When you think of sun-soaked, laid-back relaxation zones, do you think about the Caribbean? The Caribbean is a part of the world where the sea seems to caress the islands that inhabit it, and that seems to urge the rest of the world to come for a visit. In fact, the region was the historic mingling place of old and new-world cultures. Cruising the Caribbean is an easy, luxurious and popular way to experience the singular combination of tropical climate and fascinating island cultures. Depending on where you travel to, and what part of the year, you’ll experience unique experiences potentially steeped in culture and certainly loaded with fun.
1. Jamaica
Lots of 2022 Caribbean cruises will make stops at Jamaica. When people think of this island paradise, they often think about Bob Marley. A visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston will bring you to the place he called home. It features, among other things, his guitars and other paraphernalia, a picture gallery, movie theater and a tour of the studio and grounds. Runaway Bay is the alleged landing place of Christopher Columbus. It is renowned for crystal blue waters, beaches and coral reefs. You might explore the Green Grotto subterranean cave system to bear witness to some ancient natural beauty.
2. Grand Cayman Island
The Blue Iguana Recovery Program is a protected ecosystem designed to replenish the blue iguana population. Visitors can take a 90-minute hike where they can witness blue iguanas in their natural surroundings while strolling through beautiful forests and gardens. The Cayman Crystal Caves are an awe-inspiring geological wonder. Visitors can take a 90-minute tour through tropical forests and the caves beneath them. The Cayman Island National Museum showcases the island’s rich cultural history through dynamic presentations. Featuring over 1,500 pieces, this museum shows the island’s history through the artifacts that were used on the island in the past.
3. Aruba
Arikok National Park is an ecological preserve and home to many disparate species of animals, from the Aruba island rattlesnake to parakeets to goats to donkeys, among others. Folks can either drive the park or hike in certain areas. It features limestone cliffs, sand dunes and caves and even has a natural pool for cooling off. The butterfly farm in Oranjestad has exotic butterflies from all over the world and visitors can take a guided tour through the park where they will learn about the different butterflies. If you like to be down at the beach and active, you could head down to Hadicurari Beach. Windboarders and kiteboarders ride on top of the waves because of the consistently strong winds, but the snorkeling is also good here. If you’re up for a dive, you could scuba down to the Pedernales wreck. At only 25 feet deep, it’s a moderately easy dive for beginners while boasting an impressive array of sea life.
4. Curacao
Curacao is renowned for its scuba diving. Wrecks, stingrays, coral gardens and loads of other types of marine life occupy the waters around the island. The Mushroom Forest and Blue Room Cave are notably popular diving spots. Christoffel National Park is a vast area and home to over 450 species of plants, barn owls and deer. Visitors can drive, bike or hike the park. Hikers can reach the top of Christoffel Mountain in two to three hours.
Shete Boka National Park is a place on the northern part of the island where natural beauty reigns. This six-mile stretch features pocket bays in which sea turtles lay their eggs and the ocean sends massive waves into underground caverns. Both views and wind can be stunning.
There are so many places in the Caribbean worth visiting. Cruises will often tour several closely situated islands in particular regions so you can get to know a little bit of various cultures as you travel. Learning about the islands before you visit them is a surefire way to get the most of your time there.
