For Cool Summer Getaways Just Add Water!

For Cool Summer Getaways Just Add Water!

By Georgina Cruz

With summer upon us, many on the Treasure Coast are planning a getaway – a refreshing vacation or staycation to cool us off against the heat of the season. Regarding summer travel, when it comes to relaxation and fun a quick popular recipe is “just add water.” There is nothing like cool, bubbly H2O to dissolve the stresses of modern life and make us smile in such places as water parks, and there is also nothing like the vast watery horizons and the glorious sunrises and sunsets passengers enjoy on a cruise to help us relax and to inspire us by the beauty and grandeur of nature.

Here are some ideas to consider for near and far –and water-filled—getaways to enjoy this summer:

• Orlando water parks – Orlando may be in the middle of Florida, but although it is not on the coast, it has plenty of water! Among the many water park options in Orlando is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World. Visitors can make a splash at this watery oasis at such attractions as the Surf Pool, the largest wave pool in North America where the surf is up all day long; the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a coaster-like raft ride for two; the Humunga Kowabunga, a thrilling, 48-foot slide; a lazy river and other attractions including slides and water play areas for toddlers.  Disney World has another water park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, but at the writing of this post it was closed for refurbishment with no announcement yet as to its reopening date. Info: Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida (go.com).

Universal Orlando Volcano Bay water park

• Another hugely popular Orlando water park is Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay. Themed to the idyllic South Seas –with a huge volcano as its centerpiece and swaying palms—Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay has a winding river ride, wave pool and thrilling slides among its attractions. Info: Volcano Bay Themed Water Park | Universal Orlando.

• Cruises in the U.S. – If the idea of a cruise appeals to you, but you prefer to sail in North America and leave your passport at home, American Cruise Lines features 17 riverboats and small cruise ships with capacity for 90 to 180 passengers who sail in U.S. waters on a variety of itineraries including popular seven-night cruises on the Mississippi River. One of the programs on the Mississippi is a roundtrip from New Orleans that visits such port towns in the lower Mississippi River as Natchez, Miss. and Baton Rouge, La., and overnights in New Orleans. On board, the cuisine pays homage to the region with Cajun and Creole dishes. A variety of departures are offered including some in June. For those who prefer to cruise in Florida, American Cruise Lines offers two itineraries departing from Jacksonville and St. Petersburg and visiting Florida towns and cities along rivers and both coasts of our peninsula with departures in the fall and winter. Info: www.americancruiselines.com.

• Cruises to other destinations – Silversea Cruises, a luxury line of yacht-like vessels, features such bucket list locations as Europe, the Galapagos Islands and Alaska among many other destinations with departures this summer and beyond. Among the offerings this summer is a seven-night voyage from Fusina (Venice), Italy aboard its Silver Spirit on Aug. 2. In addition to the watery splendor of Venice, ports of call include several in Croatia including the picture-postcard-perfect seaside city of Dubrovnik. Info:www.silversea.com. For those who are looking for a Western Europe itinerary, luxury line Crystal Cruises is featuring a voyage on its 740-guest Crystal Serenity from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton, England with stops at Portuguese, Spanish and French ports along the way, including such highlights for wine lovers as Porto, Portugal and Bordeaux, France. This 10-day voyage departs Aug. 12. Info: www.crystalcruises.com.