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By Kristina, Product Executive
I first sailed to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises when I was six months old. Twenty-eight years later, a P&O Cruises Caribbean holiday is still one I want to share with the people closest to me. I’ve explored the islands with my parents and grandparents, and now I’m discovering them all over again with friends.
Last November, two of my friends joined me for their first P&O Cruises Caribbean fly-cruise. We found plenty of time for beaches, cocktails and laughter, and they enjoyed it so much that we’re heading back together this November.
That’s what keeps drawing me back. No two islands feel quite the same, and however many times I visit, I always seem to come home with a new favourite place or memory.
One of the things I appreciate most about a P&O Cruises Caribbean fly-cruise is how straightforward the journey can be. Your UK flights and airport-to-ship transfers are included in the holiday fare, so much of the organisation is taken care of before you leave home.
Once you’ve checked in your suitcase at your UK departure airport, you can travel with your hand luggage knowing that, when you arrive in the Caribbean, your checked case will be transferred to the ship and delivered to your cabin. There’s no waiting around at baggage reclaim before finding your transfer.
The journey home can be just as convenient. With applicable Caribbean flight arrangements, check-in for your return flight takes place onboard the ship. Once you reach the airport, you can head straight to security rather than joining an airline check-in queue. Your sailing documents will confirm the arrangements for your particular flight.
Another reason I keep returning is how easy it is to budget for the holiday. Your return flights, transfers, accommodation and travel between the destinations are all brought together, leaving you to concentrate on what you want to do when you get there.
Onboard, there’s a choice of included dining across the main restaurants, buffet and casual venues, along with theatre shows, live music, pools and plenty of activities. There’s also no separate daily gratuity charge.
You can still make the holiday your own. Shore excursions, speciality restaurants, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments and certain other experiences can cost extra, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s included with your chosen fare before you travel.
One of the joys of a Caribbean cruise is waking up to somewhere different, and I’ve collected plenty of favourite places over the years. These are some of the experiences I’d recommend looking out for if you’re in search of different Caribbean experiences.
If your itinerary includes an overnight stay and you’re in Barbados on a Friday, Oistins Fish Fry is a brilliant evening out. Head down for freshly cooked fish, music and a lively local atmosphere.
Dickinson Bay is my pick for an easy beach day. Take a photo at the red telephone box, find a spot on the sand and, if you fancy it, stop for a rum at the floating tiki bar.
The Pitons are always one of my highlights when visiting St Lucia. You don’t need to commit to a strenuous hike to see more of the island either. Combine the scenery around Soufriere with Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and the volcanic landscape at Sulphur Springs for a great day ashore.
The Scenic Railway is a relaxed way to take in the coastline and countryside, while an island tour is another good option if you want to see more. For a slower day, I’d head to Carambola Beach Club and spend a few hours by the water.
Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is the place to look out for local nutmeg and other fragrant spices. If you fancy something livelier, the Rhum Runner combines a coastal cruise with music, rum punch and time at the beach.
The Baths on nearby Virgin Gorda are famous for their enormous granite boulders, sheltered pools and beautiful scenery. If you’d prefer to stay on Tortola, take one of the open-air taxis across the island to Cane Garden Bay.
There aren’t many beach days quite like Maho Beach, where aircraft approach the runway just beyond the sand. For an entirely different view, the Flying Dutchman zip-line at Rainforest Adventures takes you high above the island before a steep descent down the hillside.
Dominica is one of my picks when I want a more active day ashore. River tubing along the Layou River takes you through rainforest and gorge scenery, mixing gentler stretches with a few splashier sections along the way.
For something different from another beach day, visit Landhuis Chobolobo to discover how Curacao liqueur is made and sample the island’s famous drink.
I love getting out on the water in Aruba. A catamaran trip from the Palm Beach area can combine swimming or snorkelling with time to relax on the beach before heading back to the ship.
With different ships, dates and Caribbean itineraries available, the right holiday will depend on how you want to spend your time. Some itineraries might introduce you to islands you’ve never visited before, while others offer the chance to return to places you already love.
After visiting the Caribbean throughout my life, I’m still nowhere near finished exploring it. That’s probably why I keep going back, and why I’m already looking forward to returning with my friends this November.
Our Bolsover Cruise Club specialists can help you compare P&O Cruises Caribbean itineraries, choose your cabin and find the sailing that suits you. Speak to our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 or explore our latest P&O Cruises Caribbean holidays.
