by The Caribbean has long been a popular cruise destination for British holidaymakers – but with its well-serviced routes and winter sun appeal, it is too often dismissed as little more than sun, beaches, rum and calypso . In reality, however, it is one of the most diverse and interesting regions on the planet, encompassing more than 7,000 islands and a large number of different cultures and traditions, many of which are still quite off the beaten track.
Now, cruise lines are starting to reach out, expanding their reach to include more of the lesser-known corners of the Caribbean, catering to passengers who want to avoid the sail and flop in favor of the culture, history and a more authentic experience.
Their itineraries take in several different islands, but they also go around the western edge of the Caribbean from Venezuela to Mexico, taking in the tiny San Blas Islands off Panama, the incredible wildlife of Costa Rica’s rainforest and the deep rivers of Belize, revealing rediscovered Mayan cities and pyramids.
In fact, this is a world far beyond the classic Caribbean – and it’s now easier than ever to discover it. The five ways below provide some inspiration.
Lee Islands
The Leeward Islands mark the eastern limit of the Caribbean, and exploring them under sail is quite an experience. Barbuda’s pink sands are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and Dominica has a vibrant mix of European and African cultures, with the Caribbean’s only remaining population of pre-Columbian Caribbean Indians.
Guadeloupe’s capital, Pointe-à-Pitre, offers a mix of French and Creole culture, historic buildings and lively markets. Admire the bright yellow cathedral of St-Pierre and St-Paul, then head to Nelson’s Dockyard in Falmouth Bay, where you can watch the world go by at a waterside cafe.
Book it: Star Clippers (01473 242666; starclippers.co.uk) has a seven-night Leeward Islands cruise from £1,307pp (cruise only) all-inclusive. The price includes a 20 percent Early Booking Discount, valid until 30 April 2024. Calling Barbuda, Dominica, Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Falmouth Bay, Antigua, Gustavia, St Barts, Philipsburg and Sint Maarten. Leaving Sint Maarten on 14 December 2024.
Central America
This cruise will not only take you deep into the culture of Central America, but also to the small islands that litter its coast, where you are unlikely to see another cruise ship. In English-speaking Belize, you’ll visit ancient Mayan cities and a coral reef rich in wildlife. In Nicaragua, take a taxi to the little-explored Big Corn Island with its colorful wildlife sculptures, then watch hummingbirds feed in the trees around Honduras’ oldest city, Trujillo, before exploring the ruins of 16.th past colonial century.
Book it: Hurtigruten Expeditions (02045711385; travelhx.com) has a 13-day Tropical Waters & Remote Island Communities cruise in the Caribbean from £3,186 per person. Calling in Belize, Utila Island, Cayos, Miskito, Providencia Island, Corn Island, Bocas del Toro and Colon. He will leave Miami on September 25, 2024.
Eastern Caribbean
Start the Turks and Caicos Islands as you like (still considered one of the world’s best kept secrets), visiting the jewel in its crown, Grand Turk, where the small main street of its capital, Cockburn . Town, is lined with examples of British Colonial architecture. Next, you will sail to Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the island of St. Thomas, with its Danish colonial-style houses, then on to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with its Unesco world heritage old town and El Yunque rainforest tours.
Book it: Holland America (0344 338 8605; hollandamerica.com) has a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from £1,219 per person, including all drinks and Wi-Fi. Calling Grand Turk, St Thomas, San Juan, Half Moon Cay and Fort Lauderdale. It will leave Fort Lauderdale on October 20, 2024.
The Southern Caribbean
The Dutch Caribbean islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – start this itinerary in an unforgettable way. In Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a brightly repainted version of Amsterdam – but mingle with the locals at Plasa Bieu, a large covered hall with open kitchens, and a plate of local Krioyo cuisine. will soon prove otherwise. Explore the local fish market in the capital of Bonaire, Kralendijk, and go to the large covered market in Fort-de France when you arrive in Martinique – also notable for its wonderful library (stone by stone imported from France) and its beautiful flowers indigenous.
Book it: Seabourn (0344 338 8615; seabourn.com) has a 12-Day Treasures Of Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao cruise from £4,799 per person (all inclusive, with WiFi). Calling Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua and Tortola. He will leave San Juan on December 2, 2025.
Puerto Rico
Featuring examples of American and Spanish-influenced Caribbean cultures, this cruise begins in St. Thomas and ends in Puerto Rico. The route includes various exclusive enclaves in between – including St Barths, where the international jet is fleeing for upmarket solitude, and the privately owned Channel Islands, at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. The latter is said to have untold pirate loot, but if searching for buried treasure sounds too much like hard work, the beaches of White Bay (and the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar) make a great place to start. put on your flip-flops and relax there. the sun.
Book it: Mundy Cruise (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk) has a cruise from £4,995 per person, including return flights from the UK, one night in Miami, one night in St Thomas, overseas transfers, all meals and drinks, port taxes and gratuities. Calling at Lovango, White Bay, St Barths, Channel Islands, Boqueron, Salinas and Puerto Rico. He will leave Saint Thomas on 23 November 2024.
