First Caribbean cruise – April 2026
Having got the cruising bug a couple of years ago, Linda and I are now about to do our first Caribbean cruise. We are joining Marella Discovery 2 for their Exotic Islands cruise - Barbados, Bequia, sea day, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada and back to Barbados.
Bequia – a small island in the Grenadines. An unusual port visit. Port Elizabeth is the biggest town. Very laid back, pleasantly chaotic and not a global brand in sight. The walk to Princess Margaret beach is amazing - random surfaces, often at the waters edge, mostly single person width and lined with bars. PM beach is beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. We get a water taxi back to Port Elizabeth. An incredible sight whilst on Bequia was a rainbow encircling the sun. Bequia is unspoilt and the locals very friendly.
At sea - we should read the daily schedule and make some plans. On pool deck a cooking demo from the Italian restaurant, a quiz (somehow we came second), live music and various other activities throughout the day. Enjoy lazing on the very large balcony in our junior suite. In the evening it is ‘Dress to Impress’. Not compulsory but we dress up as many others do.
Curacao – we have booked an excursion on a semi-submersible, hosted by the very funny and knowledgeable Ruell. He gives a commentary on the fish, turtles and coral then dons scuba gear and is followed by shoals of fish as he feeds them. Then on to the Curacao liqueur distillery. The distilled liqueur is actually clear, the bright colours are simply colouring. It is now offered in several flavours. Willemstad is a lovely place with colourful buildings. Sights include the historic Rif Fort now converted for leisure and shopping, the ‘Its always 5 o’clock’ bar and the incredible floating Queen Emma bridge.
Aruba – a good start with a double rainbow before breakfast. We have booked a horse riding excursion - a special treat for Linda - and are picked up outside the port. At the stables the horses are saddled up and waiting. The landscape is rocky with rough vegetation and huge cactus 6-7 feet high. At the beach the staff take photos of us on the horses using our own phones. Afternoon walk around Oranjestad. The mall has many high end stores, clearly Aruba appeals to the very wealthy. Ride back to the port on one of the beautiful, and free, vintage trams that run around the town.
Bonaire – a very short stop in Bonaire, only 6 hours in port. Like many others on the ship we have booked a golf buggy. These are easy to drive. We opt for the shorter route and see beautiful beaches, the salt mounds, flamingos and some wild but friendly donkeys. We also see the slave huts, a stark reminder that for many people Bonaire wasn’t enjoyable. Return the buggy but there isn’t time to wander around Kralendijk so return to ship. Sadly some people missed the ship. It’s a strange feeling watching as they helplessly see their ship sail without them. In the evening we have a meal at ship’s speciality pan-Asian restaurant Kora La. We have eaten there on a previous cruise. Again a superb meal and fantastic service
Grenada - it is a 24hour sailing from Bonaire to Grenada so we arrive early afternoon. Not long in port, sailing about 8pm. We are greeted by a steel band. Walk around the port building which has a lot of shops and also around a local market across the road from the port. Join the Grenada Discovery train for an interesting tour of St. George’s with commentary as we pass the hospital, the University of the West Indies and Fort St George. Back on board the final evening Marella tradition of most of the crew parading through the ship’s impressive atrium proudly carrying the flags of their home nations. A very nice farewell.
Day 8 – sadly time to go home. Visit the port shops. Check-in at the airport is slow even with no luggage to check in. One thing we didn’t want to see in April was a Christmas tree!
Did we enjoy the cruise? Hugely. Wonderful islands each with their own character. The Marella arrangements faultless. Bonded luggage a big bonus. The Marella crew always friendly and helpful. The atmosphere on board always relaxed. The memories unforgettable. The excursions fantastic.
Last thoughts –
Bequia is laid back and unspoilt. If you get the chance, do it.
On Bonaire get a golf buggy. They are great fun
Horse riding on Aruba was magical and no silly prices for photos.
The semi-submersible and distillery enjoyable and interesting.
Mark Harrison
June 2026 Pic Credits Mark Harrison
Factfile
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