We were granted services in exchange for our honest opinion . All views are our own.
This is our third installment about our recent trip on Carnival’s Breeze.
If it’s Tuesday we must be in… One of the best experiences of cruising is visiting foreign lands. Want to explore Myan ruins, visit world class beaches, or experience different cultures? All available with a cruise.
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Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) in the Dominican Republic was our first port of call. As with many ports, there are a number of shops and restaurants at the port. This will also be a gathering place for the various excursions that passengers may have purchase. Most people will research and may have purchased excursions before the cruise. This is best in order to secure your choice of excursion as some will sell out before the cruise. However it is also possible to book excursions once you board ship by going to the Excursion Desk in the main lobby.
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We decided to take a tour of Puerto Plata. Known for beautiful beaches, Fort San Felipe (established in colonial times) and warm, friendly people. Boarding an air conditioned bus, we traveled into the city center.
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Local artist were all around. Beautiful architecture was at every direction.
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Back on the bus we went by beautiful beaches and a visit to Fort San Felipe. Beautiful views and of course vendors with souvenirs for sale.
Amber Cove got its name for the beautiful Amber found in the Dominican Republic and considered some of the best in the world. Best known for its transparency and color.
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Grand Turk, is the second largest island in the Turks and Caicos. It’s a beautiful port with a wonderful beach within easy walking distance. The beaches are free and easy to access. Several restaurants are located there. Of course you can always go back to the ship for lunch. As with all ports, there is a shopping area and some of the places provide free wi-fi.
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Within the port area is a replica of John Glenn’s Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft. Glenn landed off the west cost of Grand Turk on his historic flight in 1962.
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As with all the ports, you have your choice of excursions, taxi or bus to explore the area. An Island Tram is available to catch and you can hop on and off as you please. Just be aware of their schedule so you get back to the ship on time. Other activities available include snorkel, scuba diving, stingray encounter, catamaran sail and many other fun activities. You’re sure to find something that fits your taste, or you can just chill out and relax.
We spent time at the beach and of course Carol strikes up a conversation with someone. We found out that her husband was from my home town. You never know who you will run into.
Our next port was the beautiful St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie is a well known shopping place for tourist, especially for jewelry. St. Thomas has one of the most famous beaches in the world, Megans Bay. Try to get there early if you can. With multiple cruise ships docking most days, it is sure to get crowded.
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If time allows, I highly recommend a trip over to St. John. This is my favorite place in the caribbean islands. Trunk Bay on St. John is another top beach to visit. Our son and daughter in law were married at St. John and we hosted a party at Trunk Bay, catered by local, Uncle Joe’s BBQ. Some of the best I’ve ever had.
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San Juan, Puerto Rico seems to have recovered from hurricanes Irma and Maria for the most part. The colorful streets of Old San Juan provide interesting views. If you have a taste for rum, visit Casa Bacardi for rum tasting. The old fort, Castillo San Cristobal gives a beautiful view and especially at sunset if your ship departure allows. Facing west, if the conditions are good you get beautiful pink and orange skies as the sun sets.
As we say goodby.
With all ports of call you have many choices of tours and shopping. If you are planning your first cruise it may be best to stick with excursions you purchase from the cruise line. More experienced travelers may feel comfortable arranging their own transportation and places to visit. There are benefits to both, but remember that the ship will not wait for you if you have a delay on a tour that was not booked through the cruise line.
Our final installment about this cruise will be about Sea Days and the fun of being on a cruise ship.