10 Nov HEAR WHY YOUR NEXT VACATION SHOULD BE A CARIBBEAN CRUISE
2020 was a stressful year for everyone around the world and as traveling took a backfoot, thanks to the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, the Caribbean cruise industry suffered a devastating blow. It was months since the cruise lines was able to set sail on the waters. And after nearly 18 months of sleeping in a dormant state, they are finally resuming services one by one. With most of the cruise lines fully booked and passengers willing to take the plunge and feel the sea air-brushing their stress away, the question remains, how safe is it to travel now?
Cruising has always played a pivotal role in increasing the economy of the Caribbean nations as well as the North American cruising market. With a large number of Americans now completely vaccinated, the cruise lines are trying hard to get back to business.
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What the CDC Has to Say
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Post pandemic, the U.S.Centres for Disease Control (CDC) issued and updates the Technical Instructions for CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. The CSO stated the requirements for cruises to comply to set sail from U.S ports. According to the latest modified notification, passengers and all personnel operating maritime conveyances are required to put on a face mask at all times while on public transportations or indoors. This includes seaports and ferry terminals. The gradual safe re-establishment of cruise tourism since its closure last year, is like a celebration of sorts, as the islands as well as the cruise lines successfully reopened their economy and returned to their normal lives.
While boarding the cruise line, along with a fully vaccinated certificate, you will need to present a mandatory pre-boarding negative Covid test report; maintain safety protocols like keeping a safe distance while onboard and there you are; ready to set sail on your much cherished journey to the Caribbean.
To guide you across here’s presenting a list of some of the best island destinations of the Caribbean. They await your arrival and promise to stir that wanderlust spirit that was locked behind doors for so long. Leave your worries behind and enjoy the trip
St. Lucia
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Famed for its remarkable landscapes dotted by ancient volcanoes, St. Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s gems in its treasure trove. With palm-lined serene beaches and architecture having touches of the French and British heritage, it speaks volumes.
Cruise to Castries, the port of St. Lucia, you could also head over to the luxury resorts snuggling amidst the natural beauty and adding that extra zing to your holiday. You could hike to the twin peaks of Piton. Explore the fishing village of Anse-La-Raye. Soak in the hot water sulphur springs of Soufriere. Or simply stroll at the Yacht Marina and boutiques at Marigot Bay.
Try the Creole cuisines with their mouth-watering traditional unique flavours. Shop at the duty-free boutiques at Pointe Seraphine. Or simply take a catamaran ride across the coast and explore the lush vegetation of the tropical rainforest. Whatever you chose to do, St. Lucia is a win-win destination for you.
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola, is also the port of call for most cruise lines. With the reintroduction of the cruising industry, after the covid 19 pandemic crisis, the quaint towns are looking up to the travellers with welcoming gestures. Head on to the land of oleander and hibiscus covered mountainside lining the famed shimmering beaches. As you cruise to the Virgin Islands, you will be enchanted by the pleasant sound of the Bamboula drumming. This will immediately rejuvenate you and bring you out of your sea sickness mood if any.
Explore the busy capital city of Road Town. Or charter a boat to explore the virgin beaches. You could also hop on a ferry ride to relish the exquisite scenery of the nearby islands of Jost Van Dyke. Explore the tucked-away alcoves of Virgin Gorda, or explore the underwater sea garden at Anegada, the only coral island of BVI. The untouched seaside scenery all around shows why BVI really lives up to its name.
St. Vincent and Grenadines
The small volcanic island is one of the least visited islands and hence with its low cruise traffic, it’s one of those serene beauty which is breathtakingly unspoiled. A dream destination for any nature lover, St. Vincent exudes beauty among the innumerous plunging cascades, tropical lush rainforests which are absolutely dense, and abundant coral reefs lapped by sparkling waters among the white sand beaches.
If you want to picture the perfect cruise getaway to the Caribbeans, then St. Vincent and Grenadines it is. Hike the famous trail up Mount Soufriere and enjoy the stunning views or hit the easier option within the St. Vincent Parrot Reserve, either way, the lush vegetation will serenade you to a different height. The capital city and port for all cruises, Kingstown, itself gives the holiday vibes to start the holiday ball rolling. With its exquisite botanical garden, lively quaint market places lined with churches of the 19th-century it has plenty to offer you in between your beach breaks. Do not miss the popular local callaloo soup or the fresh-caught seafood platter of whelk, lobster, conch and jackfish served with the equally famous breadfruit of St.Vincent.
Barbados
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The land of sweeping natural vistas, rippling sugarcane fields that exude colonial charm and historic plantations, Barbados or BIM is a fine amalgamation of a rich heritage and island warmth. A one-of-a-kind paradise, Barbados famed for its pink and white sand beaches stretching endlessly along the turquoise waters offers more than the rolling hills and valleys. The Harrison’s Cave, an intricate limestone cave system with its flowing streams underground, emerald pools, and unusual stalactite formations that date back centuries, will leave you spellbound.
Sit back and relax on the Carlisle Bay Beach or snorkel around and swim with turtles, you could also check out the duty-free shops for authentic traditional souvenirs as keepsakes. The local delicacy of the Bajun community is a perfect blend of African, Indian and British influences. For the adventurous ones don’t miss out the local street foods like fried fish cakes, tamarind balls and their national dish coucou with flying fish.
