Soak In The Sulphur Hot Springs
One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is stop by the sulphur hot springs, located across from the drive-in volcano just south of Soufriere. The hot water that springs out of the earth nearby fills a pool that is a safe temperature for swimming, not too much hotter than a hot tub, but with natural minerals you would not find in a normal pool. Start your visit with a stop at the mud bath, so you can slather the volcanic mud all over your body and take your time soaking it off after.
Make Chocolate From Pods To Bar
Enjoy St. Lucias cholate experience. Visit restaurants such as Hotel Chocolat to experience a tree to bean to bar chocolate workshop. Create your own chocolate from scratch and enjoy it. Or take the popular chocolate tea, which is nothing like hot chocolate, but hot water added to grated chocolate stick with sugar.
Cruises To St Lucia: Best Cruise Lines
From the deck of your cruise ship, your first glimpse of St. Lucia will likely be the islands most striking geological feature: the Pitons velvety volcanic peaks that rise almost a half mile off its southwestern coast.half-mile.;
Lucia receives a steady influx of visitors, tourists, and honeymooners, including those aboard international cruise ships, many parts of the island have remained unspoiled due to the locals efforts and commitment to protecting their natural resources.;
An oasis of tropical calm, St. Lucia offers a different side of the Caribbean than you have ever seen before.
- 12 Night Southern Caribbean
There are many reasons to choose Norwegian Cruise Lines: amazing onboard waterslides, multi-level sports complexes, live Broadway performances, 28 dining options, and alfresco promenade designed to unite guests with the ocean.;
With Norwegian cruises, you can cruise just the way you want it. Whether it is their wide-ranging dining options or the most spacious staterooms or their unique brand of entertainment, you can immerse yourself in the Norwegian cruise ships exotic luxury when you sail towards St. Lucia.;
You can offer your taste buds a treat at a new bar or restaurant every day and night, savor multi-course meals, and a great wine bottle. Then there is the quarter-mile waterfront promenade where guests can enjoy the warm sun and balmy breezes from the ocean all day long.;
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Cruise Ships In St Lucia
We will be in St Lucia the beginning of February staying in . Where do the cruise ships come in to port and what days are the most ships there? We would like to avoid the area when it is busiest if possible.
Cruise ships port in Castries, about 20 minutes or so north of , howler some cruise passengers will pass through Marigot as part of various tours. You can check the ship schedule at slaspa.com
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Explore Castries The Islands Capital
When cruising to St. Lucia, ships dock at Castries which is the capital city. Cruise ships dock at either Pointe Seraphine which is a 20-minute walk to the center of the town or at La Place Carenage which is at the center of the town.
One of the things that you should do in the city;is to visit Castries Market, found in the town center in the iron warehouse with bright orange roofing. Here you can peruse and shop for unfamiliar tropical fruits and familiar ones like bananas.
Or maybe not so familiar as St. Lucia boasts of 127 varieties of bananas, its actually the islands main fruit. You can also shop Caribbean spices, island-made chocolate, and rum.
Browse all the St. Lucia souvenirs;online from Amazon right here.
Right next to the open-air fruit market is the handcrafts market where you can shop for hand printed silk garments, Carrabelle batik, straw items, and wooden items.
After leaving the market, you can visit the nearby Derek Walcott Square. Named after the famous poet who was awarded a Nobel peace prize for literature in 1992. Opposite the square is St Lucias cathedral a plain old church on the outside but bearing the most beautiful murals and old decor on the inside.
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Cruise The Islands West Coast By Catamaran
To appreciate the full beauty of St. Lucias mountainous terrain and dramatic coastline, you must see the island from the sea. Whether your goal is sport fishing, whale watching, or just having a picnic cruise to an empty beach with incredible views, catamaran charters are readily available and ready to make your dreams come true.
The west coast of the island is the Caribbean side, and the calmest and clearest for snorkeling and water activities, not to mention the most scenic, with the Pitons. Bring a camera, swimsuit, sun protection, and prepare for a day on the water unlike any other.
Cruise Ship Island Excursions In St Lucia Provided By St Lucia Best Experience Tours
- Instant confirmation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Covers the top attractions efficiently
- Light refreshments and bottled water provided
- Includes port pickup and drop-off
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Covers the top attractions efficiently
- Light refreshments and bottled water provided
- Includes port pickup and drop-off
- Entry/Admission – Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
- Traveller pickup is offered.
