Wolfgang Busch

There’s much more to the Caribbean than you imagine. If you’ve never been, you may imagine it’s all about paradise sunsets and postcard beaches. While these assumptions are correct, they merely scratch the surface. There’s all kinds of scenery and things to see when the liner pulls up on Caribbean cruises. This article will provide some perspective on all the diverse options available in the area beyond just basking in the glorious sun and relaxing on the sandy beaches.

Did you know there are more than 7,000 islets scattered around the Caribbean? If you really want to experience the local essence, you have to spend some time exploring this vast network of ecosystems during your Caribbean cruises. To this effect, you'll find many options available, from diverse ferries connecting the bigger islands to exploratory boat tours organized by locals. You will have a memorable time hopping along these islets, whether you’re interested in snorkelling along the shores or just observing the terrestrial fauna and flora.

For some reason, food in the Caribbean doesn't get nearly enough credit. This means that a lot of visitors invariably get a surprising gastronomic experience. For what it's worth, you should know the local sea food is incredibly fresh (naturally, you might say!) and surprisingly diverse. When you sample the traditional dishes, you'll come across interesting culinary fusions and unexpectedly hot delicacies on every corner.

If you imagine the culture scene here boils down to swaying palm trees and quaint seascapes, you're in for a treat (you’re also mildly mistaken!). Not only are the locals friendly and relaxed, which will instantly intensify your easy-going holiday mood, but you'll also find a surprising variety of cultural and historical landmarks scattered throughout the bigger islands like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Antigua. When you feel like walking, there’s no shortage of trekking routes, amazing natural parks and reserves, all of which are absolutely glorious.

No matter where in the Caribbean you go, there are fun events and activities waiting for you around every corner. From horse races in St Kitts island to world-renowned golf courses, colossal wedding venues and exploratory scooter rides across the Dominican Republic, limestone caves and Cultural Open Houses in Barbados and tours of an active volcano in Montserrat, life is always a celebration in the Caribbean no matter what the occasion, from harvest time to full blown Carnival.

The warmth, the vibe, the sights… the Caribbean is simply fantastic. It’s an explorer’s dream, let’s face it!

In 1492, a new discovery was added to the globe by the famous explorer Christopher Columbus - a discovery that would be later described as one of the most luxurious destinations for holidays and a place that is enriched with beauty, culture and the all important sun, sea and sand.

The Caribbean offers bright white beaches, kissed by deep blue oceans, rum cocktails, which are sipped by the side of a pool and exotic foods, which excite your taste buds. There are plenty of locations you can choose to visit, but where to go first is a question that forms on the lips of most Caribbean travellers.

If you choose Royal Caribbean Cruises deals you can explore a variety of Caribbean islands during a single trip. Sail through the Bahamas, top up your tan in Puerto Rico, hit the shops in St Martin – however you want to spend your days, they’re sure to have the perfect option.

If the Western Caribbean is more your style, grab a snorkel to go lobster hunting in Playa del Carmen and swim alongside stingrays, before visiting the stunning waterfalls of Jamaica and taking a trip into the wondrous rainforests of Costa Rica. You certainly won’t be short of anything to do.

On board the cruise, the fun doesn’t stop; you can take part in many of the on board activities, including wave surfing, slides and other water activities. You can also opt for a relaxing massage, a swim in the inviting pool or a quiet afternoon cocktail by the bar. Your evenings will be filled with glamour, excitement and variety, with entertainment covering everything from Broadway musicals to aqua-theatres. Some of the cruise ships even have 3D theatres for the kids, plus a whole host of children’s day and evening activities, aimed at various age groups.

If you are hoping for something to tickle your taste buds, dining on board a Royal Caribbean ship will not disappoint; you can dine with the family, or for those travelling without children, you can choose to eat in an ‘adults only’ section, where you’ll be undisturbed by other families. The food is prepared on board by a team of talented chefs, who will ensure every morsel is exquisite, offering you a range of tastes from around the world - the perfect way to summarise a cruise holiday with Royal Caribbean!

St. Lucia is one of the world’s most popular and luxurious destinations. As a sovereign country situated in the Caribbean Sea, it benefit’s from the best tropical weather, cool winters and blistering summers. With a population of just under 180,000, St. Lucia heavily relies on the money generated by tourism, however in recent years, many of the world’s rich and famous have started to snap up property here.

The island was named by colonised by the French, and named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse. However since 1814, the island has remained in control of the British, and St. Lucia continues to apply a legal system tightly based on British common law. Due to the on-going world recession, the island’s economy has been hit hard, with tourism numbers rapidly declining. With many of the island’s native people originating from African descent, as well as East Indian, a large proportion of the population have immigrated abroad to find work.

The island of St. Lucia is known for its exciting culture, and from festivals to sports, music to dance, there are many amazing things to see and do here. One of the biggest festivals on the island is the Saint Lucia jazz Festival, held every May all over the island. Drawing hundreds of famous artists, bands and composers from all over the world, St. Lucia remains firmly under the spotlight during this spectacular festival.

When it comes to sport, St. Lucia is one of the most passionate and talented island countries in all of the Caribbean. Their main cricket team – the Windward Islands Club – is entirely made up of players from the island, with Darren Sammy (the first St. Lucian to represent the West Indies national team) being a loved national treasure, and sportsman of the year in 2004!

As the banana market becomes more competitive in the midst of the recession, St. Lucia has started to see small increases in tourism numbers, and government officials expect these numbers to continue rising throughout the year. From the Pigeon National park to The Pitons World Heritage Site, St. Lucia is an island of natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

If you’re considering taking a holiday to the beautiful island of St. Lucia, then there are a number of things to see and do. Why not take a trip to the Mamiku Botanical Gardens, where you will be able to explore the amazing woodland trails, exquisite landscape gardens and the ruins of an 18th century family estate.

If you’re looking for something a little more daring, why not jump in a car and head down to the drive-through volcano – the only one in the world! Not only will you be able to smell the sulphur, and see huge clouds of steam rising through the crater vents, but this will also be an unforgettable experience if you’re travelling with young children. When it comes to relaxing, then the mineral mud baths are one of the best ways to unwind on the island – so make sure you give them a try!