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Royal at Sea

10 Of The Most Popular Aquatic Sports To Do On Vacation

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Aquatic sports are a great way to spend your time on holiday being active and exercising while you are away from home. What is so great about these activities is that they are extremely fun, very safe in general if done correctly and also extremely exclusive, as they cannot be done anywhere else but out in the open ocean. Warm weather, sunny beaches, and blue waters, are the perfect environment to engage in these amazing sports that can enjoyed by everyone from the youngest members of the family to the most daring and adventurous. Today in Royal Holiday Cruises, we take a break to talk about some of the most fun water sports you can find as you travel with us around the world.

Sailing

Sailing is an activity that requires some experience in order to do alone. It is not difficult to find tours that can take small groups sailing and even teach them a thing or two about how to do the basics. Sailing is all about sing wind propulsion to push a craft through the water but in some situations, it can be done over land or even ice.

Surfing

A very popular sport and probably one of the first ones that come to mind when you think about aquatic activities. Surfing has many different variations depending on the type of board, the size of the waves and the experience of the user. Surfing is a sport that anyone can take up and in most beaches where people practice surfing, you can rent equipment so you don’t have to buy an expensive and cumbersome board in order to get started.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the best aquatic sports to get started. All you really need is a mask and knowing how to swim. Snorkeling is perfect in order to enjoy the beauties of the ocean and the whole family together can enjoy as a great bonding experience.

Scuba Diving

Image courtesy of John at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of John at Flickr.com

Scuba diving is the advanced version of snorkeling. With the use of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, you can submerge and enjoy a prolonged stay under the ocean. Scuba is perfect for enjoying the wildlife first-hand and exploring a world that is otherwise unreachable to us. The only drawback to scuba diving is the fact that you do need to be certified to do it, even with a guide. The good news is that some places offer flash courses with just the basics you need to do the equipment and have a guided submersion under the supervision of a qualified guide.

Kite surfing

Kitesurfing if the combination of surfing on a board while holding onto a portable sail that gives you wind propulsion. Experts of kite surfing can do a lot of different tricks and gravity-defying feats under the right wind and water conditions. The sport is also great for those who want to get a good workout and probably fall quite a few times.

Parasailing

This sport has many variations and it can do in many different environments, but when it comes to the aquatic version, it usually requires a boat and a parachute. The person gets strapped into the sail or parachute and attached to the boat by a line. As the boat takes off, you get flown up into the air and follow the trajectory of the boat. One of the best things of parasailing is that you need no experience to enjoy it and the view you get from above is simply beautiful.

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is a beautiful way to sightsee with the whole family. Sea kayaking is great in calm waters as you watch the sunset and enjoy paddling out to different spots. You do not need any special experience and the activity is very safe if done in proper waters. Kayaks can accommodate 2 people or more in it

Standup paddling

Another aquatic sport that is becoming more popular lately and easily available in more places around the world. SUP involves the use of board similar to those used in surfing and a large paddle to row standing up. The sport can be very calm but also extreme if done by a professional who can use waves as ramps to jump up in the air.

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is a very cool activity to practice but it is not recommended to anyone under the age of 18, as it can be very dangerous. Jet skis can be powerful machines and quite fun to pilot, especially in calmed waters.

Flyboarding

This is one of the newest aquatic sports out there that is making the rounds all over the world. A flyboard is a small board similar to a skateboard that gets strapped to your feet. Under the board, you have a hose that shoots a strong water stream that can shoot you several feet up in the air and allow you to hover and move around freely.

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Destination Tips

The Galapagos Is One Of The World’s Most Amazing Destinations

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The Galapagos are a group of islands located about 500 miles away from Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is very popular for being a place where Charles Darwin concentrated much of its scientific research due to their large number of endemic species and their great biodiversity. The Galapagos Islands have been ranked in the top spots of places to visit in Central and South America as well as the best islands in the world, the best national parks, the best family summer vacation and also some of the most affordable vacation spots in South America. No other place in Earth offers such close encounters with nature and such an amazing opportunity to experience one of the most pristine and untouched ecosystems of the planet; sadly we do not know at this rate, for how long they will retain their magic and conserve all of their ecological value at the rate we are destroying the planet.

