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The typical attractions of the Caribbean need no introduction and cruise ships offer a particularly inviting way into this rich and varied part of the world. In a week, for instance, it is possible to explore half a dozen entirely different islands, getting a tantalizing taste of the Caribbean diversity. In some cases, a day may be long enough to gain an impression of an island, especially if t’s a small one. A brief visit may leave you wanting to see more, 85 percent of cruise passengers come back, and many people return for a longer stay in a place they first visited on a cruise ship.
The magic of sailing in the Caribbean lies in the fact that every day offers a completely new cultural experience. At first glance, some islands may seem similar – with forested hills surrounding the harbor and mountains stretching inland. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that each port and island has its own unique charm. For example, Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe exudes a distinctly French feel: boats anchor right next to the bustling Place de la Victoire, which entices with its cafes, war memorial and colorful market. Just north lies Antigua, where reminders of Admiral Lord Nelson, an Anglican Cathedral, and a cricket pitch lend the island an unmistakably British flair.
Whether you want to apply sunscreen, read a good book and relax in the sun, discover pristine coral reefs and shipwrecks while diving, hike through the jungle, or visit ancient Mayan ruins – a Caribbean cruise offers all these experiences and much more. It’s also possible to combine two cruise itineraries into a two-week trip.
How to be a Savvy Sailor
First time cruisers may find it bewildering at the start of a cruise, but those who have been before won’t hang around discussing the size of the cabin but will get down to organizing their leisure pursuits.
Savvy sailors know to arrive at the harbor early and to embark as soon as possible. While others are waiting for their luggage to be taken to the stateroom, well-practised cruisers are moving from deck to deck, swiftly securing the best of everything.
First they book any exciting sounding shore excursions, then they head for the spa and beauty salon to grab the limited appointments, such as spa and beauty treatments on ‘at sea’ days rather than ‘in port’ days. Seasoned cruisers also stake out prime positions around the pool, as loungers in the shade are like gold dust.
To get value for money from shore excursions offered on the ship do your research on the places you want to see beforehand. You may find it cheaper to explore an island or area on your own, or with just a few others by taxi. Take care not to overbook excursions, as a crowded schedule can be punishing on the pocket as well as physically exhausting.
Building Bigger Cruise Ports
In recent years, most of the islands have experienced an enormous increase in cruise arrivals. The volcanic island of Dominica welcomed 6800 cruise ship passengers in 1990, less than a decade later it had 221000. One of the largest ships sailing regular Caribbean itineraries is Icon of the Seas, a voyager-class ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, with a total capacity for 5610 passengers and 2350 crew. The cruise line has plans to build an even bigger vessel, due in 2026.
Most Caribbean ports of call have done a great deal to upgrade and modernize their cruise terminal facilities as cruise numbers rise and larger ships appear. Visitors can normally expect an array of shops, bars and restaurants on shore. But it would be a mistake not to take a look at what is beyond.
In the Port
With a few exceptions, cruise ships moor close to the center of the major Caribbean ports. In the smaller islands it is normally only a brief walk or taxi ride from ship to town. This means you can quickly be at the heart of things. Usually in the capital or main town, the port would have seen the high of the sugar trade. As a result, they are full of historic interest, revealing ancient warehouses, colonnaded arcades and imposing buildings as well as the traditional fortifications.
Caribbean Climate
The Caribbean island’s proximity to the equator means that seasonal temperature changes are generally limited to less than 6 C. An added bonus is the trade winds, which bring regular, cooling breezes to most of the islands. Year round, temperatures average around 27 C throughout the region. During the winter (Dec-Mar) nighttime lows can drop to about 16 C, with daytime highs reaching as much as 32 C. Rainfall varies, ranging from around 50 cm a year in Curaçao and up to 190 cm a year in Grenada rainforest.
Rainfall is generally heaviest during October and November, although June is wettest in Trinidad and Tobago. The dry period coincides with the peak tourist season: December to April or May.
Hurricanes Season in the Caribbean
One of the most damaging and dangerous phenomena affecting the Caribbean, hurricanes can strike from June to November and usually last from eight to 10 days. A hurricane warning is issued when the storm winds reach at least 119 kph and high water and storm surges are expected in a specific area within 24 hours. Cruise ships are fitted with stabilizers to reduce the pitch and roll of the ship during bad weather.
What to bring
Bring swimwear, walking shoes for excursions, deck shoes, gym kit if you plan to work out, lots of sunblocks, a brimmed sun hat, spare film/memory cards for your camera as they might be very expensive on board, binoculars, a small umbrella and light raincoat for sudden showers, seasickness remedies and any regular medication you need.
Caribbean Dress Code
Cruising in the Caribbean can mean bringing two different wardrobes, one for the cruise and one for any overland travel afterwards. Some cruise lines, inspired by NCL’s informal ‘Freestyle’ cruising, have done away with compulsory formal nights, although Cunard, Fred Olsen, Costa, P&Q, Seabourn, Celebrity and Holland America Line are just a few that dohave gala nights.
A week cruise will generally have one or two formal nights and a mixture of casual and informal dress codes on the other nightsCasual means smart casual wear, but no shorts or sleeveless T-shirts.Informal means trousers and a smart shirt/jacket for men and a cocktail dress for women.
Formal means black tie, a dinner jacket or tuxedo for men and evening dress for women. For shore excursions and extended holidays take light cotton dresses, trousers, skirts, shorts, and blouses for women, and informal trousers, shorts and comfortable open-necked shirts for men. The breezes can be cool at night during the winter and air-conditioning can be pretty chilly, so bring a cotton sweater to help keep you warm.
In high-end restaurants, hotels and casinos, men are required to wear a jacket and tie. Outside the beach and pool, a simple T-shirt and shorts are recommended. Except Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy and Bonaire, women are not allowed to swim naked or without a bra. Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Bonaire have at least one officially designated nudist beach.
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