Want To Enjoy A Tropical Paradise But Do Not Have A Passport? Caribbean Cruise Line Can Help

Online, May 30, 2012 (Newswire.com) - So you are a U.S. citizen and you don't have a passport. So what are you to do about that vacation you always wanted to take to a
tropical paradise destination ? You probably already know that in recent years the United States has toughened up travel restrictions, now requiring a passport for destinations once open to anyone. The Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean now require you to obtain a valid passport.

Well, don't despair. If you are a U.S. citizen you can still have the opportunity to take that tropical paradise dream vacation by going to the U.S. Virgin Islands . To travel there all you need is a government issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are in the eastern Caribbean , about 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, FL. The US Virgin Islands' main islands are St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, and all three offer something for everyone, from secluded beaches and lush rain forests to world-class, duty-free shopping.

The gently rolling hills of St. Croix blend with palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. Old plantation windmills are scattered across the landscape, and the Danish heritage is evident in the towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. Snorkelers will find their paradise at the nation's only underwater national park, Buck Island Reef. Other popular attractions include a rum-tasting tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery. On the island of St. Thomas, tourists can explore the undersea world aboard an Atlantis submarine or browse the duty-free shops of Charlotte Amalie. Two-thirds of St. John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, is a US national park. Hiking the many trails and relaxing on secluded beaches are popular activities here.

On St. Thomas, you can explore Charlotte Amalie, the bustling capital, or head to heart-shaped Magens Bay, which is frequently labeled one of the world's most beautiful beaches and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Take the St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point for sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie and its harbor. St. Thomas offers stunning vistas in almost every direction and boasts many natural wonders such as the indescribably beautiful Magens Bay and scenic Drake's Seat. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is the most visited port in the Caribbean and is famous for its world-class duty-free shopping. Popular activities in St. Thomas include golf, world-class yachting and sportfishing.

St. John is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas. Two-thirds of it is dedicated to Virgin Islands National Park, with white-sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, swaying palm trees and sheltered bays. The park service has established an underwater snorkeling trail at the beach at Trunk Bay.

Perhaps the most beautiful of the Virgin Islands, St. John, at 28 square miles, is also the smallest. Two thirds of it are a U.S. National Park, filled with white sand beaches, woodland trails, and panoramic views of the cays and crystal clear ocean. Try taking a tour with one of the knowledgeable island guides and learn about the island's folklore. You can also visit one of the eighteenth-century sugar plantations.

St. Croix, the largest of the three islands, offers 18th- and 19th-century plantation homes, sugar mills and the Cruzan Rum Distillery.

St. Croix has an amazingly rich culture, influenced by seven different nations. Filled with modern-day conveniences, it still manages to hold onto that old world charm. St. Croix moves at a slower pace than many other islands, and everyone takes time to relax under the sun and enjoy a beautiful day in the Caribbean. Ocean-lovers will appreciate Cane Bay, the world-renowned diving site, and even snorkelers can enjoy the coral reefs and marine life.

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