SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

The rainforests of Dominica, crystal-clear waters of US Virgin Island St. Thomas, seaside villages of Barbados and white-sand beaches of Aruba are a few of the exotic treasures you’ll find in the Southern Caribbean. These far-flung islands were made for getting out and swimming, snorkeling, hiking… not to mention excellent shopping and sightseeing. For a remote island getaway within reach of home, look to the Southern Caribbean.

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

ISLANDS GEMSThe Southern Caribbean is perhaps best known for its "ABC Islands":  Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, though Dominica and the spice island of Grenada are equally beautiful as they are popular.

HISTORY & CULTUREDutch influence and native culture live side by side in this diverse region. Grenada is famed for its historic spice plantations, Bonaire's former slave huts and salt pans share a trying past, and Curaçao's celebrated Willemstad district — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — boasts traditional Dutch architecture infused with the color and spirit of the Caribbean.

NATURAL WONDERSRelax in Dominica's hot springs, swim amid Grenada's remarkable Annandale Falls, explore the reefs of Bonaire — a world-class diving and snorkeling destination with several marine life preserves — and gaze in awe at the twisted divi-divi trees of Aruba's Arikok National Park.

PRINCESS CAYSDiscover the tranquility of Princess Cays (pronounced "KEYS"), our exclusive Bahamas playground and your own private island for the day. From snorkeling to kayaking, sport fishing and paddle boating, shopping for island keepsakes, steelpan bands, tropical cocktails and an island-style barbecue, the activities are endless. Or perhaps simply unwind within your own private cabana for a secluded retreat!

AWARD-WINNING SHORE EXCURSIONSDelight in Aruba’s butterfly and ostrich farms, admire the stalactites and stalagmites in Curaçao's Hato Caves, ride the Balthazar River rapids in Grenada and snorkel in Dominica, where several scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest were filmed. And on itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can also experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean

Carnival

Larger ships visiting the region call at well-developed islands that offer a variety of excursion opportunities. These might include Barbados, Aruba and Antigua.

Smaller ships (and those more eco-oriented) tend to balance the voyage between "greatest hits" ports, and those you may never have heard of, like Bequia, St. Vincent, Mayreau Island, Iles des Saintes and Tobago Cays.

Southern Caribbean Itineraries

Aruba and Antigua are regarded for their soft, sandy beaches. Martinique, St. Lucia and Guadeloupewow visitors with spectacular scenics, from rainforests to volcanoes. Dutch-influenced Curacao and its sibling, Bonaire, host great snorkeling and scuba diving spots.

St. Barts is so French, you'll swear you're in the Mediterranean while sipping a glass of something at a sidewalk cafe. Martinique and Guadalupe also harbor both French and West Indian trappings. Grenada, relatively undeveloped, is laid-back and exudes a genuine small town vibe.

St. Barts is so French, you'll swear you're in the Mediterranean while sipping a glass of something at a sidewalk cafe. Martinique and Guadalupe also harbor both French and West Indian trappings. Grenada, relatively undeveloped, is laid-back and exudes a genuine small town vibe.

Short Cruises: Because of the region's relative distance from North America, Southern Caribbean itineraries are typically at least seven days. Embarkation on these shorter cruises tend to be in San Juan and Barbados.

Traditional Southern Caribbean Itineraries: The islands in the region offer endless variety, but where you sail is likely to be determined primarily by the size of the vessel you're on. Large ships call at islands with enough tourism infrastructure to keep shore excursion throngs satisfied and amused. These include Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, and Curacao or Bonaire.

Southern Caribbean Port Highlights

Antigua. Vestiges of the island's importance as a British colonial naval base are on view at Nelson's Dockyard National Park in English Harbour. Billed as the world's only continuously working Georgian dockyard, its restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings now house shops, a five-star hotel, art galleries and other businesses. Trails lead to remnants of historic forts and sugar mills. After you've taken in the historic picture, climb to the 492-foot summit of Shirley Heights for a panoramic view that includes Guadeloupe's active Monserrat volcano.

Aruba. Beaches rule on this Lesser Antilles island. Eagle Beach, with its soft, white sands and warm, crystalline water, draws rave reviews. A bonus for cruisers: It's only a couple of miles from the cruise ship dock. Plus, it's family-friendly. Or sign on with a tour operator to experience some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and scuba diving.

Curacao. With its candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings, Curacao's capital city of Willemstad is worthy of an extended ramble through its four historic quarters, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the stroll across the Queen Emma pontoon bridge that spans shimmering St. Anna Bay, connecting two historic quarters of the city.

Dominica. Though the island isn't known for its beaches, paradise awaits nature-lovers, thanks to the plethora of land-based natural attractions. Among them: Trafalgar Falls, twin falls with an upper "Father" cascade and a lower "Mother" waterfall. The 20-minute trail to the top is well-groomed and suitable for novice hikers. Less energetic sorts can stick to the lower falls, where natural pools -- one hot and one cold -- sooth and refresh. The falls lie in the massive Morne Trois Pitons National Park, site of many otherworldly sites, including the Boiling Lake.

Grenada. With its white sands and calm waters, two-mile-long Anse Beach (a short distance from the cruise ship terminal) draws sun-seekers. The island's many waterfalls make for great hiking destinations. And the capital city of St. George's, built around a horseshoe-shaped bay with hills rising above, is a pretty place to explore on foot. Don't miss the markets, where heaps of nutmeg, cinnamon, mace and more, clearly illustrate why Grenada is called the Island of Spice. For a truly unusual water-based adventure, take a snorkeling trip to the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.

Martinique. A smoldering volcano, lush rainforests and pleasant beaches present possibilities for all kinds of adventure on this French West Indies isle. Its capital, Fort-de-France, presents ample shopping opportunities for French luxury goods (perfume, scarves, crystal), as well as traditional island handicrafts. A spectacular drive north of the city leads to St-Pierre, built on the ruins of a small city wiped out in 1902 by a volcanic eruption. The small but interesting Musee Volcanologique chronicles the event. Hikers will want to take advantage of the island's extensive network of trails.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Tips

Tour guides. Assume that locals hanging around tourist attractions offering assistance are doing so because they expect to be paid. Evaluate whether you need their services and determine in advance what they'll cost.

Tipping protocolRestaurants often add a 10 or 15 percent surcharge to the bill to be divided among the staff. If you're happy with the service, consider leaving an extra 10 percent on the table for the waiter.

Shopping. On Dutch and French islands, look for good deals on imported goods from the Netherlands (Dutch cheeses, Delft ceramics) and mainland France (perfume and other luxury goods).

Paper trail. When you pay for a cab ride, ask for a receipt at the moment you hand over the cash. Some unscrupulous cab drivers may ask for cash in advance and later claim you haven't paid. If you have a receipt, it won't be your word against theirs.