5 Best Southern Caribbean Cruises 2019 (with Prices): Cruises to the Southern Caribbean on Cruise Critic

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Antigua (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock)

Antigua (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock)

Cruises to the Southern Caribbean

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Less visited than other areas in the region, the Southern Caribbean has expansive natural beauty and gorgeous scenery. Popular islands include the French West Indies (Martinique, Guadalupe and St. Bart's), lush St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada, and the sandy ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). With Barbados and Puerto Rico as main embarkation ports, your cruise vacation begins before you even board the ship.

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Pictures of the Best Southern Caribbean Beaches

A sojourn to the Southern Caribbean islands is often a throwback in time. Many say these are the authentic West Indies. The geography is usually hikeable verdant rainforests, desert terrain and distinct volcanic rock formations. There's a slower pace of life and often a lack of modern-day

By: Chanize Thorpe, Cruise Critic contributor

Pictures From a Southern Caribbean Cruise

On a 10-night Southern Caribbean sailing, we cruised from Miami to the ports of Grand Cayman, the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and Key West. The following images are just a few highlights of what we saw there, under the sun. Show Southern Caribbean Prices

By: Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor

Southern Caribbean Cruise Tips

The Southern Caribbean harbors the lion's share of the region's islands. But, because many are smaller and less developed than more easily accessible northerly ones, they tend to be less traveled. And that's a big plus for been-there, done-that cruisers eager to experience new ports of call. The region, which includes islands lying east and south of St. Maarten/St. Martin, has always been a bit more exotic than its Western and Eastern Caribbean counterparts. That's due, in part, to strong colonial influences that endure. Indeed, Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Barts are part of the Republic of France; Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire are part of the Netherlands; Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda retain a British colonial legacy; and farthest south, just off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago exude Latin flair. These influences guarantee an interesting mix of natural beauty and culture. Aruba and Antigua are regarded for their soft, sandy beaches. Martinique, St. Lucia and Guadeloupe wow visitors with spectacular scenics, from rainforests to volcanoes. Dutch-influenced Curacao and its sibling, Bonaire, host great snorkeling and scuba diving spots. St. Barts is so French, you'll swear you're in the Mediterranean while sipping a glass of something at a sidewalk cafe. Martinique and Guadalupe also harbor both French and West Indian trappings. Grenada, relatively undeveloped, is laidback and exudes a genuine small town vibe. Opportunities to go (quite literally) off the beaten path abound on islands such as Dominica, where the countryside is so lush, the foliage is in and of itself, an attraction. In contrast, the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are arid and sandy, but have their own stark beauty. With its cultural diversity and geographic variation, the region is bound to appeal to all types of travelers.

Southern Caribbean: Top 10 Places to Snorkel & Dive

If you're cruising the Southern Caribbean, it's time to get excited about diving and snorkeling. Some of the region's best spots for the sport -- Bonaire and Grenada spring to mind -- are there, as well as lesser-known Scuba spots like St. Lucia and Aruba. If you plan on diving more than once or

French West Indies: What To Know Before You Go

The French Caribbean islands offer an experience that blends laid-back relaxation with a sophisticated vibe.

By: Ashley Kosciolek, Editor

10 Cool Things About Visiting Montserrat on a Caribbean Cruise

Cruise Critic lists the top 10 coolest things about Montserrat in the Caribbean.

By: Andrea M. Rotondo, Cruise Critic contributor

Best Southern Caribbean Shore Excursions

A Southern Caribbean itinerary, which calls on more remote ports, can evoke a feeling of discovery. Here are tips for getting the most out of your visit.

By: Jana Jones, Cruise Critic Contributor

My First Cruise To ... the Southern Caribbean

On her first cruise to the Southern Caribbean, our correspondent wanted to experience the islands without the crowds. Did she?

By: Sarah Schlichter, Senior Editor at IndependentTraveler.com

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