 Cruising the Eastern and Western Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony cruise ship to exciting ports of call in Aruba, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Cozumel and the Panama Canal was the adventure of a lifetime. -
Cruising the Eastern and Western Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony cruise ship to exciting ports of call in Aruba, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Cozumel and the Panama Canal was the adventure of a lifetime.
Sailing the Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony

Sailing the Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony

By Arvin Steinberg

It was a unique and awesome experience to see the huge Crystal Symphony cruise ship being raised 28 feet as it went through the three lock steps (a total of 85 feet) above the level of the Caribbean Sea as it went through the Panama Canal and entered Gatun Lake.

The ship&8217s itinerary called &8220Caribbean Circle&8221 interested me. It was different from most cruise lines because it included ports of call in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean and in addition the exciting journey through the locks in the Panama Canal.

Most ships travel to either the Eastern Caribbean or the Western Caribbean. But as a Crystal Symphony passenger I had an opportunity to visit the exciting eastern ports of St. Thomas, St. John and Aruba on the Eastern Caribbean route, as well as Grand Cayman Island, Panama Canal, Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen in the Western Caribbean.

The itinerary was exceptional and so was the ship.

From the moment I set foot on the Crystal Symphony until I disembarked 12 days later, I was treated to superb cuisine, awardwinning entertainment, outstanding service, and unending courtesy by the entire staff.

The Crystal Cruise staff works as a team with each member striving for perfection to make each guest&8217s cruising experience a memorable one. From the dining staff to the stateroom steward, each guest&8217s request receives top priority. The staff knows passengers by their names, even on the Lido deck, where one is merely passing through the buffet line.


The Crystal Symphony has a guest capacity of 940, which makes it a large ship, but not in the megaship capacity which carries as many as 2,500 passengers. I liked the size because it was easy to find my way around the ship. And, with a dedicated staff of more than 500, the service was outstanding.

The staterooms on most cruise ships are small, and the bathrooms are tiny with almost minuscule shower stalls. I am of average size, and I often wondered how larger people could even fit into the showers. All bathrooms on the Crystal Symphony have a standard size bathtub with a shower and two sinks that I really enjoyed.

I found my stateroom on the Crystal Symphony to be very comfortable and I enjoyed my veranda. More than half of the staterooms have verandas. All staterooms have nine feet of hanging space in the closet, a TV, a minibar, dressing table with lights and mirrors, a full length mirror, a couch, and a dining table should you order room service.

I wasn&8217t lost at sea, either. All during my cruise, I could click on my TV and get the news live on CNN, or CNBC to check my stocks, or ESPN for the latest sports results. I also received an eight page New York Times Digest delivered to my stateroom each day to further keep track of the news and sports and to read the Times&8217 editorials and even try the Times&8217 crossword puzzle.

Cruise ships are famous for their food and the abundant amounts they serve. But the Crystal Symphony does not just serve fine cuisine. It focuses on your total dining experience. I usually ate breakfast in the Lido Caf, high up on the 11th deck rather than in the magnificent Crystal Dining Room. Here, I had a glorious view of the ocean and/or the port of call. I also listened to beautiful music piped in while I enjoyed the sumptuous buffet. It was not only a wonderful buffet, but a waiter carried my selections to a table I chose and was ready to refill my coffee cup or bring me anything I forgot.

Some days I had lunch in the Crystal Dining Room and other days I had lunch in the Lido Caf. I loved the wonderful music piped in during lunch. Other cruise ships offer music as well, but on the larger ships you can&8217t hear the music or you only hear it faintly because of the noise and commotion of the large crowds of guests on board.

Three times during my cruise an extraordinary luncheon buffet was presented outside on the Lido Deck. One buffet featured Asian cuisine, a second offered Mediterranean dishes representing foods from 14 different Mediterranean countries, and a third luncheon buffet featured lots of America&8217s favorites from corn on the cob to barbecued ribs. At each of these special buffet luncheons, the Lido Deck was colorfully decorated in accordance with the theme of the buffet, and the staff was dressed in festive attire to blend in nicely with the luncheon theme. One afternoon in the spectacular atrium just outside the Crystal Dining Room, guests enjoyed a lavish luncheon buffet featuring lobster, shrimp, roast beef and turkey, complete with beautiful ice carvings.

