Caribbean

Achingly beautiful islands set in sapphire blue waters, with world-class beaches, top resorts and water sports, lush forests, and astonishingly vibrant flora and fauna, intriguing colonial pasts, and tropical parties, each destination in the Caribbean and Bahamas has its own flavour and something of its own to offer.

The Caribbean and Bahamas have, for a long time, been an immensely popular cruising destination. From the spectacular Pitons of St Lucia, the volcanic bubbling underwater pools in Dominica, the beautiful beaches of Tortola, Barbados, Tobago, Antigua, St Barts, Turks and Caicos, to excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling amidst vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back vibes, all this can be explored and enjoyed whilst indulging in all the comforts and amenities available on a cruise ship, and only having to unpack once!

Paradise tropical islands and a real flavour of Latin America can be enjoyed a cruise in the Western Caribbean, with many cruises departing from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, with an enormous choice of departures starting from just three days. A Western Caribbean cruise takes in a variety of ports, including Mexico, Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and the Bahamas. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, experience a surprising array of international influences, from the Spanish cathedrals of Puerto Rico, to the cricket and English traditions of Barbados and the French chic style of St Maarten. Regular departures from Florida and the US' eastern coast offer a wide choice of itineraries, starting from just five days. Some of the region's best loved islands - such as St Lucia, Barbados and Grenada, the 'spice island' - can be explored in the southern Caribbean, as well as lesser known gems like Aruba and Curacao. Cruises focussing on this area range from five to twenty nights, with many departures from Florida and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

While UK cruise lines reposition their ships at the end of autumn from Europe, for a winter sun getaway in the Caribbean, a Caribbean and Bahamas cruise can also be enjoyed as part of a sector of a Grand Voyage or a World Cruise sailing during the winter months.

Caribbean cruises make for exciting tailor-made holidays, combined with extended stays in Miami, Orlando, the Florida Keys, or even further afield to Las Vegas or New York.


A beach lover’s paradise, Antigua has a beach for every day of the year, and the clear Caribbean waters are perfect for swimming. The annual highlight is Antigua Sailing Week, bringing world-class racing and fabulous parties at the end of April, but yachting, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and diving (best for beginners) can be enjoyed every day of the year here! Antigua’s Paradise Reef and Deep Bay, home to the Andes shipwreck make this charming island absolute bliss for a snorkeller! On land, there’s a rainforest to be explored by jeep, and colonial history and naval heritage to be explored at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, or a scenic drive along Fig Tree Drive through rainforest and past old sugar mills and churches. Be sure not to miss the weekly party at Shirley Heights every Sunday, enjoying Antigua’s biggest barbecue and dancing to the reggae and calypso rhythms of the steel band!

Barbados is almost like an island of two halves with a contrast between the glitz and glamour of the west coast, resplendent with lavish high-end hotels, chic boutiques and designer shopping, and the sleepy local villages and dramatic Atlantic coastline on the east coast. Party lovers must head to St Lawrence Gap in the south to experience the buzzing bars and the island party when the sun goes, and the sleepy fishing village of Oistins comes alive with an electric party atmosphere at the Friday night fish fry. Barbados has much to offer from magnificent beaches, dramatic cliffs, fantastic restaurants and a whole range of shopping experiences from boutique and designer to rum shops, and natural wonders including the astounding Harrison’s Cave, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to enjoy a stroll with the animals, and the gorgeous Andromeda Botanical Gardens.

Known as the most romantic island in the Caribbean, St Lucia is breathtakingly picturesque with pristine, sun-kissed beaches and jungle-clad peaks, which can be admired from above on helicopter tours; rustic rainforest retreats, boutique beach hotels, and some of the most exclusive luxury resorts in the Caribbean are favourite hotspots for honeymooners to stay. But adventurers also head to St Lucia to make the most of the thrilling water sports and adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer from kayaking and windsurfing to water-skiing and wake-boarding, and more. St Lucia is also a great place for whale and dolphin watching, or snorkelling.

Exotic black sands in the north of St Kitts become silvery white shores further south, while the island teems with monkeys and mongoose, and St Kitts’ reef-protected waters are ideal for swimming snorkelling and diving. Hike the Upper Round Road, zip line over the rainforest or climb to the edge of Sofa Rock, the crater rim of a dormant volcano, or enjoy a scenic railway following the trail of old sugar cane tracks, and delve into history exploring the 18th century Brimstone Hill Fortress – and when you’re done with your activities and explorations, unwind with champagne cocktails and soaking up the sun at Banana Bay!