You can see The Galapagos during the whole year if you chose to do so. June through August are the busiest months to visit as well as the priciest time to go to the island, from December through May the weather is hotter and the rains are more constant but the ocean is calmer. If you are into SCUBA diving, experts recommend to go from September to November when the water is a lot colder and you can see more marine species out and about.

Without a doubt, the wildlife is the main reason why people chose The Galapagos as their holiday destination and they do it rightly so. As we mentioned before, the diversity and amount of species that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, are very abundant here.

The Galapagos are one of the few places left in the planet where human touch is practically non-existent. The islands do not have an indigenous population and they were actually the first place to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most access to the islands in restricted and requires licensed guides to take you there in order to further protect the place from our destructive influence.

The educational value of visiting the Galapagos is unmatched. Here you can witness first-hand the marvels of evolution unfolding before your eyes and understand why this place presented such a strong evidence to support Charles Darwin’s theories and his work in natural selection. Giant tortoises, sea lions, and birds like finches and boobies are all over the place and their lack of fear for humans can give you the chance of experiencing some of the closest encounters you will ever live with this amazing creatures.

If you love the water, this place is as diverse beyond its coasts as it is inland. More than 400 hundred different species of fish have been documented in this area and more than 10% of them are endemic to the region. The place is perfect for snorkeling as well with the whole family with the guidance of the experts in the subject. Finding penguins, sea lions, and even sharks is not uncommon when you venture to discover underwater life at The Galapagos.

 

Image courtesy of Kerry Lannert at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Kerry Lannert at Flickr.com

The opportunity to take amazing photographs is another great reason why people love to come here. It feels like you are cheating when you gaze upon the vistas and landscapes the Galapagos have to offer. Even the newest amateurs can be sure that they will capture some of the greatest shots they will ever be able to take in any vacation.

The beaches here are absolutely stunning. You can find some of the bluest waters and the whitest sands you have ever seen, as long as you don’t mind sharing the space with sea lions and birds instead of umbrellas, food stands, and noisy vendors. Each island is like a different world unto itself. You can find all kinds of topography, landscapes, vegetation and animal life that has existed for thousands of years untouched.

Visiting The Galapagos is both beautiful and sad at the same time, because at this rate, this amazing archipelago composed of more than 60 different islands will eventually disappear. Tourism is something that greatly contributes economically to the conservation, protection and preservation of these ecosystems, but at the same time, collective consciousness about the issues that leave the future of this beautiful in such a degree of uncertainty must be raised. Those who visit the Galapagos must leave the islands as heralds and ambassadors of the beauty they have experienced and understand their role in making sure that many more generations can enjoy that same privilege.

For more amazing places to visit, the best tips to save on your next trip and the coolest tricks to make the most out of your next vacation, visit Royal Holiday Cruises today.

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Destination TipsRoyal at Sea

Kauai: Paradise Awaits You And Your Loved Ones

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The island of Kauai

Kauai is known for being the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands geologically and also the fourth largest with a surface of 1,456.4 km2. The island is located about 170 kilometers northwest from Oʻahu and is famous for its mountainous volcanic ranges and for being one of the places with the most precipitation in the whole world. Due to the fluvial activity, erosion is very high in the area east of Mount Waialeale and multiple canyons and waterfalls can also be seen.

The island of Kauai has many different points of interest and local sites for that visiting who want to experience harmony with the landscapes around them and see all the wonderful natural marvels like green valleys, waterfalls, beaches, beautiful sights, crystal clear waters and more.

Places of interest

Menehune Fishpond (Alekoko)

According to the Hawaiian stories, the Menehunes were a legendary tribe of people who inhabited the deep forests and hidden valleys of old Hawaii. The legend says that they created the Alekoko pond one-night using lava stones and then brought forth much fish to place in there and so they stayed to live in the area, as fishing is said to be one of their favorite activities. The fishpond is one of the most important and highly visited sites. The area is perfect for taking pictures and watching some of the most beautiful landscapes and sunsets the island has to offer.

Kaulu Paoa Heiau

During the summer, this beach is visited by many people who come here to engage in snorkeling and scuba diving in its calm and clear waters that offer the perfect temperature for these underwater activities.

