To the left of the cruise ship as it enters the harbor, you see a jetty of land with the airport runway literally ending at a precipice adjoining the sea. You wonder how a plane has enough room to take off and land, and at that moment one comes in. Well, it looks like they do!
You know you are in the Caribbean as you look to either side of the inlet and see the houses projecting off the hillsides with the lush tropical plants everywhere. You enter this inlet and shortly arrive at the point of debarcation in the port for the city of Castries.
This lens is one of a series that the author is providing on over twenty cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Each lens will include general information on the destination, suggested shore excursions, and video and photographic illustrations where appropriate.
View of Castries, Saint Lucia
Areal Map of Saint Lucia With Major Cities
Brief Description of Saint Lucia From Wikipedia
:Also see: Saint Lucia (disambiguation).
Saint Lucia () (French: Sainte-Lucie) is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. Its size is 620 km² with an estimated population of 160,000. Its capital is Castries. The island nation has been the home of two Nobel laureates, Arthur Lewis and Derek Walcott, and so can claim the distinction of being the nation with the most such honorees per capita in the world.
Saint Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, named for Saint Lucy of Syracuse. It was first visited by Europeans in about the year 1500 and first colonised successfully by France who signed a treaty with the native Carib peoples in 1660. Great Britain took control of the island from 1663 to 1667 then went to war with France over it fourteen times, and finally took complete control in 1814. Because it switched so often between British and French control, St.Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies." Representative government came about in 1924 (with universal adult suffrage from 1953) and from 1958 to 1962 the island was a member of the Federation of the West Indies. Finally, on February 22, 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations.
"The Saint Lucia Constitution" (1978-Dec-20 effective
1979-Feb-22), Government of St. Lucia, December 2008,
www.stlucia.gov.lc (see below: References).
The island nation celebrates this every year with a public holiday. It is also a member of La Francophonie.
http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDI_2008_EN_Tables.pdf
View of Cruise Ship Docking Area in St. Lucia.
The Cruise Port
The greatest concentration of hotels, resorts, and restaurants are near Castries and the island's other main towns, Gros Islet, Soufrière, and Rodney Bay. The city maintains three tourist offices, and one in the airport. There are also many duty free shops within the town itself and several restaurants and other eating establishments including Burger King, Dominoes and KFC.
Castries has a few landmarks such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square (named after the island's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Derek Walcott), the Government House, and Fort Charlotte, at the top of Morne Fortune (an 845-foot hill) to name a few.
One of the major draws for tourists to St. Lucia is its beaches, and there are several in or very near Castries. Vigie Beach, Malabar Beach, Choc Beach, and La Toc Beach are all within easy reach.
Go to Wikipedia complete entry on Saint Lucia for more information.
Weather In Castries, Saint Lucia
Current weather conditions in Castries, Saint Lucia
Local Pollen Reports
30°C (Feels like 35°C)
Last update: 11/23/09 2:00 PM Local Time
Humidity: 70%Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 24°C
UV Index: 4 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1012.9mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 26km/h From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Moderate
Low: 26°C
Sunrise: 6:08 AM
Sunset: 5:33 PM
Tuesday
Nov 24
N/A
High: 30°C
Low: 26°C
Sunrise: 6:08 AM
Sunset: 5:33 PM
Wednesday
Nov 25
Scattered Showers
High: 31°C
Low: 26°C
Sunrise: 6:09 AM
Sunset: 5:33 PM
Thursday
Nov 26
Scattered Showers
High: 31°C
Low: 26°C
Sunrise: 6:09 AM
Sunset: 5:33 PM
Selected Shore Excursions
- 4 X 4 Atlantic Coast Adventure: 4 hours. Come and explore a side of paradise often hidden to the casual visitor,this excursion in erfect for the more adventurous and those that love nature.
- Best Views of St. Lucia: 3 hours. Enjoy some of the most unbelievable views of St. Lucia on this sightseeing excursion
- Breathtaking Soufriere & Warm Mineral Baths: 4,5 hours. Ascend Morne Fortune before traveling down the West Coast to Soufriere on this amazing excursion
- Rain Forest Aerial Tram Adventure: 3 hours. St. Lucia's wilderness comes alive in the rain forest canopy, experience it for yourself on this amazing excursion.
- St. Lucia Canopy Adventure: 4 hours. Experience the ultimate pairing of Zip Line technology with the beautiful ecosystem created by this island on this unique excursion.
