Thinking of a relaxing and affordable way to travel? Be sure to consider a cruise! This was my first time on a cruise, though Steven was already used to the #cruiselife. I booked this cruise to celebrate Steven's birthday and was lucky to find a ridiculously cheap rate that departed on his special day.
We chose Royal Caribbean because it sailed from Barbados, which is our home base, making the start of our journey incredibly convenient with no need to board planes or undergo rigorous screening due to COVID. Plus, one week seemed too short to truly unwind, so we opted for a two-week vacation to maximize our relaxation and finally get off the island of Barbados!
We were fortunate to snag such a cheap rate because these were the first set of cruises resuming their regular schedule after COVID. Even though the world was trying to return to normal, COVID was still around. Nevertheless, our adventure began with excitement and anticipation. Here's a glimpse into our 14-night Caribbean cruise itinerary:
Day 1: Bridgetown, Barbados (Departure)
Our journey began in Bridgetown, Barbados, where we embarked on our cruise ship. We set off early to ensure we made the most of "day 1" while ensuring we followed the testing protocols to board the ship. On embarkation day, all guests 2 and older—regardless of vaccination status—are required to take a complimentary embarkation day antigen test and receive a negative test result. Testing was a smooth but lengthy process, so we were glad we decided to arrive early!
Day 2: Kingstown, St. Vincent
Our first stop was Kingstown, St. Vincent. This vibrant port city offers a mix of lush landscapes and colonial architecture. Since we had already visited St. Vincent & The Grenadines (SVG), we opted to stay on board Grandeur Of The Seas to relax and enjoy the amenities.
SVG has so much to offer. Read our blog on
Day 3: St. George's, Grenada
Next, we arrived in St. George's, Grenada. Known as the "Spice Isle," Grenada's aromatic air was filled with the scent of nutmeg and cinnamon. Due to local regulations, all guests were required to book a shore excursion if they wished to go ashore. Therefore, we booked our tour and set off to The Diamond Chocolate Factory, which offered an exciting introduction to Grenada’s rich history of growing cocoa while indulging in mouthwatering organic chocolate. We also journeyed to Concord's Waterfall and took a dip in its refreshing waters. This tour offered the perfect blend of nature, food, and fun!
Tip: Bring a change of clothing to ensure that you are dry and comfortable if you plan to take a dip at the waterfall. There are public restrooms on site.
Here are some pretty steller moments of our time in Grenada captured by Steven - let's go!
Day 4: At Sea
A day at sea provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, and boy did we need it! We were expecting and in our first trimester. Thankfully, we experienced very little nausea while on board, but this was the perfect day to lounge by the pool and indulge in spa treatments.
Tip: Be sure to always read the 'Cruise Compass,' which provides you with all of the information you need to know on a daily basis while on your cruise. There should never be a dull moment on board if you keep up to date with the compass as the ship's entertainment options are endless.
Day 5: Kralendijk, Bonaire
We were excited to have the chance to visit the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) since we had never been, and they did not disappoint. Kralendijk, Bonaire, welcomed us with its charming pastel-colored buildings.
Due to local regulations, as we were both fully vaccinated, we were able to depart the ship and explore on our own. First, we took a historical walking tour of the city, which allowed us to get a true essence of the city while going at our own pace. We then booked an island tour with an independent taxi, which proved to be much cheaper than booking it with Royal Caribbean, and because the island is small, we were able to make it back to the ship while still having time to venture throughout the city.
Tip: Where possible, book tours with independent (but reliable) tour operators rather than with Royal Caribbean. Not only will you save drastically, but most times you will experience a more private and personalized tour. This worked great for us as it kept our interactions with other guests to a minimum.
Click here to view Bonaire through Steven's eyes!
Day 6: Oranjestad, Aruba
In Oranjestad, Aruba, we used the map provided and headed for downtown Oranjestad (which is a short walk from the cruise terminal) to view the colorful and vibrant Dutch architecture. We did yet another walking tour of the city at our leisure before booking a scenic tour of the island, including the famous Natural Bridge and Arikok National Park.
We were truly captivated by the island's unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences.
Day 7: At Sea
We opted for a two-week cruise rather than a one-week cruise so that we could relax, and another day at sea allowed us to recharge and savor the ship's amenities. We participated in a selfie scavenger hunt, had fun coloring by the bar, and more.
Day 8: Colon, Panama
By Day 8, we were excited to visit our first country in Latin America. While we had extensively toured the Caribbean prior to this cruise, Latin America was uncharted territory for us both. We took a fascinating tour of the canal, witnessing the engineering marvel up close. The experience was both educational and awe-inspiring.
We also had the amazing opportunity to learn about the indigenous Embera people of Panama and their vibrant culture. This was one of my personal highlights of the entire cruise experience and one of the best tours as we were able to immerse ourselves in their culture and customs.
Day 9: Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
In Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, we opted to take a private tour which started with a tour of Costa Rica's many banana farms. This led into a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals where we spotted exotic wildlife, including sloths, and immersed ourselves in the natural beauty.
Day 10: At Sea
Another day at sea allowed us to have a day of complete rest and relaxation with no agenda set for the day.
Day 11: Willemstad, Curacao
Willemstad, Curacao, greeted us with its iconic colorful buildings and vibrant culture. Local regulations allowed fully vaccinated guests to depart and explore on their own. We set off for our pre-booked e-scooter island tour with Iguana Rides. This gave us the opportunity to explore the four districts of Willemstad—Punda, Scharloo, Pietermaai, and Otrobanda—and even make it back to port with ample time to have our own walking tour of the port.
Day 12: At Sea
A final day at sea allowed us to reflect on our journey and soak in the last moments of serenity and truly enjoy each other as a couple before our family of two turned into a family of three!
Day 13: St. John's, Antigua
While St. John's, Antigua was not on the original itinerary, we discovered charming architecture and experienced the island's rich history and stunning beaches. We also visited Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spent the afternoon exploring the island.
Day 14: Roseau, Dominica
Another change in itinerary led us to our final stop in Roseau, Dominica, also affectionately known as the "Nature Island." Known for its natural beauty, Dominica did not disappoint. We explored the city before embarking on our journey to Trafalgar Falls and marveled at the island's lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes.
While there were a few adjustments to the cruising schedule due to some ports remaining closed due to COVID, it had very little impact on us as they found alternatives. Each port offered unique experiences, from cultural discoveries to natural wonders. Two weeks allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the destinations, creating unforgettable memories while still finding time for rest and relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser like Steven or a first-timer like me, a 14-night cruise offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. If you're considering a longer cruise, take the plunge—you won't regret it!
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