Eastern Caribbean
The Eastern Caribbean is undoubtedly one of the most popular cruising regions. Port calls to the Eastern Caribbean include the British and American Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and St. Martin, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. If you are a first time cruiser and looking for an itinerary to discover what the Caribbean has to offer, the Eastern Caribbean is the route for you.
The Eastern Caribbean is also a great itinerary for families who are looking for an exotic vacation. Most ports of call in this area have invested in family and child-friendly activities, providing a safe yet fun way to cruise the Caribbean. One of the largest and most popular port calls include Nassau, Bahamas. Nassau’s rich past, involving pirates and colonialism, is still present in its local culture. The streets are lined with palm trees, there are numerous casinos, restaurants serving the most mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, beautiful beaches, and shopping destinations to please the most discerning shopper’s taste. A famous attraction in Nassau is the Atlantis “Dig”, which is a man-made recreation of the lost city of Atlantis.
St. Thomas is another popular Eastern Caribbean port call. Shoppers of every age will love the duty-free shopping, primarily due to the fact that it is an American port. It is also home to a charming little historical district, a fabulous Water Park, fantastic restaurants and exotic beaches. Children will love Coral World, an underwater observatory.
Tortola is rich with tropical greens, however its drier climate compared to the rest of the Caribbean, the reason why succulents are more common than lush ferns. Tortola is famous for its beauty, which can sometimes be a drawback for tourists who are looking for seclusion, as it attracts thousands of visitors each day. San Juan’s culture is an amalgamation of European, African, and Taino cultures make for a Caribbean experience unlike any other. Some people say that it is reminiscent of Cuba, with lively music, rich history, interesting art culture, and amazing cuisine. The historic center dates as far back to the 16th century, with expansive forts, idyllic cobblestone streets, and numerous art shops and galleries.
St. Maarten and St. Martin are unique destinations because they are a single island governed by two countries. The Netherlands Antilles rule over St. Maarten, while on the other hand, St. Martin makes up the French West Indies. One can’t help but notice the dominant Dutch and French cultures in the island, although visitors are encouraged to explore and sample the best of both worlds. The island is very mountainous, and its beaches are to be rivaled. Marigot in St. Martin is a heaven for shoppers, lined with designer boutiques.
Overall, the sights, sounds, and cultures in the Eastern Caribbean can please visitors of any age. No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, this itinerary has it for you. From historic treasures to the best of modern amenities, the Eastern Caribbean is the best way to kick off a Caribbean vacation, whether you are the young ones or the young once.
