The Different Ways to Plan a Caribbean Cruise

How would you plan your Caribbean cruise? Would you pick a cruise ship that lazily ambles through the warm Caribbean waters, stopping only at a couple of ports along the way? Or would you rather see as many islands as possible on your ten-day sojourn through the tropics?

While it is impossible to visit all of the 7,000 islands, islets and cays that make up the West Indies, I opted for a Caribbean cruise that was jam-packed with different ports-of-call and less focused on open water cruising. While some people would say the art of cruising is about relaxing and rediscovering that life has a slower pace than what we are used to, I am of the opinion that more is better. I wanted to see as many islands as I could. The cruise was a Caribbean quickie, and it took me from Florida to the Cayman Islands. It was a foodie, adventure and nature tour all wrapped up in one glorious week. Here is a look at the highlights.

St Lucia

St Lucia is the crème de la crème of honeymoon destinations. The island is even famous for its pear-shaped fruit, the pomme d’amour, which is said to be an aphrodisiac. However, St. Lucia is also known for its natural beauty. There are picturesque waterfalls, volcanic cliffs and the world-famous Pitons. However, I booked a day excursion at the International Pony Club. The three-hour riding tour took me from the mountains to Gros Islet, which is a small fishing village, to a leisurely gallop down the Cas-en-Bas Beach.

The Pitons, St. Lucia

St Kitts

I had heard the food at St. Kitts was legendry, so when I left the cruise ship for a day tour, I was in pursuit of something to eat. I had a cumin-crusted wild swordfish at the Beach House restaurant. After dinner, I perused the cigar and rum menu. World-renown for its white beaches and stately sugar plantations, St. Kitts has become the rising star in the Caribbean’s culinary scene.

White Beach in St. Kitts

Martinique

Martinique is called the Isle of Flowers. If you visit the island between February and May, you will see red ginger, lotus and West Indian jasmine bloom across the fields and mountains. I went on a snorkelling expedition to Anse Couleuvre, which is a protected cove. There is a black sand beach. The locals claim this spot has the best snorkelling in the Caribbean.

Martinique Beach

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are composed of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. I took the Cayman Safari in hopes of catching a glimpse of a five-foot, Blue Iguana. I did not have any luck, but this is the only place in the world where such a creature exists.

Cayman Islands

Have you explored some Caribbean islands by cruise? Let me know int he comments section below.

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