Island time in the Caribbean
The easiest escape from Florida: turquoise coves, colorful harbors and warm breezes, by cruise ship from a nearby port or at a beautiful resort.
So many islands, each with its own personality
The Caribbean is not one place but dozens. The Eastern Caribbean brings St. Thomas, St. Maarten and the British Virgin Islands, famous for beaches and duty-free shopping. The Western Caribbean adds Cozumel, Roatán and Grand Cayman, with Mayan ruins and some of the world's best snorkeling. The Southern Caribbean reaches Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados and St. Lucia, a little farther away and wonderfully less crowded.
From Central Florida you're perfectly placed. Ships sail from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa, so there's often no flight to worry about at all. For a smaller-ship feel, luxury and premium lines call at harbors the mega-ships can't reach. And for a stay on land, all-inclusive and adults-only resorts make the Caribbean a natural for honeymoons and anniversaries.
December through April is the classic season, dry and sunny. Summer and fall are quieter and often better value, though June through November is hurricane season, which is one more reason to travel with an advisor watching out for you and to protect your trip with travel insurance.
The Caribbean at a glance
Things to do, places to go, things to see
Not an exhaustive list, just the experiences my travelers come home talking about.
Things to do
- Snorkel a living reefGrand Cayman's Stingray City, Bonaire's marine park and the Baths of Virgin Gorda.
- Sail a catamaranA half-day sail with a swim stop and a rum punch is the quintessential Caribbean afternoon.
- Climb Dunn's River FallsJamaica's famous terraced waterfall, hand in hand with a guide.
- Explore Mayan ruinsTulum and Chacchoben are easy excursions from Western Caribbean ports.
- Do absolutely nothingA cabana, a good book and a beach steward who keeps the drinks coming.
Places to go
- St. Thomas & St. JohnMagens Bay, Trunk Bay and the national park that covers most of St. John.
- Grand CaymanSeven Mile Beach, Stingray City and some of the clearest water anywhere.
- Aruba & CuraçaoReliably sunny, outside the hurricane belt, with colorful Dutch-colonial towns.
- St. LuciaThe twin Pitons, rainforest, a drive-in volcano and romantic resorts.
- Private islandsMany cruise lines include a day on their own private beach island in the Bahamas.
Things to see
- The PitonsSt. Lucia's volcanic spires rise straight out of the sea, best viewed from the water.
- WillemstadCuraçao's rainbow-colored waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The BathsGiant granite boulders and hidden pools on Virgin Gorda.
- Old San JuanBlue cobblestones, pastel streets and the 16th-century fortress of El Morro.
- Bioluminescent baysPuerto Rico and Jamaica's glowing waters on a moonless night.
A taste of The Caribbean
Dishes to order
- Jerk chickenSmoky, spicy Jamaican barbecue cooked over pimento wood.
- Conch frittersGolden, crispy and a Bahamian favorite, best with a squeeze of lime.
- Flying fish & cou-couBarbados' national dish, a must for the curious eater.
- Fresh-caught snapperGrilled whole at a beachside shack, with rice and peas.
Where to eat
- Beach shacksPlastic chairs, sand underfoot and the freshest seafood on the island.
- Resort specialty restaurantsAll-inclusives now rival fine dining on land; I'll tell you which are worth reserving.
- Onboard chef's tablesAn intimate multi-course dinner at sea is a perfect anniversary treat.
What to drink
- Rum punchEvery island claims the best recipe. Sample widely.
- PainkillerRum, pineapple, orange and coconut, born in the British Virgin Islands.
- Fresh coconut waterStraight from the shell, chilled, on a hot afternoon.
Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral
No flight needed: St. Maarten, St. Thomas and a private island, from a port close to home. See how the trip could flow, day by day, with advice on when to go.
Let's plan your The Caribbean getaway
With ports just down the road from Ormond Beach, the Caribbean is the perfect long weekend or a full week away. Tell me when you'd like to travel and I'll come back with options and current pricing.
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