Dinner in the Crystal Dining Room was a carefully orchestrated performance. Waiters were waiting in attendance, escorting you to your chair and placing a napkin in your lap. And that was just the overture. Then came the delectable entrees, such as lobster, Chateaubriand, and veal scallopini, to mention a few. The maitre d&8217 tossed a great Caesar salad at my table. He also prepared a delicious flaming Cherries Jubilee dessert tableside. The wine list was one of the most extensive I have seen on cruise ships. One evening was entitled the &8220Royal Feast&8221, and it was served as if in Medieval times. The waiters were dressed in brilliant costumes and guests were also invited to wear costumes if they chose. Each evening a trio of strolling musicians stopped at my table to play a request. Creative vegetarian selections were also offered. What more could anyone want?

Now I don&8217t want to give the impression that the Crystal Symphony is some kind of highfalutin, snobbish ship where everyone dines only on lobster and caviar. No way! In fact, a guest at the table next to mine half jokingly told the waiter he would love countryfried chicken with mashed potatoes the following evening. Within minutes the maitre d&8217 came to that guest and told him that the chicken dinner had already been ordered. The next evening the guest was served a countryfried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Also, one evening was &822050&8217s Night&8221, and the &822050&8217s&8221 theme was carried throughout the ship. The staff was dressed in &822050&8217s&8221 hats and uniforms, and one of the selections on the menu was meatloaf and mashed potatoes. And to top off the &822050&8217s&8221 theme, at 1130 that night a buffet was offered featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, milk shakes, and pizza.

The Crystal Symphony also offers two specialty dinner restaurants Jade Garden featuring Asian cuisine, and Prego offering fine Italian fare. I found both to be charming restaurants serving outstanding cuisine. I would highly recommend dining at both during a Crystal Symphony cruise.

The Crystal Symphony also has two additional choices for dining The Bistro, a cozy nook, located near the spectacular atrium, offered coffee, Cappuccino, Danish pastries, snacks and tarts from 930 a.m. to 600 p.m. The Trident Grill, located near the swimming pools, served hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, and frozen yogurt from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I especially enjoyed the grilled veggie burgers while lounging beside the pool.

The entertainment aboard the Crystal Symphony was sensational. I usually see only two or three of the nightly stage shows on a cruise. That gives me a taste of what the ship has to offer. But on the Crystal Symphony I attended every stage show and actually looked forward to seeing each one. The Crystal Symphony presented five lavish production shows in the Galaxy Lounge during my 12day cruise. I learned from the cruise director that each production takes at least one year to develop. The cast consisted of ten talented singers and dancers who sing &8220live&8221, and the music (more than 40 musical numbers and dance segments) is played live by the Galaxy Orchestra.

The stage shows in the Galaxy Lounge on nights other than the production shows were also splendid. For example, on two nights guests were treated to concerts by Dale Kristien who is perhaps best known as Christine Daae in Andrew Lloyd Webber&8217s The Phantom of the Opera. She played that role for more than 1,700 performances on Broadway and for the entire four and a half recordbreaking years in Los Angeles. Both of her concerts aboard the Crystal Symphony were wonderful.

The sounds of beautiful music never stop throughout the day and evening on the Crystal Symphony. An easytolistento band plays lots of your favorite songs at the pool in the afternoon. A trio plays lovely relaxing favorites during the elegant teatime in late afternoon. A band plays dance music before dinner in the Palm Court Lounge and observation area high up on the 11th deck. Piano music is played by very talented musicians in the Crystal Cove located in the spectacular atrium for you to enjoy both during predinner cocktails and afterdinner cocktails. Another group, The Galaxy Quartet, performs in the Palm Court after dinner. An orchestra plays dance music in the Starlite Club on Deck 6 from 945 p.m. to 1245 a.m. If you enjoy a cozy piano bar, the Avenue Saloon on Deck 6 is the place to be to listen to a fine pianist during predinner cocktails or later in the evening from 945 p.m. to 100 a.m. when late night gourmet snacks are offered.

For those who love the movies, recently released movies are shown in the ship&8217s &8220Hollywood Theatre&8221 which seats 140 guests. Movies are shown in the afternoon and evening.

If you love the theater, Crystal Cruises offers an innovative theatrical concept, Repertory Theatre at Sea. A troupe of professional actors presents selected abridged scenes from some of the world&8217s bestloved plays. I especially enjoyed the hilarious moments from The Odd Couple and Plaza Suite.

The ship also has &8220Caesars Palace at Sea&8221, a lively casino managed by the famed Las Vegas gaming operation. It features blackjack, roulette, craps, miniBaccarat, and slot machines. Free gaming lessons are also offered.