- Upon arrival and disembarkation, please make your way towards the exit of the port terminal. You can ask a security personnel for assistance in directing you to the exit. Your driver will be on the outside with the company’s name on a sign. ” Best Experience Tours” Please Look out for it.
- Castries, St Lucia
- Entry/Admission – Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
- Traveller pickup is offered.
- Upon arrival and disembarkation, please make your way towards the exit of the port terminal. You can ask a security personnel for assistance in directing you to the exit. Your driver will be on the outside with the company’s name on a sign. ” Best Experience Tours” Please Look out for it.
- Castries, St Lucia
- Returns to original departure point
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Top Things To Do In St Lucia While On A Cruise
St. Lucia is one of the most breathtakingly-beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Its Located on the southeastern side of the Caribbean and bears the most dramatic landscape in the entire west indies. Twin Volcanic hills blanketed by lush vegetation rising from the sea create the islands unique feature and induce awe in anyone who sees them.
The island, an emerald gem seating on top of blue waters features thick tropical rainforests, natural wonders, colorful villages, and stunning beaches. These features coupled with the islands warm and laid-back nature provide countless attractions. That makes it easy to fall in love with the place.
Whether this is your first or the 10th;time cruising to the island, you are likely to want to explore all of St. Lucia and luckily, we know the 20 top things to do in St. Lucia that you can try:
Top Things To Do & See On St Lucia
The beaches and wide array of outdoor sports on St. Lucia are marvelous. You could not ask for more activities and fun-filled events to occupy your time. The best part about the island is that if you do choose to have a day out of the sun, the shopping, dining, and indoor relaxation stations on St. Lucia are magnificent.
Beaches
All of the beaches of St. Lucia are open to the public, and this is a nice feature because on a lot of the other Caribbean islands, certain hotels have a monopoly on particular beach areas. This is not the case on St. Lucia, and there are plenty of tremendous beach spots near Castries. The beaches along the western coast of St. Lucia are calmer and more geared toward family usage. This is because the surf is a lot more tranquil as a result of the decreased wind flow in this region. On the windward, or East Side, the winds can be higher, and the waves are often much larger.
Pigeon Island, off the north shore, is a wonderful destination for relaxation. Outdoor sports can be played here as well, and a wide selection of sport and swim equipment can be rented. Food is nearby, and the entire scene is ideal, with a charming feel and friendly locals. Reduit Beach at Rodney Bay is the most frequented beach on the island. The smooth, beige sand and clear, calm waters attract tourists like no other. In addition, the beach features water-sport kiosks, with restaurants and bars just a minute’s walking distance.
Nature
Farther afield
Shopping
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St Lucia Welcomes Cruise Liners
For the first time since the onslaught of the pandemic, St Lucia welcomed cruise liners when the Celebrity Millenium ship docked on Tuesday, June 29.
The Celebrity Millenium is the first cruise line to be given the green light to dock on the island with 400 passengers onboard.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee were on hand as the Celebrity Millennium vessel arrived at Pointe Seraphine. They reiterated the significance of the arrival and the reopening of the sector which will economically benefit taxi drivers, vendors, tour guides and other tourism stakeholders that have been severely impacted throughout the pandemic.
Minister Fedee stated that Its a great day for vendors, taxi drivers, workers of the duty-free stores at Pointe Seraphine, and the general economy. This is another step towards the successful reopening of our economy and returning to our normal lives.
He highlighted that passengers would be headed to Anse La Raye, Pigeon Island and Soufriere, and that the cruise industry is already showing tremendous economic impact across St. Lucia.
Passengers are encouraged to be vaccinated prior to travel. In addition to pre-embarkation testing requirements and pre-disembarkation screening in the country, with all cruises to St Lucia ensuring coordination of the arrival process, passengers will disembark in batches of 25.
In 2019, St Lucia recorded 786,703 cruise visitors, a 3.5 per cent increase over 2018.
Culture & History Of The Castries Cruise Port
Indigenous Arawaks and then the Carib were the first to inhabit this part of the world, and remained undisturbed here until European colonization efforts began in the early 17th century. Indigenous peoples called St. Lucia Island of the iguana for its massive iguana population. Both the British and French laid claim to the island, and the territory passed hands a dozen or so times in the course of two centuries. British and French influence on the area is still evident today from the architecture to the languages spoken. Eventually, the British took control of St. Lucia in 1814. Eventually, in the mid-20th century, St. Lucia received independence from Great Britain.
