The document provides information about the Southern Caribbean region, including its islands, history and culture, natural wonders, cruise lines that visit the region, popular itineraries, and highlights of some key ports. Specifically, it discusses the "ABC Islands" of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, the rainforests of Dominica, the beaches and waterfalls of Grenada, and the French influences and volcanic landscapes of Martinique. It also provides tips for tours, tipping, shopping and getting receipts when taking taxis in the region.

1. SOUTHERN
CARIBBEAN

3. The rainforests of Dominica, crystal-clear waters of US
Virgin Island St. Thomas, seaside villages of Barbados and
white-sand beaches of Aruba are a few of the exotic
treasures you’ll find in the Southern Caribbean. These far-
flung islands were made for getting out and swimming,
snorkeling, hiking… not to mention excellent shopping and
sightseeing. For a remote island getaway within reach of
home, look to the Southern Caribbean.

4. SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
CRUISE
HIGHLIGHTS

5. ISLANDS GEMS
The Southern Caribbean is perhaps best known
for its "ABC Islands": Aruba, Bonaire and
Curaçao, though Dominica and the spice island
of Grenada are equally beautiful as they are
popular.

6. HISTORY & CULTURE
Dutch influence and native culture live side by
side in this diverse region. Grenada is famed for
its historic spice plantations, Bonaire's former
slave huts and salt pans share a trying past, and
Curaçao's celebrated Willemstad district — a
UNESCO World Heritage Site — boasts
traditional Dutch architecture infused with the
color and spirit of the Caribbean.

7. NATURAL WONDERS
Relax in Dominica's hot springs, swim amid
Grenada's remarkable Annandale Falls, explore
the reefs of Bonaire — a world-class diving and
snorkeling destination with several marine life
preserves — and gaze in awe at the twisted divi-
divi trees of Aruba's Arikok National Park.

8. PRINCESS CAYS
Discover the tranquility of Princess Cays
(pronounced "KEYS"), our exclusive Bahamas
playground and your own private island for the
day. From snorkeling to kayaking, sport fishing
and paddle boating, shopping for island
keepsakes, steelpan bands, tropical cocktails
and an island-style barbecue, the activities are
endless. Or perhaps simply unwind within your
own private cabana for a secluded retreat!

10. AWARD-WINNING SHORE
EXCURSIONS
Delight in Aruba’s butterfly and ostrich farms,
admire the stalactites and stalagmites in
Curaçao's Hato Caves, ride the Balthazar River
rapids in Grenada and snorkel in Dominica,
where several scenes from Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest were filmed. And
on itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls,
we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can
also experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

12. Southern Caribbean
Cruise Lines

13. Royal Caribbean

14. Carnival

15. Larger ships visiting the region call at well-developed
islands that offer a variety of excursion opportunities. These
might include Barbados, Aruba and Antigua.
Smaller ships (and those more eco-oriented) tend to
balance the voyage between "greatest hits" ports, and
those you may never have heard of, like Bequia, St.
Vincent, Mayreau Island, Iles des Saintes and Tobago
Cays.

17. Southern Caribbean Itineraries

18.  Aruba and Antigua are regarded for their soft,
sandy beaches. Martinique, St.
Lucia and Guadeloupewow visitors with
spectacular scenics, from rainforests to
volcanoes. Dutch-influenced Curacao and its
sibling, Bonaire, host great snorkeling and
scuba diving spots.

19.  St. Barts is so French, you'll swear you're in
the Mediterranean while sipping a glass of
something at a sidewalk cafe. Martinique and
Guadalupe also harbor both French and West
Indian trappings. Grenada, relatively
undeveloped, is laid-back and exudes a
genuine small town vibe.

20.  St. Barts is so French, you'll swear you're in
the Mediterranean while sipping a glass of
something at a sidewalk cafe. Martinique and
Guadalupe also harbor both French and West
Indian trappings. Grenada, relatively
undeveloped, is laid-back and exudes a
genuine small town vibe.

21.  Short Cruises: Because of the region's
relative distance from North America,
Southern Caribbean itineraries are typically at
least seven days. Embarkation on these
shorter cruises tend to be in San Juan and
Barbados.

