Southern Caribbean Island Hop Rhapsody of the Seas departing 22 Feb 2023

You’ll find that Bridgetown strikes a fine mix of island warmth and English heritage. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Outside of the bustle of ‘Town’, as the locals call it, Barbados is a new kind of paradise in every direction. Cruise to Barbados and head towards the shore for pink-and-white-sand beaches that stretch on endlessly and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Or stick to the centre of the island: you’ll find rolling hills and valleys, sugarcane fields and historic plantations. You can even travel underground to discover limestone caves with their own waterfalls.

Curaçao is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, rich history and natural scenery – from desert landscapes and rugged cliffs to 38 spectacular, and mostly secluded, beaches. Sint Anna Bay separates the two sides of the capital of Willemstad. Punda, the original settlement, is a tidy grid filled with shops and unique markets, restaurants and open-air cafes. Not to mention the famous tropicalised Dutch architecture in vibrant hues. Otrobanda (literally, ‘the other side’) is a maze of narrow streets and even narrower alleyways. And at only 40 miles long, a wide variety of island adventures are within easy reach during your Curaçao cruise.

Welcome to Aruba – or as the locals say, Bon bini. Here Dutch traditions mix with island charm. The capital and port town of Oranjestad, is best known for its colourful Dutch Colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in bright Caribbean hues. While Aruba is only 20 miles from tip to tip, it is packed with incredible contrasts. Cruise to Aruba and go from relaxing in a tropical paradise to trekking rugged desert in no time. The southern coast is one giant photo op – a bustling port town surrounded by powdery white beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. To the north, waves crash onto a rocky coast, scattered with cliffs, cacti and divi-divi trees. Best of all, you don’t have to choose which spots to hit – just which to hit first.

Port of Spain, on Trinidad’s northwest coast, is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s known for its huge Carnival, with calypso and Caribbean soca music.

Dominica isn’t nicknamed ‘Nature Island’ for nothing. Its 290 square miles of towering mountains, thriving rainforests and rushing waterfalls deserve all that cred and then some. But the true pulse of the island beats in Roseau. It may be one of the smallest capitals in the Caribbean, but don’t let its size fool you – Roseau is electric with cultural energy. The spicy aroma of Creole home cooking wafts through food stalls at the Roseau Market. Reggae and soca beats spill from the windows of centuries-old stone-and-wood buildings and parties erupt around jing ping bands at hotspots like Bala’s Bar at the Fort Young Hotel. During your cruise to Dominica, you’ll quickly notice that Roseau doesn’t march to the beat of its own drum – it dances.

A beautiful horseshoe-shaped harbour welcomes you to the fragrant ‘Isle of Spice’. Tour nutmeg plantations, sample some of the wonderfully diverse (and seasoned) cuisine, or simply laze the day away on the soothing white sands of Grand Anse Beach.

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city center has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary’s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby.

From dramatic landscapes moulded by ancient volcanoes to sparkling palm-fringed beaches, St Lucia offers some amazing Caribbean eye candy. Luxury resorts nestle up to the natural beauty, giving this island just the right touch of exclusivity. Cruise to St Lucia and explore the coast by catamaran. Hike to the peaks of the soaring twin Pitons. Tour rainforests and explore the fishing villages of Anse-La-Raye. Or take a relaxing dip in warm mineral pools heated by the dormant volcano of Soufriere. In the capital of Castries, you’ll find touches of French and British heritage, from the architecture to the cuisine.

You’ll find that Bridgetown strikes a fine mix of island warmth and English heritage. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colourful wooden homes, open-air markets and catch-of-the-day cafés. Outside of the bustle of ‘Town’, as the locals call it, Barbados is a new kind of paradise in every direction. Cruise to Barbados and head towards the shore for pink-and-white-sand beaches that stretch on endlessly and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Or stick to the centre of the island: you’ll find rolling hills and valleys, sugarcane fields and historic plantations. You can even travel underground to discover limestone caves with their own waterfalls.