Crystal Cruises also has a unique enrichment program that includes at least two expert speakers during the cruise for the enjoyment and education of the guests on board. The speakers might be a prominent historian, anthropologist, or similar expert on the itinerary area. The ship had mainly a senior crowd on board, but there were also a few young families with children, that seemed to be having a great time.

Every day the Crystal Symphony offers lots of activities. Bingo, complimentary dance classes, golf clinics, computer classes, art classes, physical fitness classes, bridge classes, and Karaoke are offered daily. There is a Computer University at Sea where you can surf the Internet and check your emails. There is a library with a wide selection of books and movies. And, of course, there is a spa and physical fitness facilities. The 3,000 square foot oceanview &8220Crystal Spa&8221 offers a complete line of exercise equipment, saunas, and steam rooms. The fullservice &8220Crystal Salon&8221 features skin treatments including massage and facials.

Now that you have a grand idea of what the ship was like, I&8217d like to tell you about the ports I visited.

After departing from Fort Lauderdale and traveling two days at sea, the Crystal Symphony arrived at the city of Charlotte Amalie, on the island of St. Thomas in the U. S. Virgin Islands. This is the capital of the U. S. Virgin Islands and many call it the shopping capital of the Caribbean. The shops downtown are filled with tourists looking for bargains.

Away from the bustle of downtown Charlotte Amalie, are some interesting sites. At one time St. Thomas was a haven for fearless pirates including the notorious Blackbeard, Edward Teach. Located high on Government Hill is Blackbeard&8217s Castle that is interesting to visit. It is now a hotel. The massive stone watchtower was built in 1679 and was at one time the headquarters of the infamous Edward Teach. From there you have a marvelous view of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor below.

Close to the harbor is Fort Christian that was built between 1672 and 1687. It is St. Thomas&8217s oldest standing structure and is a U. S. national landmark. There is a museum in its dungeons which features artifacts of Virgin Island history.

While I was in the busy downtown shopping area of St. Thomas, I noticed some signs at the bottom of a steep hill that indicated a historic synagogue was located up the hill. After walking two blocks up the steep incline, I came to a street called Synagogue Hill that I followed for another block up another steep incline. There was the synagogue. The doors were open and the public was free to enter and browse. I learned that the synagogue was founded in 1796 and is the oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag. The most unusual aspect of the synagogue was its floor that consisted of white sand. It is thought that the sand was derived from the practice of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition when Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism but secretly continued to practice Judaism. They gathered in cellars for prayers and a sand floor helped muffle the sound of their prayers and songs.

St. Thomas has many beautiful beaches and glimmering bays. The yearround average temperature is a pleasant 80 degrees, and the lifestyle is very relaxed.

St. Thomas is at the eastern end of the Caribbean and from there the Crystal Symphony headed south to the island of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles just 15 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. We arrived at the capital city of Oranjestad.

Tourism flourishes in Aruba, partly because Arubans are friendly people who go out of their way to be helpful. While I was exploring this capital city, I had to stop and ask directions many times. I enjoyed chatting with the locals.

There are many extraordinary beaches in Aruba and some in the capital city. And, in addition to having lots of fine shops and restaurants, there are beautiful hotels, resorts, and casinos. If you are interested in visiting historical sites, on the edge of town is Fort Zoutman that dates back to the 18th century, and a lighthouse, William II Tower, built in 1867. I found both to be interesting and worth visiting.

Continuing on our &8220Caribbean Circle&8221 cruise, the Crystal Symphony sailed on to George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman Island. The many shops in George Town are loaded with china, crystal, and jewelry. But Grand Cayman Island is most famous for its worldrenowned underwater gardens. There are many ways to enjoy the underwater sights. Of course, you can put on a mask and fins and float along the surface. I chose a glassbottom boat, and the ocean flora and marine creatures I saw were spectacular. There is also a 46passenger Atlantis Submarine that takes passengers to about 50 feet below the surface. Some smaller submarines are also available, but much more expensive, and can take you to 800 feet below sea level.

The highlight of the cruise was our visit to the Panama Canal. This was one of the most interesting places I have ever visited.

Construction of the Panama Canal was extremely difficult. From the time the French started digging the Canal until its completion under U. S. administration in 1914, more than 25,000 people died from accidents and diseases. However, the construction of the Panama Canal rates among the great peaceful endeavors of mankind that contributed significantly to the progress of the world. For example, a ship carrying cargo from the east coast of the U. S. to Japan, via the Panama Canal saves about 3,000 miles, as compared to the shortest alternative route by water. A ship carrying bananas from Ecuador to Europe saves about 5,000 miles. About 15,000 ships travel through the Panama Canal each year.

