There is simply no better place in the world to relax than the Caribbean islands. The quiet beaches and deserted coves; the balmy trade winds and tropical drinks; the calming, rhythmic cadence of the ocean waves as they race across the wet sand to nip at your toes. When you immerse yourself in this paradisical serenity on a long cruise, such as an 8-night-plus voyage with Celebrity Cruises®, you’ll have more beach time, more snorkeling time and more sink-into-island time.
A longer Caribbean cruise, instead of an extended land-based trip, comes with many benefits. With more time on your hands, you’re able to enjoy the ship’s numerous amenities, such as its elevated dining options, spa services, modern staterooms and exciting entertainment. You fall more easily into the rhythm of the cruise vacation, enjoying days at seas where you can zone out and not race around the ship trying to experience it all. And, perhaps most importantly, you sail to distant islands in the Southern Caribbean, the ones other Caribbean cruises fail to reach. Let’s take a look at some of those far-flung paradises.
Fofoti trees on Eagle Beach, Aruba
The ABC Islands
Located comfortably south of the hurricane belt, The ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — offer a reliable, sun-blazed escape year-round. While they share a Dutch heritage and the Papiamento language, each island serves up its own, distinct flavor.
On Aruba, known as “One Happy Island,” you can chill out on Eagle Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world for its white-sand shore, turquoise waters and iconic fofoti trees. Or, for a more adventurous outing, drive 4x4s across the wild, desert landscapes of Arikok National Park. Nature lovers adore beautiful Bonaire thanks to the dozens of popular dive sites at Bonaire National Marine Park and the massive population of Caribbean flamingos you’ll find at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary. The past comes alive in Curaçao, where historic Willemstad is filled with UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial architecture and 17th-century Fort Amsterdam, another UNESCO World Heritage site, still has a British cannonball embedded in its great stone walls.
Walking along the beaches of St. Lucia
The One & Only St. Lucia
While the ABC islands offer desert landscapes and Dutch charm, St. Lucia is often called the “Hawaii of the Caribbean” thanks to towering volcanic peaks, blanketing rainforests and a touch of French-infused elegance. You’ll have a range of ways to explore when your ship docks at the port of Castries. From there, you can go kayaking on stunning Marigot Bay (which novelist James A. Michener called “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”), take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs or ride the aerial tram through the rainforest.
Wherever you venture, the two fire-born spires of the Pitons will provide not only a stunning backdrop, but also a magnetic pull to experience them firsthand. Those with an active streak and a sturdy pair of shoes, hike Gros Piton in four hours roundtrip, though you may want to rest a bit at the summit to take in the stunning views. If you left your hiking shoes at home on purpose, you can still admire the Pitons from a relaxing catamaran during a sunset sail.
Exploring the fortress of San Cristobal in San Juan
Explore Historic San Juan
While many Southern Caribbean cruises launch from Florida, some originate in San Juan, Puerto Rico, instead. This is a wonderful city to embark from before visiting southern ports like Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. In fact, our agency suggests you spend a few days before or after your cruise in San Juan, where you can explore historical forts and navigate through the tunnels, dungeons and barracks of San Cristobal, San Felipe del Morro and San Juan de la Cruz. It’s the ideal destination for history lovers.
According to our Caribbean cruise specialists: “Because San Juan is located deep in the heart of the Antilles, you start your journey hundreds of miles closer to the best ports in the Southern Caribbean. This means you’ll spend more time on the islands and less at sea.”
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Cruises to the Caribbean
When clients ask us about long Caribbean cruises, we suggest Celebrity Cruises. On their popular long itineraries — the 12-night Ultimate Southern Caribbean voyage; 8-night Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao; and 11-night Southern Caribbean Intensive — you’ll enjoy the intimate feel and thoughtful service of a smaller ship, the variety and excitement of a bigger one and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The best part about a Celebrity Cruises vacation: our travel agency can help you plan it all.
How Our Travel Agency Enhances Your Voyage
- Our seasoned cruise specialists act as both your vacation strategists and your personal concierges.
- Due to our long-running relationships with cruise lines, we can often offer lower stateroom rates you won’t find online, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on longer cruises.
- On select Celebrity Cruises voyages, we can provide you with bonus amenities, such as a personal host and an exclusive shore event.
If you need more guidance, or if you’re ready to book your extended voyage to the Caribbean, contact our travel advisors.
