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Seven Shore Excursions Designed to Thrill on a Caribbean Cruise

11/30/2015

Along Aruba's stunning coastline. Try an off-road adventure on this desert island. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)

A special treat for you, dear readers. Just in time for the holidays, too!

Today, I am pleased to have a guest post from a fellow cruise and adventure lover. Don Bucolo, my friend over at EatSleepCruise.com, shares the Seven Best Shore Excursions to Give You a Thrill on a Caribbean Cruise.
Enjoy,
JR

While many people dream of relaxing vacations (which is never a bad idea), others seek out a little excitement on their trips.

When contemplating your next adventure, you may not be thinking of a Caribbean cruise. Many travelers don't realize that cruises can offer exhilarating experiences. Today's cruise ships feature plenty of invigorating attractions -- from surfing and indoor skydiving simulators to ropes courses and full-fledged water parks.

But, the ships are not the only places that can provide a rush of adrenaline on your cruise vacation. Various ports of call throughout the Caribbean also give thrill-seekers great opportunities for heart-pumping, one-of-a-kind fun.

If you are looking for ports of call that offer more than beaches and shopping, check out our list of the most thrilling shore excursions to experience on a Caribbean cruise.

Climb a Waterfall. Yup, you read that correctly! When visiting Jamaica (either Ocho Rios or Falmouth), you are not far from Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long and 180-foot-high terraced waterfall area. Brave souls can either go it alone or join a human chain to ascend this natural wonder, climbing over 180 feet from the base to the apex. Cruisers of all ages and abilities can safely make the climb; but it is not for the faint of heart. During our last trip up the falls, several would-be climbers bowed out at various stages along the path.

Go Off Road in the Desert. Not exactly your idea of a tropical paradise, the arid island of Aruba looks more like Arizona than a tropical island. A variety of cactuses and incredible limestone coasts are all part of the journey. The desert is home to gorgeous natural rock formations and pools. You'll find no better way to get up close than to tour the island on an ATV. Get your camera ready as you travel through the most picturesque parts of Aruba on this high-octane ride through the desert.

Compete in a Yacht Race. One of the most highly rated shore excursions in the Caribbean is found in one of the most frequently visited islands, St. Maarten. On the Dutch side of the island, become part of the crew on a working America's Cup yacht and get ready to compete. The "12 Metre Challenge" is unlike any other tour. Race alongside seasoned captains as you man previous America's Cup-winning yachts in a race around the island. It is a race to the finish, so be prepared to man the masts and work hard to earn that victory.

Fly Down the Longest Zip Line Over Water. Royal Caribbean sails cruises to its private beach resort on Haiti. At the port of Labadee, you have the opportunity to take a ride down the Dragon's Breath Flight Line. This half-mile long zip line is the longest over water, and the close to two-minute ride can reach speeds close to 50 mph. While getting set to soar, you get breathtaking views from the 500-foot high hillside. Your wearable video cameras were invented to capture experiences like this!

Dragon's Breath zip line in Labadee, Haiti

Soar above the surf on the 2,600-foot-long zip line in Labadee, Haiti. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)

Explore Ancient Caves. Heading to Belize on your itinerary? Not only can you dive deep into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, but you can grab your gear and descend into the island's intricate caves. You can view the caves from the leisure of a river rafting trip or enjoy one of the rigorous tours that include exploring a 2,000-year-old Mayan ritual site buried within the earth. You can also plunge over 300 feet into the black abyss and then climb back out. Be prepared to work up a sweat on this adventure.

Hike a Tropical Rain Forest. You do not need to travel to South America to experience the amazing flora and fauna of a rain forest. When you visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, either during a cruise or ahead of your embarkation, you can take the 45-minute ride east to the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque National Forest. Several hikes and walks are available, from well-paved paths of less than a mile long to several difficult hikes lasting hours on unpaved terrain. So, you can find opportunities for cruisers of all abilities and fitness levels to journey through the rain forest.

The rain forest at El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)

Amuse Yourself at an Adventure Park. If you are taking a Western Caribbean cruise that has a long stop in Cozumel, consider getting a day pass to Xplor Adventure Park. Taking the ferry to the mainland to experience this attraction is well worth it. Admission to the park includes five activities. So, if one adrenaline-filled attraction is not enough, get your fill of zip lines, amphibious vehicles rides and rafting through underground rivers during this nonstop day of discovery.

Get Up and Get Cruising
So if you thought that a Caribbean cruise had to be spent lying on a beach, I hope now you realize there can be much more to one of these vacations than just lounging around. Your next cruise can be filled with plenty of adventurous tours that will keep you active and have you hanging by the edge of your seat, sometimes quite literally.

Of course, after you experience one of these thrilling shore excursions, you will have earned a little down time. So, go ahead and reward yourself with a frozen drink (or two) and maybe even some time on a beach chair. After all, it is still a vacation.

About the author ...

Don Bucolo is one half of the husband and wife travel writing team at EatSleepCruise.com. Don and his wife, Heidi, love to explore the world via cruise ship and share their stories and adventures with other liked-minded cruisers. With cruise reviews, shore excursion reviews, travel tips, and their own unique sense of humor, they help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."

The Secret's Out! Colorful Camogli is a Must-See Gem.

