Butlers, beaches & boutiques: Why book a luxury Southern Caribbean cruise

Luxury Southern Caribbean cruise holidays immerse travellers in escapism, ensuring you enjoy both the comforts of opulence and the thrill of exploration as you discover exotic destinations from Martinique and Barbados to St Lucia and Grenada.

They may come with a higher price tag but luxury cruises – available to book via travel agent IGLU Cruise – have oodles to offer holidaymakers seeking indulgence and the crème de la crème of travel.

Prepare to be pampered with spacious balcony suites, fine dining and personalised services (often with nearly one staff member per guest) to name a few perks of a high-end Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Aboard all-inclusive Seabourn (boasting intimate ships of up to 600 passengers) tipping is neither required nor expected and you’ll be treated to talks featuring luminaries from the worlds of music, arts, history, politics, science and more.

With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, luxury advantages comprise unlimited shore excursions; butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher; in-suite dining served course-by-course during restaurant hours; and L’Occitane toiletries.

Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises’ Southern Caribbean voyages spend longer in port and have more overnight stays as well as boasting a variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants at no cover charge and free room service 24 hours a day.

Not to be outdone, Silversea offers butler service in every suite, designer cosmetics, bars stocked according to preference, enrichment lecturers and much, much more.

And just think – all this luxury is set against the backdrop of the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and rich cultural diversity.

What is the Southern Caribbean known for?

The Southern Caribbean is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and lush, vibrant landscapes.

Each island here weaves its unique tapestry of traditions, music, cuisine and history influenced by indigenous heritage (groups like the Arawaks and Caribs lived here before the arrival of European explorers); Spanish, Dutch, French and British colonisation; and African roots.

Foodies on a luxury Southern Caribbean cruise will have plenty to please the palate ashore: Martinique and Guadeloupe bring French-Caribbean fusion cuisine to the table, Antigua offers seafood delicacies like lobster and conch, while St. Lucia serves up traditional Creole dishes.

As for those who want to get out and about on Southern Caribbean cruises, the region is a haven for adventure-seekers, offering snorkelling and diving amid stunning coral reefs alongside opportunities to explore historic towns and cities that reflect the islands’ intriguing colonial past.

Where does a Southern Caribbean cruise go to?

There are around 15 to 20 islands and territories in the Southern Caribbean (depending on geographical definitions) although not all are visited on by cruise ships.

So, what islands are included in a Southern Caribbean cruise? From the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Aruba to Bonaire’s world-class diving spots, the colourful Dutch architecture and rich heritage of Curacao, and Barbados’ UNESCO-listed Bridgetown blending history with scenic beaches, these islands offer a wealth of memorable experiences.

St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons and lush landscapes, Grenada’s spice production, Antigua’s historical sites, and St. Kitts and Nevis’s historic landmarks further enrich the region.

The stunning scenery and sailing opportunities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique and Guadeloupe’s French-Caribbean cultural flair, Dominica’s untouched natural beauty, and St. Barts’ luxurious resorts and splendid beaches also keep holidaymakers coming back to these delightful Southern Caribbean cruise destinations for more.

What ports of call are in a Southern Caribbean cruise?

Aruba: Oranjestad, known for its beaches, shopping, and vibrant nightlife
Curacao: Willemstad, featuring colourful Dutch colonial architecture
Barbados: Bridgetown, home to historical landmarks, markets and beautiful beaches
St. Lucia: Castries, where visitors can explore the Pitons, rainforests and volcanic landscapes
Grenada: St. George’s, offering spice plantations, forts and picturesque beaches
Antigua: St. John’s, renowned for its colonial history, markets and stunning beaches
St. Kitts and Nevis: Basseterre, showcasing historic sites and natural beauty
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Kingstown and other smaller islands with beautiful scenery and sailing opportunities
Trinidad and Tobago: Port of Spain and Scarborough, known for cultural diversity, natural beauty and historic sites.
Martinique: Fort-de-France, offering French-Caribbean culture, beaches and lush landscapes
Guadeloupe: Pointe-à-Pitre, providing a mix of French-Caribbean experiences and beautiful beaches
Dominica: Roseau, known as the “Nature Island” with rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes
St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy): Gustavia, known for upscale resorts, boutique shopping and gorgeous beaches

What are the best months to cruise the Southern Caribbean?

The best time of year to cruise the Southern Caribbean is typically within the region’s dry season, which runs from December to April. This period offers generally favourable weather conditions with lower chances of rain and more predictable temperatures.

January through March tends to be particularly popular due to balmy temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, beach visits and exploring the islands.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and possibly find better Southern Caribbean cruise deals, consider travelling in the shoulder months of December or April when the weather is still pleasant.