A new seven-night cruise itinerary, Tropical Isles, by Marella Cruises offers a unique Caribbean experience that takes travelers off the beaten path to lesser-known destinations. Travelers can now explore the unadulterated nature of the region, including encounters with sea turtles and visits to secret beaches, without the crowds.
The Marella Discovery cruise ship has introduced this new itinerary, which sails round-trip from La Romana in the Dominican Republic via the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The ship's itinerary includes visits to Ponce, a city in Puerto Rico that is still in the early stages of discovery, according to local guide Melina, owner of Isla Caribe Tours. 'Ponce is a place that's still in discovery,' she said. 'Ten years ago, we got one or two cruise liners a year. Now we get four to six, but it's still just coming into the spotlight. It's a hidden gem ready to shine.'
During the cruise, travelers can explore the Cordillera Central mountain range, where some of Puerto Rico's best coffee plantations are located. At Hacienda Jacana, travelers can learn about the process of growing, handpicking, processing, and roasting the high-quality Arabica coffee, known as 'the coffee of popes and kings.' This experience provides a unique opportunity to taste the coffee in a picturesque setting, surrounded by nature.
Another highlight of the cruise is the chance to explore the unspoiled nature of the Caribbean. From Frederiksted on the US Virgin Island of St Croix, travelers can take a kayak excursion through the Salt River Ecological Preserve, a 1,015-acre area of bays, estuaries, and red mangrove forest. Here, travelers can spot iguanas, white egrets, and blue herons in their natural habitats. On neighboring island St Thomas, travelers can snorkel with sea turtles, getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Isla Catalina, an uninhabited island fringed by soft sand and crisscrossed by gentle walking trails and boardwalks. The waters surrounding the island are teeming with life, including bar jacks, blue-headed wrasse, and bright blue tangs. Travelers can enjoy a catamaran cruise around the island, with stops for snorkeling and relaxation on the beach.
The Marella Discovery cruise ship offers a comfortable and unintimidating experience for travelers, with a balance of home comforts and international dining options. The ship's sunsets are also a highlight, with each day offering a unique and breathtaking view of the sky turning to citrus over the harbor.
A seven-night, all-inclusive 'Tropical Isles' sailing aboard the Marella Discovery is available from £1,233 per person, including return flights, luggage, and transfers. This unique itinerary offers travelers a chance to experience the unadulterated nature of the Caribbean, away from the crowds and tourist hotspots.
Source: Daily Mail
