Your A–Z Guide to Caribbean Cruising with Ambassador

The Caribbean is often pictured as little more than sun, sand and sea. But sail with Ambassador Cruise Line, and you’ll find there’s an alphabet of adventures waiting. Whether you sail direct from the UK on our no-fly cruises, or fly with Virgin Atlantic to Barbados and join our new ship Renaissance for a fly-cruise, every letter reveals something extraordinary.

Here’s our A–Z guide to the islands, experiences and hidden gems

A is for Adventure

Adventure takes many forms in the Caribbean. On Saint Lucia, join an off-road Segway tour through banana plantations and jungle trails. In Dominica, hike through volcanic valleys to bubbling hot springs. Cuba offers cycling routes past tobacco fields and colonial towns, while Grenada tempts with canyoning and waterfall plunges. With Ambassador, your itinerary blends relaxation with discovery — so adventure is never far from your sunlounger.

B is for Barbados

For fly-cruise guests, Barbados is where the journey begins — but don’t see it as just a gateway. Bridgetown, the island’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to colonial buildings, lively markets and the bustling Careenage harbour. Beyond the city, Harrison’s Cave sparkles with stalactites, while the island’s rum distilleries tell the spirited story of the Caribbean’s most famous export.

C is for Culture

Culture here is as vibrant as the landscapes. Stroll through Curaçao’s pastel-coloured Willemstad, blending Dutch heritage with Caribbean flair. In Martinique, sip a café au lait in Fort-de-France before browsing the Spice Market. Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, is the oldest city in the Americas, where cobblestones lead you to the first cathedral in the New World. Every port offers a new story.

D is for Diving

The Caribbean is one of the world’s great underwater playgrounds. Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park offers a hauntingly beautiful snorkel experience. Bonaire is famed for its reefs and wrecks, while Grand Cayman boasts the legendary USS Kittiwake shipwreck. Even beginners can don a mask and fins to float among tropical fish in crystal-clear lagoons.

E is for Excursions

Ambassador’s curated destination experiences go far beyond the beach. Taste nutmeg and cinnamon at Grenada’s spice markets, join birdwatching tours in Dominica’s forests, or cruise Antigua’s coastline by catamaran. Each excursion is designed to immerse you in authentic island life — not just the tourist trail.

F is for Festivals

The Caribbean loves to celebrate. Antigua’s Sailing Week fills harbours with yachts and music. Saint Lucia’s Jounen Kwéyòl celebrates Creole culture with food, dance and storytelling. In Trinidad, steel pan bands and carnival costumes light up the streets. Cruising in festival season is like stepping into a living postcard of colour and rhythm.

G is for Grenada

Nicknamed the “Spice Island,” Grenada’s markets are a feast for the senses. In St George’s, cinnamon sticks, cocoa beans and nutmeg mounds fill the stalls with colour and scent. The island’s lush interior hides waterfalls, while white-sand beaches like Grand Anse invite you to pause and soak it all in.

H is for History

Caribbean history is written in forts, plantations and harbours. Visit Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua, a UNESCO treasure and naval base. Barbados tells stories of sugar and rum in its old estates. The Dominican Republic preserves colonial heritage in its churches and plazas. On every island, history lives on through architecture and storytelling.

I is for Indigenous Heritage

Few places offer a more meaningful glimpse into pre-Columbian culture than Dominica’s Kalinago Territory. Here, you can meet descendants of the Caribbean’s first people, learn traditional crafts, and hear stories that long pre-date Columbus. It’s a reminder that the Caribbean’s richness lies as much in its people as its beaches.

J is for Jamaica

From reggae rhythms to natural wonders, Jamaica is a highlight of many cruises. Climb the cascading steps of Dunn’s River Falls, visit Bob Marley’s birthplace at Nine Mile, or simply soak in the energy of Montego Bay. Jamaica is a mix of soulful culture and dramatic landscapes.

K is for Kayaking

Kayak through mangrove forests in Turks & Caicos, or glide across the still waters of St Vincent’s lagoons. In the Virgin Islands, kayakers weave between hidden coves and sandy inlets. For those who prefer quiet exploration, paddling is one of the best ways to see nature up close.

L is for Lakes

Dominica’s Boiling Lake, shrouded in mist and heated by volcanic energy, is a surreal sight on a guided hike. Saint Kitts offers the Great Salt Pond, a peaceful haven for birdwatchers. These inland wonders show that the Caribbean is as diverse inland as along its coastlines.