Lifeguards who are always aware of anything irregular that may be going on and ensure the safety and proper care of the location watch the beach constantly. The area is not only rich in tourism but also it is a place sacred considered sacred and patrimony of Hawaii. As it is the case with many of the local cultural locations, it has a legend that tells the story of how the body of the local chief Lohiau Kauai, was placed inside a cave near the Oceanside cliffs. The story says the chief was in love with Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, but died and was unable to be with her. Pele’s daughter transported his spirit in the form of a flower and set it on the cliffs where people can see today the representation of said flower in the colors of the rainbows.

Image courtesy of --Raven at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of –Raven at Flickr.com

Waimea Canyon State Park

This amazing 16-kilometer long located on the western side of the island is famously known as the Great Canyon of the pacific. The place is a beautiful wonder of geology and a great site to visit while staying at Kauai. There are a few great lookout spots where you can snap the perfect picture or simply enjoy the view of the many colors that put on a show at this gorgeous meeting of the many hues of nature. The climb is not difficult to undertake and is well worth the small effort. Those who have visited list the Waimea Canyon as one of the most beautiful sights they have seen in their entire life, they simply call it “undescribable”, so I guess that means you must hit the road and go see it for yourself.

National Tropical Botanical Garden

Plants are some of Hawaii’s most valuable inhabitants. The noble mission of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai is that of preserving the tropical plant diversity through programs of research, protection, propagation and education of the public. Kauai itself is known as the “Garden Island” and this amazing botanical garden can quickly show you why. The number of species of plants is unbelievable and the facilities are excellent to welcome all visitors.

In the island of Kauai alone you can find three of the nation’s five National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai: Limahuli Gardens in Haena and McBryde Garden and the Allerton Garden on the South Shore. McBryde Garden, for example, is famous all around the world for holding the largest collection of native Hawaiian flowers in the planet.

The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is located on the north shore of the Island. Behind the garden, you can see the magnificent Makana Mountain and to the front, the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

In the back of the Garden is the Limahuli Preserve where ecologists and restoration biologists work constantly to preserve species native to this habitat. The American Horticultural Society chose the Limahuli Garden as the best natural botanical garden in the United States and sees its practices on water, soil, and rare plant conservation as an example to follow.

For more great islands to experience, visit our blog at Royal Holiday Cruises today.

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Destination Tips

You Will Love Visiting The Jewel Of The South Seas

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a small island located on the western side of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. A beautiful lagoon and a breath-taking coral reef surround the picturesque island, giving that turquoise colored water that makes Bora Bora so famous. In the middle of the island, there is an extinct volcano with two massive peaks that reach up more than 2,000 feet; they are Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu.

Bora Bora’s population is numbered fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, more than half of the living in Vaitape, the largest settlement of the territory. The island’s economy is mainly based on tourism and most products come from fishing the sea. English is widely spoken around the island with the main language being French and Tahitian.

The original name of the island was “Pora pora mai te pora” which means, “created by the gods” in the Tahitian dialect. The name used to be abbreviated to “Pora Pora” which in itself meant, “first born”, but the pronunciation of Bora Bora is also accepted and has been used since the first European explorers landed on the island back in 1722.

Bungalows on stilts are everywhere to be seen in Bora Bora, and it has become somewhat representative of the island to see these beautiful constructions sticking out of the clear blue waters. These types of buildings accentuate the beauty of the beaches and the relationship between man and nature that co-exists here in such harmonious balance.  

There is no public transportation on the island. To travel around you can rent a car, or better yet, rent some bicycles and start pedaling. One of the best things about Bora Bora is that no matter if you are coming here with friends, on your honeymoon or visiting with your entire family, there are activities for everyone to enjoy according to their interests.

What to do in Bora Bora

Most things to do on the island are outdoor activities, so you may want to bring a book to keep yourself entertained in the off chance that it rains too much.

Bora Bora is world famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and amazing dives. Scuba diving and snorkeling are something you have to do while you are here or you’ll be missing out on some of the most amazing underwater views in the whole world.

Image courtesy of gengish skan at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of gengish skan at Flickr.com

Matira Beach is Bora Bora’s favorite public beach and with good reason. This mile-long stretch of white sand is a great spot to enjoy the waters of this tropical paradise. Matira Beach looks like something taken out of a postcard, the contrast of colors in magical and the views are to die for. You can walk along the strip and find many cafes and restaurants where you grab a bite and enjoy the views if you are not in a mood to get in the water, but for those who want to swim, they are in for a treat. Matira Beach offers great access for scuba diving or snorkeling right off the beach, you do not need a boat nor to venture far out to see some of the most beautiful coral and fish species you can imagine; no wonder people call this beach the aquarium. There are venues on the island that rent equipment for snorkeling or scuba diving, but we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel, as you will not regret investing in a good quality pair.

