By Eben Diskin\ | Published on July 21, 2023
The Caribbean can feel like a world away from everyday life. That's what makes it such a great vacation spot. All year round, families, groups of friends, couples and solo travelers flock to the islands for some much-needed relaxation. The best places to visit in the Caribbean offer all the vacation essentials: sunny skies, pristine beaches and traditional Caribbean cuisine and culture — and you can explore them all when you plan a cruise vacation.
To get the most out of your Caribbean vacation destinations, you can't just sit on the beach all week. If you do, you'll have a wonderful time, but a true Caribbean experience means diving into everything the region has to offer. Many islands offer hikes that provide stunning panoramic views of the landscape and walking tours of the historic city centers that let you discover the vibe of the area. Others have extensive pirate histories that'll make you feel like you're in "Pirates of the Caribbean." Wherever you go, you'll be treated to some of the world's most delicious cuisine, including johnnycakes, jerk chicken, conch fritters, callaloo and more. Then, enjoy some swim-up margarita bars — where the drinks go far beyond margaritas, too. Be sure to try the local rum in signature cocktails such as the Bahama mama and piña colada.
There are plenty of ways to explore this tropical region, though cruises are undoubtedly among the most popular. Cruising is the perfect extension of any Caribbean vacation as it alleviates all the trip-planning stress and allows you to simply enjoy the ride. Once you book your cruise and shore excursions, all you have to do is sit back, take advantage of the ship amenities, explore the ports of call and soak up the experience. When it comes to choosing where to go or how to make the most of it once you get there, this is everything you need to know to plan an epic Caribbean trip.
While often spoken about as a single destination, the Caribbean is home to a wide range of different cultures, landscapes and cuisines. While the fact that no two islands are alike means travelers have a host of exciting and diverse vacation options, it also means that choosing a destination can prove daunting. When it comes to picking the best places to visit in the Caribbean, it really depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you're looking for.
If you do choose to cruise on your next Caribbean vacation, you'll be able to enjoy a host of experiences unavailable to other travelers. Chief among these is access to private islands, which add yet another layer of adventure to certain destinations. A private island vacation means enjoying a curated, luxurious escape with activities designed to keep travelers either busy or relaxed — whichever you happen to be looking for.
CocoCay in the Bahamas is one of Royal Caribbean's private islands, with 125 acres of pure sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and lush greenery. This is an eco-certified private destination, and you can explore the island through eco-tours like guided nature walks and kayaking and snorkeling adventures. Grab a pass to Caylana's Castle Cove, a floating playground for kids.
Labadee, Haiti, is another of Royal Caribbean's private destinations. This 260-acre wooded peninsula at Pointe Ste. Honore is the perfect place for exploring the secluded mountainous coast of Haiti. From the Dragon's Breath Zip Line, a 2,600-foot flight over the beaches, to the Arawak Aqua Park, there's no shortage of ways to stay entertained on a trip to Labadee.
Eating is just half the equation. It's not a Caribbean vacation without a healthy amount of rum. The Caribbean is one of the world's most prolific producers of rum, dating back to its history of sugar plantations and the distillation process that resulted. Most Caribbean islands have a signature rum, so imbibing is really a cultural experience. From Cuban mojitos to Bahama mama and piña colada cocktails, there's no shame in sampling the local fare. And if you happen to be visiting Puerto Rico around the holiday season, you can't leave without trying a coquito — a traditional Christmas drink. Similar to eggnog, this coconut-based beverage consists of milk, rum, egg yolks, coconut milk and vanilla, and without it, it simply wouldn't be Christmas in the Caribbean.
If you're lucky enough to cruise to the Caribbean, be sure to do your research, plan ahead and arrive ready to fall in love with this amazing corner of the world.