The culture-rich Caribbean cruises that go beyond sun, sea and cocktails
The Caribbean has long been a popular cruise destination for British holidaymakers – but with its well-serviced routes and winter-sun appeal, it’s all too often dismissed as little more than sun, beaches, rum and calypso. In reality, however, it is one of the most diverse and fascinating regions on the planet, encompassing more than 7,000 islands and a vast number of disparate cultures and traditions, many of them still relatively off the beaten track.
Now, cruise lines are beginning to branch out, widening their horizons to include more of the Caribbean’s lesser-known corners, catering to passengers who want to eschew the sail-and-flop in favour of culture, history and a more authentic experience.
Their itineraries take in various offbeat islands, but also sweep around the Caribbean’s western edge from Venezuela to Mexico, taking in the tiny San Blas Islands off Panama, the incredible rainforest wildlife of Costa Rica and the deep rivers of Belize, revealing rediscovered Mayan cities and pyramids.
Truly, this is a world far beyond the classic Caribbean – and one that’s now easier than ever to discover. The five routes below help provide some inspiration.
Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands mark the eastern boundary of the Caribbean, and exploring them under sail is quite an experience. The pink sands of Barbuda are perfect for snorkelling and swimming, while Dominica possesses a vibrant mixture of European and African cultures, with the Caribbean’s only remaining population of pre-Columbian Carib Indians.
Guadeloupe’s capital, Pointe-à-Pitre, offers a blend of French and Creole culture, historic buildings and lively markets. Admire the bright yellow cathedral of St-Pierre and St-Paul, then head for Nelson’s Dockyard in Falmouth Harbour, where you can watch the world go by at a waterside cafe.
Book it: Star Clippers (01473 242666; starclippers.co.uk) has the seven-night Leeward Islands cruise from £1,307pp (cruise-only), full-board. Price includes a 20 per cent Early Booking Discount, valid until April 30 2024. Calling at Barbuda, Dominica, Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, Gustavia, St Barts, Philipsburg and Sint Maarten. Departs Sint Maarten on Dec 14 2024.
Central America
This cruise not only takes you deep into the culture of Central America, but also to the tiny archipelagos that litter its coastline, where you are highly unlikely to see another cruise ship. In English-speaking Belize, you’ll visit ancient Mayan cities and a wildlife-rich coral reef. In Nicaragua, take a taxi to little-explored Big Corn Island with its colourful wildlife statues, then watch hummingbirds feeding in the trees around Honduras’s oldest city, Trujillo, before exploring the remains of its 16th century colonial past.
Book it: Hurtigruten Expeditions (02045711385; travelhx.com) has the 13-day Tropical Waters & Remote Island Communities in the Caribbean cruise from £3,186 per person. Calling at Belize, Utila Island, Cayos, Miskito, Island de la Providencia, Big Corn Island, Bocas del Toro and Colon. Departs Miami on Sept 25 2024.
Eastern Caribbean
Start in the pristine Turks and Caicos Islands (still considered by those in the know to be one of the world’s best kept secrets), paying a visit to the jewel in its crown, Grand Turk, where the diminutive main street of its capital, Cockburn Town, is lined with examples of British Colonial architecture. Next, you’ll sail to quirky Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the island of St Thomas, with its Danish-colonial style houses, then on to Puerto Rico’s San Juan, with its Unesco world heritage old town and El Yunque rainforest tours.
Book it: Holland America (0344 338 8605; hollandamerica.com) has the seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from £1,219 per person, including all drinks and WiFi. Calling at Grand Turk, St Thomas, San Juan, Half Moon Cay and Fort Lauderdale. Departs Fort Lauderdale on Oct 20 2024.
Southern Caribbean
The islands of the Dutch Caribbean – Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – kick off this itinerary in unforgettable fashion. In Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a brightly repainted version of Amsterdam – but join the locals at the Plasa Bieu, a large covered hall with open kitchens, and a plate of the local Krioyo cuisine will soon prove otherwise. Explore the local fish market in Bonaire’s capital, Kralendijk, and amble to the huge covered market in Fort-de France when you reach Martinique – also notable for its amazing library (imported stone by stone from France) and its beautiful native flowers.
Book it: Seabourn (0344 338 8615; seabourn.com) has the 12-Day Treasures Of Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao cruise from £4,799 per person (all inclusive, with WiFi). Calling at Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua and Tortola. Departs San Juan on Dec 2 2025.
Puerto Rico
Taking in examples of both American and Spanish-influenced Caribbean cultures, this cruise kicks off in St Thomas and concludes in Puerto Rico. The route takes in various exclusive enclaves in between – including St Barths, where the international jet set flee for upmarket solitude, and the privately owned Norman Island, at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. The latter is said to hold undiscovered pirate loot, but if searching for buried treasure sounds too much like hard work, the beaches of White Bay (and the world famous Soggy Dollar Bar) make a lovely spot to kick off your flip flops and relax in the sun.
Book it: Mundy Cruising (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk) has the Virgin Islands and Undiscovered Puerto Rico cruise from £4,995 per person, including return UK flights, one night in Miami, one night in St Thomas, overseas transfers, all meals and drinks, port taxes and gratuities. Calling at Lovango, White Bay, St Barths, Norman Island, Boqueron, Salinas and Puerto Rico. Departs St Thomas on Nov 23 2024.