Matira Beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and they are not exaggerating. The west side of the beach is a great spot to watch the sunset, there are few things more romantic in this world than a Bora Bora sunset and this spot is perfect to witness this marvelous sight.

Land tours are also quite popular in Bora Bora and many companies offer to take you around the island and show you the sights. Bora Bora was used as a strategic base for the allied forces during World War II, so many remnants of the occupation still remain today and can be visited by tourists. There are also many places that were once ancient villages of the local population. Ceremonial sites and sacred locations are excellent places to visit and just a few hours away walking. The Sacred Cave of Anau and the Valley of the Kings are some of the most culturally rich and beautiful locations to visit inland. Many services offer guides to lead you there and talk to you about the rich history of the island.

Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu are both popular destinations for those who like trekking and even climbing. The view from above is wonderful and well worth the walk.

For more amazing destinations, islands and the best tips for your next cruise, visit our blog at Royal Holiday Cruises today!

 

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Royal at Sea

The Top 8 Most Popular Water Sports In The World

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Here in Royal Holiday Cruises, we like helping you make the most out of your vacation getaways by giving you the best tips for going on holiday, telling you about the most exclusive destinations you must see and finally giving you all the insider information about the things to do and to enjoy while you are there.

Water sports are a great activity to do on holiday

especially because they are activities that usually not readily available unless you are in the ocean, because there is just something about scuba diving in your backyard pool that just doesn’t sound right.

Here we present to you, some of the most popular water sports in the world, so you can make sure to be ready to enjoy them, next time you decide to visit one of our wonderful destinations around the globe.

  1. Banana Boat

The Banana Boat is a timeless classic that continues to be popular all over the world, especially in tropical areas where the water temperature requires no wetsuits since getting wet is pretty much guaranteed. For those unfamiliar with this awesome craft, the banana boat is an unpowered, inflatable recreational boat meant for towing. The sled can accommodate from 3 to about 10 riders depending on the model and the power of the boat that’s being used for towing.

  1. Wakeboarding

Wake boarding is another tow and surface water sport, which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing techniques. The level of skill required is variable and can be easily enjoyed by first-timers as well as by experts in other type of surface sports.

Image courtesy of Shayne Thomas at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Shayne Thomas at Flickr.com

  1. River Rafting

Also known as White Water River Rafting, this is a truly extreme sport that takes a lot of stamina and courage to perform. At the same time, beginners in the right conditions can do it since not all courses are as fast and dangerous. River Rafting can be done using large rafts especially designed to carry a team of riders, or individually in smaller kayaks.

  1. Scuba Diving

The word SCUBA is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, a term coined by its inventor, Major Christian Lambertsen. The system is very popular amongst vacationers that want to explore the depths in some of the most beautiful underwater destinations all over the world. The only disadvantage of SCUBA diving is the fact that it takes a lot of training to be able to do it without a guide. However, most destinations offer quick courses that cover all the basics and with the help of a guide and instructor, will have you breathing underwater and living a one in a lifetime experience.

  1. Cable Skiing

Cable skiing is a new take on the traditional water ski or wakeboard where the water-skier is pulled by an electrically powered cable instead of a motorboat. The electric motor of the cable is quiet, clean and energy-efficient, making this activity a lot more environmentally friendly than regular water skiing. Cable Skiing is very popular in Europe but has been gaining momentum in the United States where it has become very popular in recent years.

  1. Jet Skiing

Another great and popular choice for adrenaline lovers. A jet ski is a motor powered watercraft, similar to a scooter or a motorbike that can carry one of two riders at great speeds on the surface of the water. Jet skiing is not recommended for children due to being dangerous because of the high speeds that can be reached.    

  1. Parasailing

Also known as parakiting or parascending, is a recreational activity where a person attached to a parachute or kite, is towed by a boat and carried up into the air. Parasailing is a great activity that requires no training since the person attached to the sail does not control it. Parasailing is not really a water sport, is considered more of a fun ride that will provide you with the greatest view possible of your location.

  1. Snorkeling

According to Wikipedia, snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually fins. This is one of the most popular sports in the entire world, mainly because of how accessible it is to anyone and how little skill it requires you to have in order to get started.

