If you’re dreaming of visiting multiple Caribbean countries in one go, a cruise might be your best option. It’s not exactly budget travel, but timewise and cost-wise, it’s the most efficient way to tick off several destinations on your list.
Back in 2019, I went on a Caribbean cruise, and it was quite an adventure. From flying my drone over St. Lucia’s iconic mountains to swimming with turtles in Barbados at the end of the trip, each stop offered something unique. But let’s be real – cruises have their downsides too, but to this later. First about cruising in the Caribbean.
Starting from Barbados
The journey started in Barbados, an island known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. In the harbor there were many industrial sights. The only thing I was able to see of the beautiful island, which I had to find out later.
Exploring the Pirates of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Next stop: St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Here, I visited the famous black sand beach featured in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” This location, with its volcanic sand, was like stepping into a movie scene. The landscapes and clear waters are the reason why this location was chosen for the movie. The beach was smaller than I was expecting.
A Drone’s Eye View of St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s famous Pitons are even more breathtaking from above. I had the chance to fly my drone over these majestic mountains, capturing great aerial views. Before the drone session, I wandered through a local market, finding myself looking at locals living their daily life. The market was full with fresh produce, spices, and local crafts.
Jungle Adventures in Dominica
Dominica is often called the “Nature Island,” for a good reason. I joined a jungle tour that took me deep into the heart of the island’s forests. The experience was both the best I had on this cruise, offering a contrast to the more commercialized stops on the cruise. We trekked through dense vegetation, saw amazing waterfalls, and even spotted some of the island’s wildlife. It was an adventure that truly connected me with nature. Read more about it here.
A Quiet Sunday in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, which is basically France, was a bit of a chill zone, but only because I visited on a Sunday when everything was closed. Also my tour was canceled. It was a quiet day spent wandering the empty streets and eating on the boat. Like this I was able to see a different view of the cruise ship, like when it is basically empty.
Swimming with Stingrays in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda offered one of the trip’s highlights: swimming with stingrays. This surreal experience involved getting up close and personal with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The guides teached and ensured that the interaction was both safe and respectful for the stingrays. It’s a memory that stands out so far as one of the most unique interactions with wildlife I’ve ever had. Read more about it here.
Discovering the Dream Island of the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, I visited Saona Island, which felt like paradise. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters were straight out of a postcard. For me personally it wasn’t a great experience. It was so crowded by tourists and did not feel authentic at all. Read more about it here.
Flamingos and Island Discoveries in the ABC Islands
The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), which is basically the Netherlands, were all about exploration and discovery. In Bonaire, I saw flamingos up close, which was amazing!
Each island has its own charm and character, from the colorful Dutch architecture in Curaçao to the crowded beaches of Aruba.
These islands offered a diverse range of experiences, each island was completely different from each other.
The Rainbow Eucalyptus in Grenada
Grenada offered a unique sight: the rainbow eucalyptus trees. These colorful trees were unlike anything I’d seen before. It wasn’t amazing to be honest, I just used it for taking a picture and that was it.
Also I saw some nice waterfalls.
Back to Barbados: Swimming with Turtles
Returning to Barbados was the end of this cruise. This time, I made sure to swim with turtles, which was unexpected, but amazing. The clear waters and friendly turtles made for a perfect ending to the cruise.
Final Thoughts: The Pros and Cons of Caribbean Cruises
So, here’s the deal: while cruising the Caribbean is an efficient way to visit multiple countries, it’s not without its cons. Cruises can be expensive, and you often don’t get enough time to fully explore each destination. Plus, the environmental impact of cruise ships is significant. They contribute to pollution and can damage marine ecosystems.
Also, the experience is like mass tourism. You get a surface-level view of each place without truly experiencing the local culture. The ports are often crowded with other cruise passengers, and the excursions are all highly commercialized with high prices. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, a cruise might not be the best option.
However, if you’re short on time and want a taste of several Caribbean islands, a cruise is a practical option. Flying to each island individually would be far more expensive and time-consuming. For those wanting to visit all the countries in the world, a cruise offers the best balance of cost and convenience, especially in the Caribbean.
Just keep in mind that while you’ll get a little taste of each place, you will be missing out on the deeper experiences that come with longer stays.
Tell me about your cruise experiences or any Caribbean adventures you’ve had in the comments.
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