11/24/2015

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Camogli, Italy, a fishing village on the Ligurian Sea

Camogli is a stunning fishing town snuggled between the steep hillside and blue waters of the Ligurian Sea.

By John Roberts

Have you ever ended up in a place without really planning on it? Usually, this means your travel plans have been disrupted, with at least a minor hassle and some level of aggravation resulting.

But how about being thoroughly surprised and charmed by the twist of fate that brought you to a new, previously unconsidered -- if not completely unheard of -- destination?

I found Camogli, Italy, this summer.

When high seas diverted my Mediterranean cruise on Regent Seven Seas Mariner from its planned stop in Portofino to Genoa, I was a little bummed. But my trip along the coast to the fishing village of Camogli raised my spirits.

Traveling along the Ligurian Coast, you can peek down from the hillside for a hint of the charming area below.

The village traces its heritage to the name "case delle mogli," or house of wives, for the women who watched over the sea and town from their hillside homes while their fishermen husbands were away. Today, it's an amazingly picturesque little resort town, filled with pastel buildings and a strip of beach nestled along the rolling waves of the Ligurian Sea.

The best way to get around is to walk. Upon arrival, after a drive along the coast that reveals stunning views of the blue waters far below, you descend wide steps that weave through alleyways and past residences and shops. Then, you emerge at the marina, which is filled with small colorful and weathered boats. It feels as if you've stepped back in time. Look around at the tiny shops, bars and eateries as you continue to stroll along the marina, ducking into and out of alleyways, weaving your way toward the busy beach.

The marina is filled with colorful fishing boats and touring ferries.

The busy beach on a sunny day. What's not to love here?

Camogli, Italy, church on the sea, San Rocco Church.

Camogli's church on the sea, San Rocco Cathedral, is a stunning structure landmark of the village.

Looming at the edge of the sea, with waves crashing at its precipice is a lovely historic church, San Rocco, which is open to visitors.

Camogli would make a great place for a quiet getaway for a few days, enough time to slow things down. Dine on sardines, anchovies, octopus and cheese and down cold beers at sunset after a sunshine-filled day splashing around in the welcoming waters.

The Italian Riviera boasts many secret gems. I'm happy to share this one with you.

Thanks for reading,
JR

Travel happy! Travel often!

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Best Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling for the Holidays

11/16/2015

While I'm on the road for a couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I'll use my fitness bands for resistance training.

By John Roberts

Holidays can represent a bulk of the annual time away from home for many, if not most, travelers.

You head off to see family and friends in other states or countries. These trips also take you away from your hometown gym and typical fitness routine. We try desperately not to let our workouts suffer too much when we're on the road, especially around holiday time when the temptations of rich and plentiful foods and desserts are constantly and tantalizingly within easy reach.

So, what can you do to make sure you keep on track with your fitness program during the holidays?

I use a mix of modification and moderation during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's celebrations that might otherwise risk sending me on a dietary and fitness death spiral.

The moderation involves my diet. Of course I'm going to partake in food and drink. I might even consume a little bit more than during my average week of eating, but I will not become a glutton.

Have a nice little pep talk with yourself each day and set your limits. Then, stick to them. Work with a partner to have each other's back. Share how many beers you plan to down. Then, don't get mad when they remind you that you've already had two more than you said you were going to have.

Then, have just one more and call it a night.

The modification is in my workouts. You can get ready for your time on the road by scheduling your current fitness program (if you routinely construct a six- or eight-week plans, for example) to wrap up right as your trip starts. This way, you won't be affecting a strict regimen you are trying to keep with a travel interruption.

If I am on a six-week weightlifting plan using heavy weights, I'll finish right before the vacation and switch to a higher repetitions, lower weights plan that I know I will be able to stick to even if I can't get to a traditional gym.

Here are additional tips and tricks to stick to workouts when traveling for the holidays.

Pack exercise bands. These handy items fit right into your luggage, and you can perform exercises for any body part with a variety of added resistance (depending on the thickness on the band). Search "fitness band workouts" on YouTube to find all sorts of challenging programs to follow.

Guest passes. Ask whether your friends or family whom you are visiting can get you a guest pass to their gym. Or ask a fitness center whether it offers weeklong memberships or day passes.

Hotel gyms. Staying at a hotel? It probably has a gym with at least a barebones setup. But some of these facilities have the full range of equipment you would need for a fantastic workout. Also, use the pool to swim laps if the hotel has one.

Get creative. If the weather is mild, you can use the time at your holiday destination to do more running or sprinting workouts outside. Nice long walks are fine, too, and maybe you will take this period to let your muscles recover for your return to the gym back home and your next weightlifting program. Make sure you keep up with your stretching and abdominals work, though, while traveling. This can be done anywhere. So can basic bodyweight exercises.

For a challenging workout, try to do 300 pushups and 300 situps a day while on your trip. Add some pullups, too, if you find a good spot to execute those moves (maybe a tree branch or playground area).

The possibilities are only limited to what you come up with to stay active no matter where your travels take you this holiday season.

Remember!
When you . . . Travel fit!
You . . . Travel happy!
And you can . . . Travel often!

Thanks for reading,
JR

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Seven Shore Excursions Designed to Thrill on a Caribbean Cruise

The Secret's Out! Colorful Camogli is a Must-See Gem.

Best Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling for the Holidays

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