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The Caribbean South area of the popular Caribbean cruise region has become increasingly attractive to European travellers in the last ten years.
The tiny islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles are known as the ABC islands and are favourites for diving, shopping and sightseeing. The mainland port of Cartagena in Colombia could not be more different and provides an abundance of Spanish colonial architecture alongside a thriving international beach resort.
The southern waters of the Caribbean are generally too far south to suffer from hurricanes but the seas can become a little choppy at any time of the year. Although ships operate in the area year round, the main season is between the months of October and March.
Many itineraries incorporate Southern Caribbean ports of call on a voyage to the Panama Canal. Some take a whole day to transit the canal through to the Pacific Ocean whilst others enter the Gatun Locks in the morning and spend a day cruising in the Gatun Lake before returning to the Caribbean Sea in the evening.
February sees the traditional carnival season on the Spanish speaking islands as well as in Colombia, Panama and Venezuela. Trinidad is especially vibrant as the island endeavours to exceed the flamboyance of the extravaganzas of previous years.
Spice estates, rum distilleries and banana plantations provide interesting insights to the life of these eclectic islands and each has a variety of tropical beaches for relaxation after a morning sightseeing.
The island of Grenada is well equipped for its daily influx of cruise passengers and is recognised as the spice capital of the world. The capital, St Georges, has traditional, English style, red phone boxes, a hilltop fortress and plenty of opportunities to buy up souvenirs in the colonial streets.
Every port of call offers a host of excursions to suit all expectations, from leisurely sightseeing tours to snorkelling and diving.
What to pack
Read our guide to What to pack when cruising to the Caribbean
Silversea Cruises ad luxury cruise experts Mundy Cruising have got together to offer a chocolate-themed holiday in the Caribbean. The holiday starts off at Cobblers Cove Hotel, in Barbados, before boarding Silver Whisper for a seven-night 7-night cruise to the islands of Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Margarita, and Grenada. Mundy has enticed Rococo Chocolates’ founder Chantal Coady on board to give demonstrations and talks throughout the cruise. She … [Read more...]
Here's our pick of 10 top Caribbean and Central American ports. All you need to do is decide where to go first! … [Read more...]
Famed for its 365 beaches, visitors will be drawn to the azure blue seas and secluded beaches of the largest of the British Caribbean Islands. Antigua’s history is deeply rooted in the production of sugar cane – at its peak the island was home to more than 150 cane-producing mills. Today many of the plantation houses are restored into hotels and restaurants. The one remaining sugar estate is at Betty’s Hope where visitors can see a fully … [Read more...]
Fancy the big ship Caribbean adventure? Discover what it’s like to be treated like a star on board Celebrity Equinox on a five island cruise. … [Read more...]
Barbados is by far the most popular of Caribbean islands for Brits, due to its long and close association with the UK. Just 21 miles by 14 miles, it is also one of the most diverse, from the upmarket resorts of the Platinum Coast, to the fun resorts of the South, the wild and rugged east coast and the quiet north. What to see & do If you’ve only got time for one site make it Harrison’s Cave (harrisonscave.com), an incredible cave complex. … [Read more...]
St Lucia is an island full of natural attractions with lush jungle-covered terrain in the volcanic south contrasting with the more gentle scenery and white sands of the north. Famous for its iconic twin Piton mountains, this rugged Caribbean gem serves up a wealth of natural charm alongside the lively resort of Rodney Bay and the bustling capital Castries, where cruise ships generally dock. What to see & do In the north, picturesque Pigeon … [Read more...]
The Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao, known together with Bonaire as the Netherlands Antilles or ABC islands, are fast becoming must-sees for international travelers. With their combination of Dutch colonial charm and tropical verve the ABC islands bring a new dimension to the Caribbean experience. Swaying palms and white beaches are complemented by a dramatic South American backdrop: Venezuela is only 17 miles away and the ABCs share … [Read more...]
Silversea is to continue reductions on the single supplement in 2011. The Solo Traveller fares were launched in summer 2010 and applied to select voyages. Next year, the same reduction rate is offered but with more voyages to choose from. Over 20 cruises will offer the reduction in 2011 including voyages to the Far East, Arabian Peninsula, South America and Caribbean. The reduction offer on the single supplement is 10-25 per cent above the per-person, … [Read more...]
With its crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches it’s little wonder that the Caribbean is one of the most popular cruising destinations. Peak season falls between December and February and with temperatures consistently around the 30°C, you need to dress and pack accordingly. 1. Sun Protection Pasty pale skin in search of some winter sun needs protection. Make sure you choose at least factor 30 and remember to apply at … [Read more...]
As Royal Caribbean grows, it’s able to offer a greater variety of destinations than ever before. The Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean remain among the most popular with British passengers in particular, but there’s also an ever increasing demand for new adventures. Alaska Once the last frontier, Alaska is now top of the wish list for those who are looking for something a little more active and stimulating than simply … [Read more...]
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