Cruisin' Times Caribbean Cruise to Aruba for 2013

by: John Shapiro, editor

This time we're leaving the cold tundra of the North Coast of America, for a 7 Night/8 Day aboard the "Caribbean Princess ®", for an "All Out Beach Party Theme".... sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. to the land that the Beach Boys sung about - Aruba!

...With stops in Curacao and the private island of "Princess Cays®" Feb 16-23, 2013, as we continue Cruisin' the Caribbean with a group of classic car folks, for another fun filled sea adventure this time deep into the Southern Caribbean .

(CAPTION): This map gives you some idea of where our "Beach Islands" are located.

Aruba. It's the land the Beach Boys sung about, and it's Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles, until its independence in 1986.

...there's something that separates Aruba from all the rest and I'm guessing from the moment you get on shore it'll be an amateur photographers dream - cause there's no bad pictures - imagine bringing these back to your friends - you can't get any more Caribbean than this !

Aruba Excursions:  You can visit the California Lighthouse which is perched on a high elevation and named after the “U.S. California,” which sunk off the coast of Aruba, offering stunning views of the island and coastline.

Oranjestad, Aruba’s largest port, the ship pulls right up to this island’s capital and offers the best shopping experience on its main street, but this view of the ship at night is incredible with all it's lights.

You can also visit the “Antilla” Shipwreck, at 400-foot is one of the Caribbean’s largest shipwrecks.  It was sunk during World War II and is home to many kinds of exotic sea life.... or ....

...Natural Bridge & Baby Natural Bridge... are two stunning rock and coral formations. The Natural Bridge fell into the sea in 2005, but the smaller bridge remains a must-see island highlight.  But most famous is Aruba’s gorgeous, palm-tree lined white sandy beaches which are home to calm clear waters, making them perfect locations for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.

Curacao

Curacao - I've mis-pronounced it wrong myself until the captain of our ship (last year as we were considering the Aruba trip, told me an easy way to remember it .... "you're going to medically "cure" a female pig called a "sow"! So it's:  “cure-a-sow) ...and it's the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles.

CAPTION: The above picture is of Willemstad, the capital, a real cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses, gabled and tiled roofs.

...If you're starting to get the idea that both islands, so far, which are cooled by the trade winds, some 40 miles off Venezuela, with it's bright, pastel houses, speak pure Caribbean... you're beginning to ask yourself do you still have those sandels and when will Kohls start putting their summer clothes on sale!

...and if this picture doesn't etch our "Beach Theme" in your head...

...then you might want to consider the above alternative along the North Coast of America during Feb 16-23rd 2013... easy walking distance (one block) from Lake Erie beaches, Northwest wind that cools from the Jet Stream, making this a pure winter wonderland!

(just a reality check)...back to the beach theme....below...

Princess Cays.
This is Princess Cruise Line’s private destination on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera in the outer Bahamas and is full of activities promising a great island adventure!  We've been there before and it's a total "re-lax" !

(CAPTION: Look closely to the above picture, look directly in the middle, between the palm trees, and you'll see our ship.... now you're asking...."how the heck do we get to the beach, swim?"

...If you've ever heard of the word "tendering", that's where a particular port isn't deep enough for the huge cruise-ships, so they drop anchor just off shore and then shuttle all the passengers using their giant "life boats" (in which the ship gets to furfill their safety requirements) and you and the ship, get to see that everything is in working order by getting a free ride "ashore" (we're talkin' 5 minutes).

...Believe it or not, many people just like to take the ride ashore just to see what it's like riding in a life-boat and these aren't your old wooden row boats either, we're talkin' high speed double decker, diesel powered water hot rods!  (pic: orange life boats being winched down off the side of the ship - check out how big the winches are!)

...and I know you've dreamed about sitting on a beach, with your feet tucked in the sand while you marvel at the crystal blue/green water, and NOT being "pesterd" by a bunch of souvenior selling locals... all the while thinking about the freezing temps (see previous reality check picture) that we left behind in Ohio and Pa. - well.... there's a chair waiting for you, thanks to Princess Cruise Lines - tropical drinks are extra!

...And by the way, you’ll be treated to the ships’ cook-out right on the island (burgers 'n dogs, beans, cole slaw and even a cookie !  That's because the entire island is owned by Princess Cruise-Lines and the food is the same as what's on the ship!

9 Years Ago I was Scared to go on a Cruise Ship.  I figured I'd either be sick for 7 days ...or ...there would be nothing to do.   I think you can see there's plenty to do and we haven't even mentioned what's on board the ship that include Las Vegas style shows, night clubs, and of course the ships' own "beach"....

...this particular sun deck I was able to photograph two of the ships kitchen help who were actually "ice sculpture artists" and carved incredible ice dolphins right before our eyes!

As for getting sick, take a look at how big these ships are, with self leveling wings under the ship to keep even the weakest stomach on a steady course! it's a giant floating hotel, some 13 stores high,  with 3,000+ passengers and 1,500 crew members on board.  NOTE: Besides the Caribbean is the calmest of all the seas! 

Make plans now for our Cruisin' Times Magazine 7 Night/8 Day Caribbean Cruise aboard the "Caribbean Princess ®", for an "All Out Beach Party Theme"....  Feb 16-23, 2013.

Don't be Fooled ...by what looks like a cheaper rate elsewhere on the internet....they never include the government fees and taxes of $84.47.   Our rate as they say in the car business is "total price, out the door, dealer prep and taxes included !

**Many times (almost always)... as we get more and more sign-ups, they begin reducing the rate and offer on board credit!

Cruise Rates:

Inside Cabin Cat.JJ: was $843.47 p/p NOW $718.47

Ocean View Cat. EE: $1,023.47 p/p NOW $883.47

Balcony Category. BC: $1,323.47 p/p NOW $1073.47

* Government fees and taxes of $84.47 are included. Rates do not include air fare, insurance or transfers.  Fares are per person, non-air, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom.  Fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per/person/ per day.

“If all this sounds like a fun dream vacation, well, take it from me, it is, cause I wouldn't be doin' it if it wasn't a bucket of fun!"

Call Carole TODAY and get your vacation started with just a $100. p/p deposit.  I will also tell you these cabins do sell out quick, so call today to avoid being disappointed!”

Call Carole at The Cruise Company
440-526-9080
or 1-800-899-7327
E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.thecruisecompany.cc

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