What to pack for a Caribbean cruise
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Best places to visit in the Caribbean
The Caribbean islands are home to a host of treasures just waiting to be explored, from hidden coves and lush jungles to high-end shopping and incredible restaurants. Discover some of the best places to visit in the Caribbean.
4 min
03 Sep 2024
Best places for local culture
If you really want to get to know the islands on your cruise itinerary, you’ll want to seek out those lesser-known places where cultural identity comes to life. This could well mean travelling a little further inland, perhaps on public buses if you want an authentic, local experience. In Barbados, you could seek out a community ‘Q’ party, where you can enjoy music, good food, and dancing all day. In Puerto Rico, you could start watching a spirited game of dominoes on a side street and learn a little something about how much this game means to those who play. Elsewhere, why not start chatting to patrons at a rum shack or go along to a fresh produce market? These bring a great way to get a glimpse into local life, whether you just want to people-watch or you’d like to sample their wares.
Sunset on a beach in Barbados
Sunset on a beach in Barbados
Sunset on a beach in Barbados
Best places for adventure
With our varied collection of Shore Experiences, adventure is never far away on a Caribbean cruise. A few highlights you could book include zip-lining through the jungles of St Lucia and Antigua, river tubing and RIB riding in Dominica, horse riding in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and kayaking in St Kitts. Activities like catamaran trips, 4x4 island safaris, and even helicopter tours are also available on many of the islands. So, if you are one who seeks an adrenaline rush from time to time, or perhaps just to push yourself out of your comfort zone, there are all kinds of adventures waiting to be had in this part of the world.
Best places for retail therapy
While you’ll find hand-crafted trinkets and inexpensive souvenirs at market stalls on many islands, the Caribbean is also known for its designer shopping scene. Capital of St Thomas, Charlotte Amelie, is the unofficial duty-free shopping capital, where you’ll find an array of luxury boutiques selling jewellery, liquor, perfumes, clothing, and more. Sint Maarten is also popular for shopping, with designer stores and duty-free goods located a stone’s throw from the cruise port itself. Designer shops you can find in the Caribbean include Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, BVLGARI, Cartier, and Montblanc, among others.
Best places for families
There are some hot spots you might want to look for if you’ll be cruising the Caribbean as a family. Margaritaville in Montego Bay offers live entertainment, a waterpark and slides, as well as a family-friendly restaurant. Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua makes for an interesting day out, where children can learn about the British Naval history in this part of the world and see artefacts like canons, muskets, and telescopes. In Barbados, you could head to Harrison’s Cave, where an open-air tram transports you through stalactites and stalagmites, before culminating in a dark and dramatic stop when the lights are switched off (possibly not one for toddlers or nervous children).
Ruins of a fortress at Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Ruins of a fortress at Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Ruins of a fortress at Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Best places for foodies
Should you want to explore the islands’ food scene, a great place to start is simply looking for queues. Wherever you see locals lining up outside cafes and food stalls, you’re safe to assume whatever is being offered will be tasty. Food trucks like Tia Rosa Snack in Aruba and Caboose in Barbados serve up delicious local favourites. Equally, if you’re looking for a high-end restaurant, there’s no shortage of four- and five-star spots. You’ll find restaurants run by Michelin star-accredited chefs including Eric Ripert, at Blue in The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman, and Matt Worswick at The Cliff in Barbados.
Best places for solo travellers
Thanks to warm and welcoming locals, the Caribbean is an ideal destination for solo travellers. You’ll always be able to find someone more than happy to share their stories with you, and keen to teach you all about island life. Likewise, if what you’re looking for is your own quiet haven of tranquillity, you’ll find an array of places that fit the bill. Mt Wynne Beach in St Vincent is a great place to come to escape the hustle and bustle, or the JR O’Neal Botanical Gardens in Road Town, Tortola, provides a calming atmosphere as well as visions of pretty plants and water features. Of course, you’ll find quiet beaches, parks, and botanical gardens on many of the other islands too.
Mt. Wynne Beach, St Vincent
Mt. Wynne Beach, St Vincent
Mt. Wynne Beach, St Vincent
The truth of it is, the Caribbean offers an abundance of remarkable places to see. With every island comes another highlight, whether it’s a colourful, bustling market or an unforgettably scenic viewpoint. You’ll find plenty of Shore Experiences that can help you get to know these beautiful destinations during your Caribbean cruise with Cunard, or you could explore independently and see what adventures come your way.
