Our guide to cruising the Caribbean islands
It’s the most popular cruise destination in the world and there are plenty of islands to choose from. Which one should you visit?
If you like: food
Go to: Jamaica
The island of Jamaica is one big culinary surprise and you’ll encounter flavours here you’ve never experienced before. The most famous dish is jerk chicken, which is rubbed with a powerful combination of spices and can be found everywhere from roadside stalls to restaurants. You’ll also want to try Jamaican patties, a pastry filled with meat and vegetables, crispy fried plantains and of course some of the exceptionally good coffee.
If you like: beaches
Go to: Anguilla
Sure, all the beaches in the Caribbean are pretty special but the ones you’ll find on the tiny island of Anguilla are the best of the best. There are around 30 scattered across the island with dazzlingly white sand, crystal clear turquoise water and cloudless skies. It’s just about flawless.
If you like: adventure
Go to: Dominica
Lush and unspoiled, Dominica is an adventure seeker’s paradise. The main attraction is the vast Waitukubuli hiking trail, the longest in the Caribbean. Then there’s the zip lines that race through the canopy, mountain biking trails, waterfalls to swim in and sea coves to explore by kayak. There’s also plenty to see below the surface too, with great snorkelling and diving on Champagne Reef.
If you like: history
Go to: Cuba
This mysterious island is just starting to open up to international travellers, so get there soon before it changes too much. Cuba is something of a time capsule, with vintage American cars in the street, crumbling colonial buildings and little in the way of internet or international phone service. The streets pulse with the sounds of Afro-Cuban jazz, stalls are selling sweet coconut pies for only a few cents and the mojitos are reliably excellent.
If you like: luxury
Go to: St Lucia
If money is no object, St Lucia is where you want to be. It’s an island of dramatic mountains and volcanic beaches, and is dotted with some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. But even though it’s undeniably fancy, it still has a relaxed, laid-back vibe that you’ll fall in love with. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities.
Have you been to any of these Caribbean Islands? Share your travel experience in the comments below.