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10 tips for getting the best out of a Caribbean cruise

Make the most of a voyage around the Caribbean - GETTY
Make the most of a voyage around the Caribbean - GETTY

Although we can't visit the Caribbean at the moment, travel writer Fred Mawer has some advice that can turn a post-pandemic cruise into one of the most memorable holidays. 

There's a common misconception that Caribbean cruises are really all much of a muchness. But where and when you go really matters, and how you approach your time ashore can make all the difference to the trip.

Here are my top tips, based on what I've gleaned from my cruises around the Caribbean and the visits I've made to many of the islands.

Sail from the Caribbean

Most Caribbean cruises depart from ports in Florida. However, by choosing one that sails from a Caribbean island, you'll have more time in the region – especially if you add on nights on land at the start or end of your cruise.

On my most recent Caribbean cruise, with Celebrity, I embarked at San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, and had 24 hours to take in the atmospheric old town before setting sail. You can also cruise from Bridgetown (Barbados), Montego Bay (Jamaica) and Castries (St Lucia).

Choose your itinerary with care

Caribbean islands vary enormously. Many are beach oriented, but some are all about the scenery – mountainous, rainforest-cloaked Dominica is a case in point – while others have absorbing, historic sights such as fortresses and plantation houses related to their British, Spanish, French or Dutch colonial heritage. The best Caribbean cruise itineraries include a good mix of types of islands.

Consider a low-season cruise

The Caribbean is the world's most sailed cruising region. In the peak-season months (December to April), multiple, vast ships can be docked at the same time at busiest ports of call such as Grand Cayman, St Maarten and St Thomas, and the many thousands of disembarking passengers can overwhelm the ports, popular beaches and attractions.

Some Caribbean islands are all about the scenery – mountainous, rainforest-cloaked Dominica is a case in point
Some Caribbean islands are all about the scenery – mountainous, rainforest-cloaked Dominica is a case in point

So bear in mind that Caribbean cruises operate year round. In the summer and autumn the weather is stickier and especially in September and October there is a risk of hurricanes, but the flip side is that your ship may well be the only one in port.

Get up early

Being out on deck around dawn is often magical on a Caribbean cruise. Not only will it be warm and quiet, but on days when you're making a stop – which is most on Caribbean itineraries – you'll see the moody outline of your destination beckoning on the horizon. As your ship draws closer and the island takes shape, you can make out verdant hillsides and slivers of golden shores – a perfect whetting of the appetite for the day ahead.

Go beyond the ports

Though there are a few notable exceptions – Havana, San Juan and Grenada's little capital of St George's spring to mind – on Caribbean cruises most ports are not the highlights of time ashore. Many heavily plug their duty-free jewellery and booze, but you don't come to the Caribbean to shop, so don't let browsing eat into precious beach or island exploring time.

Soak up some local colour

Two dirt-cheap suggestions. Take a short ride in a public bus; it can be an intense and fun little adventure. Calypso or reggae may be blaring away, and you could end up squashed in next to smartly-dressed schoolkids and ladies laden with their shopping.

Grenada's beautiful little capital of St George's - GETTY
Grenada's beautiful little capital of St George's - GETTY

And instead of chilling at a big touristy bar, pull up a seat at a locals' joint. On Barbados, for example, try one of the many basic but usually very welcoming rum shops, where Bajans hang out playing dominoes and the rum is traditionally served not by the glass but in bottles. Mini ones are available...

Visit beaches independently

Skipping the organised cruise-ship beach excursion will work out a lot cheaper – if there isn't a beach in walking distance, catch the bus or hop in a taxi (remember to ask the driver to pick you up at a pre-arranged time). Being independent also means you can avoid ending up on a stretch of sand cheek by jowl with several hundred fellow passengers.

Consider an island taxi tour

Again, compared with a cruise ship excursion in a large group, it may well work out cheaper, particularly for a family or two couples. It can also be more rewarding. Though getting a good driver can be hit and miss, from my experiences on the islands many drivers are experienced and fun guides. Importantly, you'll have some flexibility in where you go – maybe being able to stop for a swim at a quiet beach and a rum shop.

You don't need to fix anything ahead – at every port you can expect a fleet of taxis waiting for business. Signs normally indicate set rates for half-day and full-day tours, but nonetheless before setting off be completely clear with the driver what the fare is (and the currency quoted). Some negotiating is quite acceptable.

Try and find a locals' joint for a drink in Barbados - BRETT CHARLTON
Try and find a locals' joint for a drink in Barbados - BRETT CHARLTON

Go armed with low-denomination US dollars

On most Caribbean islands visited by cruise ships where the US dollar isn't the official currency, you can still pay for things in US dollars. However, on islands with their own currency, you're usually given change in that currency. So to avoid ending up with an unwanted stash of, say, East Caribbean dollars – the official currency across six Caribbean states and two British overseas territories – stock up ahead of your cruise with some one, five and 10 US dollar bills. Note that cashpoints on islands issue local currency.

Pack wisely

As well as the obvious (high-factor sun cream, hats), think about taking at least two changes of swimwear, including something suitable for watery activities as well as lying on a sunbed. Bringing your own snorkel and mask can be a good plan too. A light waterproof is essential – heavy downpours are commonplace in the Caribbean any time of year – as is one long-sleeved top, for air-conditioned interiors on the ship.

Celebrity (0845 163 1369; celebritycruises.co.uk) offers Caribbean cruises from several ports in Florida and San Juan (Puerto Rico). A seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Summit in January 2021, from San Juan to the British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, Dominica, Barbados and Grenada, costs from £549 per person, based on two sharing, excluding flights.