Nov 18, 2019
Azure seas, white sands, palm trees swaying in the breeze – the Caribbean is island life at its best. But while sun-worshipping doesn’t get better, there’s more to this iconic region than sun, sea and sand.
Laden with history, from marauding pirates to Spanish conquistadors, the Caribbean has stories to tell. This is a place where paradise meets culture, where the civilised meets the uncharted, and where the locals are among the most welcoming hosts on Earth. From the Bahamas to Jamaica, Panama to Costa Rica, adventure beckons amid the tropical trees and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and you’re invited to experience it all with Scenic Eclipse.
To give you a glimpse of the wonders that await on a Caribbean ocean cruise from Scenic, we’ve pieced together a guide to the region, from its spectacular highlights and vibrant cuisine, to the experiences you can expect during your time on the world’s first discovery yacht.
Enriching Experiences
Piecing together wonderful destinations and exceptional experiences, our Journey Designers have created a Caribbean cruise itinerary that promises unforgettable travel moments. From snorkel adventures to immersive tours, explore some of the rewarding experiences you can look forward to in the Caribbean below.
Discover the Beautiful Charles Town and the Hidden Falls
Pull yourself away from Port Antonio’s inviting coastal
surrounds, and you can experience the very best of Jamaica’s tropical natural
wonders. Scenic Freechoice gives you a choice of excursions on the island’s
north coast, including a memorable journey through the beautiful countryside on
an authentic bamboo raft. Elsewhere, a visit to the charming heritage city of
Charles Town provides an immersive look at Jamaica’s Maroon culture, while
those who choose to stay in Port Antonio can look forward to a picturesque tour
through Reach Falls, Frenchman’s Cove and the Blue Lagoon.
Enjoy the Waters of Crab Cray on a Snorkelling Adventure
From the moment you lay eyes on the clean, clear waters of
Crab Cay, you’ll be itching to don your flippers and dive beneath the depths in
search of Providencia’s marine wonders. This tiny island off Providencia’s east
coast is revered as one of the Caribbean’s best diving locations, with shallow
waters and gentle tides making it the perfect place to make your debut dive
beneath the waves. Expect to see glimmering shoals and vibrant corals, and if
you’re really lucky, maybe the odd sea turtle or two.
Explore the Lush Wildlife of the Veragua Rainforest
The tropical rainforests which blanket Central America are
among the world’s most precious ecosystems, home to exotic species and ancient
flora that scientists believe hold the key to slowing climate change. In the
Veragua Rainforest close to Puerto Limón, you’ll experience first-hand the
beauty of these enchanting forests, with a ride on the open-air aerial tram
which takes you up and above the canopy. If you’d prefer to meet local
wildlife, a visit to the Botanical Garden and Rescue Centre promises close
encounters, while a trip to the Cahuita National Park is a reminder of the
precious wild beauty which must be preserved in the Caribbean.
Join a Rafting Adventure on the Reventazón River
The great Reventazón River of Costa Rica flows through lands of exceptional natural beauty. Spanning 90 miles, the waterway meanders through dense tropical woodlands, descending through white water on its way to the Caribbean Sea. In Port Limón, you’ll be given the chance to join an exhilarating rafting experience on this beautiful waterway, enjoying spectacular surrounds as you plunge downstream in the company of an experienced boating professional.
Marvel at the Great Panama Canal on an Ecological Boat Tour
The Panama Canal is one of the great icons of Central America; a feat of engineering so impressive, it was conceived and developed for well over a century. At the mouth of the passageway lies Gatun Lake, where you can take an ecological boat ride to learn about the construction of the canal and local efforts to bring wildlife to the banks of the water. Alternatively, during your time in Colón, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fort San Lorenzo is well worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the Spanish conquest of Panama in the 16th century.
Hike to the Summit of Morgan’s Head for Inspiring Views Over Providencia
Sweeping vistas and dramatic coastal landscapes make the
guided hike to the summit of Morgan’s Head a pure treat for those with an
inclination towards the great outdoors. The ancient isle of Providencia has
long been associated with pirates, and you’ll hear stories of these
swashbuckling buccaneers and brigands as you walk through the island’s
arresting tropical landscapes. You’ll have a choice of hiking destinations
during your time on Providencia, with The Peak providing truly a truly
inspiring panorama you’ll remember for a lifetime.
The Must-Try Dishes of the Caribbean
Wherever you
travel through the Caribbean, a plate of something delicious will never be far
away. Distinct local flavours combine with some of the world’s freshest exotic
produce to make Caribbean food among the most exciting on Earth. From Jamaica
to the Bahamas, here we take a look at some of the regional dishes to look out
for.
Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas
Jerk chicken with rice and peas is the staple dish of Jamaica. Beloved by locals and visitors, it’s a simple dish that packs a lot of flavour and spice – capturing the colour and vibrancy of the island in a single bite. You may have tried jerk chicken at home (after all, it is Jamaica’s most successful culinary export) but nothing compares to the real thing. Jerk seasoning relies on local produce like pimento, scotch bonnet chillies, cloves and cinnamon, while the ubiquitous combination of rice and peas is found on virtually every menu throughout the Caribbean.
Ackee and codfish is Jamaica’s official national dish, so
you must seek it out on your visit to the island. Ackee is a fruit which was
brought to Jamaica in the 18th century, and now grows in abundance.
When it ripens, the fruit bursts open revealing black seeds, which when cooked
resemble scrambled eggs. As such, ackee and codfish is a popular breakfast
across the island, and is particularly delicious served with tomato, garlic,
onion and bell peppers. Many recipes also call for scotch bonnet chillies –
adding the fiery heat that has come to define Jamaican cuisine.
Ropa Vieja
Panamanian food combines hearty meats with fresh fish and vegetables, with islanders normally surviving on the latter. One of the most popular dishes in Panama, however, does contain meat, and that’s ropa vieja. As traditional as it gets, this beautiful, fragrant dish consists of slow-cooked and heavily marinated beef, served with black pepper, cumin, oregano and, of course, rice and beans. It’s tender, delicious and perfect enjoyed with a cold beer; look out for it on your visit to Colón and Bocas del Toro.
Casado
Casado is without doubt one of Costa Rica’s classic dishes. It’s a medley of delicious local foods brought together on a single plate. In fact, ‘casado’ means ‘marriage’ in Spanish, with the dish considered a marrying up of unique flavours. Order a traditional casado in Costa Rica, and expect fried platano maduro, tortillas, salad, beans and rice. Normally, it’s served with a generous helping of Chilero sauce – a spicy condiment that’s found on most dinner tables across the country.
Cracked Conch
Conch shells may be synonymous with listening to the sound
of the sea, but in the Bahamas, they’re more concerned by what’s in the shell
itself. Conch is served in a number of different ways in places like Nassau,
and you’ll find it on many restaurant menus. One of the most popular ways to
eat this distinct shellfish is in ‘cracked conch’ form, which is basically when
the flesh is pounded down to form a cutlet, which is then breaded, fried and
served with rice and peas.
Exceptional luxury and unbridled adventure, that’s what you can expect on a Scenic ocean cruise. Travelling on board the 6-star Scenic Eclipse, you’ll experience the Caribbean of your dreams, with inspiring experiences and excursions all included in the price. Call our team on 866 689 8611 for more information or to book.