22.  Traditional Southern Caribbean
Itineraries: The islands in the region offer
endless variety, but where you sail is likely to
be determined primarily by the size of the
vessel you're on. Large ships call at islands
with enough tourism infrastructure to keep
shore excursion throngs satisfied and
amused. These include Antigua and Barbuda,
Aruba, and Curacao or Bonaire.

23. Southern Caribbean Port
Highlights

24. Antigua.
Vestiges of the island's importance as a British
colonial naval base are on view at Nelson's
Dockyard National Park in English Harbour. Billed as
the world's only continuously working Georgian
dockyard, its restored 18th- and 19th-century
buildings now house shops, a five-star hotel, art
galleries and other businesses. Trails lead to
remnants of historic forts and sugar mills. After
you've taken in the historic picture, climb to the 492-
foot summit of Shirley Heights for a panoramic view
that includes Guadeloupe's active Monserrat
volcano.

26. Aruba.
Beaches rule on this Lesser Antilles island.
Eagle Beach, with its soft, white sands and
warm, crystalline water, draws rave reviews. A
bonus for cruisers: It's only a couple of miles
from the cruise ship dock. Plus, it's family-
friendly. Or sign on with a tour operator to
experience some of the Caribbean's best
snorkeling and scuba diving.

29. Curacao.
With its candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings,
Curacao's capital city of Willemstad is worthy of
an extended ramble through its four historic
quarters, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don't miss the stroll across the Queen Emma
pontoon bridge that spans shimmering St. Anna
Bay, connecting two historic quarters of the city.

31. Dominica.
Though the island isn't known for its beaches,
paradise awaits nature-lovers, thanks to the plethora
of land-based natural attractions. Among them:
Trafalgar Falls, twin falls with an upper "Father"
cascade and a lower "Mother" waterfall. The 20-
minute trail to the top is well-groomed and suitable
for novice hikers. Less energetic sorts can stick to
the lower falls, where natural pools -- one hot and
one cold -- sooth and refresh. The falls lie in the
massive Morne Trois Pitons National Park, site of
many otherworldly sites, including the Boiling Lake.

34. Grenada.
With its white sands and calm waters, two-mile-long Anse
Beach (a short distance from the cruise ship terminal)
draws sun-seekers. The island's many waterfalls make for
great hiking destinations. And the capital city of St.
George's, built around a horseshoe-shaped bay with hills
rising above, is a pretty place to explore on foot. Don't
miss the markets, where heaps of nutmeg, cinnamon,
mace and more, clearly illustrate why Grenada is called
the Island of Spice. For a truly unusual water-based
adventure, take a snorkeling trip to the Molinere
Underwater Sculpture Park.

37. Martinique.
A smoldering volcano, lush rainforests and pleasant
beaches present possibilities for all kinds of adventure on
this French West Indies isle. Its capital, Fort-de-France,
presents ample shopping opportunities for French luxury
goods (perfume, scarves, crystal), as well as traditional
island handicrafts. A spectacular drive north of the city
leads to St-Pierre, built on the ruins of a small city wiped
out in 1902 by a volcanic eruption. The small but
interesting Musee Volcanologique chronicles the event.
Hikers will want to take advantage of the island's
extensive network of trails.

39. Southern Caribbean Cruise Tips

40. Tour guides.
Assume that locals hanging around tourist
attractions offering assistance are doing so
because they expect to be paid. Evaluate
whether you need their services and determine
in advance what they'll cost.

41. Tipping protocol
Restaurants often add a 10 or 15 percent
surcharge to the bill to be divided among the
staff. If you're happy with the service, consider
leaving an extra 10 percent on the table for the
waiter.

42. Shopping.
On Dutch and French islands, look for good
deals on imported goods from the Netherlands
(Dutch cheeses, Delft ceramics) and mainland
France (perfume and other luxury goods).

43. Paper trail.
When you pay for a cab ride, ask for a receipt at
the moment you hand over the cash. Some
unscrupulous cab drivers may ask for cash in
advance and later claim you haven't paid. If you
have a receipt, it won't be your word against
theirs.