Dominican’t Leave
By the time we reached Dominica—our final new nation of the trip—levels of ‘cruise fatigue’ resulting from too much food, too little sleep, and an endless supply of Heineken were at an all-time high.
Nevis Say Nevis Again
Following the serenity of Sint Maarten, we arrived in a far more energetic Saint Kitts, one half of the Caribbean nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The first impression from outside the cruise terminal was a curious blend of Britishness in the tropics—red phone boxes, iron lampposts, and Georgian-era facades painted in sorbet colours.
Rum and Rum-er
We arrived in Antigua in a state best described as “recently embalmed,” courtesy of the cruise ship's rather ridiculous all-you-can-drink policy. There was a hopeful yet thoroughly unrealistic belief between us that the fresh Caribbean breeze might magically erase last night's liquid excesses.
Double Dutch
After a week merrily hopping around the southern Windward Islands, our second began further north among the Leeward Islands, landing first at the intriguing—and delightfully perplexing—Saint Martin.
Rih-lentless Rih-laxation
After a whirlwind week exploring the southern reaches of the Caribbean, we found ourselves back in Bridgetown, Barbados—our basecamp, if you will, and not at all an unpleasant place to pause while a fresh influx of pale, enthusiastic British cruisers replaced those departing.
¡Happy Birthday Guadeloupe!
Another day, another island—although, unusually for this trip, one still firmly tethered to Europe. Unlike many British Overseas Territories, which enjoy a comfortable distance from Westminster and significant autonomy, Guadeloupe is an official department of France, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Paris, Rhône, and Hauts-de-Seine.
A Proposal on a Piton
Saint Lucia, our fourth Caribbean country in four increasingly consuming days, offered something a little different from the usual island-tour-and-rum-punch routine we'd lavishly grown accustomed to.
Quaint Vincent & The Nectarines
Before European explorers inevitably blundered onto its shores, Saint Vincent went by the considerably catchier name "Youloumain," given by the indigenous Carib people.
Rum For Your Life
Our second Caribbean stop was Grenada, the southernmost of the Windward Islands. Known as the "Island of Spice," it plays a major role in the global nutmeg trade, producing 40% of the world’s supply—a fact proudly displayed on its colourful flag.
