The Southern Caribbean is a dream destination, filled with lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history. Sailing aboard Celebrity Summit, we embarked on a 9-day adventure over Thanksgiving break filled with thrilling excursions, stunning beaches, and plenty of relaxation. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable journey!
Day 1: Arriving in San Juan – A Taste of History & Piña Coladas
We arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico a day early to explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Walking along the blue cobblestone streets, we admired the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, charming colonial buildings, and vibrant street art.
A trip to San Juan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Barrachina, the birthplace of the Piña Colada. Sipping the creamy, tropical cocktail in the courtyard was the perfect way to kick off our vacation!
Day 2: Embarking on Celebrity Summit
The excitement built as we boarded Celebrity Summit, our home for the next seven nights. After checking in and exploring the ship, we lounged on the deck, soaking in the ocean breeze with a cocktail in hand. The anticipation of the journey ahead made the sail away from San Juan even more magical.
Day 3: Thrills in St. Maarten – Dune Buggies & Maho Beach
Our first port stop was St. Maarten, where we revved up our engines on a dune buggy tour across the island. We navigated scenic coastal roads and lively villages before arriving at the legendary Maho Beach, where massive planes soared overhead, making for an unforgettable beach experience.
Back onboard, we dressed up for Evening Chic Night, indulging in a gourmet dinner and enjoying an elegant night under the stars.
Day 4: Antigua – History & Beach Bliss
In Antigua, we started our day at Nelson’s Dockyard, a historic naval base with stunning marina views. We then made our way to Shirley Heights, where the panoramic views of the island were breathtaking.
Of course, no Caribbean adventure is complete without some beach time. We spent the afternoon on one of Antigua’s famous 365 beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the turquoise waters.
Day 5: St. Lucia – Waterfalls, Mud Baths & The Pitons
St. Lucia stole our hearts with its dramatic landscapes and lush rainforests. Our adventure started with a boat trip along the stunning coastline, leading us to a beautiful waterfall in Soufrière for a refreshing dip.
Next, we indulged in a famous volcanic mud bath, leaving our skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. The views of the iconic Pitons were absolutely breathtaking! We ended the day with snorkeling at Sugar Beach, exploring vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Day 6: Barbados – Exploring the Depths on an Atlantis Submarine
In Barbados, we took our adventure underwater with a submarine excursion! The Atlantis Submarine took us 150 feet below the surface, where we marveled at colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Afterward, we explored the island on a guided tour, stopping at scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and of course, indulging in some delicious Bajan cuisine.
Day 7: Dominica – Rainforest Wonders & Beach Vibes
Known as the “Nature Island,” Dominica is a hidden Caribbean gem. We started our day at the Roseau Botanical Garden, filled with lush tropical plants and exotic birds. A short drive up to Morne Bruce rewarded us with stunning panoramic views of the island.
The highlight of the day was our visit to the Emerald Pool, a picturesque jungle waterfall where we took a refreshing swim. We wrapped up our time in Dominica with a relaxing afternoon at Mero Beach, enjoying the black sand shores and laid-back vibes.
Day 8: A Relaxing Day at Sea – Couples Massage & Ocean Views
After a week of adventures, a day at sea was exactly what we needed. We indulged in a couples massage at the onboard spa, followed by some much-needed relaxation by the pool. As the sun set, we toasted to an unforgettable cruise, taking in the last breathtaking ocean views.
Day 9: Back in San Juan – A Farewell to the Caribbean
Disembarking in San Juan, we had a few more hours to soak in the city’s charm before heading home. We wandered through the lively streets one last time, grabbing a final bite of mofongo and snapping a few last photos of this vibrant city.
Final Thoughts: A Southern Caribbean Escape to Remember
From thrilling excursions to blissful beach days and luxurious moments onboard, our Southern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Summit was the perfect Thanksgiving getaway. Each island offered something unique, and we returned home with incredible memories (and a serious case of post-vacation blues!).
🚢 Have you cruised the Southern Caribbean? Share your favorite island in the comments!
destinationsunfold.com 
Leave a comment