Cruising The Caribbean Onboard Celebrity Equinox – The islands

After 2 relaxing days at Sea, we finally stepped foot on land in St Thomas.

Instead of booking an excursion with the Celebrity, we decided to go it alone. We had done some research before we left and knew that Magens Bay beach was not too far away.

Taxi’s are plentiful at the port and the journey cost us approx $15 each way with a $5 per person entry to the beach.  This suited us perfectly, the beach is beautiful and there are a couple of bars and shops where you can buy refreshments.

After a thoroughly enjoyable few hours, we headed back to port for the usual souvenir shopping before returning to the ship in time for afternoon tea.

(Magen Bay Beach)

Our next port of call should have been St Croix but unfortunately, storm Kirk had other ideas. Shortly after leaving port Captain Kate announced it would be too dangerous to go to St Croix so we would be heading straight to Antigua. This meant we would have an overnight in Antigua, so most people onboard were pretty happy.

The weather was pretty horrendous the evening we arrived in Antigua so I decided to stay onboard. Luckily by the next morning, it was back to beautiful sunshine. We spent a few hours enjoying the local shops before taking a taxi to Pigeon Beach.

The sea was still very choppy after the storm which I loved but others were not so fortunate. My niece was hit by a wave and lost her sunglasses lol and we heard one passenger was washed off her sun lounge and broke her collarbone!

(Pigeon Beach)

(Enjoying a local Pantam player)

Our next port of call was Barbados, which was, without doubt, my favourite day!

We went on the Jolly Roger pirate boat which we booked directly with Celebrity for $75 per person. The boat took us out to sea, where we were given the chance to snorkel with Stingrays and Sea Turtles. I couldn’t believe how close they swam to us, they must be used to human company.

After snorkelling we headed back to the boat to enjoy an afternoon of Swimming, dancing, walking the plank and drinking copious amounts of Rum. Everyone really got into the party spirit and the atmosphere on the boat was fantastic!

(Me walking the Plank onboard the Jolly Roger)

Another great place to visit in Barbados is the Boat Yard. I spoke to a couple guests who had walked there from the ship and paid $20 per person. Included was food, drinks, short boat ride to see the Sea Turtles and a transfer back to the ship.

(Enjoying cocktails onboard Jolly Roger)

Last but certainly not least was St Maarten.  I somehow managed to persuade my niece to join me on the worlds steepest zip line. You travel up to the top of a mountain by cable car and then fly 1150ft straight down the mountain in about 30 seconds!!

We independently pre-booked at a cost of $85 per person and it was only a short taxi ride from the port. I would highly recommend this for any of you adrenaline junkies out there. It was absolutely fantastic and the perfect way to finish off a perfect holiday.

(Ziplining down the worlds steepest mountain)