With a new air route connecting Auckland to Houston, Kiwi cruisers can head to
the Caribbean for something new. Patricia Greig looks at the islands' best port stops.
ANTIGUA
Mornings in Antigua mean public markets for fresh fish and produce, and right next door you can watch artists as they work. There's plenty of history to learn on the island, from the life of a sailor at the Dockyard Museum (take the No17 bus across from the market), to the partially restored 17th-century sugar plantation, Betty's Hope, which offers a glimpse at what a working plantation was like in colonial times. The island offers much in the way of dining. Head to Coconut Grove for a lobster or, for traditional Caribbean food, Shirley Heights Lookout is built into historic fortifications. On Sundays, the restaurant hosts live music and a barbecue, and is well worth a visit. If you have a day, zip over to Barbuda to experience the island's crystal clear waters, untouched beaches and frigate bird sanctuary.
Colonial buildings in Antigua with Agua volcano in the background. Photo / 123RF
The port at Barbados is in a perfect position, with Bridgetown Public Fish Market just across the street from the terminal; a relaxing park for those who want to avoid the busy downtown area is right next door and down the street are the boutiques of Pelican Village. Barbados guests can look forward to a boozy lunch and a tour of the Mount Gay rum distillery (open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm), which is the oldest in the world. Arbib Heritage and Nature Trails Eco Adventures offers a special view of the island and visits towns and gullies. Walks take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and reservations are required.
DOMINICA
Also known as Nature Island, Dominica is almost entirely untamed rainforest, waterfalls, freshwater pools and hot springs heated by underwater volcanoes surrounding the island. Roseau, the capital, has a popular market, fruit and vegetable stalls and places to buy souvenirs all 10 minutes' walk from the pier. The fun in Dominica can be found on hikes to freshwater lakes (you may need a guide, be sure to check), which range in challenge but are all spectacular. Take a 15-minute trip through the Emerald Pool in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Morne Diablotin, is Dominica's highest peak and is home to the rare Sisserou parrot, 1500m above sea level. The parrots can also be found a little closer to the port in Roseau at the botanical gardens.
GRAND CAYMAN
Feed stingrays at Stingray City, send a postcard from Hell (yes, that's a real place) or stroll around the grounds of Pedro St James castle (built in 1780). If you're after quiet time away from the throngs of cruise ship passengers, a trip to the northeast side of the island where beaches such as Cayman Kai, Rum Point or Smith Cove are quieter, takes 30-40 minutes. For visitors who don't have time on their side but want to tick everything off their list of things to-do, Governor's Beach is perfect for beachy chills and shopping up a storm. Keen to eat like a local? Try Champion House for turtle stew.
The Spice Island, Grenada, offers visitors the opportunity to tour the Dougaldston Spice Estate and experience the methods used to process allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, bay leaves and mace (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm). Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station (Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm) and Grenada Chocolate Company (Sunday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) are also educational and worth visits.
Caribbean spices. Photo / 123RF
For a little less spice and a little more snorkel, Molinere Point is home to an underwater sculpture park designed by Jason de Caires Taylor. The park acts as an artificial reef resulting in astounding aquatic activity.
NASSAU
The busy capital of the Bahamas is a great place for retail therapy. Head along Bay St for shopping and dining, or avoid the crowds and take the number 10 jitney to Arawak Cay to indulge in fried seafood from one of several stands in the area. A top time to visit is during the Junkanoo Festival to experience the glitz of spectacularly costumed dancers taking part in a high-energy parade. Nassau is also the location of the British Colonial Hilton. Opened in 1923, this five-star hotel will be familiar to James Bond fans as it has featured in two films. Enjoy a martini in his honour at Bullion, one of the hotel's bars.
ST BARTS
A popular destination with the rich and famous, St Barts has a little of everything from perfume to prosecco. A store selling imported French goods is very close to the pier in Gustavia, so hop off your ship, grab a baguette and cheese and head to the beach (we recommend Baie de St Jean) for a picnic. Gustavia is ideal for wandering around, and it's worth taking 20 minutes (each way) to hike up to Fort Gustav to take in the views. To work on your tan head to Anse de Grande Saline, a beautiful spot but be warned: clothing is optional.
St. Barts. Photo / 123RF
ST MAARTEN
Snap up souvenirs at St Maarten's Great Bay boardwalk. Rent chairs and umbrellas to lounge about by the beach or have a picnic at the covered tables before taking a dip in the ocean. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and play in the area, with operators ready and waiting to book you on diving and fishing excursions.
