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8 hidden gems to visit on a Caribbean cruise

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Selene NelsonMarch 31, 2025

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P&O CruisesThe Caribbean may be best known for shimmering blue waters and sugar-white sands, but there’s much more to this diverse region than meets the eye. With over 7,000 islands and islets, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover… and one of the best ways to do so is on a cruise.

To get you inspired, we’ve partnered with the award-winning P&O Cruises. Britain’s favourite cruise line can take you to popular Caribbean countries, like Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia, as well as quieter, lesser-known destinations offering new perspectives and a deeper, richer understanding of Caribbean culture.

Sailing from Southampton on a roundtrip cruise, you’ll enjoy leisurely days at sea where you can relax and enjoy your ship’s amenities. But, when the ship docks, you can look forward to visiting the most idyllic and iconic Caribbean islands.

We’ve rounded up eight hidden Caribbean gems you can visit on a P&O Cruises holiday. To find out more about what to expect on a P&O Cruises holiday and browse your options, visit their website below.

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1. Bonaire

Bonaire

Just off the coast of Venezuela is the island of Bonaire. Part of the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours Aruba and Curaçao – but that’s precisely what makes it such a hidden gem. Home to staggering natural beauty and pristine waters, it’s a pioneer of ecotourism – and you can visit this little-known island on several P&O Cruises holidays.

If you’d like to swim, dive or snorkel, the gin-clear waters of Bonaire Marine Park teem with colourful marine life, while, on land, you can spot flamingos and iguanas. There’s plenty of culture and history, too: you can explore Rincón, the oldest town on the island, admire the vibrant capital Kralendijk and visit the tiny 19th-century slave huts. Or, if you feel like relaxing, just kick back on one of the many blissful beaches.

2. Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The beautiful, volcanic islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) remain largely undiscovered – and even the busier spots don’t feel too overcrowded. But of all the SVG islands, none are more perfect, or off the beaten track, than Bequia (pronounced ‘Beck-way’). Bequia had no electricity until the 1960s (and no roads until the 1980s!) and, refreshingly, life still ticks by at a snail’s pace today.

Here, beaches are blissfully deserted. Often, even on the popular Princess Margaret Beach, there’s barely a soul around. P&O Cruises holidays take you to Kingstown in St. Vincent, which offers easy access to Bequia. Hop on a catamaran and take a shore excursion to this tropical hideaway, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing to your heart’s content. Or enjoy a ferry ride to Port Elizabeth, Bequia’s pretty capital.

3. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe

Consisting of more than a dozen sun-kissed islands – of which six are inhabited – Guadeloupe is one of the most diverse places in the Caribbean. Home to jungle-swathed mountains, sultry rainforests, thermal springs and pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Guadeloupe is particularly known for its excellent cuisine, which is a mouthwatering mix of Creole, French and African influences.

On a P&O Cruises holiday, both on shore and aboard, you’ll experience authentic sounds and tastes of Guadeloupe through locally-inspired cuisine, thrilling entertainment, and lively Sailaway parties. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve, where you can swim, snorkel, dive, and spot creatures including seahorses, dolphins, and turtles. Or head to Domaine de Valombreuse botanical gardens to be immersed in a tropical wonderland.

4. Nevis

Nevis

The warm and welcoming dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has long been a popular Caribbean cruise destination. But, because it’s bigger, most tourists only visit St. Kitts. Nevis, the main island’s leisurely little sister, is known for unspoiled beaches, grand mountains, rich history and mellow culture. Not for nothing is it known as ‘the Queen of the Caribbean’.

While P&O Cruises ships dock in St. Kitts, several shore experiences allow you to visit its smaller neighbour. One excursion takes you via water taxi to Nevis to explore at your leisure, whether that’s hiking around the slumbering volcano, soaking up the sun on the beach, or discovering the lively capital, Charlestown. Or, you can hop on the 45-minute ferry to Nevis to explore independently.

5. Dominica

Dominica

If you’re looking to marvel at the majesty of nature or feel like an intrepid explorer as you trek past lunar-like landscapes, few Caribbean countries can compete with Dominica. A haven for ecotourists, Dominica’s boiling lake, rainforest-wrapped volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and colourful coral reefs make it perfect for adventure lovers – and, luckily, many P&O Cruises holidays stop at this idyllic island.

There’s so much to see that it can be tricky to know where to start. Discover the charming capital of Roseau, with its elegant French colonial buildings and dazzling botanical gardens; admire the magical Jaco Falls; or swim in the enchanting Emerald Pool, in UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. You can even visit the last surviving community of Carib Indians, the original inhabitants of the Caribbean.

6. Sint Maarten/St. Martin

Sint Maarten

One of the most interesting islands in the Caribbean is Sint Maarten – or St. Martin. Half French and half Dutch, this unique two-nation island has two very distinct personalities. The French side is quieter and more laid-back, while the Dutch side is known for its food scene, shops, and opportunities for adventure – as well as the world-famous, eye-wateringly low aeroplane landing approach at Maho Beach.

The bustling Dutch capital is a joy to explore, and you can have fun getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets called steegjes. Philipsburg Marketplace is a great place to pick up souvenirs and, after, you can sip rum punch as you admire the view over Great Bay Beach. Or, for a taste of France, head to the French capital Marigot, where you can browse chic boutiques and relax along the pretty café-lined waterfront.

7. Tobago

Tobago

While its big sister Trinidad buzzes with energy and activity all night long, tiny Tobago is laid-back even by Caribbean standards. Although only 26 miles by nine, this island has incredible diversity, boasting shady rainforests, volcanic hills, aquamarine bays, fabulous dive sites, and magnificent nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. If you’re looking for a Robinson Crusoe experience, you’ll find that here.

There’s plenty for history buffs, too. Despite its small size, Tobago has a surprisingly large number of old forts, including the impressive Fort King George, built in the 1770s, which is now a museum. The capital Scarborough is a great place for a leisurely stroll – or a dance if you’re feeling energetic. Swaying to local calypso music while sipping a refreshing rum punch is a wonderful way to get a feel for this idyllic island!

8. Roatán, Honduras

Roatán, Honduras

Just off the north coast of Honduras, in Central America, lie the beautiful Bay Islands. Roatán is the largest island. It’s long, thin and set upon an astonishingly diverse coral reef, making the entire coastline a diving and snorkelling paradise. There are also picture-perfect beaches, shady mangrove-lined waterways, beautiful botanical gardens and, at the heart of the island, rolling pine-forested mountains.

On a P&O Cruises holiday, you can appreciate Roatán’s natural beauty by visiting the Arboretum Botanical Gardens and the Roatán Butterfly Gardens. Or why not take a cruise around Dixon Cove, passing two of the island’s biggest shipwrecks? Culture enthusiasts can enjoy exploring quaint seaside villages, browsing authentic Central American arts and crafts and learning about the local Garifuna people.

Final thoughts…

On a P&O Cruises holiday to the Caribbean, you can experience the best of both worlds, ticking off big-hitters like Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas, while also visiting smaller, lesser-known islands and countries.

The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular bucket-list destinations, and exploring on a cruise means you can see much more than you would on a land-based holiday. Plus, sailing from Southampton extends the holiday experience, and you can spend your days at sea enjoying exceptional dining, exciting entertainment, extraordinary service and fabulous amenities.

When in port, you can get to know the Caribbean’s most beautiful and diverse islands. Soak up the inimitable culture, savour the mouthwatering cuisine, uncover the fascinating history and make the most of being in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the world.

To find out more about Caribbean holidays with P&O Cruises, visit their website below.

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Selene Nelson

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

Goodbye winter blues, hello sunny Caribbean views

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