Our Inside Guide to a Cunard Caribbean Cruise
31/01/2025
A Cunard Cruise is one of the most popular ways to explore the Caribbean, offering a luxurious and convenient way to travel between islands. With the added benefit of unpacking once, it's the perfect choice for those seeking a stress-free holiday in paradise.
Why Choose to Cruise with Cunard
Cruising the Caribbean with Cunard offers timeless elegance and unmatched service. From the moment you step aboard, you'll experience a refined luxury, where every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. Picture yourself exploring sun-soaked islands by day and returning to the comfort of your sophisticated stateroom each evening. With Cunard, the journey is just as remarkable as the destination, featuring world-class dining, inspiring lectures, and a variety of enriching activities. Whether you're sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail on deck or enjoying a glamorous gala evening, every moment promises to be unforgettable.
Top Islands to Add to Your Itinerary
A highlight of any Caribbean cruise is the opportunity to visit some of the region's most iconic island ports. When choosing your Caribbean cruise, you'll find a wide choice of of itineraries with Cunard, including hand-crafted routes calling at eastern, western, and southern Caribbean.
Barbados is renowned for it's crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant culture. Visit Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its rich history, or tour a local rum distillery to taste the island's famous spirit. With activities like snorkelling over coral reefs and enjoying authentic dishes like flying fish, Barbados combines natural beauty with warm hospitality.
St. Lucia enchants with it's dramatic Piton mountains, lush rainforests, and volcanic beaches. Hike the Gros Piton for breathtaking views, soak in the therapeutic Sulphur Springs, or enjoy a catamaran cruise along its stunning coastline. Known for it's natural wonders and serene beauty, St. Lucia offers a romantic and adventurous escape.
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, with crystal-clear waters perfect snorkelling and sailing. History lovers can explore Nelson's Dockyard, a restored Georgian naval base steeped in maritime history. With its laid-back charm, vibrant markets, and endless coastline, Antigua is an idyllic destination for a beach holiday with a twist.
Our Top Caribbean Experiences
From the oldest rum distilleries in the world to beaches skimmed by turquoise sea, the Caribbean is a kaleidoscope of colour and beauty - a true paradise for nature lovers, adrenaline seekers and cultural enthusiasts. But there are a few experiences that should be on everyone's holiday tick-list.
Harrison's Cave, Barbados: For a unique experience beyond the beaches, head to Harrison's Cave, just 20 minutes from Bridgetown. This 2.3-kilometre limestone cave network is one of the island's natural wonders, where you can take a guided tram tour through to explore its stunning crystal formations, with several stops to snap photos and admire the caves' beauty up close.
Rockland Estate, St. Maarten: With 360-degree vistas, Rockland Estate offers the most magnificent viewpoint on the island, but its real claim to fame is its zip line, known as The Flying Dutchman. The steepest zip line in the world, the descent offers an exhilarating ride and incredible scenery. Rockland Estate is a must visit destination for those who love a kick of adrenaline.
Morne Trois National Park, Dominica: Dominica is one of the Caribbean's greenest islands, offering some of the best sights to see, thanks to the unspoilt rainforests of Morne Trois Pitons National Park. This magnificent expanse of tropical fauna, rivers, and mountains is a Cunard shore experience for the film fanatics. With locations such as the Boiling Lake, Emerald Pool, and Titou Gorge being places where 'Pirates of the Caribbean' was filmed.
Our Caribbean Travel Tips
Fashion Brain Freeze? Here's a Guide on What to Pack
When packing for your Cunard Caribbean cruise, it's important to think about both, days at sea and days ashore. For daytime excursions, pack lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable alongside accessories to protect you from the sun like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For evenings onboard, casual yet elegant attire works well, but make sure to pack a few formal outfits for Cunard's gala nights. These evenings typically require black-tie or formal wear, so think tuxedos, evening gowns, and stylish accessories. And of course, plenty of swimwear options and comfortable shores are vital both onboard and onshore.
Eat like Kings in the Top Caribbean Restaurants
In Barbados, head to Oistin's Fish Fry, where you can indulge in freshly grilled fish and traditional Bajan right by the sea. In St. Lucia, enjoy the exotic flavours at The Coal Pot, offering seafood with stunning views of the Caribbean. Or for a more upscale experience in Antigua, dine at Sheer Rocks, perched above the coastline with a menu focused on fresh, local ingredients and inventive cocktails. But you don't have to journey far to settle a craving. Nothing satisfies the tastebuds more than a Cunard Ship. With multiple restaurants to choose from and a side of five-star service, you can taste the world without stepping foot off the ship, if you choose.
The Best Time to Set Sail and Soak Up the Caribbean Sun
The best time to embark on a Cunard cruise to the Caribbean is typically from December to April. During these months the weather is perfect - sunny and warm with low humidity, ideal for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. It's also the dry season, meaning you're less likely to encounter rain.