CARIBBEAN CRUISES

The island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is one of the Caribbean’s most appealing, low-key destinations. Magnificent mountains drop to sandy shores, where calm blue waters and sheltered bays were made for swimming.

The dual islands have plenty of history too – with colonial capitals and museums focusing on Admiral Nelson and Alexander Hamilton. Take a leisurely stroll through the towns of Basseterre in St Kitts and Charlestown in Nevis for old-world architecture and unique shops.

As the larger of the two, St Kitts offers the best of the bars, restaurants and a small but lively nightlife. Activities tend to centre around the jungle and the water, so expect plenty of rainforest hikes, snorkelling and water sports.

Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, make for St Kitts most popular beach - Cockleshell Bay Beach – where the mile long curve of pure sand is the perfect place to watch the colours of the sunset, and end your trip to the Caribbean.

What comes to mind when you picture paradise? Perfect strips of sand, lapped by crystal clear waters? Palm tree-lined streets and lush, forested mountains? Antigua has it all, and boasts some of the finest beaches in the entire Caribbean.

The busy port capital of St John’s has a distinctly British feel, with plenty of historic sights and colonial architecture, but move away from the main town and discover an island with lashings of authentic Caribbean flavour.

Colourful houses, warm locals and white beaches - almost too perfect to be real - welcome those who stop in Antigua, where snorkelling and diving amongst some of the 120 odd shipwrecks are just a few of the activities to tempt you off your beach towel.

For a quick day trip, those who take the short boat ride to Antigua's sister island of Barbuda are rewarded with pink sands, pirate caves and exotic wildlife.

Most famed for its incredible beaches, Barbados has a lot more to offer than many of its low-key neighbours. The island’s UNESCO listed capital – Bridgetown – is a joy to explore on foot, with the Garrison Historic Area being of particular interest to history buffs.

The capital is also a popular shopping destination, with Broad Street and Swan Street hosting a range of local boutiques and colourful stores.

Away from Bridgetown, surfers and snorkelers alike head for the Easter shore of Half Moon Bay – a beautiful crescent of sand that remains relatively underdeveloped, with just a handful of beach bars and snack joints.

For those who want to experience nature up close, and are feeling energetic, the island has a multitude of scenic hikes, including the day’s trail from the West to East coast.

One of the best islands in the Caribbean to escape the tourist crowds, Dominica remains wonderfully undeveloped and completely charismatic.

Whilst you might not find the white beaches of Antigua or Barbados, “Nature Island” is home to some of the finest diving, most dense rainforests and beautiful waterfalls of the entire Caribbean.

For those who like to keep active, Dominica is the ideal destination. The island’s landscape has led to hiking, biking, kayaking and snorkelling companies being set up everywhere, but with less than 100,000 visitors a year, you’ll still feel like you’ve landed on a castaway island.

Wildlife fanatics will also love the abundance of birds, turtles, dolphins and whales that can be spotted on and around the waters of Dominica, whilst those who are looking to taste authentic Caribbean cuisine will find the local dishes, fresh fruit and vegetables vastly superior to those of the other, more touristy, islands.

Considered the “Happy Island” of the Caribbean, Aruba is one of the busiest and most popular destinations for tourists to the region. The island’s pretty capital of Oranjestad is entirely walkable with for those with just a few hours to spare, and the nearby beach of Surfside is the perfect place for a spot of sun, sand and swimming in the turquoise waters.

Venture further afield and you’ll find plenty of luxury resorts, whiter-than-white strips of sand and a whole host of water-based activities to keep every member of the family entertained.

Diving is varied and plentiful, and Aruba’s most popular sight is the wreck of the USS Antilla – a Navy ship from WWII sunk off the coast of Malmok Beach. With incredible water clarity, you don’t even need to hire diving equipment to catch a glimpse of the wreck – it’s one of the best places to snorkel on the island.

An island full of colourful villages, breathtaking beaches and local legends, Puerto Rico has long drawn visitors to her diverse shores.

From the swashbuckling tales of smuggling and pirates, to the evident mixture of Spanish and American cultures, Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating destinations.

Stroll through the streets of the capital – San Juan – where you’ll discover a wealth of history in the old town, colonial buildings that sit aside modern high-rises and a culinary scene to rival the best in the world.

Puerto Rico is also home to some of the most postcard-worthy beaches in the Caribbean – fringed with colourful coral reefs and offering spectacular sunsets over the ocean.

Arguably the Caribbean’s most vibrant island, Jamaica might be best known as the birthplace of Bob Marley, but it’s rhythm goes far beyond just one man.

This is an island packed with music, food, history and incredibly friendly locals. Whether you want to simply relax on the beach, explore the many adrenaline-pumping activities or delve into Jamaica’s intriguing history, you’ll find endless options to keep you occupied during your trip.

Beyond the white, palm tree backed beaches, Jamaica is a rich, jungle-covered island, full of tropical flora and fauna. The Blue Mountains, which include the island’s highest peak, is the most popular place to hike in Jamaica, with plenty of guides and tours available for those less experienced trail-goers.

If that sounds a little too energetic, make like the locals and enjoy an ice-cold beer whilst watching one of the Caribbean’s most iconic sunsets – with a gentle reggae soundtrack playing in the background.

On approach to St Lucia, the view of the island will leave you in awe as the landscape is more mountainous that most Caribbean islands. The highest point is Mount Gimie which stands at 3,120 feet above sea level, whilst the Pitons form the islands famous landmark which you’ll see as you cruise into port. St Lucia was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse and by the French and it’s the only country in the world to be named after a woman. St Lucia is one of the few places in the world which has a drive-in volcano! Sulphur Springs at Soufriere Volcano allows people to drive right up to and through the volcano crater which emits steam and sulphur with boiling mud and water just a few metres away. The spot is also a popular place for using the hot springs and mud baths which are full of volcanic minerals that are reputed to have fantastic properties for the skin. Overall, St Lucia is an island designed for outdoor exploration. Whilst you will find the typical souvenir and duty-free shops, your time here is best spent taking a tour to the south part of the island where the landscape is perhaps most appealing. On the southern side you can also visit Soufriere, the French Colonial Capital and the Diamond Botanical Gardens. For adventure enthusiasts, take advantage of the opportunity to go horseback riding along the mountain trails or go snorkelling in the perfect waters to explore the wreck of Anse Cochon.