One of the best things about the Caribbean is the diverse range of islands that makes up the destination. Each with something special and unique to give, the hardest part can be selecting the best one to visit. Island hopping in the Caribbean is of course one of the most popular ways, but if you don’t want to organise getting from one place to another, or are looking for more of a taste of the islands, a Caribbean cruise is a fantastic way to travel. In this piece we explore just why this is and what you can expect.
Why Go on a Caribbean Cruise?
You can explore multiple destinations in one trip
One of the biggest appeals of the Caribbean is that you can explore multiple destinations in one trip. Rather than choosing between the white sands of Barbados, the lush landscapes of Saint Lucia or the laid-back atmosphere of Antigua and Barbuda, a cruise can allow you to experience several islands in one seamless trip.
You can wake up somewhere new, spend the day exploring its beaches, towns and natural wonders, then return to the ship and sail towards your next destination while you sleep. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of different Caribbean islands and can help you discover somewhere you might want to return to for a longer holiday in the future.
You don’t have to sort your accommodation or the logistics
Island hopping is idyllic, but if planning isn’t your strong point, a cruise might be more your type of trip. You don’t need to worry about booking multiple hotels, ferries or flights, arranging transfers or packing and unpacking every time you move on to your next destination. With a Caribbean cruise, most of this is taken care of for you. Your accommodation travels with you, your route is already planned and you don’t need to worry about how you’re going to get from one island to the next. All you need to think about is what you want to do once you arrive.
It’s easier to budget up front
Another benefit of choosing a Caribbean cruise is that you can have a much clearer idea of what your holiday is going to cost before you travel. Depending on the cruise and package you choose, elements such as your accommodation, meals, entertainment and selected drinks can all be included in the price. Some luxury Caribbean cruises also include excursions, transfers, premium dining experiences and other extras, making it even easier to plan your spending. While you’ll still want some money for things such as shopping, additional excursions or meals ashore, having many of the major costs covered beforehand can make the trip feel much more relaxing.
You can experience complete luxury as you sail through the Caribbean Sea
The journey itself is a big part of the experience when you cruise the Caribbean. Instead of simply travelling between destinations, your ship becomes somewhere to relax, dine and make the most of every moment at sea. Depending on the cruise you choose, you could spend your sailing days relaxing by the pool, enjoying treatments at the spa, dining at world-class restaurants or sitting on your private veranda with a drink in hand. Luxury ships can feel more like floating boutique hotels, allowing you to enjoy five-star facilities while some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands provide the backdrop.
The sunsets at sea are unlike anything else
There’s something particularly special about watching the sun disappear beneath the horizon when there’s nothing but open water around you. Caribbean sunsets are beautiful from the beach, but experiencing one from the deck of a ship brings a completely different perspective. As the heat of the day begins to fade and the sky changes colour over the Caribbean Sea, you can find a quiet spot on deck, order your favourite drink and simply take it all in. Better still, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do it throughout your trip, with a different stretch of Caribbean coastline potentially waiting for you the following morning.
You can fully immerse yourself in the destinations
While the ship is a huge part of any Caribbean cruise, the destinations you visit are ultimately what make the journey so memorable. Days in port give you the opportunity to step ashore and discover what makes each Caribbean island unique. You might spend one day snorkelling in the beautifully clear water of Bermuda, another wandering through the colourful streets of Curaçao and the next hiking through the tropical landscapes of Saint Lucia, discovering waterfalls hidden amongst the rainforest. There are also plenty of opportunities to delve into the culture of each destination, whether that’s through its history, music or local cuisine. Choosing your excursions carefully can help you make the most of the time you have ashore and experience much more than just the port itself.
Cruise with Scenic
When it comes to cruising in the Caribbean, Scenic is an effortless choice when seeking luxury and a 5* experience. They have a range of cruise itineraries, from longer cruises spanning 13 days that go from New York to the Bahamas, to 9 days that journey from St. John’s to Bridgetown. Known for creating unforgettable river and ocean cruises and land journeys for over 39 years, they have a focus on luxury that spans everything from your dining experiences, to your cabin, the entertainment and the excursions on offer.
A Caribbean cruise is a wonderful way to experience several destinations in a single trip, immerse yourself in the culture and have a truly memorable trip without any hassle. You don’t need to pack and unpack, and can instead revel in luxury as you glide through the sea, waking up to the view of a new island beyond your windows as the sun rises. Check out some of our Caribbean Cruise itinerary picks here.
