USA and the Caribbean

From the delicious curries of the Caribbean to the sizzling barbecue steaks in the USA, you’ll discover culinary delights galore to tantalise your taste buds during your captivating cruise holiday. The Caribbean is home to a plethora of superb eateries, ranging from lively street food stalls to elegant fine dining restaurants. Traditional fare is a fusion of European, Cajun and African cuisines which will satisfy the most discerning palate, with spicy jerk meats, traditional stews, exotic seafood dishes and fragrant curries among the joys which await.

Pepperpot stew, rice and peas served with chicken and roti pancakes are local favourites which are packed with flavour. Popular desserts in this part of the world include bread pudding and guava duff, while legendary Caribbean rum is a tipple that’s certainly worth sampling during your cruise. You’ll also be impressed with the diverse range of gastronomic offerings in the USA, with everything from tasty street corner snacks to lavish gourmet meals in world-class restaurants. Clam chowder, prime rib eye steak, corn dogs on a stick, succulent burgers, California burritos, jambalaya, deep dish pizza and buffalo wings are just a few of the scrumptious choices available.

 Popular desserts include key lime pie, baked Alaska and hot fudge sundae, while much-loved alcoholic beverages include bottle beer, Californian wine and Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

All options are covered when it comes to the best time for your dream cruise, whether you crave relaxing hours in the golden sunshine of the Caribbean or a thrilling snow-filled winter safari in Yellowstone National Park or another enchanting USA getaway. The months of June, July and August are ideal for visiting magical Caribbean islands, when temperatures hover around 32°C, but the quieter summer months may prove more appealing if you want to avoid the crowds. You’ll still discover plenty of sunshine during the winter months of November and December, while spring is the carnival season for anyone wanting to enjoy the traditional colourful island celebrations. The vastness of the USA means it has a range of climates, so you’ll always find somewhere which meets your needs, from invigorating summer sunshine to snowy winter wonderlands.
 The shoulder months before and after summer are popular times to visit when temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are smaller at the most popular attractions. The spring period between mid-March to late May sees warm temperatures when the national parks, forests and beaches have plenty of appeal. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30°C and an average low of 21°C, while the coolest month is January with an average daily maximum of 4°C and an average low of -3°C.      

There’s so much to see and do in the USA and Caribbean when your ship berths at a port of call for an exciting land excursion. Fun-packed days and romantic nights await in the charming Caribbean with its breathtaking natural wonders and fabulous attractions. Snorkel beneath the waves to explore shipwrecks or coral reefs, hike through jungles and mountain ranges, swim with dolphins in azure waters or marvel at epic ancient landmarks. There are so many incredible attractions to delight you including the Crystal Caves in Belize, the 99 Steps in St Thomas, Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach, Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, Harrison’s Cave in Barbados and Chalk Sound National Park in Grand Turk. The Caribbean is also renowned for its top-quality rum, with many local distilleries operating guided tours and the chance to sample their superb produce.
 Popular outdoor pursuits in this awe-inspiring cruise destination include canyoning, scuba diving, jet skiing, mountain biking, windsurfing, jeep safaris, island hopping, ziplining and river rafting. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to thrilling attractions in the USA. Glitzy casinos and dazzling shows in Las Vegas, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, theme park heaven in Orlando and glorious beaches in Miami are just a few of the delights which await. Then there’s the spellbinding city of New York where the famous attractions include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. The USA is also brimming with jawdropping natural wonders including Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, Monument Valley, Columbia River Gorge, Death Valley and the Florida Everglades. The big cities in the USA are home to famous theatres, fascinating museums, gourmet restaurants, wonderful shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife. Popular outdoor activities in this magical destination include horseback riding, surfing, snorkelling, canyoning, helicopter tours, rock climbing, golfing, 4x4 off-roading, ziplining, jet skiing, sport fishing and hunting.