The Crystal Symphony was scheduled to arrive at the Panama Canal at about 7 a.m. I set my alarm clock and at 630 a.m. I got out of bed, grabbed my camera, and headed to the forward observation area of the ship.

As we approached the locks, known as the Gatun Locks, from the Caribbean, a small rowboat delivered a set of cables to the bow of the ship. The cables were attached to small locomotive cars that were on tracks along each side of the locks. Each lock is 110 feet wide and the Crystal Symphony is 100 feet wide, so there was only five feet clearance on each side of the ship. The locomotive cars with cables attached to the ship kept the ship on a steady course without colliding with the sides of the locks. The locks were constructed in pairs so that two ships can travel sidebyside at the same time in one direction, or there can be twoway travel, with one ship going in one direction and another going in the other direction at the same time.

It was an amazing experience to see the huge Crystal Symphony cruise ship being raised about 28 feet at each of the three lock steps (total of 85 feet) above the level of the Caribbean Sea. After passing through the Gatun Locks we entered Gatun Lake. An experienced guide explained the process to the passengers. I learned that it takes more than 26 million gallons of water from Gatun Lake to raise the ship the 85 feet within the Gatun Locks.

The Crystal Symphony dropped anchor in Gatun Lake and passengers on board could watch other ships move through the Gatun Locks and onto Gatun Lake on their 43 mile journey through the Canal. Those other ships would later pass through two other sets of locks that would lower them to the level of the Pacific Ocean. The Crystal Symphony did not proceed to the Pacific Ocean, and later that afternoon we returned to the Caribbean Sea again through the Gatun Locks to continue with our &8220Caribbean Circle&8221 cruise.

The final port of call on our cruise was Cozumel, Mexico, which is an island just 11 miles off Mexico&8217s coast. The first thing that caught my eye in Cozumel, even before disembarking the ship, was the bright turquoise color of the Caribbean. It is so beautiful. And so is the port with shops and openair restaurants lining the waterfront. There is something for everyone in Cozumel, the shops, beautiful beaches, and ruins.

Tulum is one of Mexico&8217s best known Mayan ruins. One of the most important buildings at Tulum is the Temple of Frescoes. Much of the color inside the temple has faded, but those frescoes that remain are very interesting.

A flight excursion into the city of Chichen Itza was offered to passengers by the Crystal Symphony to visit the Mayan ruins located there. Only 20 or 30 of the several hundred buildings at the site have been fully explored. The most famous structure there is the great pyramid known as Kulkulkan whose Snake God amazingly shows itself only at the biannual equinox.

From Cozumel, the Crystal Symphony set sail on the final leg of our journey returning to Fort Lauderdale and completing our most memorable &8220Caribbean Circle&8221 cruise.

Photographs by Arvin Steinberg

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Call 18008206663 or visit the cruise line&8217s
website, www.crystalcruises.com

Details & Reservations: Sailing the Caribbean on the Crystal Symphony
RealAdventures | US Virgin Islands Articles

]]> Diving Deep Is It For You? (Cayman Islands) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024423_Diving-Deep-Is-It-For-You http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024423_Diving-Deep-Is-It-For-You Articles Cayman Islands Thu, 08 Jan 2004 00:01:00 The perils and rewards of extendedrange diving. -
The perils and rewards of extendedrange diving.
Diving Deep: Is It For You?

During the Ice Age, the earth's water levels were some 250 feet deeper than they are today. This makes for some very interesting underwater topography on the Grand Cayman's walls. Overhangs where the surf used to break on the shoreline create the perfect home for massive sponges that abound in colors of pastel pinks, oranges, yellows and translucent whites. Chutes, which cut into the wall where once waterfalls or runoff from landcreated erosion, offer beautiful entrances onto the wall, and the pelagics that run deeper in waters surrounding our island are pleasant companions on any dive.

So how do you explore this virgin world? By diving deep beyond the recreational dive limits of 130 feet.

