The islands of the Caribbean (7,000 in total) are among the most unique in the world, and nowhere is there a more varied mixture of cultures, languages, races, colors, creeds, arts, architecture, flora, fauna, fish and food. Multinational and postcard-perfect, the first tourist in the Caribbean wrote in a letter home: "I saw so many islands that I could hardly decide which to visit first." The tourist was Christopher Columbus writing to Queen Isabella in 1492, and today tourists are still trying to decide which of the more than 50 populated islands dotting the Caribbean Sea should be first on the list.
Not to worry when you take a cruise, though, especially aboard Symphony, one of the two six-star luxury ships of Crystal Cruise lines (the other is Serenity). With carefully planned itineraries and stops at islands both big and small (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St, Lucia, Aruba, Antiqua, Curacao, Grand Gayman, and Barbados, to name a few), you're sure to find the one you really love.
Crystal Symphony's Ports-of-Call
Symphony's "Caribbean Connoisseur" itinerary began in New York in November and made one-day stops in Bermuda (UK), St. Maarten (Netherlands Antilles), Antiqua (West Indies), Curacao (Netherlands Antilles), and Grand Cayman (British West Indies). Check out these island highlights (and suggestions for where to stay if you plan a longer visit):
Bermuda, not in the Caribbean but often grouped with the islands on cruise itineraries, is filled with British charm, pink sandy beaches, and 400 years of history. Symphony docked at Royal Naval Dockyard on the western tip of the island, an area that provided lots of shopping opportunities. Many passengers opted for excursions to Hamilton for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Princess, or to the town of St. George's, the UNESCO site at the far eastern end. For longer stays, check-in to charming Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa or funky 9 Beaches, where you can sleep in stitled over-water cabanas.
St. Martin/Sint Maarten, one island with two nations (French and Dutch), provides a real multi-cultural experience. Both sides have lots to offer, especially for shoppers looking for gold, diamonds, and hand-made baubles. If you plan a longer stay, check-in to luxurious La Sammana, 15 minutes from the French capital of Marigot, and enjoy Greek-inspired architecture, lush foliage, and delicious sandy beaches.
Antigua Has Beach For Each Day of The Year
Antigua, with its 365 beaches (one for each day of the year), is relaxation personified. Site of no major sights, most day visitors head to one of the beaches, to quaint St. John's, or for a drive along Fig Tree Drive through the island's rain forest. For longer stays, check-in to all-inclusive Curtain Bluff, located on a private peninsula on the south shore. With two beaches, legendary cuisine, and a world class wine cellar, it's one of Antigua's most luxurious resorts.
Curacao, nicknamed "the Amsterdam of the Caribbean" for the Dutch-style architecture of downtown Willemstad and the windmills that dot its rural landscape, boasts over 50 distinct nationalities. Its floating market, the unique Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge (it swings open for passage of ships), and world-class shops are all within walking distance of the ship. If you plan a longer stay and want to be near the downtown action, check in to Hotel Kurá Hulanda, a boutique resort located within a village complex of Dutch Colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, an anthropological museum, and three restaurants.
Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, is known for its crystal-clear waters, lovely sandy beaches (Seven Mile Beach is one of the best), and tax haven status. Offshore reefs and bank accounts have made the islands popular with well-heeled tourists, so life in the Caymans--while beautiful--is not cheap. Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, situated on 144-acres, is one of the many posh resorts to choose from for an extended stay. Known as the Seven Wonders on Seven Mile Beach, the resort has everything you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton, including an Eric Ripert restaurant called Blue.
Travel & Leisure Names Crystal Best Large Ship LIne
Heading back on board each day, there's nothing like hearing a Symphony crew member bid you "welcome home." This, along with impeccable accommodations, the friendliest crew on the high seas, a world class spa, fabulous food and entertainment, is just one of the many reasons why Travel & Leisure has named Crystal the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for 15 consecutive years (1996-2010).
Loyal Crystal fans, or members of the Crystal Society (guests who have sailed with Crystal Cruises before) were spending their last night already looking ahead to future sailings in Europe, North America, the Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, South America, Asia, Alaska, and the Amazon. Cruises range from six to 100 or more days on the World Cruise. Sailings to Caribbean destinations for the remainder of this year and for 2011 vary widely (some begin and end in Miami and include transiting the Panama Canal). For complete details on all Crystal sailings, visit Crystal Cruises.
Margaret Johnson - I began my writing career 30 years ago as a high school English and Journalism teacher. Once the travel bug kicked in, I combined both ...
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