The Five Most Sought After Destinations In The Caribbean
(Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned cruise line, exposes its guests to incredible destinations all over the world, including nearly every nautical mile of the Caribbean. There are five destinations that guests choose more often than any others in the Caribbean. Here is why St. Maarten, Cozumel, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Turks & Caicos and Costa Rica are the five most sought after destinations in the Caribbean.
St. Maarten
Topping the list is St. Maarten, a jewel of an island located on the southern end of a shared island with St. Martin, which is a French domain. The 37-square-mile island is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two independent nations.
On an MSC Cruises excursion, cruisers are treated to a visit to Fort St. Louis, a commanding structure, which dates back to 1767. It is the largest historical monument on the island. However, its original purpose was to protect the island from foreign adversaries. A steep climb exposes guests to the culminating event of reaching the summit of this imposing fort. The pinnacle lends an incredible panoramic view of the island, Marigot and Mullet Bays, and St. Maarten's longest beach, Baie Longue.
For MSC cruisers, the 8 Days/7 Nights Eastern Caribbean Cruise will take you right to the heart of St. Maarten. Aboard the beautiful MSC Divina ship, vacationers will be able to journey to The Bahamas, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico for an unforgettable voyage.
Cozumel
You've probably heard of Cozumel and its reputation for one of the favorite party destinations in the world. But, MSC Cruises guests get to experience so much more than partying in this Mexican island paradise. A western Caribbean island, Cozumel is just 12 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula, and Cancun is 45 miles to its south. In 2016, the island set a record for the 4 million visitors that traipsed the landscape curious about the island's scuba diving, snorkeling and Spanish culture.
MSC Cruises guests enjoy experiencing the history of the Mayan people, who are believed to be the first settlers in Cozumel. The MSC Cruises excursion enables guests to journey to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, a stunning structure, and the last city built and occupied by the Mayans. Guests are treated to a ferry and coach ride to avail Tulum, the only Mayan city on the Caribbean Coast, 60 restored temples and the Temple of the Frescos, acclaimed for its carved figures. Stretching out, exercising and enjoying the sun are possible as guests mount the stairs of El Castillo, the monument that stands high above the ruins, to deliver a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the island.
Saving the Turtles in Cozumel
When spring turns to fall, MSC Cruises guests can also participate in an excursion that will put them at one with nature. Guests have the opportunity to save the endangered green sea turtles that make the island its breeding grounds during the turn of the season. Under the guise of a qualified marine biologist, participants can assist in hand digging struggling hatchlings out of their nests that may not make it to their home in the sea without assistance. You will take hatchlings to Cozumel's Marine Biology Outpost where they will be monitored until they are strong enough to be released into the sea. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make your contribution to wildlife preservation.
Cozumel is a part of the 11 Days/ 10 Nights itinerary of the Western Caribbean. The lovely MSC Divina is the cruise ship of choice to get you there. If a shorter cruise works better for you, there is a Western Caribbean Cruise for 5 Days/ 4 Nights that will enable you to experience Cozumel. In 2017, Cozumel will be a part of the Eastern Caribbean tour for 10 Days/ 9 Nights.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
While The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean, you haven't experienced it until you have visited MSC Cruises' own private island experience. That's right; MSC Cruises is developing a private island for the pleasure of its guests. Beginning December 2017, guests will be able to enjoy two miles of the finest beaches the world has to offer. MSC Cruises has taken care to develop 95 acres of paradise to represent the biggest island development created by a cruise company.
This stretch of paradise will include a family beach and play area for children; live music and entertainment; lagoon serenity; zip line fun that runs across the entire island for a bird's eye view; a pavilion for special occasions, such as weddings; more than 80 indigenous flowers and trees for your viewing pleasure; and a spa and wellness sanctuary.
As is customary, MSC Yacht Club guests will receive special spoils, including a secluded spa and wellness center, along with private bungalows.
The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be available to guests traveling Caribbean cruises aboard the MSC Divina, MSC Seaside, MSC Opera and MSC Armonia in 2017.
Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a collection of 40 coral islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas. The islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of the larger Caicos Islands and smaller Turks Islands, and many islands and cays in between—more uninhabited than populated.
MSC Cruises guests will experience the island for some of the best beaches and waters the planet has to offer. The bright blue turquoise water of Turks and Caicos await visitors to make TCI clearly one of our beach lover's favorites.
The Turks and Caicos excursion is available to MSC Cruises' guests on the Eastern Caribbean 8 Days/ 7 Night cruise. Guests will enjoy an itinerary that includes Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, St. Maarten and The Bahamas ay incredible rates.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a Central American country with dual coastlines featuring the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. Known for its lush greens and curious fauna of the rainforest, Costa Rica is also boasted about its beaches and volcanoes. Nicaragua is its northern border while Panama is to the southeast. Translated from Spanish to English, this country's name means rich coast, and is ranked one of the most visited international destinations in the world.
MSC Cruises' excursion opens up an astonishing side of this island. Guests can take a tour of Veragua Rainforest & Aerial Tram. The port of Limón is the first stop, followed by coach travel to what MSC Cruises calls "the best-kept secret," this beautiful, sprawling rainforest, Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park.
Guests will get to soar over the canopy of the rainforest on the tramway; witness firsthand the wonders of the gorgeous Puma Waterfall; observe the grace of dancing butterflies, including blue morpho; and the rainforest is known to furnish sloths, toucans and howler monkeys…just to name a few…to the delight of visitors.
Costa Rica is accessible on the Western Caribbean 11 Days/ 10 Nights cruise aboard the gorgeous MSC Divina.
Let MSC Cruises be your personal guide to one of these top 5 destinations in the Caribbean: St. Maarten, Cozumel, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Turks & Caicos or Costa Rica.
To find out more about these outstanding island destinations, contact your travel agent, visit the MSC Cruises website or call 1-(844) 220-9878.
Above content provided by MSC Cruises.