Today, English, French, and African influence heavily shaped the island. English is the first language of St. Lucia, but while on a cruise to Castries you can expect hearing mostly a French-based creole. St. Lucia also celebrates its culture during various festivals throughout the year, like the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in May, and a celebration called Creole Day each October which celebrates Creole food, culture, and customs.
Castries Port Facilities & Location
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Hike Up The Rain Forest
Over 19,000 acres of St. Lucia is covered in rainforest. St Lucia resembles an emerald jewel on the Caribbean with almost 70% of the island blanketed with lush vegetation.
As such it goes without saying that the most popular activities on the island involve nature, specifically forest adventures. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the rainforest.
Youll need your travel insect repellant for these type shore excursions.
You can take a taxing hike into Edmund forest reserve accessible from St. Jacques or hike the mile-long trail through Barre de Isla forest reserve which is closer to Castries. When doing a hike in St. Lucia you are provided a guide who leads you through scenic trails. Where you can explore beautiful tropical flowers, plants, and even animals.
Keep Away From Animals
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
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Soak Up The Sun At Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
Visitors to Reduit Beach, frequently recognized as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, arrive on the sand with one overarching goal in mind: to have a sunny, easy day at the beach. Loungers under palapa-style umbrellas are available for rent, but with water this clear and blue, you may be spending more time working on your doggie paddle than on your tan.
Vendors stroll the sand, their arms dripping with necklaces and other souvenir tchotchkes for sale, while others offer cold coconuts for sipping, sliced open to order. A beach day here is easily combined with dining and shopping in the nearby Rodney Bay Marina district.
St Lucia Cruise Port Information
With its intoxicating natural beauty and a secluded paradise feel, St. Lucia is a frequent stop on all major Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries.;
Getting ashore, this gem of an island begins with your ship docking at Pointe Seraphine, St. Lucia cruise terminal, located at only a mile from Castries capital city. Featuring a large harbor amid a backdrop of lush green hills, Castries operates two piers within walking distance from the citys main cruise port and shopping terminal called La Place Carenage.
In Castries and Nearby
Cruises sailing to St. Lucia all dock in a small, picturesque bay by Castries, which is flanked by Pointe Seraphine Port on the northern side and La Place Carenage right towards the downtown. Sometimes, cruises will drop their anchors at the Industrial Port, but that is quite rare.;
One of the best features of Castries is Morne Fortune, with its soaring height of 2,795 feet. Although most of the towns colonial-period buildings were destroyed by a series of fires between 1785 and 1948, Castries still makes for an interesting stroll down fascinating historical landmarks.
Pigeon Island and Diamond Falls
The Government of St. Lucia has designated Pigeon Island as a National Park with efforts in full swing to nurture it under careful protection and responsible development.
As a 6-acres haven for rare birds, insects, and wildflowers, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens are described as one of St. Lucias natural wonders.
Alternate Ports: Soufriere
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Cruises To St Lucia: Travel Advisor Guide
On a cruise to St. Lucia you get to experience its breathtaking natural beauty unmatched by any place in the world. Tucked away in the Lesser Antilles and crowned by the Pitons towering twin peaks, St. Lucia is an emerald gem sitting on top of the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
When European explorers first glimpsed the lush green mountains of St. Lucia rising from the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Oceans cerulean waters, they nicknamed the island Fair Helen of the West Indies referring to the unrivaled beauty of legendary Helen of Troy. Some people say that St. Lucia is the most beautiful Caribbean island.;
Whether it is true or not, we leave this decision to you. But one thing is clear: a visit on a cruise to St. Lucia is unforgettable. Brimming full of beauty, splendor, and mystique, St. Lucia is guaranteed to captivate you the moment you set foot on her coastline.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
Another great feature on the island is the Diamond falls botanical garden. This garden boasts of plenty of colorful tropical flowers. That;is;found alongside walking paths that run through the gardens.
These paths lead all the way to the diamond falls. Where the waterfalls action on the rock beneath causes it to sparkle like diamonds. Visit this garden and enjoy peace tranquility surrounded by the tropical beauty of the place.
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