The Caribbean is one of the greatest places to get started in snorkeling or to visit if you are already an initiate of this wonderful activity. Snorkeling is a great activity to bond with your loved ones, to practice as a family or with your partner that will not take up a lot of time nor your budget with expensive or cumbersome equipment.

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Destination TipsRoyal at SeaRoyal CaribbeanRoyal Holiday

The Best Aquatic Sports In Paradise

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

The Caribbean possesses wonderful marvels like its turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches, matched by its diversity in foods and cultures that make this place such special destination. The Caribbean is known for its breath-taking landscapes, but mainly for its amazing islands that allow partaking in a great number of aquatic sports, perfect for all lovers of these activities and those who want to experiment them for the first time.  

The warm temperatures of the waters make it so much easier to spend the entire day engaged in a wide array of aquatic activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, which seem to be the visitors’ favorites.

Scuba Diving

Having bottles of compressed air strapped to your body as you discover the depths is definitely the ideal way to go about this type of underwater exploration. However, due to the number of risks and the training requirements of this activity, scuba diving must be done only by those who are certified or accompanied by a proper guide during immersions.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling or free diving is a low-tech version of scuba diving that doesn’t really require any equipment but instead it does call for being in great shape. Even though the immersions are shorter in durations, they require less technical handling of equipment and therefore allow you to enjoy the views much better.

Other sports.

Underwater sports are not the only options of course, one may also enjoy kite surfing, kayaking, fishing and surfing amongst many others.

Places in the Caribbean to enjoy water sports.

Cabarete Beach

Cabarete is found on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. There are many hotels, exquisite restaurants, bars and tourism in this small coastal island. Wonderful mountains, lagoons and amazing landscapes, surround the place. Its beaches are privileged by white sands and clear waters where people engage in windsurfing and kitesurfing. The PWA windsurfing tour has taken place there before.

Image courtesy of Guillaume P. Boppe at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Guillaume P. Boppe at Flickr.com

Isla Margarita

This island belongs to the province of New Spain in Venezuela and is known and the pearl of the Caribbean. Its tropical weather allows sports like wind and kitesurfing, and sights of beautiful coral reefs for those into scuba diving. The area constitutes of four important islands called Virgen Gorda. Tortola, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Flyboarding is a common activity in the area, due to the clarity of the water and the depth that allows to “fly” while underwater and also when coming up with ease. Flyboarding is an amazing experience you must try. Yaque beach is perfect destination for this sports but only for those advanced practitioners.

Granada

Nicknamed the Spice of the Caribbean. This place is great for relaxing in beaches were more passive activities take place. Sailboating, fishing as well as cycling and trekking are quite common here. Those into scuba diving will be delighted to visit aquatic park Molinere where they will find underwater statues very deep down in the water. Granada’s three main islands are Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Aruba

Known for its amazing weather and quiet beaches, Aruba offers adventure so much in sea as in land. Exquisite foods from all over the world and a vibrant nightlife with many places that will for sure entertain its visitors.

If you are into aquatic sports, the winds you’ll find in Aruba’s beaches will keep you hooked to wind and kitesurfing, jetskiing, parasailing, snorkeling and many, many more.

Seabob

This type of scooter is an underwater propulsion vehicle that allows a passage to travel fast and smoothly underwater.

Kayaking

Mangroves and hidden caves are everywhere to be seen and waiting to be explored as you watch the sunset in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Underwater Walking

This is not your regular entertainment. Underwater walking allows you to explore the sea bottom with the help of a special helmet and feed the fish by your own hand. It requires no prior experience and everyone can enjoy it as long as a trained guide accompanies them. One of the coolest experiences about this activity is visiting a sunken airplane and watching all the creatures that inhabit the place today.

Diving

Aruba is famous for scuba diving due to its amazing formations of coral and the sunken SS Antilles measuring more than 400 feet in length.

Atlantis Submarine

Atlantis is an underwater adventure like no other. Being in Aruba is the perfect opportunity to take place in this amazing underwater ride and visit places like the coral reef, Barcadera and to witness with your own eyes the mysterious sunken airplane.

Check out our deals and don’t miss a great opportunity to visit all of these locations and engage in all of the great activities they offer. Visit our website and find more information here.

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