Sailing The Tropics: Southern Caribbean Cruise Reviews

by | May 20, 2023 | Cruise Lines & Cruise Types

Introduction

Ever dreamed of setting sail into the azure-blue seas, leaving behind the humdrum of life for a while? Well, then a Southern Caribbean cruise might be your perfect escape route. This blog article explores the various islands, the renowned cruise lines that offer this magical journey, and much more. Buckle up as we sail through this sea of information, providing you with an all-encompassing Southern Caribbean cruise review.

The Islands, Sailing South

The Southern Caribbean region is a string of sun-drenched islands nestled in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, offering an enticing blend of vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking beaches. So, whether it's your first cruise or you're a seasoned sea traveler, let's explore these exciting ports of call, starting from Puerto Rico.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an Eastern Caribbean gem, is often the gateway to your Caribbean cruise experience. San Juan, its capital, stands out with its rich history, exquisite architecture, and bustling night-life. The Royal Caribbean Cruise, renowned for their exceptional services, is one of the many cruise lines that begin the journey from this lively city. It's a great time exploring the old city's cobblestone streets, relishing the fine dining experience, or simply basking in the sun on the beautiful beaches.

St. Thomas and St. Maartin

Our next port stops are the twin islands of St. Thomas and St. Maartin. St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a shopper's paradise with its duty-free stores. Don't miss out on the panoramic views from the top of the Paradise Point Tramway. St. Maartin, on the other hand, is a vibrant blend of Dutch and French cultures, boasting pristine beaches and an array of water activities. Enjoy the thrill of watching planes land at the famous Maho Beach or indulge in the local cuisine in the bustling marketplaces.

St. Lucia and St. Kitts

Heading south, St. Lucia presents a striking picture with its twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, standing guard over the island. St. Kitts, another compelling destination, is known for its lush rainforests, historic ruins, and sugar plantations. Silver Seas Cruises, a luxury cruise line, offers excellent itineraries to these islands, ensuring a great experience for every traveler.

Grand Turk and Puerto Plata

Next, we navigate to Grand Turk and Puerto Plata. Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos, is home to some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, where horseback riding is a popular activity. Puerto Plata, located in the Dominican Republic, is a haven for history buffs, with its Victorian-era architecture and the historic Fort San Felipe.

The ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao

As we venture further south, we reach the ABC islands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Aruba, with its clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, offers a perfect setting for water sports. Bonaire, known for its protected marine park, is a diver’s paradise. Finally, Curaçao, with its Dutch-influenced architecture and vibrant street art, promises a blend of European charm and Caribbean warmth.

Cayman Islands

Our journey wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Cayman Islands. Known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and an array of aquatic life, it's a favorite for snorkelers and divers. Experience the thrill of swimming with stingrays at Stingray City or explore the stunning limestone formations in the Crystal Caves.

Booking Your Cruise

Embarking on a Southern Caribbean cruise usually starts at South Florida, with Fort Lauderdale being a popular departure point. The city itself offers a wealth of entertainment and dining options, a perfect preamble to your upcoming cruise adventure.

A good deal on your cruise is essential to start your journey right, and a travel agent can be a significant help in this regard. They can guide you through different cruise lines, deals, and the best times to travel.

What To Consider

While planning your Southern Caribbean cruise, remember to consider the hurricane season, typically running from June to November. It's often a less crowded time with potential for good deals, but it's essential to stay informed about the weather conditions.

During your sea days, ensure you partake in the ship's activities, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy the sea's serene beauty from your balcony.

Once you dock at each port of call, make the most of the local experiences. Most cruise lines offer a range of shore excursions, from city tours and beach breaks to water activities and cultural experiences.

Currency And Tips

In terms of currency, while the local currencies differ, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the Caribbean. It's a good idea to carry small denominations for tips and small purchases.

The Cruise Lines That Cruise To The Southern Caribbean

There are several cruise lines, each with their unique offerings, that sail to the Southern Caribbean. Let's explore some of them in more detail:

1. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a popular choice for those who want an adventurous, fun-filled cruise. Known for its innovation, Royal Caribbean boasts some of the largest ships in the world, each packed with exciting amenities like rock climbing walls, zip lines, water slides, ice-skating rinks, and more.

