Carnival Buzz blend

NEW: Jungle Explorer

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Rainforest Hike to Grand Bois Waterfall (St. Lucia)

If getting there is half the fun, you'll be positively giddy by the time you reach St. Lucia's Grand Bois Waterfall.

Begin with an eye-popping ride along a twisting coastal road, winding through banana plantations that overlook fishing villages. Veer off-road into the rainforest, under a canopy of ferns, wild orchids and shrieking tropical birds. Your trek begins at the Belle Etoile Estate and follows the Canaries River as it tumbles through the jungle, pouring over falls and settling into tranquil pools. It's like a scene out of Survivor ... without the mean people.

For more information about St. Lucia, visit its official tourism site.

More hiking adventures:

Scenic Coastal Hike at St. Maarten
Barbados Hike & Cave Adventure at Barbados

NEW: River Wild

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:03:00 +0000

River to Ocean Kayaking Adventure (Dominica)

What do you get when you combine a sit-on-top kayak with Dominica's dramatic mountains and clear-running streams? A rollicking ride down to the sea, that's what.

You and your paddle partner will navigate the Layou River's lively current, a mix of pleasant riffles and a few white-tipped rapids that will get your heart fluttering. You'll also have ample opportunity to put down your paddles, dangle your toes in the water and soak up the jungle scenery that's just sliding by. After all, even seasoned adventurers need to chill from time to time.

For more information about Dominica, visit its official tourism site.

More river adventures:

Pedals and Paddles Tour at Limon
Cave Tubing at Belize

Rainforest Ecotour

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Carnival offers three dozen shore excursions to rainforests and tropical jungles. Here are some of our favorites.

Costa Rica: Get a bird's-eye view of this Central American rainforest, renowned for its biological diversity, on an excursion called High There! After touring a private reserve of old-growth rainforest at ground level, board an open-air gondola and cruise for more than an hour above the canopy. Then get a close-up and thrilling view of a zipline.

Dominica: On the Caribbean's Nature Island, visit a village 3,000 feet above sea level on the Rainforest Aerial Tram. Board the open gondola for a 70-minute ride through all levels of the rainforest-from just over the forest floor to high above the canopy. One of the biggest thrills comes as you dangle 300 feet above a river gorge.

Alaska: Not all rainforests are tropical. In Juneau and Ketchikan, you can hike or zipline through towering conifers of the coastal temperate rainforest. In Juneau, take the rainforest and Sea Coast Nature Walk. Follow a naturalist through the shadows of towering conifers. In Ketchickan, opt for the Bear Creek Zipline and Challenge Course. Speed among the spruce and cedars on a zipline, walk a rope bridge and enjoy views of ocean, forest and mountains.

5 to Buy in Mexico

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:40:00 +0000

A bonanza of art finds will bring back memories of your "Fun Ship" cruise.

Rich saturated colors...craggy coastlines...emerald-green rainforests- Mexico is a work of art, one you'll want to pack up and take home. While you can't sneak off with an Aztec ruin, you can snag up the treasures at street markets, galleries and crafts shops on Carnival's Mexican Riviera, Baja and Western Caribbean cruises. Here are five must haves:

1- Silver and Pewter: Exquisitely crafted Taxco silver jewelry plus pewter plates, trays and bowls.

2- Colorful Pottery: Intricate patterns, shiny glazes, hand-molded curves-functional art.

3- Handwoven Rugs: Vibrant colors to enrich your casa lina (beautiful home).

4- Masks: Dramatic interpretations by Mexican crafters.

5- Folk Art: Marionettes, ornamental tin pieces, dolls, Day of the Dead collections, intricate wood carvings.

7 Things You'd Never Do at Home!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:14:00 +0000

One:

Zoom down the Twister Waterslide. You'll cool off and be drenched in fun.

Two:

Island Hop. Today, Grand Cayman. Tomorrow, Key West!

Three:

Snooze away the afternoon on a white sand Caribbean beach. Sweet dreams guaranteed.

Four:

Cruise the late night buffet.

Middle-of-the-night calories don't count.

Five:

Pretend you're James Bond at the poker table. Tux, martini and Bond girl optional.

Six:

Watch the sun rise over the ocean from your own private balcony. You're the king (or queen) of the world!

Seven:

Eat ice cream 24/7. Cool!