Caribbean crash course: The first-timers guide

Beautiful typical traditional vibrant street in San Juan, Puerto Rico

It’s no surprise that the Caribbean, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water is considered the ultimate getaway destination.

With over 7000 individual islands, first-time visitors are often confronted with the question; where do I go?

This 6-point checklist from Royal Caribbean will help you set sail.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan streetview

San Juan, Puerto Rico, should be on every first timer’s Caribbean itinerary. As the capital of Puerto Rico this port city is a hub of culture and history.

The colourful Spanish colonial buildings and the historic landmarks like the fortress, El Morro, give the city an old-town charm. The Spanish influence is still evident throughout the city, so the tapas and sangria are authentic and not to be missed!

To visit this city, secure a cabin onboard the Freedom of the Seas departing 6 October 2019, and enjoy a 7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise.

Scuba diving

Scuba diver is exploring and enjoying Coral reef Sea life Two sporting women Underwater photographer

Scuba diving is a must in the Caribbean thanks to the clear water and abundant marine life and Cozumel, Mexico is the best place to dive to the depths of the deep blue.

The relatively untouched island oasis has a colourful reef and is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including turtles, dolphins and manatees, making it a must-stop for any Caribbean adventure.

Check out the 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise, departing 17 September 2018 on Brilliance of the Seas.

Submarine Ride

Oranjestad Aruba

If scuba diving isn’t your thing, but you still want to get amongst the marine life, then Oranjestad, Aruba is for you.

This island is teeming with underwater secrets just waiting to be discovered. Here, you can take a submarine to 45 metres below sea level, passing colourful coral reefs, an array of underwater animals and the occasional shipwreck.

To explore the wonders of the deep blue, book a cabin on the Explorer of the Seas for the 9-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise, departing 29 November 2019.

Tropical Jungles

Mangrove Trees Path in Ocean Inlet

While the Caribbean is known for its beaches, the lush tropical jungles that lie inland shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your trip.

The jungle on the island of Roatan, Honduras rivals its beaches and a stroll through the Carambola Botanical Gardens proves this. The impressive flora is matched only by the wildlife that call the Gumbalimba Preservation Park home, including parrots, iguanas and monkeys.

To see the diverse landscape of Honduras and befriend the local wildlife, board the Rhapsody of the Seas, departing 28 December 2019, for a 7-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise.

Zip Line over water

ZipLine

For those looking for an adventure, Labadee, Haiti is the place for you.

On this private island, you have the chance to ride on the world’s longest zip line over water, or swim and snorkel in the clear water. Once you are done exploring all the island has to offer, put your feet up and unwind in one of the beachside cabanas.

If you are ready to relax, then book a cabin on the Explorer of the Seas, departing 22 December 2019, for a 5-Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise.

The Water

Castries Harbor, Saint Lucia

For unspoilt scenery, leafy palm trees and long stretches of beach, then Castries, St. Lucia should be top of the list. There is so much to explore on this small island, from hiking the lush greenery of The Pitons, to visiting the banana valleys and fishing villages. Cruise in on a catamaran over the crystal-clear waters, switch off and relax on this little slice of paradise.

Put your feet up onboard the Serenade of the Seas, for an 11-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise departing 18 November 2019.

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