The Caribbean’s twin-island nations are a feast for the senses — from pristine beaches and turquoise waters to rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Antigua & Barbuda and Trinidad & Tobago offer the perfect backdrop for a luxury cruise escape. Step ashore, explore hidden coves, and immerse yourself in local flavours and traditions as you sail through paradise.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Long Bay, Antigua.
Antigua is the larger of the two and packs a visual punch when it comes to breathtaking beaches, most notably Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay and Jolly Beach. Here, water lovers can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, cruise the shoreline and sunbathe on the sugary shores. Antigua is also a historic and cultural destination. St. John’s, the capital city, features impressive architecture like the St. John’s Cathedral and the 18th-century Fort James. Nelson’s Dockyard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only remaining Georgian naval dockyard in the world.
Barbuda is much less developed than Antigua, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers in search of untouched beaches and nature reserves. The pink-hued sands here are famous around the world, particularly Princess Diana Beach, which glows with the whispery hues of pale blush.
WHERE TO STAY: This year guests will be able to check into the all-new Royalton CHIC Antigua as it opened this past spring. This adults-only resort features 235 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, five bars, a decadent spa and lots to offer for daily and nightly entertainment. Couples or groups of friends can perch at one of the many beachfront pools or the sun-bleached stretch of white sand beach just in front of the resort.
SET SAIL WITH: Emerald Yacht Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises To book with BOLD’s trusted partners: emeraldcruises.ca; msccruises.ca; RSSC.com
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Swim in the legendary Nylon Pool, Tobago — a shallow, crystal-clear oasis with soft white sand, snorkeling, and a touch of romance.
Yet another set of twins on this list, Trinidad & Tobago are the southernmost Caribbean islands, known for their legendary cultural heritage and wild natural beauty. Trinidad is the larger of the two, anchored by the colourful capital, Port of Spain. Here visitors can explore vibrant markets, architecture and awe-inspiring street murals. Trinidad also hosts one of the most famous Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean, which hums with the rhythms of soca and calypso.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Trinidad & Tobago is its worldly mix of international influences. Here you’ll find undertones of African, Indian, Chinese and European. Local delicacies include doubles (cured chickpea-filled flatbread), roti and callaloo, a traditional Caribbean dish with leafy greens and coconut milk. Tobago is filled with a much more tranquil energy. Spoiled with stunning beaches and framed by colourful coral reefs, the smaller island offers a visual feast. Snorkel Buccoo Reef or get in a good workout through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.
The Brix, Autograph Collection,
WHERE TO STAY: One of the most recent hotels to open in Trinidad & Tobago is The Brix, Autograph Collection, which opened its doors in 2022 in the capital of Port of Spain. This chic city hotel is centrally located to enjoy all the activities of Port of Spain, as well as golf, wellness and gorgeous views. Speaking of views, the 161-room hotel has a spectacular rooftop lounge offering dramatic mountain views and a menu of wine, cocktails and tapas.
SET SAIL WITH: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Holland America, Explora Journeys, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises To book with BOLD’s trusted partners: RSSC.com; msccruises.ca; explorajourneys.com
