The Caribbean is often one of the first places you think of when looking to book your next cruise. A top destination which never disappoints, here are six reasons as to why these sun-soaked islands always hit the spot.
1. The beaches
The endless white sands, swaying palm trees and calm waves lapping at the shores paint a perfect picture of the Caribbean. An image of ultimate paradise, here is where some of the world’s best beaches reside. Visit the Pink Sands beach in the Bahamas, where the sands turn a pretty salmon-colour and stretch for more than three miles.
Sail to the shores of the Dominican Republic where, on the north side, never-ending beaches line the coast, drawing in surfers, snorkelers and swimmers. On the south side, the powdery-white sands mix with smooth pebble beaches; a picturesque destination for all.
For crystal-clear blue waters, head to Eagle Beach on the island of Aruba where miles of clean shores, tranquil waters and perfect weather make for a fantastic place to dip your toes and see tiny fish swimming between your legs
2. The wildlife
The land and marine life throughout the Caribbean is a menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures, from leatherback turtles laying their eggs on the beaches of Grenada to the calls of toucans in the tropical trees. Several islands even have designated national parks where there is an abundance of wildlife to watch out for.
See whales swimming past the islands of the Dominican Republic, spot free-roaming monkeys on St. Kitts, or even swim with pigs on Big Major Cay in the Bahamas! It’s safe to say that wildlife fanatics won’t be disappointed!
3. Island hopping
The Caribbean is a diverse destination, with more than 7,000 islands and 13 independent island countries. Each is as different as the next, meaning that island-hopping is an appealing activity.
Enjoy the Latin spirit in the Dominican Republic, before hiking in the Puerto Rican rainforests and delving into the deep waters of Aruba. You could even sample the cuisine and culture in Jamaica before attending a carnival in Trinidad & Tobago. With so much to experience, and each island in close proximity, plan a trip to see plenty and leave with lifelong memories.
4. Food and drink
With so many islands to choose from, Caribbean food is incredibly diverse. Especially fresh and delicious dishes mix a fusion of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy the delectable dining as your scour each island for its best breakfast, lunch and dinner plates. Particular favourites include plantain, fresh fish, spicy rice and jerk chicken.
5. The people
Anyone who has visited the Caribbean can vouch for the locals’ exceptionally friendly and amazingly laid-back welcome. An infectious trait and happy-go-lucky lifestyle, once surrounded by these people you will be ultimately relaxed and chilled. But that isn’t to say the locals can’t step it up when festival and carnival season begins.
The Caribbean is renowned for big open-air parties. Tamer versions involve Sunday afternoon barbecues, where you can lounge with the locals and listen to their authentic reggae tunes.
6. The history
Charles Hoffman / Flickr.com, CC BY-SA 2.0
An archipelago of Colonial history, the Caribbean islands add extra depth to any holiday. Barbados has ecological and archaeological sites reflecting rich cultural heritage, with some of the Jacobian and Georgian buildings built from the coral taken from the beaches. After bringing the sugar industry to the Caribbean, the plantation houses remain and have since been turned into upmarket hotels. St Lucia is home to the Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort, and a popular option is the Nisbet Plantation on St Kitts and Nevis, which is right by the beach!
A perfect holiday destination for many more reasons, Caribbean cruises are absolutely perfect for any traveller. From relaxing and rejuvenating your senses to adventuring and taking up water sports, there is something for families, couples, friends and solo travellers to make a voyage here truly wonderful.
I visited Bahamas and Barbados a few months ago and I really had an amazing time. The islands were breathtakingly beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and the people are very nice. The are also a lot of fine dining restaurants around Barbados such as The Tides and The Cliff. The food there is really enticing. When I go back, I’ll visit the other islands to get a taste of their offerings.