caribbean
A Journey Through Islands That Shaped Me
Hello my Qumminity, thank you for coming to my page once again.
Beach, nature, and good weather are three things that usually come to mind when thinking of the Caribbean. For me, however, it is a place I once called home. It’s been over ten years since I’ved visited St. Kitts after my travel to Cuba back in 2015 to pursue my degree. Initially, I was a bit hesitant about returning to a place I had left behind, but, my husband has never been to the English speaking Caribbean and really wanted to see it. I honestly just wanted him not to think that every Caribbean island is like Cuba … hihihi. In an attempt to guide you, my readers, through our journey, I have compressed a bit of our experience on this page.
Martinique: A Warm Welcome
Martinique, also known as the “Flower Island,” lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As an overseas department of France, it’s fully integrated into the French state and part of the EU, though not within the Schengen Area.
Upon arrival, my husband and I headed to the Karibea Squash Hotel, a cozy spot near the cruise terminal with solid reviews.
One of the highlights in Martinique was simply walking through the streets—feeling the energy of the people and immersing ourselves in their daily rhythm. While Martinique shares much of the Caribbean’s colonial legacy, its French influence gives it a unique flavour. That said, I don’t speak French—so communication was… let’s say, interesting!
What struck me most were the visible contrasts. Many buildings appeared abandoned—some with trees literally growing out of them—yet the streets were alive with vibrant, artistic graffiti. These murals speak volumes, telling stories of struggle, identity, and resilience. They reflect my history, my people even if not my language.
We also discovered an open-air market full of fresh produce—a staple of Caribbean life, no doubt. Agriculture, like storytelling and spirituality, is woven into our region’s soul. Speaking of spirit, we visited St. Louis Cathedral in Fort-de-France. It’s a marvel—constructed with iron beams and fire-resistant materials inspired by the Industrial Revolution, yet designed in a bold Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic style. Whew! A mouthful—and a masterpiece.
Guadeloupe: A Different Vibe
After a day in Martinique, we hopped over to Guadeloupe. Though the islands share artistic energy and tropical flair; Guadeloupe, however, had a different rhythm. Taxi drivers were more aggressive, and with no meters in sight, agreeing on a price beforehand is a must: We drove 50 meter with one taxi and then got out, because after 5 mins, he changed the price….
Despite a rocky start, we enjoyed our time at Plage de la Datcha, a white-sand beach with views of Gosier Island. On our second visit, we were wiser—we shared a taxi with a friendly family from Martinique and visited the Zoo de Guadeloupe au Parc des Mamelles. Entry was €17.50 and absolutely worth it.
St. Kitts & Nevis: A Homecoming
This twin-island federation is where I was born and raised. St. Kitts, the larger of the two, is known for its lush rainforests and varied beaches—white, gray, and black sand all coexist here. It also has one of the only views of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean: just look at my landing page: isn’t that beautiful?
We also explored petroglyphs left by the island’s pre-colonial inhabitants
and visited Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor, a site rich with historical significance dating back to the 1600s. The Romney manor is also home to a massive Saman tree: it is said to be the oldest living organism in St. Kitts which is estimated to be over 400 years old. This ancient tree embodies the island’s rich history, captivating visitors with its age and endurance.
So enough with the history: you are here you need to try the Rum: brewed on the island, contains 46% of alcohol and they even have mini lil bottles that are perfect for travelling… oops, maybe not a good announcing for alcoholics, but a lil sip won’t hurt!
One of my favourite moments was visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park with my husband, a well preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Fortress was used back in the days by the British as a way to defend the island.
My husband met much of my extended family—it was chaotic, loving, and everything in between.
Near the end of our stay, we got caught up in the carnival parade—so lively it blocked traffic!
My mom had to bend a few driving rules to get us back to the ship. Don’t worry—normally, she drives perfectly legally!, I mean, for a retired taxi driver she should.
I almost forgot, but if you are ever in St. Kitts you need to try Shandy Carib. My favourite flavour is sorrel.
View of the ship when we were running to the ship.
St. Lucia: A Brother’s Tour
In St. Lucia, we were welcomed by my brother and his then girlfriend but now wife, who currently lives there. If you’re cruising in, with the ship, don’t miss the colorful “St. Lucia” sign—one of the best I’ve seen!
My brother took us through Castries, the capital, where we visited the Central Market, then relaxed at Reduit Beach and dined at The Mangrove. We didn’t do much on St. Lucia. It was a laid-back, local experience—family, food, and sun. We still need to find that special something that makes St. Lucia special. Definitely on our list of destinations to explore.
Antigua: Rain & Rum Runners
Due to the weather situation, we were not able to do much in Antigua. We escaped to “Rum Runners – by the Sea” for drinks and Wi-Fi. This was the moment that I realised that I needed an international eSIM! That’s something I learned the hard way! I still don’t have a provider to recommend, but I’m still learning. Once the rain eased, we took local buses into town and then to the beach…? for a peaceful walk before heading back. We also didn’t do much on this day. Antigua is a gem left to explore.
Dominica: History and Heights
In Dominica, a local contact gave us the inside scoop. First stop: a small but impactful museum—perfect for history lovers like me and wonderfully air-conditioned for those suffering from the heat!
We then visited the Botanical Gardens and Parrot Research Centre, showcasing Dominica’s lush biodiversity. Even the abandoned buildings had new life inside them—shops and cafés flourishing.
We also visited the lava beach?… A hidden gem? Scotts Head, a dramatic peak at the island’s southern tip. The coming combination of the blue and the green shows the majesty of nature.
Barbados: A Birthday to Remember
Barbados was our final stop—and it happened to be my husband’s birthday. As Rihanna once said, “If you don’t live your life, who will?” We took that to heart.
We spent the day snorkeling at Carlisle Bay—my first time! I was terrified and nervous at first, but it turned out to be a stunning adventure. But it is best to negotiate with the price. Don’t take the first price that they give you. Back on the ship, I had a surprise ready for him in our cabin—he loved it.
Being on a cruise has many advantages: You are able to see a variety of countries at the same time. However, your time is limited and if not planned well could force you to jump to ridiculous lengths to make it back to the ship…
Here are my top 6 tips for Cruising the Caribbean
- Research Your Destinations – especially if you are coming from a different continent
Learn about the culture, currency, and customs. It helps avoid surprises and enhances your experience. - Plan Your Transport Early
Local buses are budget-friendly, but timing can be unpredictable as there are not always a schedule. Always agree on taxi fares in advance! - Talk to Locals
People will point you to hidden gems no guidebook mentions. A smile goes a long way. - Try the Food!
Caribbean cuisine is a whole vibe—bold, fresh, and full of flavor. Ask for recommendations. - Balance Exploration with Relaxation
Visit landmarks, but don’t forget to slow down. The sea, the sky, and the breeze deserve your attention too. - Try to share a taxi
Sharing a taxi can sometimes be a hassle, but saves a lot on price, as most Caribbean countries don’t run on taxi meters, but on fixed prices, that are not regulated in all countries.