M is for Music

Every island has a soundtrack. In Trinidad, it’s the steel pan; in Cuba, salsa beats spill into the streets; in Jamaica, reggae reigns supreme. In Antigua, Shirley Heights comes alive with live bands at sunset, offering the perfect Caribbean mix of music, rum and panoramic views.

N is for Nightlife

Caribbean nights aren’t just for bars. Try a stargazing session in Barbados, join a full-moon beach party in the Bahamas, or experience bioluminescent kayaking in Puerto Rico. With Ambassador, the magic continues long after the sun sets.

O is for Off-Roading

Beyond the resorts, off-road adventures reveal the wild side of the islands. Take a 4x4 through Dominica’s jungle, explore sugar cane trails in Saint Lucia by quad bike, or ride through the Dominican Republic’s backcountry. For thrill-seekers, it’s a chance to see the Caribbean raw and untamed.

P is for Ports

Every port feels like a new world. Curaçao’s pastel harbours, Antigua’s bustling marinas and Bridgetown’s lively boardwalks are just as much a part of the adventure as the excursions inland. Ambassador’s smaller ships make it possible to dock closer to these charming hubs.

Q is for Quiet Islands

Some of the Caribbean’s most enchanting spots are its smallest. Bequia, in the Grenadines, is a sleepy haven of beaches and boat-builders. Guadeloupe offers French-Caribbean charm without the crowds. Ambassador’s itineraries often include these hidden gems, giving guests a taste of Caribbean tranquillity.

R is for Rum

The Caribbean’s signature spirit is part of the culture as much as the cuisine. In Barbados, tour Mount Gay Rum Distillery; in Martinique, sip agricole rum distilled from fresh sugarcane. Whether neat or in a punch, rum is the perfect toast to island life.

S is for Sailing

With 365 beaches, Antigua is the sailing capital of the Caribbean. Join a day trip to watch regattas, or charter a yacht to explore secluded coves. On an Ambassador cruise, you can be a spectator — or part of the crew.

T is for TV & Film

The Caribbean has long been a star. Visit St Vincent’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” filming locations, or Guadeloupe, where “Death in Paradise” is shot. These backdrops bring Hollywood glamour to your holiday snaps.

U is for Underwater

Glass-bottom boat tours in the Bahamas, snorkelling in Aruba, or trying “Snuba” in Saint Lucia — the Caribbean is just as colourful beneath the waves as above them. Expect coral gardens, rays, turtles and shoals of rainbow fish.

V is for Volcanoes

The Pitons of Saint Lucia rise like emerald spires from the sea. Dominica’s volcanic valleys hide steaming vents and hot springs, while St Vincent’s La Soufrière looms dramatically over the island. Cruising brings these giants into view from the comfort of your ship.

W is for Wildlife

Wildlife thrives in the Caribbean’s seas and skies. Flamingos flock in Aruba, while Dominica is known as the “whale-watching capital of the Caribbean.” With Ambassador’s ORCA partnership, you can join conservation workshops on board to spot and learn about dolphins, turtles and more.

X is for X-Parks

Mexico’s Riviera Maya features adventure parks like Xcaret and Xplor, where you can zipline, swim in cenotes and explore caves. They’re a thrilling addition to any cruise itinerary that includes a Mexican stop.

Y is for Yoga

Wellness is woven into the Caribbean lifestyle. Tobago’s beaches and Saint Lucia’s resorts often host sunrise yoga with views of the sea. On board, Ambassador’s wellness classes let you stretch and relax between ports.

Z is for Ziplining

For a finale with flair, zipline above treetops in Antigua, Puerto Rico or Saint Lucia. It’s a pulse-racing way to end your Caribbean adventure — with views you’ll never forget.

Conclusion: Your A–Z Awaits

From Antigua to ziplining, the Caribbean is a kaleidoscope of culture, adventure and unforgettable moments. With Ambassador Cruise Line’s no-fly and fly-cruise itineraries, you can experience it all with the warmest welcome at sea. The only question is — which letter will you start with?

Plan Your Caribbean Cruise with Ambassador

Ready to start your Caribbean adventure? Explore our latest Caribbean fly-cruises and no-fly Caribbean cruises to discover itineraries that suit your style of travel, from direct UK departures to seamless fly-cruise options with Virgin Atlantic. Learn more about our fleet – Ambience, Ambition and Renaissance, and see why so many seasoned travellers choose Ambassador. From our smaller, friendlier ships and authentic itineraries to award-winning dining and the warmest welcome at sea, there are countless reasons to discover the Why Cruise with Ambassador experience. And if the Caribbean isn’t your only dream destination, take a look at our full range of cruise destinations – from the Norwegian Fjords to the Mediterranean and beyond. Start planning your unforgettable journey today.