Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is showcasing the Americas and the Caribbean for week two of this year's Plan a Cruise Month.
Despite recent hurricane damage, the latter region still has nearly 50 destinations fully accessible.
"First and foremost, our hearts go out to those impacted by the hurricanes as they have been a cherished part of our cruise family for over 40 years," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, in a press release.
"The Caribbean islands and destinations throughout the Americas rely on tourism and the cruise industry is dedicated to continuing to bring vacationers to these beautiful areas. I'm proud of the collective efforts of CLIA Cruise Line Members along with the industry associations, providing more than $30 million in financial resources, temporary housing, transporting families and pets as well as a variety of supplies to people in need."
Plan a Cruise Month is a time for educating travelers about the industry as a whole as well as ways in which to specifically plan for a vacation with deals and tips. CLIA encourages utilizing the services of a certified cruise specialist.
The featured ports and destinations include:
Sitka, Alaska
Considered to be Alaska's "most exotic" cruise port, Sitka is a trek back in time to where visitors can find Tlingit Native Americans at the former pulp mill town. Historic points of interest include the totem pole park, Katlian Street and Sitka Channel waterfront.
Quebec City, Quebec
Travelers can get a taste of Europe in the mostly French-speaking Canadian province filled with bistros and boutiques along the cobblestones streets. Those looking for more adventure can partake in biking excursions to Montmorency Falls while history buffs can seek out famous sites such as the Basilique Cathedrale.
Bonaire, Caribbean
Bonaire stands for the B in ABC islands and offers exceptional eco-tourism opportunities featuring flamingos, wild donkeys and sea horses. Other activities include windsurfing, kayaking, bird watching, kite boarding, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, diving and snorkeling.
St. Kitts, Caribbean
Truly a gem in the Caribbean, this West Indies isle discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Military architectural highlights include edifices dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Lush rainforests, much protected as a National Park, also set the scene.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Accessed below the Southern Caribbean is the South American port of Montevideo. Showcasing monuments, restaurants and beaches that great for relaxation, this island features diverse sites such as Plaza Independencia and Ciudad Vieja.
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DEEPER DIVES
Ride the River
For those wishing to stay closer to home and follow in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark, the Columbia/Snake River offers excitement from Hells Canyon to vistas of Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood.
Photos in Peggy's Cove
Halifax is home to the most photographed lighthouse in the world. It just so happens to be in a location estimated at 450-million-years old.
Roatan Rum
Rum lovers need not go anywhere else but Roatan to enjoy Mayan chocolate and rum cake in addition to a taste of local culture.
High on the Haleakala
A classic Hawaiian experience: Visit Haleakala Volcano in Maui, rising 10,023 feet above sea level where the most adventurous can also take a bike ride down. Also, only here can the ahinahina plant be found.
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AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN TIPS:
Strike a Balance
It's always a good idea to plot out time for excursions and entertainment but also rest and relaxation. It's best for travelers to pace themselves in order to enjoy both shoreside and onboard opportunities.
Ask the Question
If you have questions, ask. Cruise-certified travel agents are here to help and so are crew members once on the ship. Answers and resources will only make your vacation better.
Rest Assured while Aboard
Even once onboard, said travel agents can still assist as needed so there is never anything to be concerned about.
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