The Northern Mariana Islands are located in the Western Pacific Ocean, and are considered part of Micronesia. The island chain is a self-governing commonwealth of the United States. It was taken by U.S. troops in 1944 from the Japanese, which had taken control of the islands during World War I. The main Northern Mariana Islands include Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Saipan is known as the resort island, attracting tourists for both land and sea recreation.

Saipan Sunset Cruise
Saipan Sunset Cruise offers tourists different types of cruises as well as watersport activities that are family-friendly. The company's Sunset Cruise takes guests out on a sailing catamaran, the Jade Lady III. The 64-foot boat sails in the evening so passengers can watch the sunset over Saipan's lagoon. During the trip, staff members serve a barbecue dinner and guests can quench their thirst at the open bar. Live entertainment and dancing round out the Sunset Cruise. Managaha Island Picnic is a day-cruise aboard the Jade Lady III. The boat departs from Saipan and travels to the smaller Managaha Island where guests get a picnic lunch and beach time and can access snorkel rentals. For a speedy boat tour, the Ocean Jet Coaster tour takes passengers aboard the Banana Split II for a 15-minute, 50 mph trip. Saipan Sunset Cruise also offers parasailing, banana boating and private boat charters.

Saipan Sunset Cruise
PMB 623 P.O. Box 10000
Saipan, MP 96950-8900
670-233-4345/6
www.cnmi-guide.com/saipansunsetcruise

Stars and Stripes Saipan
Stars and Stripes offers short cruises from Saipan aboard the 72-foot by 40-foot catamaran, Stars and Stripes. The boat carries up to 149 passengers, and an air-conditioned area seats about 100 passengers at one time. Stars and Stripes features four cruises plus private charter cruises. The regularly scheduled cruises include a sunset dinner cruise, sunset cocktail cruise, morning sightseeing cruise and afternoon sightseeing cruise. The dinner cruise includes a meal, drinks and live entertainment, while the cocktail cruise includes drinks and live entertainment. The sightseeing cruises sail along the Saipan coast.

Stars and Stripes
P.O. Box 215 PPP Box 10000
Saipan, MP 96950
670-234-7266
www.saipanstarsandstripes.com

Princess Cruises
Saipan is a port of call for Princess Cruises cruise line. In 2010, Princess offered a 42-night cruise that stops at the North Mariana Islands port. The cruise line features shore excursions on Saipan, and tourists can choose to find activities on their own as well. Princess Cruises' shore excursions include a visit and tour of American Memorial Park and the south coast. The trip takes passengers to World War II invasion beaches as well as the war memorial park and other historical sites. The second shore excursion is the historic northern coast, which features rugged coastal cliffs and historical World War II battlefields.

Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
800-774-6237
www.princess.com