The Ports of Call
After a long run in Aruba, the notorious and popular Carlos 'n Charlie's was supplanted by competitor (and carbon copy) Señor Frog. The name is different and address a few doors away, but the scene remains the same. The newcomer to the high-rise section of beach is the Riu, a hotel featuring an opulent exterior that rivals the Taj Mahal and an equally lavish interior . It is definitely worth a walk through the lobby and pool area as you stroll the beach.
Honduras is heating up. This once-sleepy country is rapidly expanding its cruise tourism offerings, especially on the idyllic sandy beached island of Roatan. The largest of Honduras' Bay Islands is also the most visited destination in the country. On this relaxed uncrowded paradise populated with friendly local who speak English, diving, sun bathing, jungle trekking or a quiet stroll through town are the order of the day.
Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica opened near Dunn's River Falls at Mystic Mountain in Jamaica this spring. This tourist attraction is situated on over 100 acres of land and is allegedly built on environmentally sustainable principles. The Rainforest Sky Explorer chairlift takes patrons above the canopy to the top of Mystic Mountain, where they encounter the main attraction. Inspired by the famed Jamaican Olympic bobsled team, these custom-designed bobsleds run on on stainless steel rails down a thousand-meter gravity-fed chute through the forest. Another only slightly less terrifying option is the Rainforest Zipline Tranopy Tour, with tree-to-tree platforms that allow riders to glide through the forest on a zipline canopy tour.
Key West's pink taxis are finally turning green, while miraculously remaining pink. In July, Five Sixes Taxi/Florida Keys Taxi Dispatch debuted ten eco-friendly hybrid vehicles as the first step in converting its entire fleet to energy efficient hybrids by 2009. For more information, call tel. 305/296-1800 or visit www.keywesttaxi.com.
In May, St. Kitts welcomed back an old friend, the Beach House restaurant (www.stkittsbeachhouse.com). Formerly known as the Turtle Beach Bar & Grill, the popular venue has been completely refurbished while retaining its original charm. It also implemented new sustainable practices in accordance with efforts to protect the island's natural environment. Tucked under the swaying palms of one of St. Kitts' lovely beaches with arching views of the Caribbean and neighboring Nevis, the Beach House includes a 60-seat restaurant, 30-seat lounge and a private rooftop lounge where a vast selection of cigars and aged rums can be procured. The Beach House serves lunch and dinner daily. A sushi menu is also available.
De Lime Beach Bar & Grill (www.royalstkittshotel.com) also opened in May 2008. With an open air cabana, beach volleyball court, and a deck overlooking the ocean, De Lime Beach Bar & Grill incorporates the island's culture and heritage with nightly entertainment.
Tobago expanded its cruise ship jetty in Scarborough in December 2007. The Jetty can now accommodate cruise ships up to the voyager class. More cruise lines such as Celebrity Holland America and Princess are expected to make calls at Tobago, nearly doubling the islands previous visitation.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are experiencing many changes. The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility -- the main cruise ship port for St. Croix -- and the Frederiksted pier area have both been spruced up. The near-complete transformation includes a park, fountains and cobbled pedestrian paths along the town's waterfront. A shopping area with vendors' booths is located within walking distance of the pier (no surprise there). Taxis and tour buses have flocked like pigeons. Along the waterfront, an elevated stage provides monthly Sunset Jazz Festivals featuring local and international jazz artists -- a pleasure for the ships departing after sunset.
Meanwhile, over on St. Thomas, the Crown Bay Center (tel. 340/774-1629), located on the southwest side of the island at the Crown Bay cruise ship pier, provides upscale waterfront shopping and dining venues.
But wait, there's more! The Lucky Iguana Visitor Center (tel. 340/774-0450) has opened at the corner of Main Street and Rothschild Francis Market Square in Charlotte Amalie. The visitor center provides information and maps that will direct you to attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife museums etc. There are plenty of busses; a Wifi Hot Spot Café & Ice Cream Corner with Internet & email services; phones and phone cards; and of course, the ubiquitous ATM. The center is open Monday though Saturday from 9am to 5pm.