Caribbean Cruise Adventure: 11 Days of Island Hopping!
Just wrapped up an epic 11-day cruise through the Caribbean, setting sail from the Dominican Republic and hitting up 8 incredible islands: Isla Catalina 🇩🇴, Aruba🇦🇼 , Curaçao 🇨🇼 , Barbados 🇧🇧 , Santa Lucia 🇱🇨, Antigua 🇦🇬, St. Kitts 🇰🇳, and Tortola 🇻🇬!
We cruised on the Norwegian Sky (NCL), a cozy ship with around 3000 guests and an 800-strong crew. Ready for the highlights?
Caribbean Cruise: Need-to-Know!
- Dominican Republic (La Romana)
- Aruba
- Curaçao
- Barbados
- Santa Lucia
- Antigua
- St. Kitts
- Tortola
Our Itinerary: Sun, Sand, and Sea!
Day 1: La Romana – Dominican Republic (DR) 🇩🇴
Flying into the DR? You've got two airport choices. Las Americas is closer to Santo Domingo but further from La Romana (about 120km). Punta Cana is closer (80km). Flew in from Panama City and landed at Las Americas. Took a local bus to La Romana bus station, then a motorcycle taxi to the port! 🛵🛵
Check-in started at noon. After passport control, we received our room keycards, our luggage was handled by staff, and up we went with only our backpacks! 😎😎
Last boarding was at 6:00 pm and we set sail at 8:30 pm. We were welcomed with a party at the poolside.
Day 2: Isla Catalina – DR 🇩🇴
Just off the coast of the DR! The ship anchored about a kilometer offshore, and small boats ferried us to the beach. Think white sand 🏖️, swaying palm trees, and gorgeous sunshine. Only cruise guests are on the island, so it's private and clean, with plenty of drinks and food. Boats are running every hour, so you can stay as long as you like.🏝️
Day 3: Aruba 🇦🇼
After 16+ hours at sea, we arrived in Aruba, a tropical island only 60km from Venezuela and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Known for year-round sunshine, flat terrain, and being outside the hurricane belt ⛈️, Aruba is the perfect holiday destination.
We went on a tour that included a cactus garden, aloe vera factory, lighthouse, and stunning beaches! ☀️
The port had lots of shops and restaurants, so we enjoyed a nice lunch before heading back.
Day 4: Curaçao 🇨🇼
Another autonomous island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, not far from Aruba.
Famous for its colorful Dutch architecture, well-planned streets, and a historic fort near the port, now a shopping center! 🏰
We took a tour to Hato Cave and a City Walking Tour to learn about the city.
In the evening, we enjoyed cocktails near the port with a beautiful sunset.
Day 5: At Sea 🌊
Full day on the open sea! On board, there's something for everyone from 8 am to midnight! 💃
Disco, dancing, karaoke, casino, gameshows, live music... the schedule is packed! Non-stop fun! 😋😋
Day 6: Barbados 🇧🇧
About 30 hours later, we arrived in Barbados. Another tropical island, drier and less prone to hurricanes.
Our tour took us along the coast, past famous neighborhoods, and through the island's history. The coast is divided between the Caribbean and Atlantic sides.
The Caribbean side is calm and populated, while the Atlantic side is rocky, lush, and wild, with strong waves and few tourists.
Day 7: Santa Lucia 🇱🇨
Known for its volcanic activity and iconic dormant volcano towering over 300m high! It last erupted about 200 years ago.
The terrain is mountainous, with rainforests due to high rainfall. Hurricane of 2018 still affected some roads.
Our tour took us through fishing villages, beaches, rainforest, sulfur springs, and the iconic volcano. 🌋
Day 8: Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬
Consisting of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua has forests and ziplines. Personally, I found this island the least interesting.
The tour included an abandoned sugar factory, ziplines, and beautiful resorts.
Day 9: St. Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
Saint Kitts (the larger island) and Nevis (smaller). We decided to go straight to the port to find a local tour and found a great price.
Our tour included a drink, a visit to an old plantation, landmarks in Downtown, a viewpoint overlooking the narrow strait between the Atlantic and Caribbean, and a resort beach. Only $20, which is a lot cheaper than $70 when you book directly!
Day 10: Tortola – British Virgin Islands 🇻🇬
The Virgin Islands are split between the UK (British Virgin Islands) and the US. Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands.
We took a ferry to an island known for its coast, which is made up of hundreds of large rocks.
Dozens of small islands, which make the setting particularly unique.
Day 11: La Romana – DR 🇩🇴
Back where we started! The ship docked around 6 am, and disembarkation began. By 10 am, everyone was gone. The end of our 11-day Caribbean cruise!
Caribbean Cruise: Top Tips!
- Group Size Matters: Cruises are easier to book for smaller groups, especially pairs. Solo travelers, I booked 3 weeks ahead and got a $1400 deal for 10 days (plus $200 tips).
- Visa Requirements: Check with the cruise line about visas. You can use their website chat or Cruise Planner.
- Stay Connected: Ship has Wifi, but you can only access the main website for free. Wifi is about $100 for 300 minutes. Use the port restaurants or buy a Caribbean SIM card.
- On-Board Account: They'll link a bank card to your onboard account. All purchases (casino, restaurants, bars, excursions, shopping) are charged to that.
- Dining Options: Buffet (self-serve) and Alacarte Menu, I got tired of the buffet, I ended up preferring the restaurant.
- Excursion Tours: I book excursion tours of the ship, but finding a tour company at the port would be cheaper. Make sure you'll make it to the ship on time.
- Customs: Show your cruise card when entering the port. Bring your passport in case. Ask the staff at the port for more information.
- Currency: All islands take USD, local currency, and credit cards.
- What to Bring Onboard: Food and fruits are not allowed. Booze purchased from ports will be sealed.
- Gratuities: Suggest $20/day, you can change your tip with the receptionist.