Grenada
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Rightly nicknamed “The island of spices”, as you step out of your cruise line, the strong intoxicating smell of nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, turmeric and cloves will hit right through your senses. With its abundant sun-kissed beaches to stroll around or bask in, the adventurous ones could also take advantage of the natural abundant beauty thrown here and there.
Trek to one of the multi-tiered waterfalls. Then cool off your feet in the chilling waters. Or simply stroll through the 125-year-old Sendall Tunnel and reach the horse-shoe-shaped Carenage waterfront to grab your afternoon lunch.
The Grand Etang Lake is a masterpiece in itself. Its extinct volcano crater is filled with cobalt blue water and hiking to it will leave you spellbound with its lush mountainous interiors. You could also take a tour of the various spice plantations and processing stations. Or just laze away the day relaxing, either way, Grenada has the asset to fulfill any wanderlust desire.
Curacao
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Rightly called an island paradise, Curacao sums up everything that a vacation destination can be made up of. From nearly 38 rugged, secluded and most stunning beaches of Kenepa, Playa Porto Marie and Mambo, there is also Cas Abao beach with its turquoise water contrasting with the bright white sands which is a favorite among tourists and locals.
With one of the world’s greatest scuba diving spots which is easily navigable by beginners as well as experts, Curacao offers a rich insight into its underwater faunal diversity like no other place.
Do not miss to notice the rich cultural heritage and tropicalized Dutch pastel architecture that endows authentic flavour.
Cruises dock on Otrobanda, situated on the west side of Willemstad, the capital city. From there you can explore the island on foot, by bus, and rent a car as per your permissible time. Take a ride through Shete Boka Park. Enjoy there the giant waves breaking against rocky inlets which look like a geyser or the natural bridge that the ocean water has carved out of the terrains. While resting your feet, have some African peanut soup with bananas or try Kabritu, a curried goat stew and laze your eyes watching the day pass by.
Jamaica
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To catch the ever thrilling spirit and tropical vibe of the Caribbean, a cruise visit to Jamaica is a must. Ocho Rios, the cruise ship capital, is a perfect blend of a laid-back vibe as well as the city bustle. One of the richest gems in Jamaica’s treasure trove, Ocho Rios boasts of scintillating pearly shores, plenty of meandering rivers and its lush tropical rainforests. Head off to the Dunn’s River Falls where the “heaven spills into the sea”. It is famously cited by the locals, and wade through the falls to get the over-worldly exhilarating experience. Visit the Green Grotto cave, to be an audience to an amazing natural wonder- a maze of underground limestone chambers. For shopping local artisan products a visit to Island Plaza in the heart of Ocho Rios is a must.
Check out the other cruise port of Jamaica, Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second-largest city. Don’t miss out on Doctor’s Cave Beach. It has an exquisite shoreline and is one of the best places for snorkeling.
Antigua
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Home to 365 white sandy beaches, it is rightfully said, Antigua has a beach for every day of the year. The vibrant capital city of St.John’s is more than just lounging yacht studded beachsides. The lively market places, the British colonial architecture, wild forest trails, upscale boutiques everything sparks a perfect day trip while on your cruise journey to Antigua. Hike to Fort Barrington or St. John’s Cathedral at Shirley Heights, to catch the perfect birds-eye view of the magnificent island and its harbours. Laze your feet and grab some delectable unique flavorsome local cuisine. Savour the Ducana dumplings made from sweet potatoes and gulp it down with the locally brewed Wadadli beer. The fresh seafood is always a thumbs up when flipping the local menus. Have it to get the true Caribbean feeling!
Aruba
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As cruise ships started operating post pandemic crisis, keeping all protocols in tune, the colorful port town of Oranjestad, is back with its vibrant flavour welcoming the tourist with all its tropical vibes.
The stretch of 20miles seems small enough, but the incredible contrast it offers is more than the eyes can satiate. It’s like a one-stop destination where you get nature’s wonders under one roof.
From cruising in the tropical waters to hiking in the rugged desert terrain in no time, you just need to tick off everything on your list. Relish the beauty of the local flora and fauna at the craggy rough Aruba Arikok National Park. Do this before you hit Conchi, a natural pool created by the crashing waves. And don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the enchanting coastlines from atop.
For a panoramic view, hop on to the recently renovated California Lighthouse. There you get to witness the two faces of the ocean. One crashing waves on the windward coast and the other solemn calm waters of the leeward side. Keep your taste buds ready to try out the Argentine meat dishes, Venezuela Empanadas and nutty Dutch cheeses.
Final Thoughts
Keeping all health and safety protocols and guest conduct rules in mind, make your plan as per the regulations suggested by the chosen cruise lines and updated by CDC; keep a tab on the guidelines as it keeps changing according to the developing scenarios. And there you are, taking a plunge for that much awaited Caribbean cruise vacation you had always dreamt of.
If you liked this article we would love to hear from you via your comments below. Also, you might want to check out > The Top 14 Caribbean Events You Just Don’t Want To Miss
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