Winter has the country firmly in its frozen grasp and Americans are anxious to escape the cold winter weather and head to the sunshines. There's no better way to find total relief from winter weather than on a vacation to the Caribbean or a relaxing repose to a Mexican resort, where sparkling beaches and sun-kissed tropical islands await.
Countless Caribbean cruise options are available, from three- and four-day Bahama cruises to weeks spent visiting tropical ports of call from one side of the Caribbean to the other. All major cruise lines and airlines offer a number of travel packages to destinations throughout the region.
This winter, Delta will operate 258 weekly, nonstop flights between the
U.S. and Caribbean and Latin American destinations. Delta today provides
service to five cities in the Caribbean, including Aruba, Grand Cayman,
Nassau, San Juan and St. Thomas, as well as to Bermuda.
AirTran Airways is already a leading carrier to winter sun destinations,with flights to Aruba from Atlanta,"Adding Aruba to our list of Caribbean destinations gives our customers more choices than ever when looking for an escape from winter," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president, marketing and planning. "Dipping your toes in Caribbean sand has never been easier and we'll get you there from Orlando just in time for the Grand Parade of Carnival."
American travelers are warming up to winter travel in record numbers, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. U.S. travelers are expected to take more than 251 million trips this winter (December-February), according to TIA, an increase of 2 percent from last winter. "Vacationers can definitely beat the cold winter blues with an adventurous tropical cruise," said Julia Ryan, vice president of Travelers Advantage and Travelersadvantage.com. "Basking in the Caribbean or chilling out in Mexico is the perfect remedy for snowbirds seeking sun and fun. An escape to the tropics can melt away your winter worries in no time." Travelers to the Eastern Caribbean can relax on white sand beaches and shop the unique straw markets in the Bahamas; tour historic cities in Puerto Rico; play golf on St. Thomas; sample chocolate and cheese in the Dutch-ruled side of St. Maarten, then travel to the French side of the island and buy fine perfumes; and snorkel among the colorful reefs off Tortola. Sail to the Bahamas from New York this spring or summer on the Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Spirit from $679 for a 7-night sailing *. Longer Southern Caribbean routes take travelers to the breezy island of Aruba, British-influenced Barbados and Guadeloupe, where Jacques Cousteau originated scuba diving. Grand Cayman features the idyllic white sands of Seven Mile Beach. Among the highlights of both Martinique and St. Lucia are lush tropical rain forests. The most popular region of all, the Western Caribbean offers a broad spectrum of attractions and activities, from swimming with dolphins in Jamaica to snorkeling with sharks off Belize. On land, visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins in Progreso, Mexico, and shop in the colorful markets of Cozumel. Sail to the Western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas from $489 for four nights. Also available is a 4-night sailing on the Carnival Cruise Lines Inspiration, visiting the Western Caribbean from $499 out of Tampa*. The Caribbean is a playground for vacationers of all ages. Most cruise lines, airlines and resorts have special programs for children, designed to make the trip unforgettable for the entire family. * All rates are cruise only, per person, double occupancy and do not include non-commissionable fares and $19.95 processing fee.
No comments:
Post a Comment