The cruise line offers various Southern Caribbean itineraries, most commonly aboard ships like the "Symphony of the Seas", the world's largest cruise ship, and the "Freedom of the Seas". These ships stop at popular destinations like San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts, among others.

2. Silver Seas Cruises

Catering to the luxury segment, Silver Seas offers a boutique-style cruising experience with a focus on personalized service, fine dining, and immersive shore excursions. Their smaller ships, such as the "Silver Whisper" and the "Silver Shadow", allow them to visit less crowded ports, offering a more intimate and tranquil cruising experience.

Silver Seas’ Southern Caribbean itineraries often include stops at less-visited ports like St. Lucia and the ABC Islands, allowing passengers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

3. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line, often referred to as "The Fun Ships", is known for its lively, party-like atmosphere. Offering a range of activities and entertainment options, Carnival is a great choice for both families and young travelers.

Their Southern Caribbean itineraries, often aboard ships like the "Carnival Horizon" or the "Carnival Magic", include stops at popular ports like San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, and Aruba.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, a premium cruise line, is known for its modern, stylish ships, high-quality dining options, and excellent service. With a focus on wellness and enrichment, Celebrity offers a range of fitness classes, spa treatments, and educational programs.

Ships like the "Celebrity Summit" and the "Celebrity Equinox" sail to the Southern Caribbean, visiting ports like St. Maartin, St. Lucia, and Barbados.

5. Holland America Line

Holland America Line combines classic, elegant cruising with innovative features. Known for its excellent culinary program, spacious staterooms, and enriching activities, Holland America offers a refined cruising experience.

Their Southern Caribbean itineraries, often aboard ships like the "Nieuw Statendam" or the "Eurodam", include stops at exotic ports like Curaçao, Bonaire, and St. Kitts.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, offering passengers the flexibility to dine when and where they want, and a casual dress code. Norwegian's ships are loaded with a plethora of dining options, Broadway-style shows, and innovative features like go-kart tracks and laser tag arenas.

Their ships, like the "Norwegian Encore" and the "Norwegian Escape", sail to the Southern Caribbean, stopping at ports like Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Lucia.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is known for their "come back new" promise, aiming to provide enriching and rejuvenating cruise experiences. They offer a blend of traditional and modern cruising, with an array of onboard activities like culinary demonstrations, Broadway-style shows, and a variety of wellness programs.

Their Southern Caribbean voyages, typically on ships like the "Caribbean Princess" and "Sky Princess", include destinations like St. Kitts, Martinique, and Aruba. Princess Cruises also stands out with their "More Ashore" program, allowing passengers to spend more time exploring ports with late-night departures or overnight stays.

8. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises, an Italy-based cruise line, offers a distinctly European experience on board. They are known for their stylish ships, excellent entertainment options, and a wide range of dining venues.

Their Southern Caribbean itineraries, often served by the "MSC Seaside" or the "MSC Divina", encompass destinations such as St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Cayman Islands. MSC Cruises are also known for their environmentally-friendly practices, including the use of advanced waste and water treatment systems on their ships.

9. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers a magical experience for families, bringing the world of Disney to the high seas. Known for their exceptional service, family-friendly staterooms, and top-tier entertainment, Disney Cruise Line creates a unique vacation filled with Disney magic.

Their Southern Caribbean routes, usually aboard the "Disney Fantasy" or "Disney Magic", include stops at destinations like St. Lucia, Barbados, and their private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Disney cruises also offer a unique range of Disney-themed entertainment, including live shows, character meet and greets, and deck parties.

10. Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises, a luxury cruise line, is recognized for its small, intimate ships and culturally immersive itineraries. Their onboard experience emphasizes enrichment and exploration, offering a range of educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, and performances by local musicians.

