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Home to over 7,000 islands and islets, the Caribbean is known for its astonishing diversity. With so many different countries and cultures to explore, it can be tricky to pick which islands to visit – that’s why cruising is widely viewed as the best way to explore the Caribbean.
To show you the joys of cruising, we’ve partnered with the award-winning P&O Cruises. If you’ve always fancied touring this spectacularly scenic part of the world, Britain’s favourite cruise line can make those dreams a reality. Not only can you visit multiple sun-drenched islands on a single holiday, you can also enjoy leisurely days at sea kicking back and enjoying your ship’s fabulous amenities.
So, what can you expect from a Caribbean adventure with P&O Cruises?
From Barbados to Tortola…How to see 11 Caribbean islands on a single cruise
If you’re looking for variety, one of the best P&O Cruises holidays is Caribbean Winter Warmth (N601).
Setting sail from Southampton, this 35-night roundtrip cruise takes you to 11 Caribbean islands: Barbados, Martinique, St Lucia, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Antigua, St Maarten, and Tortola. So, not only will you get to visit some of the region’s most iconic islands, but you’ll also explore lesser-known destinations that can offer new perspectives and experiences.
Each destination has its own identity and appeal, and, as you hop from island to island, you’ll get a true sense of the diversity of Caribbean culture, cuisine, landscapes, language, wildlife, and people. Part of the beauty of this variety is that everyone will have their own favourite island…And, chances are, the underrated ones will be the most captivating.
Nature enthusiasts might be drawn to rainforest-wrapped volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, boiling lakes, and colourful reefs in Dominica. Or, wildlife lovers may be enamoured with Bonaire, a pioneer of ecotourism where you can spot flamingos and iguanas on land, and all kinds of exciting marine life in the gin-clear waters. St Lucia, meanwhile, is known for the Pitons – volcanic twin peaks that rise majestically from the lush, verdant landscape.
If you’re interested in culture, cuisine, and history, there’s just as much on offer. Guadeloupe’s mouthwatering food blends Creole, French, and African influences. And, in Barbados, a mix of British and West African cultures is seen in dishes like cou-cou and flying fish, and intoxicating calypso and soca music. Willemstad, Curaçao’s colourful capital, is also packed with Dutch and Spanish colonial architecture.
Whatever type of holiday you enjoy, the beauty of cruising is that there’s something for everyone. If you like city breaks, you’ll love exploring the historic ports and candy-coloured towns this region is known for. Adventure lovers can go diving, hiking, zip-lining, or take thrilling 4×4 tours. And if you’re dreaming of kicking back on soft white sands and swimming in warm azure waters…you’re in the right place.
City trip, beach break, nature adventure…you can have it all on one holiday. After all, why visit one Caribbean island when you can visit 11?
What’s included on a P&O Cruises holiday?
So, other than exploring captivating Caribbean islands, what else can you expect from this P&O Cruises holiday? The first thing to know is that you’ll be travelling in style on Ventura, which offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and comfort. There are plenty of entertainment options, from theatre shows and live music to comedy, magic, and quizzes.
Or you can stay active with salsa and line-dancing classes, work out in the ocean-view gym, or do some lengths in the pools. If you’d prefer to relax, you can soak in one of the whirlpool spas. And for the intellectually curious, why not expand your mind at sea with a stroll through the art gallery, doing arts and crafts, and listening to talks from guest speakers?
With 21 bars and restaurants, from fine-dining restaurants and sleek wine bars to casual buffets and cosy lounges, there’s a dining and drinking experience for every mood. Then there’s the P&O Cruises signature service, where the focus is always a stress-free holiday. The crew will take care of everything, allowing you to sit back and relax. Tipping isn’t necessary – because good service is all part and parcel of your holiday.
Plus, sailing from Southampton in January on a roundtrip cruise means you’ve more time to enjoy your ship. More days at sea means more time to relax, whether you’re lounging on deck, wining and dining, or appreciating the sensational sea views. This epic journey to the Caribbean sunshine is the perfect respite to the British winter, and, from only £2,399pp† – less than £69pp† per night! – it’s excellent value for money.
† Early Saver price of £69 per person per night is based on the Early Saver price of £2,399 per person for 35 nights on Ventura cruise N601, based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of Inside cabin available and is subject to availability.
Skipping the fuss of flying is another perk; goodbye packing stress, hello limitless luggage! The Caribbean might be far from home, but the journey is part of the fun, and you’ll stop in Tenerife on the way there and the Azores on the way back, allowing you to see even more.
Alternative Caribbean cruise options
If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, a chance to explore the true diversity and beauty of the Caribbean, P&O Cruises G601 Caribbean Winter Warmth cruise on Iona is another great option. Also 35 nights long, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this Excel class ship, as well as the islands of St Kitts, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua, Tortola and St Maarten. And there are calls at Tenerife and La Coruña, too.
If the N601 and G601 cruises are a little too long for you, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a Caribbean holiday with P&O Cruises. Why not try a shorter cruise on Aurora? The 24-night Caribbean Discovery cruise (R520) takes you to St Maarten, Guadeloupe, St Vincent, St Lucia, and Barbados, plus Tenerife and the Azores.
Or, if you’d like to explore other parts of the world as well as the Caribbean, there are options. Ventura’s 35-night Grand Caribbean and USA Adventure (N604) takes you to Spain, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Honduran island of Roátan, and Belize. Then, the USA is also on the itinerary; visit New Orleans, Miami, and Port Canaveral, before calling at the Azores on the way home.
Final thoughts…
The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular bucket-list destinations…and if you’ve always dreamed of going, you’d probably like to visit more than one island. Choosing which islands to explore can be tricky enough, but once you factor in booking multiple flights or boat trips between destinations, prices tend to start surging.
This is just one of the reasons why a cruise – such as P&O Cruises Caribbean Winter Warmth holiday – is an ideal way to explore the Caribbean. You’ll tick off some of the most fascinating and varied islands in a single trip and, while there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure, the pace on board is leisurely and relaxed.
So, if the Caribbean has always been your bucket-list destination, why not think about exploring it on a cruise? A P&O Cruises holiday allows you to see so much more of this wonderful region than you might on a land-based holiday, and you’ll return home with a deep appreciation of what it is that makes the Caribbean so special.
To find out more about Caribbean holidays with P&O Cruises, you can visit their website below.