Aboard the
Ocean Princess/Dawn Princess
10 nights on board your Cruise Ship
3 meals daily on board
Private Ayelet Reception on board
All touring with a local licensed English-speaking guide
Sightseeing in a Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
Roundtrip transfers from Ft. Lauderdale airport to the pier
Escorted by a professional Ayelet Tour's representative
Package does not include port or government taxes, tips,
travel insurance or any item of a personal nature.
Day 1, Tuesday: We board our cruise ship and begin a cruise to explore the Jewish heritage of the Caribbean. Our ship sails at 5:00pm and later this evening we enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Day 2, Wednesday: Unwind today during our day at sea. Relax and enjoy! Prior to dinner, we will have a private Ayelet Tours cocktail reception together.
Day 3, Thursday: Today we discover the endless amenities of our luxury cruise ship. Enjoy!
Day 4, Friday: This morning we arrive in Curacao. The island was discovered in 1499 by Amerigo Vespucci, and came under the control of the Dutch West India Company in 1634. It was included in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1954. The largest most important Jewish community of the New World existed here in the 18th century. We will see museums and synagogues dating back to 1706 or 5466. There is a rich Jewish past and a vibrant Jewish present and we will explore it all. As we step into 17th century "Amsterdam" we stroll for hours among shops, hotels and homes that make us feel as though we are in Holland. Enjoy the pastel colored gable houses and some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean. Incredibly beautiful coral reefs are just offshore. Curacao is also home to a colorful floating market and the world's longest floating bridge, originally built in 1888. We return to the ship and sail at 5:00pm. This evening we will enjoy a special Shabbat dinner together. Shabbat Shalom!
Day 5, Saturday: This morning we arrive at Margarita Island. We visit the small Synagogue and meet members of the thriving Jewish community. We visit the lovely La Restinga National Park, and take a drive along the Peninsula of Macanao. We stop and enjoy the beautiful Playa del Agua and La Caracola beaches. We have time to shop for the handmade hammocks on this Venezuelan Island in the Caribbean Sea. The charm of this lovely island lies in the contrast between modern and old; the new hotels and casinos on one side and ancient colonial architecture on the other. The island boasts some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches and scenery anywhere.
Day 6, Sunday: This morning we arrive in Barbados. Here we see the pink-tinged coral sand on the lovely beaches, the sugar cane fields, and the quaint British influences. One sightseeing destination is the Morgan Family Mill, which was recently restored to operating condition as in the old days when sugar was the economic king. The mill, and indeed sugar itself, was brought to Barbados by the Jews. The earliest Jews built Nidag Israel, a Synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1660. This congregation attracted distinguished Rabbis throughout the years. Although the number of resident Jews has been severely diminished by the departure of children seeking education or Jewish spouses elsewhere. Individual community members have undertaken a major historical project: restoring the Old Bridgetown Synagogue. It is located downtown and we will enjoy seeing this amazing building as well as the Jewish cemetery and Montefiore's Fountain.
Day 7, Monday: This morning we arrive in Dominica. This unspoiled eco-tour destination has tropical rainforests, waterfalls, flowers and rugged mountain scenery. Tour Mome Trois Pitons National Park or snorkel the famous Champagne Reef. Our ship sails in the early evening.
Day 8, Tuesday: This morning we arrive in St. Thomas. Now a U.S. Virgin Island, St. Thomas has flown the flags of Spain, the Knights of Malta, France, England, Holland and Denmark. It's no wonder the island is a treasure trove of international wares and historical influences. Our shore excursion takes us to one of the earliest Caribbean Synagogues that are still in use today. We meet with the Rabbi and listen with interest as he explains what it is like to practice Judaism in the Caribbean. Of course there is plenty of time for special shopping. Our ship sails in the early evening.
Day 9, Wednesday: Magnificent day at Sea!
Day 10, Thursday: This morning we arrive at the Princess Cays. No Caribbean cruise with Princess would be complete without a day to wile away on the secluded shores of Princess Cays, our own private island in the Bahamas. Enjoy the barbecue, the music, the cocktails, and fruit punch. Our ship sails at 3:00pm. Tonight we enjoy a gala farewell dinner.
Day 11, Friday: This morning we arrive back in Fort Lauderdale, where we disembark, transfer to the airport for our flight back home. The memories last forever!