A cluster of some 60 islands and cays which boasts some of the most luxurious resorts and spas to be found in the Caribbean, and some of the best sailing in the world and protected coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving, it’s easy to see why the British Virgin Islands are immensely popular! Whether you just wish to unwind and relax in a hammock or go hiking or biking, or looking for a romantic escape or a luxury break, British Virgin Islands has something to offer.

The senses stir in Grenada, the sugar-and-spice island, with the taste of organically grown cocoa, strong local rum, and cuisine infused with nutmeg, bay leaves and ginger, the sweet smell of cinnamon, and the stunning sights of the lush rainforest interior, dramatic volcanic crater lakes, and the Seven Sisters Falls, high in the Central Mountain Range, through trails of beautiful rainforest scenery where you can admire an abundance of birdlife and even the occasional monkey, perhaps even enjoying a swim in the natural pools under these fantastic waterfalls! Enjoy the buzz and bustle of the vibrant Saturday market in St George’s, the island’s capital, as you search for souvenirs and spices. A visit to Fort George and Fort Frederick provides glimpses to Grenada’s colourful past and spectacular panoramic views of St George’s, while underwater Grenada is the best spot for wreck diving in the Caribbean as you dive down to explore the wreck of the Bianca C!

Trinidad’s steel drums, calypso and soca in its vibrant capital, Port of Spain, host of the Caribbean’s biggest Carnival make a spectacular contrast to the alluringly laid-back charms of Tobago, dotted with charming villages amidst miles and miles of lush rainforest, the sleepier but nonetheless equally gorgeous other half of this two-island nation. Both islands make one nation, offering very different experiences, but both boasting an abundance of stunning nature from the Asa Wright Nature Centre, home to an incredible number of species including some 460 birds and over 600 butterflies, and turtle watching in Trinidad to birdwatching on Little Tobago.

Feast on smoked marlin, spicy jerk chicken and fresh lobster, swim with dolphins in sapphire blue seas, take an aerial rainforest canopy ride, bobsled down Mystik Mountain, kayak through White River Valley, taste quality rum on a distillery tour at the Appleton Estate, take a bamboo raft on the Martha Brae River, but also discover sleepy fishing villages and friendly, laid back locals – experience all this and soak in the natural beauty and carefree atmosphere of Jamaica!

Though the Dominican Republic has the crystal clear waters and sun-kissed, sandy white beaches of most other Caribbean islands, what makes it special is everything else it has to offer on top: championship golf courses, great spas, a plethora of watersports, old colonial charm, cobbled streets and baroque architecture in the historic capital Santo Domingo, and some of the best opportunities in the world to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat, including their impressive courtship displays! Enjoy a full Dominican experience on an outback safari, where you’ll be welcomed into a traditional Dominican home, see coffee and chocolate plantations, watch cigars being expertly rolled, try boogie boarding, and get to see much of this stunning island.

The Cayman Islands may be a tiny trio, but they are an exotic, sun-kissed paradise boasting some of the best scuba diving in the world, and an astoundingly laid-back atmosphere. The mix of luxurious resorts, sublime dining, soothing spas, and rich marine life make the Cayman Islands – and Grand Cayman in particular – a hot spot for couples, families and honeymooners, whether they merely wish to soak up the sun and relax, or hand feed friendly stingrays, swim with bottlenose dolphins or snorkel amongst stunning coral formations at Eden Rock.

Cadillacs and cigars, sun-kissed beaches and rolling mountains, salsa and rum, Havana and Hemingway…the colourful Caribbean island of Cuba boasts well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the heart of the 16th-century Old Havana, one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, and a rich marine life ideal for diving. With the dance clubs and cabaret shows performed at the famous Tropicana, there’s a great nightlife too.

First-hand knowledge: Amy, and Rachel have both been to the Caribbean, visiting various destinations. Amy's cruised to Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and St Kitts, while Rachel has cruised the Caribbean a couple of times, and has also visited Dominican Republic, as well as Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and St Kitts.

Caribbean Holidays