The Essential of the Caribbean

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

In Castries, cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage. Both terminals are conveniently located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the city center, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. Pointe Seraphine is the primary terminal, featuring duty-free shops and a range of local craft stores, while La Place Carenage offers easy access to the central market.

To explore further, consider taking a taxi or a water taxi to Marigot Bay, roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) south, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, arrange for a guided tour to the island's iconic Pitons, which are 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, typically a 1.5-hour drive. Local buses are also an economical way to see the island's stunning landscapes.

Road Bay, located on the northern coast of Anguilla, is the island's main port and a hub of activity. The bay is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. Sandy Ground, the village along Road Bay, offers a charming mix of local culture and hospitality, with beachfront restaurants and bars providing a taste of Anguillian cuisine and nightlife.

Cruise ships visiting Anguilla typically use tenders to bring passengers ashore to explore the island’s attractions, such as the historic sites of Old Salt Factory and Pumphouse, which highlight Anguilla's salt mining heritage. Visitors can explore the stunning coastline and neighbouring cays, with Road Bay’s blend of natural beauty and vibrant local life makes it a captivating destination on Anguilla’s northern coast.

The British Virgin Island’s smallest island, Jost Van Dyke, runs deep with rugged scenery and colourful folklore. The island offers glowing turquoise waters, lazily bowing palm trees, and pristine white sand beaches. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Jost Van Dyke:

• snorkel Norman Island
• explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda Island
• cruise the waters of Jost Van Dyke and Tortola
• relax on the pristine White Bay beach

Cherry red roofs, yacht-sprinkled bays and a sophisticated French flavour all add to the gorgeous Caribbean allure of Gustavia. St. Barthelemy's capital rolls around a horseshoe-shaped harbour, where gleaming yachts hover and fancy boutiques, bars and restaurants fizz with life. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Gustavia:

• go on a sunset cruise
• sail the coast of St. Barts
• explore the harbour in a semi-submersible
• drive the enchanting countryside
  

With its mountainous terrain, vast tropical forest, hot springs, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, Dominica is undoubtedly the wildest island in the Caribbean. Set on sweeping Prince Rupert Bay, backed by steep hills and fronted by a long black-sand beach, Portsmouth is your gateway to this little-known land. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Portsmouth:

• enjoy a boat ride up the Indian River
• hike the Syndicate Nature Trail
• visit the Chocolate Factory in Pointe Baptiste
• explore Cabrits National Park

Known as the 'City of Arches' because of the many volcanic stone archways throughout the downtown area, Kingstown is filled with old world charm and accented with rich, rolling green hills. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Kingstown:

• beach hop on Bequia Island
• visit the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens
• hike up La Soufriere volcano
• sail the Tobago Cays
• taste the Caribbean's highest proof rum at St. Vincent Distillery

Bequia, an island of the Grenadines, is a rustic, unassuming and off-the-beaten-path choice. Offering glorious, often deserted, beaches of pure golden sand, and hillside sweeps of forest and almond trees, Bequia Island is an extraordinary feast for the senses. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to Port Elizabeth.

Top Things to Do on Bequia:

• explore the Island of St. Vincent
• sail around Bequia
• hike through the forest to Crescent Beach
• relax at Bequia Beach Resort

Grenada, the Caribbean's "Isle of Spice," is renowned for producing nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. The island's fragrant aroma envelops its emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Start your adventure by snorkeling at the unique Underwater Sculpture Park, an underwater gallery of marine life and art.

For stunning views, visit Fort Frederick, then explore the lush landscapes of Grand Etang National Park. Spot sea turtles at Levera National Park and tour a spice garden to learn about the island's famous spices. For a thrilling experience, try river tubing down the Balthazar River. Grenada's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a captivating destination.

Ships docking in St. George's, Grenada, typically arrive at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal. This terminal is conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the city center, a short 5-minute walk. St. George's is known for its picturesque harbor, historic forts, and vibrant market square.

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park whose turquoise lagoons provide a home and safe haven for some outstanding marine fauna, including peaceful green turtles. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

At two square miles, Mayreau is the smallest of the Grenadine Islands. With picture-postcard beaches, a friendly village with a quaint old church and a peaceful atmosphere, Mayreau is the untouched Caribbean you only hear of in whispers. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Mayreau:

• relax on the beach at Saline Bay
• sail and snorkel the Tobago Cays
• sail to Mopion Islet
  
• visit the Station Hill village and take in the views of the surrounding islands

Linked to St. Lucia by a sand causeway, Pigeon Island has been a designated National Park since 1979. On this wild and pristine land, you will be inspired to take pleasant walks amid the tropical vegetation and through a magnificent tree-filled garden.

You will also be irresistibly drawn to the two pretty little sandy beaches nestling on the southern side and bathed by crystal-clear waters. While snorkelling, be sure to explore the underwater world that is teeming with life, along the rocks lining this peninsula’s coast. This calm and beautiful island is the perfect place to relax.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St. Lucia is brimming with attractions. The town is scattered with colonial-era edifices amid brightly painted wooden storefronts and a bustling seafront. The famous Pitons, volcanic spires, tower over the entrance to the town.

Top Things to Do in Soufrière:

• stroll the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Baths
• visit the sulphur springs
• hike to Sapphire Falls
• visit the Morne Coubaril Estate

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

In Castries, cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage. Both terminals are conveniently located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the city center, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. Pointe Seraphine is the primary terminal, featuring duty-free shops and a range of local craft stores, while La Place Carenage offers easy access to the central market.

To explore further, consider taking a taxi or a water taxi to Marigot Bay, roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) south, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, arrange for a guided tour to the island's iconic Pitons, which are 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, typically a 1.5-hour drive. Local buses are also an economical way to see the island's stunning landscapes.