Memorable Caribbean cruise adventures you will love

On a cruise you can enjoy a whole string of islands – here are some of the varied and unforgettable experiences you will have when you go...

by Sue Bryant

The Caribbean region is famed for its white sand beaches and aquamarine seas. Not to mention fruity rum punches, swaying coconut palms and the rhythm of reggae on the warm breeze.

But there’s a lot more to do here than just bask on gorgeous beaches. History, heritage, culinary adventures, wildlife encounters and the dazzling underwater world can easily fill your days. Every island is different in terms of culture, cuisine, music, language and geography, whether your mission is to snorkel over pristine corals in Antigua or learn about rum distilling in Martinique.

The best news? All of this can be yours without even boarding an aircraft, if you choose to cruise. Here are some of the surprises that await on these tropical adventures.

Marine life in Barbados

Being in the water as a turtle glides just beneath you is an unforgettable experience

Barbados has two faces: the tranquil Caribbean coast on the west and the wild, wave-pounded Atlantic shores on the island’s eastern side. Both are absolutely beautiful to visit but for spotting marine life, especially if you want to be in the water, your best bet is the west.

The beaches here are where hawksbill, leatherback and green sea turtles lay their eggs. It’s generally easy to spot these graceful creatures, especially on a catamaran trip. The boat captain takes you to where turtles are usually found and you simply climb down the swim ladder, put on your snorkel mask, and float. Being in the water as a turtle glides just beneath you through the infinite blue is an unforgettable experience.

Catamaran cruises also stop for snorkelling, during which your guide will point out angelfish, butterfly fish and electric blue surgeonfish swimming around the corals. You could see a stingray buried in the sand or skimming the ocean floor, or even a harmless reef shark.

Culture and nature in St Lucia

The sounds and colours of the forest drench your senses

St Lucia is one of the most mountainous and dramatic of all the Caribbean islands, its south western skyline defined by the twin peaks of the Pitons, two steep volcanic plugs, bottle- green against the sapphire sea.

Like the Pitons, much of the rest of the island is draped in lush rainforest. A relaxing way to get close to nature is on the aerial tram, a kind of open-air gondola that glides slowly through the treetops. The sounds and colours of the forest drench your senses as you listen for the screech of parrots and the rustle of monkeys in the trees and admire giant ferns, scarlet heliconia and the dense vines of strangler figs.

Nature aside, St Lucia is packed with historical and cultural interest. Visit Morne Fortune, an innocuous-looking hill that was actually the site of multiple battles between Britain and France as both sought to control the island. Drop into the studio of Vincent Joseph Eudovic, a local artist who carves beautiful sculptures from mahogany, teak and cedar. And check out Fond Latisab Creole Park where you can see how bread is made from cassava and taste it for yourself.

History on St Kitts

A fascinating insight

A tour around Fairview Great House, a former 17^th-century plantation home with a beautiful botanical garden, and Brimstone Hill Fortress, a 17^th-century fort – and a UNESCO listed heritage site – will give you a spectacular and fascinating insight into the history of the island. The volcano Mount Liamuiga dominates the landscape at nearly 4,000 feet, while at times you can see the peak of neighbouring Nevis, the island on which Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born.

See the Dutch side of the Caribbean

Brilliant pink flamingos and coloured gable houses

The three ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao – are completely different from the rest of the Caribbean. They lie just off the coast of South America and are almost desert-like, with cacti studded through the arid interiors and shimmering salt pans dotted with brilliant pink flamingos.

The islands have Dutch heritage, too; Curaçao, for example, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As such, you will see brightly coloured gabled houses lining the waterfront in Willemstad and wheels of Edam and Gouda for sale in the shops.

A visit the Nena Sanchez gallery – Nena is Curaçao-born and a self taught artist - showcases the vibrant and colourful works of art depicting Caribbean life and landscapes, with art works and gifts on sale. See the wilder side of Curaçao at Playa Forti, on the island’s western tip, where waves pound the rocks.

Back in Willemstad, make your way to Landhuis Chobolobo, a 19^th-century mansion that’s the home of the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur. Blue Curaçao is essentially an orange liqueur dyed a rather lurid blue. The colour does not affect the taste but it will certainly be a talking point when you offer your guests blue cocktails at your next party.

Kayaking in Antigua’s mangroves

A quieter, greener side of the island

Antigua is surrounded by 365 beaches, as the locals love to tell you – one for every day of the year. But you can see a quieter, greener side of the island on a gentle kayak trip through the mangroves of the east coast.

Mangroves are amazing plants; they’ve evolved to thrive in warm, muddy salt water: conditions that most plants will not tolerate. They play a vital role in preventing coastal erosion and they’re a haven for marine life. All kinds of fish and crustaceans use the spindly roots of the trees as a nursery and feeding ground. On your kayak tour, you could spot sea turtles, eagle rays, herons, frigatebirds and egrets, as well as multiple fish species.

Cooking masterclasses in Martinique

A slice of France in the tropics

The currency here is the Euro and at lunchtime you will see locals enjoying their plat du jour with un pichet de vin rouge in swish waterfront restaurants. Learn a little about the island’s food and drink with a visit to the 17^th-century Trois Rivières rum distillery – with a tasting, of course.

Local restaurateur Prisca Morjon, one of the island’s most renowned chefs, will tell you all about local life and the island’s cuisine as she takes you through a masterclass in the preparation of salted cod fritters, a Caribbean classic – all the better with a fruit-laced rum punch.

Tortola by Jeep

The road snakes over the tops of the mountains with stupendous views

The Virgin Islands, forested and hilly, are scattered like emeralds across the peacock-blue sea. Most visitors explore by boat; this is one of the prime yachting destinations in the Caribbean. But one of the best ways to get to know mountainous Tortola, the epicentre of the British Virgin Islands group, is on a jeep safari.

There’s no need to drive; local guides, who know the roads (which can be bumpy, studded with potholes and full of natural hazards, including iguanas and goats) take the strain. The road climbs out of Road Town, the island capital, and follows the Ridge Road, which snakes over the tops of the mountains, stopping to take in stupendous views. From some of the higher points, you can see dozens of other islands, including Jost Van Dyke and in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John.

Celeb spotting in St. Barts

Mingle with the A-list

The temptation when you visit this wealthy little pocket of the Lesser Antilles is to mingle with the A-list – or at least spend your time ogling the megayachts that gleam in Gustavia’s bay and wondering who’s on board; in peak season, the winter, there will be celebs a-plenty.

Or you could rise above this and explore immaculate Gustavia itself. The Prada and Hermes shops might be out of reach but there are plenty of boho boutiques selling floaty island fashions and beach wear. Stretch your legs on a hike up to ruined Fort Gustav, built by the Swedish in the 17^th-century, for fabulous views down over the town and harbour.

Intrigued? Wherever you choose to explore, rest assured you can see it all on a Caribbean cruise with Saga – find your perfect voyage today.