Mariner - Spring 2008 - (Page 5)

Solfatara Crater, St. Lucia The gentle Giant: St. Lucia’s drive-in volcano St. Lucia Exploring St. Lucia’s landscape. St. Lucia’s legendary volcano is just one of the many charms that will delight you on this tropical garden isle. Discover vibrant markets bordered by fertile green jungles. Spy colorful birds during a private horseback ride through Atlantic waters. Or pick your spot on a relaxing beach to soak in the radiant sun. You can travel to St. Lucia in comfort on a variety of Holland America Line cruises. All itineraries include convenient roundtrip service from Ft. Lauderdale. Here are just a few tempting selections: 10-Day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer ® ms Maasdam or ms Noordam Oct 14, 18; Nov 7, 27; Dec 17, 2008 Jan 23; Feb 12; Mar 4; Nov 1, 21; Dec 11, 2009 14-Day Southern Caribbean ms Maasdam or ms Statendam Oct 24; Nov 7, 21; Dec 5, 6, 2008 Jan 30; Feb 13, 27; Mar 13, 27; Apr 10, 24; Oct 23; Nov 6, 20; Dec 4, 2009 In mountainous St. Lucia, nature displays one of its most mystifying acts. Scorching liquid bubbles to the earth’s surface between rising pockets of steam. The soil turns varying shades of color. A potent smell of sulfur fi lls the air. Then, just as you’re expecting prehistoric creatures to appear, a car leisurely passes by. Come a little closer. The St. Lucia volcano boasts a reputation as the only drive-in volcano in the world. Vehicles maneuver rocky terrain into its basin, giving visitors a firsthand look at the aggressive geology of the island. Within its seven-acre terrain, water boils at 212° F while superheated steam hisses even hotter at 340° F. Despite the bubbling mud, liquid and vapor that emerge from its core, there’s little here for visitors to fear. In fact, the last minor St. Lucia volcano eruption occurred in the late 1700s, emitting nothing more than steam. Known locally as Sulphur Springs, scientists call the volcano “solfatara,” meaning “land of sulfur” because it emits gases rather than ash and lava. This also explains the scent in the air, a reassuring reminder that no eruption is imminent. Curious healing powers. In addition to sulfur, the volcano emits iron, calcium oxide, copper oxide, magnesium and carbon. These assorted minerals, baking and steaming on the surface, give rise to the turquoise, aqua and copper tones of its bubbling pools. Set against the emerald green of the soaring Piton Mountains, the site is quite stunning. The high percentage of iron oxide in the water is believed to give it therapeutic qualities as well. On the volcano’s far side, visitors bathe in its warm spring pools and waterfalls to treat ailments ranging from arthritis to sunburn. Modern hot spring baths can also be found upstream where the natural waters are so black, they’ve been known to stain material. And don’t be alarmed if you pass people happily covered in mud—the moist, mineral-rich volcanic soil produces an organic skin remedy locals swear by. Whether “solfatara” heals, beautifies or simply captivates, one thing is for certain: This drive-in puts on an extraordinary show. St. Lucia Look for additional Caribbean sailing dates, itineraries and savings on pages 22 and 23 of the Mariner Values section. To book your cruise, call your Travel Professional or 1-877-SAIL HAL, or visit www.hollandamerica.com. 5 Mariner Spring 2008 http://www.hollandamerica.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Mariner - Spring 2008

Mariner - Spring 2008 Table of Contents Black Pearls of the Sea of Cortez St. Lucia’s Drive-in Volcano Alaska’s Prolific Wildlife How Coffee Changed Costa Rica A Traveler’s Guide to Holiday Shopping Malta’s Last Stand Colorful Residents of the Great Barrier Reef Introducing Our New Website, a New Mariner Society® Director, a Face-lift for the Ms Prinsendam and More The Best Cruise Fares Currently Available The Ms Eurodam’s New Tamarind Restaurant Your Guide to Holland America Line Savings 2008/2009 Sailing Schedule

Mariner - Spring 2008

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