CARRIBEAN CRUISE WITH A TOUCH OF EUROPE
John Lajeuness

The Angeles Chapter Fundraising Committee invites you to join our Southern Caribbean cruise as we sail east and south from San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 31 and return September 7. We will have all day to explore the scenic/historic ports of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Kitts, before returning to San Juan. These islands have centuries of British, French, and Spanish history, which you can enjoy.

Additionally, a pre-cruise extension will be offered in Old San Juan, where you can stroll through five centuries of history. Our extension offers a visit to the only Tropical rainforest in the US national forest system, a three-night stay in a historic hotel, and one of the world wonders, a kayak trip into a premier bioluminescent lagoon.

In St. Thomas you could take the ferry to the National Park on St. John. Enjoy the rivers and waterfalls of volcanic Dominica. On the very British island of Barbados, there is the Flower Forest and of course, the Mt. Gay rum factory. St.Lucia’s Soufriere area has steaming sulfur vents, waterfalls, and lush jungle valleys. Antigua has old stone windmills from abandoned sugar plantations and colonial-era fortresses. Our last port stop St. Kitts is famous for white and black sand beaches and virgin rainforests.

For less than $100 a day the Carnival Destiny offers all those extras you'd expect from a luxury cruise/vacation! 8 meals a day, Las Vegas style entertainment every night at sea in the multi-level showroom, duty free shopping, 3 bands and orchestras, 1st run movies daily, mid-night buffets, music to make you sway or rock the night away in your choice of clubs, try your luck at the casino, or work out on a Nautica Spa program with Spa meals, choice of 3 swim/pools, join a singles cocktail party or one of our onboard get togethers and/or hikes, etc. So what will you do the next day? In ports, there are many opportunities for adventures, shopping, and exploration. Add to all this, the pampered service and fine dining at your reserved table or casual dining whenever you choose, cabins 50% larger than others, staff ratio of 1:2 guests, and you have an experience you'll always remember. Prices are from $499 D/occupancy plus port charges and taxes (includes all of the above shipboard, except casino). Did we mention that Balcony staterooms are available at $899? (Always wanted one of those!) Call Montrose Travel's group dept. at 800-301-9673 (ask for Violet) for details, brochure, and names of roommates, if necessary. Your Sierra Club leaders John Lajeuness, Donna Specht, and Andrea Lim have visited many of these ports previously.

If you are concerned about hurricanes, here’s some information. Some of the eastern Caribbean islands we visit have a 5% chance in any one year of a hurricane. Which is the same as Newport, Rhode Island northeast of New York. Many hurricanes start in the central Caribbean, move west then turn north, and finally move northeast across the southeastern US. If that is too much geography for you, consider this: Hurricane centers move about 10 MPH; cruise ships go twice as fast.