In the Caribbean Sea, the West Indies are a large archipelago in the shape of a 3500 km long arc, with the islands of the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles. A cruise to the Caribbean and West Indies lets you discover the beauty of these islands, with their beaches and wilderness.
Which lines to choose for a Caribbean-Antilles cruise?
The best time to cruise the Caribbean and West Indies is between December and May, during the dry season. MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises take you to some of the Caribbean’s top destinations. Italian shipowner Costa Croisières takes travelers to the Caribbean aboard the Costa Magica, among other vessels. Departing from Fort-de-France, passengers discover Pointe-à-Pitre, Tobago, Saint George, Barbados and Saint Lucia. With a capacity for 3,470 passengers, the Costa Magica is particularly family-friendly, with its Squok Club and Teen’s Zone dedicated to children and teenagers.
Since 1987, MSC Cruises has also been serving a number of destinations around the Caribbean. MSC Cruises is one of Europe’s leading cruise lines. The 12 ships in its fleet can accommodate from 1,554 to 3,500 passengers. Its MSC Preziosa is one of its most beautiful ships, with its artistic decor. Its atrium features a Swarovski crystal staircase. Aboard the MSC Preziosa, during a Caribbean-Antilles cruise, discover Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Aboard the MSC Divina, you can also visit Nassau, Georgetown, San Juan and Philipsburg in two weeks.
Places to discover on a Caribbean-Antilles cruise
During a Caribbean cruise, plan a stopover in Philipsburg, south of the island of Saint Martin in the Lesser Antilles. Lovers of idleness will discover Orient Bay beach, one of the most beautiful in Saint Martin. This beach is also frequented by the jet-set. A cultural visit is also in store in downtown Philipsburg. Visit the museum to discover the island’s history. The site displays old photos and local handicrafts.
To discover the Guadeloupe archipelago, make a stopover at Pointe-à-Pitre, on the west side of Grande-Terre island. Several excursions are possible from the capital, including a visit to the Carbet Falls. On the island of Basse-Terre, in the Guadeloupe National Park, the site features three waterfalls, the highest of which is 120 m high. From Pointe-à-Pitre, you can also visit Domaine de Séverin, a distillery renowned for its 50° white agricultural rum. The distillery also features an original paddle wheel.
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is also one of the most beautiful ports of call in the Greater Antilles. When you arrive in San Juan, stroll through its historic center to admire the colorful buildings from the colonial era. On the outskirts of Old San Juan, visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fort listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort’s walls are over 5 m thick, and its 6-storey roof offers a fine view of San Juan. A Caribbean cruise in the Greater Antilles also takes in La Romana, in the east of the Dominican Republic. Arriving in La Romana, head for the village of Bayahibe with its beautiful beaches, then enjoy excursions to Saona Island, where diving enthusiasts swim with sharks, manatees, dolphins and whales.
