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Top tips for cruising in the Caribbean
Between slow-paced days out on deck and the bustling, sun-soaked streets in port, cruising in the Caribbean comes with all sorts of different experiences. To make the most of your holiday, read our top tips for cruising in the Caribbean.
3 min
04 Feb 2025
Tips on Caribbean weather
The idyllic Caribbean islands are known for many things, and a big pull that keeps visitors returning is the beautiful sunny weather.
Most islands tend to experience temperatures hovering at around 30°C year-round, however the latter part of the year can bring more wind and rain. This less favourable weather generally occurs in August and September but can continue until November. If you’ll be in the Caribbean during these months, be sure to bring layers and waterproof clothing like a raincoat or poncho.
It can be helpful to bring layers in your luggage throughout the rest of the year too, to help you keep warm out on deck in the evenings, when you may feel a sea breeze.
Tips on Caribbean culture
When you step ashore on a Caribbean cruise it won’t take long for you to notice the friendly atmosphere. Most locals are happy to see people visit and get to know their island and are excited to share and invite you into their culture during your stay. A few helpful things to know to are as follows.
Manners are important
In shops, restaurants, local transport, or indeed anywhere where you’ll interact with people, manners go a long way. A simple ‘please’, ‘thank you’, or ‘sorry’, when appropriate, is always an appreciated way of showing respect.
Try to be open to new experiences
As with any new place, an open-minded approach is welcomed. Whether it’s learning a local phrase, trying a delicacy, or partaking in some traditional music or dance, a ‘give it a go’ attitude is considered favourable.
Celebrate and acknowledge the islands’ differences
On a Caribbean cruise it’s easy to sweep all the islands up into one, but in fact they all have distinct traditions and heritage. Explore the individuality of each in the form of food, language, music, religion, and much more.
Tips on food and drink
The food and drink you’ll be able to try in the Caribbean is fantastically varied. Whether you’re someone who enjoys experiencing destinations through local food or you prefer to stick to what you know, you’ll be able to find something that suits.
Eating local
Each island has a national dish you can sample in eateries all over, from Jamaica’s ackee and saltfish to callaloo soup in Sint Maarten, all kinds of textures and flavours await. Why not ask a local for a recommendation?
For the less adventurous palette
Should you want to dine on western favourites, it’s still relatively easy to find things like pizzas, burgers, fries, and salads across the Caribbean. Fast food chains like Barbados’ Chefette are known to offer a good mix of varied food.
Something sweet
Ice cream is widely available, or if you’d like to try a local dessert keep an eye out for bakeries. Many of the islands have a cherished take on rum cake, you’ll find variations of bread pudding, and lesser-known treats like conkies, and small, sweet tamarind balls.
Rum
On a cruise to the Caribbean, you’d be hard-pressed not to find the opportunity to sample a few different rums. Rum has been produced on many of the islands for centuries, and can be served neat, in cocktails, and also in cooking.
Tips on special events in the Caribbean
When it comes to festivals and parties in the Caribbean, there’s always something going on. From religious feast days to week-long celebrations, it can be useful to know if you’ll be cruising in the Caribbean during any special events. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Late December and early January – Bahamas Junkanoo Festival
- 21st January – Dominican Republic’s Dia de la Altagracia
- May – Turks and Caicos Islands’ Big South Regatta
- June – St Kitts Music Festival
- Mid July – St Lucia Carnival
- Mid July – St Vincent’s Vincy Mas Carnival
- Late July/early August – Barbados’ Crop Over Festival
- 6th August – Jamaica’s Independence Day
- 1st November – Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day
- 30th November – Barbados’ Independence Day
These are just a handful of celebrations occurring every calendar year throughout the Caribbean, and you may wish to research the specific islands you’ll be visiting at the time you’ll be going, to find out more. Being aware of events not only prepares you for an elevated atmosphere in port, but it’ll also go a long way towards showing respect and openness to the local cultures you encounter.
Tips for life on a Cunard Queen in the Caribbean
In addition to all the treasures you have to look forward to in this sun-soaked part of the world, cruising the Caribbean on a Cunard Queen comes with a host of unforgettable experiences of its own. Here are some hints and tips for really embracing life on board.
Get to know your ship early on
If you’re new to Cunard, or perhaps new to the Queen you’re sailing on, you may find it helpful to explore your home at sea early on in your voyage. This means you’ll have mapped out all your favourite places to return to, from that sun lounger that provides the perfect blend of sun and shade to the spot out on deck that offers stunning sunset views.
Make the most of complimentary room service
The majority of our room service menu is included in your voyage fare, so be sure to enjoy it anytime you feel like it! Perhaps a relaxed breakfast out on the balcony as you glide past shores peppered with palm trees, or a low-key supper in your evening robe, plus all sorts of treats in between.
Discover the different outdoor spaces
Sip on a frozen cocktail at the Pavilion bar. Enter a shuffleboard tournament on the Games Deck. Get lost in your holiday read as you sunbathe poolside. On balmy Caribbean evenings and during sunny sea days on board, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time outside (and inside if you need a little respite from the sun!).
Queen Elizabeth in the Caribbean
With a new homeport of Miami, Queen Elizabeth is set to become a familiar face along the shores of the Caribbean and North America. As such, it's only fitting that she should be equipped to celebrate these extraordinary destinations.
With a new _ and updated _, she makes the perfect setting for a cruise around the Caribbean. To unveil her transformation, read our Queen Elizabeth reimagined article.
Each day of your Caribbean cruise has the potential to be the most memorable of your holiday. From those quiet thoughts of gratitude as you wander along a postcard-perfect beach, to those impromptu interactions with a bartender who insists their rum punch is the best, find something to love in every moment.
