Southern Caribbean Cruise: Antigua, Grenada & Barb

Ponce de Leon never did find the Fountain of Youth, but he did find stumble upon this lovely island, which had to be a close second. Just move to the rhythm of the ever-present salsa beat and you’ll be in the spirit in no time (secret – it’s all in the hips). Old Town San Juan is still partially enclosed by the original fortress walls dating back to the early 1500s. Attractively restored buildings with filigree cast iron balconies line its narrow cobbled streets, and cafés in shaded squares provide an ideal spot to linger. Outside the city the island offers an appealing array of golf courses, rainforests, and beaches galore.

Local lore has it that the unusual shape of this little bit of paradise reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining, voluptuous woman, so he named it Virgin Gorda, the “Fat Virgin.” She is suitably adorned with dramatic heights that plunge down from Gorda Peak to the sparkling turquoise waters far below. This is a good place to explore in a jeep, swim with dolphins, or hike the rugged trails throughout the island. Virgin Gorda is most famous for The Baths, where giant granite boulders are strewn across the beach and in the water, creating pools, caves, and grottos – a sort of natural water park.

When you spy the distinctive white baroque towers of the St. Johns Cathedral, you’ll know you have arrived in Antigua’s capital city. With a staggering 365 beaches located across the island, you can visit a new beach every day of the year. But if you only have limited time to catch some rays, take a boat tour around Antigua for a unique vantage point to find the right strand of sand that speaks to you. If you’re still undecided, Galley Bay Beach is popular and is the perfect place to put your shades on and relax under an oversized umbrella. Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, head back into town and shop ‘til you drop. St. Johns is renowned for its duty-free shops, malls, and boutiques that feature everything from haute-couture to handicrafts.

Scarborough is a large, multicultural area that contains the Scarborough Bluffs, huge cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario, lined with parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Inland, the sprawling Toronto Zoo features global animal pavilions, close-up encounters, and a wildlife health centre. The area is also known for its diverse spread of restaurants, including regional Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.

If you were to close your eyes while enjoying a “high tea in Trafalgar Square,” you would swear you were in London – if it weren’t for the warm breezes and emerald green waters enveloping you. Nicknamed “Little England” by some, Barbados is home to many museums that chronicle the island’s rich past and over 100 shipwrecks along its reefs that are a playground for divers from around the world.