Photo Credit: Dominik Reiter via www.pexels.com

Does anything compare to a cruise in the Caribbean? A favourite among cruisers for as long as ships have been sailing there because of its beautiful beaches and easy going lifestyle, this location has long been a staple of the cruise industry. But where can you even begin when there are almost three million square kilometres to discover?

It’s a hard choice, but we’ve put together some of the best trips you can take when you’re on a Caribbean cruise; hopefully, this will help you narrow down your options a little more (although don’t worry, no matter where you do, you’ll have a great time).

Antigua 

The Caribbean may be best recognised for its tropical climate and white-sand beaches, but it also has a rich cultural heritage. Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights, both vestiges of the island’s British military heritage, are two of the most popular tourist attractions in St. John’s, Antigua. These two locations are commonly integrated into a single full-day tour of the island that also includes a stop at a beach and lunch. The great news is you can get the best P&O cruises to take you there.

Nassau

You’ll know you’ve finally arrived in the Caribbean paradise that is Nassau as soon as your ship pulls into the harbour. The Bahamas’ thriving tourism hub is conveniently connected to the island fittingly named Paradise, so you can see both in a single trip. If you’re feeling claustrophobic on your cruise, a stroll through the well-manicured lawns of the Cloisters and Versailles Gardens may be just what the doctor ordered. Arawak Cay serves up some of the best fried fish in the world so make sure you stop there for lunch.

Dominica 

Dominica, in the southern Caribbean, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with over 170 species of birds, dozens of waterfalls, and mountains reaching over 5,000 feet in elevation waiting to be discovered on an exciting hike. Consider taking a trip that includes a swim in the Emerald Pool (a waterfall grotto), a short stroll through the rainforest to the twin Trafalgar Falls, and a few rum punches at the end of the day.

St Thomas 

Stay away from the throngs of other Caribbean tourists if you’re looking for some alone time on your trip, and get away from it all by taking the ferry from Crown Bay Marina to Water Island. Honeymoon Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand, and the surrounding hills are full of interesting species like turtles, iguanas, and unusual exotic birds.

Grand Cayman

Stingray City, a fabled sandbar where stingrays previously gathered to swallow leftover bits thrown by fishermen, is the undisputed top attraction in Grand Cayman. Guests can swim in the shallow water alongside the tame animals, pet their soft skin, and take pictures with them.

Philipsburg 

The cultural differences between the French and Dutch halves of this island are striking. The Dutch side is where you want to go for fantastic duty-free shopping, while the French side is where you want to go for exquisite French dining. Great Bay and Little Bay are two of the best and most easily accessible beaches, but if you want to avoid the crowds and snorkel the reef or just relax on nearly empty sands, you can take a ferry to Pinel Island.