The majestic beauty of the islands is of course the biggest draw of a cruise to the Caribbean, but it’s when you imbed yourself into the culture, sampling the cuisine, tasting the local rum and getting to know the ebb and flow of the land, that you’ll learn what this collection of islands truly of has to offer. Here we present you with 5 of the best places to see on a Southern Caribbean cruise. Barbados Barbados is the very picture of a perfect Caribbean island – with lengthy stretches of white sand beaches leading into topaz blue waters. At night the scene is set to perfection, when the beaches become quiet under a thick canopy of stars – many restaurants offer al fresco dining so take full advantage. There are a number of leisure activities to partake of on the island – including diving around the island’s vibrant reef system. If you prefer to explore the land then take a hike up Mount Hilaby for undisturbed views of the island. There are a great many restaurants and bars scattered around Barbados, and the nightlife, especially in St Lawrence Gap, is some of the best in the Caribbean. The western and northern beaches of the island are ideal spots for sun-seekers who want a little calm; Folkstone beach just north of Holtown is nice and quiet whilst being in close proximity to a number of waterspout options, while the luxurious Sandy Lane Bay comes with impressive vistas over the crystal clear ocean. Antigua Antigua is a beautiful Caribbean island, with a charming atmosphere and filled with things to do. Whether you just want to laze away on the beach or explore the colourful little towns and villages – you’ll find plenty to do. Make sure you take a look at the Nelson’s Dockyard, and the view from Shirley Heights. Though perhaps the most intriguing offering on the island is its capital St. John’s. It’s a picturesque port with vibrant architecture, boutiques and quirky restaurants, that serve up a delightful mix of typical Caribbean fare such as Jerk Chicken alongside local specialities, that take their influence from

Arabic and Italian cuisine like the Fungi and Pepper Pot dish. The food here is not to be missed! St. Lucia As you approach St. Lucia you will be in awe of the pyramid like forms rising from the water. These emerald mountains are undoubtedly its most striking feature – though the exquisite beaches, enticing blue waters and thick forests are just as beautiful. The island is home to a plethora of luxurious restaurants, bars and attractions – you’ll note that St. Lucia is especially popular with Yachts and a day spent sailing the coastline is a day well spent. But that’s not all there is – the rainforest is fascinating and perfect for hiking, while in the north of the island, towns like Castries provide a more laid back diversion – filled with inviting bars and the scents of Rotis being served up fresh from the oven. San Juan San Juan will leave Aesthetes breathless; this harbour city is awash with pristine waters and enchanting bricked pathways – home to colourful colonial architecture spanning some 500 years and made up of a distinct collection of cultures, which see Spanish siestas take place close to African religious festivals, themselves not too far away from towering office blocks and Parisian-esque architecture. The old city is atmospheric to say the least, and it’s here where you’ll find much of what San Juan has to offer, with carefully paved alleyways, and balconied houses in shades of blue and pink forming neat lines, all protected by the 500 year old fortifications of El Morro. In the city proper, you’ll find an intriguing collection of neighbourhoods concealing luxury resorts, casinos, art galleries and stunning villas. St Kitts St. Kitts is an island made for pure vacation – think lazy beaches with lazy beach-bars to match, water sports and diving, charming plantations, bustling towns like Basseterre and awe-inspiring enclaves like Frigate Bay and Majors Bay. If you feel the need for a little privacy when you

take to the beach, then you’re in luck, as many of the island’s beaches (generally the further away from the larger hotels the better) are quiet and have a laid back feel to them. You could easily spend an entire holiday traversing the coastline – walking into lost coves and discovering beaches of white sand with barely a footprint upon them. But there are also plenty of other things to take in too, such as the impressive Brimstone Hill Fortress and the Independence Square in Basseterre, which is home to a collection of colonial style architecture alongside the Catholic Church and the Court House. Hopefully I have covered some of the most popular places to see while cruising the southern Caribbean. If you have any others please feel free to comment! Written by Danny Smith owner of About2Cruise. For more articles like this one visit the About2Cruise Blog