- Toraille Waterfall & Fond Doux Estate: 5 hours. Enjoy the best of St. Lucia with a drive through the interior of the island to see a beautiful waterfall and gardens and then make your way to a working family plantation.
- Whale Watch Special: 6 hours. You'll have a great opportunity to see pods of dolphins, Pilot and Sperm whales and Orcas in the waters of St. Lucia.
History of Saint Lucia
==Pre-European people==
Saint Lucia's first known inhabitants were Arawaks, believed to have come from northern South America around 200-400 CE. Numerous archaeological sites on the island have produced specimens of the Arawaks' well-developed pottery. There is evidence to suggest that these first inhabitors called the island Iouanalao, which meant 'Land of the Iguanas', due to the island's high number of iguanas.
Caribs gradually replaced Arawaks during the period from 800 to 1000 CE They called the island Hiwanarau, and later Hewanorra, which is now the name used for the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort. The Caribs had a complex society, with hereditary kings and shamans. Their war canoes could hold more than 100 men and were fast enough to catch a sailing ship. They were later feared by the invading Europeans for their ferocity in battle.
A Little Local Color At Carnival Celebration, 2008
Further Helpful Resources To Study Before Your Cruise
Saint Lucia
Where to go and what to see in this jewel in the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy the island's renowned cuisine and generous hospitality. Inside tips on the best bars, restaurants and hotels. Explore an underwater kingdom, teeming with stunning tropical fish and fabulous coral gardens. Practical advice on where to find the best dive and snorkeling sites. Experience the island'' luxuriant rainforest and marvel at the twin peaks of the Pitons. Relax on the white sandy beaches in the north or chill out with a rum punch on the volcanic sands in the south. With 160 full-color pages, this authoritative guide is the last word on St. Lucia. Experienced local writers reveal the hidden delights of the island known as the "Helen of West Indies." Entertaining and informative features on the history, culture, architecture, music, beach life, flora and fauna give a vivid insight into the essence of this magical isle. Packed with up-to-the-minute facts and advice, this indispensable guide is a must for the first time or regular visitor who wants to get the best from their stay. Paradise is just a page away.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009) 
Saint Lucia: Portrait of an Island (Say It in Scots)
St. Lucia lives up to its reputation for outstanding natural beauty and for the friendliness of its people. With an introduction by John Robert Lee and quotations from Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott, the stunning new images in this fully updated second edition provide a fascinating insight into the unique history and vibrant culture of the island known simply as "Helen of the West Indies."
Amazon Price: $36.50 (as of 11/23/2009)
Insight Compact Guide St. Lucia (Insight Compact Guides)
ST LUCIA Authoritative * Comprehensive * Up-to-date * Easy to use This book is packed with useful information, yet finding what you need is simple: A map on the inside front cover clearly shows the routes suggested in the main test. The routes allow you to follow them right through or pick only the sights that interest you. The star system carefully grades the main attactions: * well worth seeing ** very intesting *** an absolute must Main sights in the city are given numbers in the text to help you to locate them quickly on the maps. Vivid photography makes it easy to identify sights on the spot. Practical Information on travel, food and hotels is placed handily at the end of the book.
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 11/23/2009)
Travellers Caribbean Cruising, 3rd: Guides to destinations worldwide (Travellers - Thomas Cook)
Thomas Cook Publishers Travellers Guide to Caribbean Cruising
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 11/23/2009)
Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 (Dummies Travel)
On a cruise vacation, getting there is half the fun-or more. Even if you're a land lubber, this guide will get you ready and eager to set sail. You'll learn what to expect and how to enjoy every minute-on board or in port. As the authors write, "The captain does the driving, the chef does the cooking, the bartenders do the pouring, and the stewards make your bed." You unpack once and then relax and enjoy.
Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 helps you make the most of your vacation. It includes:
* Down-to-earth trip-planning advice
* Info on the best ships for every budget
* Tips on sightseeing at ports of call
* Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages
Amazon Price: (as of 11/23/2009)
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It's Your Turn Now!
I intend to continue adding more material to this lens. Any suggestions as to items of information that would benefit you that I do not have already, let me know with a brief comment here.
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Reply
- WorldVisionary WorldVisionary Sep 26, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
- Nice lens - thanks for joining the Everything Caribbean Group!
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