While going on a luxury cruise might be off-limits for the foreseeable future, that hasn’t stopped us from daydreaming about some dream destinations to visit when it’s safe to set sail again.
Above all, it’s the Caribbean that remains perhaps the pinnacle of all cruise holidays. The palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and that laidback lifestyle is something that most of us are dreaming for all of our lives and which we would book if money were no object. However, there been many names out there, from travel agencies to famous news sites like the Telegraph trying to bring this experience closer to their visitors, by offering them a chance to win an all-inclusive Caribbean holiday by entering a contest. Even some online casino brands like Leovegas featured at the best UK casino and bonuses reviews provided its players with the chance to win a sweet Caribbean cruise by playing its latest slot game. And radio-stations like C100 all day did a contest where if you were to hear the cruise ship horn while listening to the station you might be a lucky winner to a fantastic luxury holiday treat.
So, if we watch and listen carefully these Caribbeans islands are not that far away from our reach. But which Caribbean island would you want to visit if you won such a tempting prize?
Turks and Caicos Islands
This is an archipelago of over 40 islands, and there are many lovely beaches within close proximity of the liner dock. If you visit Sunray Beach on Grand Turk, then you’ll be rewarded with perhaps the most archetypal Caribbean beach. If you can tear yourself away from those golden sands, then you can also enjoy plenty of top diving opportunities amidst the beautiful coral reefs that are some of the longest in the world.
Such is the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands that it’s no wonder that it has holiday homes for many Hollywood stars such as Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis. But there’s utterly so much fun to be had in island-hopping around this archipelago. This is especially true if you time your cruise to coincide with the legendary Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival.
Saint Lucia
Any visit to St Lucia is bound to be memorable as this tiny island state has two enormous volcanoes on its horizon. Thankfully these mountains aren’t the lava-spewing volcanoes that you might expect, but the Piton volcanos provide some lovely views along with some delightful walks amidst the lush foliage.
However, you might want to take things a little easier. In which case, you could make an aerial tram through the beautiful tree canopies, or lose yourself wandering the quaint streets of the old French colonial capital Soufrière. Plus with some delightful beaches such as Anse Chastanet to relax on, it’s little wonder that many cruises will visit this island on the eastern edge of the Caribbean.
Jamaica
No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without taking in the delights of Jamaica. And no trip to Jamaica would be complete without paying homage to some reggae on the Reggae Walk of Fame and Museum. After you’ve filled up on good reggae music, then you’ll want to fill up on some of the island’s other specialities such as the famous jerk chicken.
Falmouth on the Northern coast of the island has a $180 million port that opened in 2011 and is a great starting point for enjoying all that Jamaica has to offer. If you want to head further afield, then visit Montego Bay’s Hip Strip for some great nightlife, and there’s also plenty of outstanding scenery such as the stunning Dunn’s River Falls. But ultimately, it’s going to be all about the reggae, so make sure you stop off at Bob Marley’s house in Kingston.
US Virgin Islands
If you’re travelling to the Caribbean, then you’ll have a limitless appetite for relaxing days on the beach. So we should really include St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands on our shortlist.
This is mercifully free of some of the crowds that can make some other Caribbean islands feel a little busy. If you can make it over to Water Island via the ferry, then you’ll be rewarded with all manner of fascinating wildlife such as iguanas and turtles. All of which will leave you fully refreshed and ready to book your next luxury cruise trip across the world.
