Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations | Indo Social

So you have finally settled on a Caribbean cruise and you have your sights set on a fantastic tropical get-away. Before you rush out with visions of palm trees and sandy beaches before your eyes, do some research. With over 28 nations comprising of over 7 000 islands, you want the very best of the Caribbean destinations. Royal Caribbean will save you all the effort of checking out 7,000 islands and set you on your way to a holiday in paradise.

Before we get into our Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations it is important that you decide what you want to get out of your cruise holiday. Do you want to soak up the sun while swaying in a hammock on your own private beach? Or do you want to explore various ports of call and take in a plethora of rich and diversified cultural experiences?

Larger ships, for example Royal Caribbean's 'Allure of the Seas' will take you to more tourist-friendly destinations, where shopping and exploring are but a taxi drive away from the ports.

Our choice of destinations is based on a winning formula which offers the best of both. They incorporate a host of passenger facilities along with close proximity to the most exotic island destinations you can imagine.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

•       Cozumel, Mexico

Off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula lies the tropical island paradise of Cozumel; reputed to be the home of the Mayan goddess of love and fertility. The island is steeped in history and you will be spoiled for choice. A visit to the ancient ruins of San Gervasio is a must. These are tucked away deep in  lush, pristine jungles and are a sight to behold.

Cozumel is the largest of the Mexican Islands and measures 28 miles in length. It was, until the 1960's, little more than a sleepy fishing hamlet. Today the island welcomes up to eight cruise ships per day and yet has managed to remain relatively un-scarred by development.

Aside from offering a range of duty-free products, from handmade jewellery to T-shirts and other souvenirs, Cozumel offers some of the most spectacular dive sites around. In fact, Jean Jacques Cousteau has rated Cozumel as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world!

•       Barbados

Feel yourself walking in the shoes of Jonny Depp as he plays the villainous hero of Pirates of the Caribbean? Can you picture yourself enjoying rolling green sugar cane fields and sampling some of the best rum ever produced? Or do your passions lie more towards strolling along powdery white tropical beaches?

Whatever floats your boat can be found on Barbados, the most eastern of the Caribbean Islands. This is a popular option as most Caribbean cruise holiday special offers include a stint in Barbados. Crime is of minimal concern and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Self-drive tours are available or alternatively you can hire a driver/tour guide for the day. Be sure to check out the amazing duty-free offerings, from rum liqueurs to handmade crafts and trinkets.

•       St. Kitts, West Indies

Do something very few people can claim bragging rights to. Have lunch on a volcano in St. Kitts! St. Kitts was discovered by the early explorer Christopher Columbus back in 1493. It was one of the first islands to be colonised by the British and the mighty fort of Brimstone Hill was built using slave labour to defend it.

Today, Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A further climb up to Monkey Hill will provide you with the most phenomenal panoramic views of the coastline. A double decker train experience on the Sugar Train is one of the best ways to see the entire island.

The island's capital, Basseterre, offers a unique blend of old world charm mixed with modern convenience. The town square, once the site of a thriving slave market, is known as Pall Mall, the name from where a popular brand of cigarettes originated.

•       Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

 Many people may recognise the name from which the distinctive blue alcohol gets its name. Do not be fooled! Curaçao is anything but limited to a booze cruise. The island is famous for 35 sandy tropical beaches where scuba diving and snorkelling have made this destination an underwater lover’s mecca.Warm tropical waters offer the beach lover a choice of water sports, from windsurfing to jet-skis. The local cuisine is not something to be scoffed at. Seafood is quintessential to life on the island and only a fool would not be tempted to venture into a world of culinary delights.

•       CocoCay, Bahamas

CocoCay is a certified eco-friendly private island stretching 140 acres in length. It offers easy nature walks around the island where you will be sure to bump into more than just a few crazy iguanas. Waters are crystal clear and make for a dream destination in which to go scuba diving or snorkelling.

This island is one of the more remote destinations yet offers the cruise passenger so many delights. Take in the relaxing atmosphere of the Caribbean while swinging gently in the breeze of a comfy hammock.

Seriously... cocktails, hammock and a tropical Caribbean Island paradise. Could life get any better?