Technical diving is by definition &8220any dives conducted beyond the 130'foot depth limit, dives requiring a decompression stop, dives beyond the light zone, or dives into an overhead environment.&8221 Obviously this type of advanced, extended range diving is not for everyone, and it requires a commitment to safe, responsible, selfdisciplined diving. Technical diving is a recreational sport. Just like skiing the black diamond runs or climbing Mount Everest aren't accomplished overnight, neither is technical diving. It takes a love of the sport, a lot of training and practice, and a little bit of an adventurous spirit to get you there.

Training is the first step to expanding your diving horizons. Through courses in Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Technical Nitrox and Trimix, divers are taught how to safely explore deeper depths for long bottom times on dives.

Equipment is also a key consideration, as it is a large part of our life support system underwater. To safely dive deep profiles, proper redundant scuba gear must be worn. This includes adequate gas supply, backup gas supply, appropriate regulators that are well serviced, and much more.

Selecting and managing the types of gases used on a dive are also critical factors, to insure that we are clear headed (managing nitrogen narcosis) and are only exposed to safe levels of oxygen (managing oxygen toxicity).

All of these issues, combined with the main key ingredients &8211 a responsible attitude, selfsufficient diving skills, practice, and an adventurous spirit &8211 can lead to the enjoyment of extended range diving.

by Nancy Romanica
Details & Reservations: Diving Deep Is It For You?
RealAdventures | Cayman Islands Articles

]]> Rediscovered Island Paradise (Turks & Caicos) http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024404_Rediscovered-Island-Paradise http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1024404_Rediscovered-Island-Paradise Articles Turks & Caicos Thu, 08 Jan 2004 00:01:00 A description of the beautiful and largely unmarred Turks & Caicos Islands. -
A description of the beautiful and largely unmarred Turks & Caicos Islands.
Rediscovered Island Paradise

By Barbara Spiess

Once a part of the British Bahamas and famed for profits from salt raking, the Turks and Caicos Islands had their place during the colonial times of the Caribbean. When salt raking became unprofitable around 1900 &8211 because salt mines in Europe delivered the white gold at much lower cost &8211 these islands seemed to disappear from written history. In 1961, the first car came to the island of Providenciales, and within little more than one generation, the major island experienced a revival and grew from 1,000 to 15,000 inhabitants. The smaller islands of the archipelago remain widely unchanged.

Tourism is certainly the dominant factor, but it is not geared toward the masses &8211 it is more individualistic and upscale. The British Governor and the locally elected government try hard to avoid the mistakes that have been made at many other places. The tag line &8220Beautiful by Nature&8221 is institutionalized through the creation of marine parks and national parks, which protect the unique marine life, the reefs, the bird sanctuaries, and the iguana refuges.

A more prominent &8220representative&8221 of the marine life is the bottlenosed dolphin named &8220JoJo,&8221 who shows up in the vicinity of the beaches and boats. JoJo impresses swimmers with his elegant moves or frightens some tourists, who mistakenly believe that a big white shark is approaching them. A website &8211 http//www.jojo.tc &8211 is dedicated to JoJo, and quite prominent supporters, from Robin Williams to the United Nations to the Prince of Wales, assist his human friend and defender Dean Bernal in his effort to give protection to the unique animal and his very special species.

Such genuine islands, as the Turks and Caicos still are, have their attraction for celebrities, who can afford to escape from tourist crowds. Bruce Willis and the magician David Copperfield are two celebrities who built their villas on the islands.

As most of us do not belong to those ranks, but still want to enjoy such scenic spots, it came to my mind when I visited the island for the first time in 1996 to open a bed and breakfast inn. The unbelievable colors of the sea &8211 from deep blue to light turquoise &8211 the intense sunlight, the dry, desertlike climate, the spectacular marine life and corals &8211 all of those attractions made me to leave Munich, Germany and start something entirely different. Being inexperienced in hospitality business did not stop me from going through the adventure to build a place and finally open it in 1998. The &8220Caribbean Paradise Inn&8221 became soon a favorite destination for those who do not have or want to spend $800 a night and for those who do not like to join the crowds at allinclusive places.

For more information, visit our comprehensive website at http//www.paradise.tc, where I have also compiled island overview information perfect for a firsttime visitor.


Author Biography

Barbara Spiess is coowner and manager of Caribbean Paradise Inn on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Born and raised in a Black Forest village near Freiburg, Germany, Barbara soon explored foreign cultures and languages, studied Spanish and French, lived in Paris and Munich, and worked in the software industry. She traveled intensively in Europe as a PR Manager for a U.S. software company, and interchanged corporate management for a life in the Caribbean.

Details & Reservations: Rediscovered Island Paradise
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