Norwegian Jewel - January 3, 2025

The Tampa area features great attractions and theme parks, from Busch Gardens with it's African themed village and legendary roller coasters, to the calm serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Hand rolled cigars are made the old-fashioned way in the Latin Quarter. The atmosphere in Tampa is laid-back and slightly reserved, unlike the hustle bustle of Florida's east coast cities.

Puerto Plata is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is known as the Amber Coast because of its rich deposits of the fossil resin. The province sprawls out over 70 miles of coast, white sand beaches, protected coral reefs, coconut groves, coastal lagoons, and crystalline waters. In the city, you can visit Mt. Isabel de Torres, a national park and botanical garden.

The official name of this Dominican Republic island is Isla Catalina. The island is only 9.6 square kilometers, but packs a big entertainment punch nonetheless. Don't get the wrong idea, though--this is a protected ecological area, and for good reason. The pristine sand dunes, mangrove swamps, and coral stone formations are a splendid rarity in the Caribbean.

Kralendijk is the chief town of Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. Tourism is the economic mainstay, though salt mining is also a significant industry. The island is known for its fine beaches, skin diving, and pink flamingos.

Hospitable and always sunny, Curacao bids you a warm welcome. The friendly inhabitants, first class hotels, wonderful climate, crystal clear seawater, fascinating architecture, floating market, pontoon bridge, secluded bays, rich fauna and flora, and the many possibilities for excursions and entertainment make Curacao the tourist's paradise.

Blessed with a non-stop breeze, neat little Oranjestad reflects the Dutch passion for cleanliness. Stroll the town's chic shops, venture out to see the wind-formed divi-divi trees, or visit an undersea garden of brilliant corals on a semi-submersible craft.

Once the port where the wealth of the New World flowed back to the Old, Cartagena also served as a notorious base for privateers and pirates. Today, you can stroll the tree-lined Spanish colonial artistry of old in the streets and see the works of the Gold Museum. The port is also a great place to find bargains on emeralds.

Colon is one of Latin America's busiest commercial centers. Since 1953, it has had a free trade zone, where merchants can import and export goods without paying duties. The main streets of Colon are often crowded with sailors, traders, and tourists. The city has many bars, nightclubs, and gambling establishments. Colon also has duty-free shops, which sell many products at low prices.

The second-largest city in Costa Rica, Puerto Limon will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Soak in the distinct Caribbean flavor of the city's world-famous Carnivale de Limon. See the wonder of the sea turtle nesting grounds in Tortugero. Delight in the dolphins at Manzanillo National Park. Or, if ultimate relaxation is your goal, sprawl luxuriously on any of the area's lavish sand beaches.

The Tampa area features great attractions and theme parks, from Busch Gardens with it's African themed village and legendary roller coasters, to the calm serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Hand rolled cigars are made the old-fashioned way in the Latin Quarter. The atmosphere in Tampa is laid-back and slightly reserved, unlike the hustle bustle of Florida's east coast cities.