Carnival Dream - January 14, 2023

Galveston, Texas offers everything from entertainment to shopping, to over 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. Galveston's festivals, special events and attractions are enjoyable for islanders and tourists alike. Arts and entertainment is as much a part of the area's history as its Victorian architecture, and Galveston sparkles at night, from theater, music and dance, to reggae, rock and country.

Key West has the best diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating in the continental U.S. Just a three-by-five mile Island, Key West offers a treat for the masses that flock here. Locals and tourists alike stroll down Duval Street each night to witness the Sunset Celebration, where they find hand-made souvenirs, munchies, cold drinks and a show so spectacular, only nature could have created it.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

Charlotte Amalie, is the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Named for a Danish Queen, the city features pastel houses that are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.

This fertile isle is a land of rain forests, tropical flowers, and abundant sugar cane. After a stroll around the charming colonial streets and shops of the capital, Basseterre, tour the island or visit Brimstone Hill Fort, an impressive construction that is one of the wonders of the Caribbean world.

An island under two flags, St. Martin/St. Maarten is French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and famous for its duty-free emporia and casinos. A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial outpost featuring shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies, as well as beautiful beaches.

Intricate history and endless fun in the sun are just part of the magic of St. Croix. The largest of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix boasts everything from rolling sugar plantations to rainforest hiking expeditions. Frederiksted is best known as the site of spellbinding Buck Island National Park, where you can take a guided underwater tour of brilliantly colored coral reefs and exotic sea life.

Montego Bay: visit her outstanding underwater marine park at Cornwall Beach. Explore the Chester Castle Great House set on some 200 acres, or tour Rose Hall, a restored plantation house. The driving force of Reggae, Bob Marley, is honored here at the Half Moon Shopping Village. Learn the history; hear the music; buy some merchandise; support the cause.

Galveston, Texas offers everything from entertainment to shopping, to over 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. Galveston's festivals, special events and attractions are enjoyable for islanders and tourists alike. Arts and entertainment is as much a part of the area's history as its Victorian architecture, and Galveston sparkles at night, from theater, music and dance, to reggae, rock and country.