In the shadow of the rising trend of cruises among Israelis, we examined several options for an extraordinary vacation in a place you probably didn't think of, the Caribbean Islands. This resort has been considered particularly popular in the US for years, when the islands are reached by cruises that depart from Miami and from there sail for several days and pass between the islands. While sailing, you can enjoy what the cruise ships have to offer, restaurants, activities for children and adults, spa, gym, bars, Shops and appearance.
So where are there cruises, and what do you do on these islands?
Bahamas - 5 days, 5 destinations
A vacation on the cruise ship that lifts anchor from Miami and goes to Key West, the southernmost capital city of Monroe County in Florida in the United States. Key West is known for its excellent weather. The attractions on the island are diverse, such as Duval Street and the lively bars found there, where every evening there is a sunset festival held every evening in Mallory Square when crowds come out and dance in the street and on the balconies of the houses. You can also enjoy the city's historical sites and museums such as Truman's Little White House, Ernest Hemingway's House, Zachary Taylor Fort, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Lighthouse Museum and the Pirate's Soul Museum.
From there the ship will go out to sea again, to NCL's private island, Great Stroop Cay, where white sand beaches and turquoise sea water, you can dive there with sea turtles and colorful fish in the warm waters, sail in kayaks on the clear waters and for the children there are water activities with swelling up From there, the journey continues to Nassau, the magical capital of the Bahamas located on the Caribbean coast. It has narrow streets and colorful houses with quite a few vibrant local markets and welcoming locals.
Caribbean Islands: Bahamas and Dominican Republic - 5 days, 3 destinations
Also here is a departure from the port of Miami to the Caribbean Sea. The first mooring is in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where you can choose a coastal route or travel independently and reach the only cable car in the entire Caribbean, with which you can climb to the heights of the 793-meter mountain Pico Isabel de Torres. On the top of the mountain there is a botanical garden and a replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
The cruise continues to the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau. You can walk in the busy and colorful market where fishermen sell seafood on the port dock, and offer passers-by their wares that have just been pulled from the water, the shapes of the fish and the freshness make the tropical experience authentic and enjoyable, from there you can continue to walk on Bay Street (BAY), the main street of the city and where Many shops and buildings from the colonial period, an interesting mix of old and new architecture at sunset return to the ship that will be on its way back to Miami.
The Caribbean: The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic - 7 days, 5 destinations
As mentioned, the vacation starts the day before in Miami, you can visit the botanical gardens for those looking for a connection to nature and the environment, from there you can continue to the Little Havana neighborhood, a modest neighborhood founded by Cuban immigrants, where you can enjoy local art galleries and the Walk of Fame honoring famous Cubans, or visit the South neighborhood Beach known for its beaches and lively night clubs, restaurants of famous chefs and cafes overlooking the local landscape.
You can have time to drop by the collection car museum from the James Bond movies or those who love shopping will go directly to Bayside Market, which is a huge shopping complex located in Downtown Miami. In the complex there are countless shops and restaurants after spending time in the city. The ship goes out to sea straight towards Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic.
In Porto Plata you can go on a beach tour or travel independently, and there are also picturesque coastal towns. It is an excellent area for surfing and even has an Ocean World Adventure Park with interesting activities for children such as swimming with dolphins. At nightfall we return to the ship and continue on to the next docking station, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. This is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is considered the "capital of shopping centers" of the Caribbean.
An island in whose harbor many cruise ships dock and it offers a national park and the possibility of snorkeling on beautiful beaches From there the ship will sail for a day and a half to Norwegian Cruise Line's private beach, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.
Eyal Solomon, Business Development Manager of NCL in Israel: "A vacation with NCL is perfect for those looking for a last minute escape to warm weather. From the lively beaches of Miami, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, NCL's warm climate destinations have something for everyone. On board, the atmosphere Inclusive and welcoming, with plenty of activities, entertainment, spa and fine cuisine - with the option to do as much or as little as you want."