Pilates of the Caribbean
Well, that’s what you’re more likely to find these days. While the Caribbean was extremely popular with pirates in the early days of exploration, today while relaxing on a cruise you’re more likely to be press-ganged into nothing more serious than a gentle exercise regime in a luxurious gym. The Caribbean has been popular for centuries as a cruise destination and whether it’s Pirates or Pilates classes the reasons remain much the same. Offering a large number of islands on which to bury treasure and hide from the Spanish or British or French authorities – depending on whom exactly happened to be chasing you that day – the Caribbean offered the perfect combination of open seas, hidden coves and excellent anchorage; it still does. The Caribbean was the gateway for various European visitors as they attempted to gain a foothold on the American continental mainland and, as such, was an important staging post for newly established trade routes; again, it still is. Early Europeans also soon recognised the incredible opportunities the area had to offer; nothing changed there then!
Hidden Treasures
This rich, if not always savoury, history has left its mark on the Caribbean Sea and the Islands that sprinkle its water’s. The peoples of the Caribbean draw their descent from ancient island tribes, African slaves, European settlers and, on the continental coasts of the sea, from ancient and highly civilised cultures. This vibrant mixture of cultures is apparent in various different forms as you hop from island to island. And like those pirates of the high seas, you can’t fail to fall in love with its secret coves and hidden treasures. Today, the treasures are not as buried as you might think. The tropical interior of Jamaica, with lush forests and high mountain peaks, and the sheer beauty of smaller isolated islands – where the idea of “getting away from it all” must have originated.
Skull & Crossbones not required
Today, to experience all the Caribbean has to offer, you don’t need to sail under the Skull and Cross Bones, or raise an army of disreputable sailors. Service and standards on the high seas have improved somewhat in the last few years, and a Caribbean cruise can leave you feeling like royalty. Of course, cruises are the preserve of the rich and famous, or at least the recently retired, as everybody knows. Think again; the cruise, even in choppy economic waters remains a popular holiday choice. Actually, despite the recession or perhaps because of it, cruise holidays remain popular and are one area of growth in the tourist industry. The Caribbean remains one of the favourite destinations, for long and short cruises by tourists from around the world.
Long days at sea
For many people the variety of a cruise is the main appeal. The Caribbean is the ideal location if you are looking for variety – as mentioned above the massive range of cultural influences is only matched by the breadth of scenery and landscape. Although the region is tropical, each island is subtly different in culture and landscape – a cruise is the ideal way to experience this variety on one holiday. Many cruises specialise in the different Caribbean regions, the east taking in the smaller islands on the edge of the Atlantic; while Western Cruises include the major islands such as Jamaica or the continental coastline of Belize. Like a resort hotel, the modern cruise ships that ply the Caribbean offer luxury and comfort as standard. You have the opportunity to settle into your own quarters for the duration of the voyage – while also taking advantage of the ever changing view. Facilities on board will normally include, but as they say are ‘not limited to’ shopping areas, spas, health clubs, theatres, cinemas, bistros, restaurants and bars. Some feel – because they are – a resort in themselves, which makes the long days at sea rarely seem long enough!
Cheap Caribbean cruises no longer involve stealing a passing ship. Offers ranging from long or short cruises are widely available allowing you to explore the hidden treasures the Caribbean and its islands have to offer.