Viking's Southern Caribbean itineraries, often aboard ships like the "Viking Sea" or "Viking Star", offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with stops at destinations like Tortola, Dominica, and Antigua.

Each of these cruise lines brings something unique to the table, so it's crucial to consider what kind of cruise experience you're looking for. From high-energy fun to relaxation and enrichment, there's a Southern Caribbean cruise out there for every type of traveler.

Popular Shore Excursions On Southern Caribbean Cruises

San Juan, Puerto Rico

  • Old San Juan Walking Tour: Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, exploring the historic forts of El Morro and San Cristobal, and colorful colonial-era buildings.
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour: For a truly magical experience, take a kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay, where microorganisms in the water glow in the dark.

2. St. Thomas

  • Skyride to Paradise Point: Take a gondola ride up to Paradise Point, offering breathtaking views of the harbor and downtown Charlotte Amalie.
  • Snorkeling at Coral World Ocean Park: Explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea, teeming with vibrant marine life.

3. St. Maarten

  • America's Cup Yacht Racing: Join the crew of a real racing yacht for a thrilling sailing experience.
  • Island Tour: Explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island, including popular beaches, shopping districts, and local restaurants.

4. St. Lucia

  • Pitons Boat Tour: Take a boat tour to see the iconic Pitons, two volcanic spires rising dramatically from the sea.
  • Sulphur Springs and Toraille Waterfall: Visit the world's only drive-in volcano and take a dip in the refreshing waterfall.

St. Kitts

  • Scenic Railway Tour: Ride the historic railway that once transported sugar cane across the island, offering panoramic views of the lush landscape.
  • Brimstone Hill Fortress: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress with spectacular views.

6. Grand Turk

  • Gibbs Cay Stingray and Snorkel Adventure: Swim with the stingrays in their natural habitat and snorkel along the vibrant coral reefs.
  • Island Tour: Explore the island's historic lighthouse, salt pans, and the John Glenn Space Capsule.

7. Aruba

  • UTV Adventure: Explore Aruba's rugged countryside on a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) adventure, visiting sites like the Natural Bridge and the California Lighthouse.
  • Snorkeling at De Palm Island: Spend a day at De Palm Island, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach, or enjoy various water activities.

8. Bonaire

  • Klein Bonaire Snorkeling: Take a boat to the uninhabited Klein Bonaire for some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.
  • Salt Flats and Flamingo Sanctuary: Visit the island's southern region to see the striking pink salt flats and the flamingo sanctuary.

9. Curaçao

  • Willemstad Trolley Tour: Get a glimpse of Curaçao's past and present on a trolley tour through the capital city of Willemstad.
  • Blue Curaçao Liquor Tasting: Visit the Curaçao Liquor Distillery and learn how the famous Blue Curaçao is made.

Remember, while some travelers prefer to book shore excursions through their cruise line for convenience and peace of mind, others opt for local tour operators who can often provide a more personalized and cost-effective experience. Either way, shore excursions are an essential part of the cruise experience, offering unique opportunities to delve deeper into each destination's unique offerings.

Conclusion

A Southern Caribbean cruise offers an extraordinary blend of beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're taking your first cruise or you're an experienced cruiser looking for new experiences, the Southern Caribbean undoubtedly promises a wealth of delights.

From the bustling streets of San Juan to the tranquility of the ABC Islands, each port of call reveals a new facet of Caribbean life. And, with a host of cruise lines offering a variety of experiences – from the fun-filled Royal Caribbean to the luxury of Silver Seas Cruises – there's a ship and an itinerary to match every traveler's taste.

Remember, while shore excursions enhance your journey, your adventure is also shaped by the moments you seize for yourself. Whether it's trying local cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, or simply strolling along a beautiful beach, these personal experiences often become the most cherished memories.

With careful planning and an open mind, you're sure to have a great time on your Southern Caribbean cruise. And, regardless of the cruise line or ship you choose, the magic of the Caribbean awaits you, ready to transform your vacation into an unforgettable journey. We hope this article about Souther Caribbean Cruise Reviews is helpful in planning your amazing vacation.