5 gorgeous Caribbean towns to cruise to now

If you’ve seen one Caribbean town, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. (Way, way wrong.) While they’re relatively close in proximity, the cities of the Caribbean are all pretty unique, with distinctive landscapes, languages and vibes. And these five—ranging from bustling cities to sleepy villages—are some of the coolest (so you’ll definitely want them on your next cruise itinerary).

Basseterre

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis

This capital city may be small, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The downtown is punctuated by charming Georgian architecture and beautiful historic sites. Want to explore outside of town? Hop aboard the double decker train! Not surprisingly, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, this locomotive weaves past plantation houses, verdant hills, and disused mills while a cappella singers croon calypsos.

Cruise to Basseterre with Celebrity >

Fort-de-France

Fort-de-France, Martinique

A lot of people simply pass through Fort- de-France. But you don’t have to be one of them. Instead, you could choose to see it for what it really is: an up-and-coming destination bursting with historic sites, idyllic beaches, and lush vegetation. And, like many soon-to-be-hotspots, Fort-de-France is experiencing a food renaissance, luring Michelin-star chefs and restaurants eager to take creole staples to the next level.

Cruise to Fort-de-France with Royal Caribbean >

ALSO: Make Orbitz Rewards your next port of call and earn instantly!

Roseau

Roseau, Dominica

Want to go where the locals are friendly, the reggae blares, and the historic buildings are beautiful? Check out Roseau. Best explored on foot, this capital of Dominica is noisy, charming and unabashedly Caribbean. The city can definitely keep you occupied, but there are plenty of natural attractions nearby to explore, too, including the Boiling Lake, Emerald Pool and Valley of Desolation (a region of boiling mud ponds and small geysers).

Cruise to Roseau with Carnival >

Deshaies

Deshaies, Guadeloupe

You may know it as the backdrop of Death in Paradise, but then, there’s a good chance you may not know it at all. Deshaies, which is positioned on one of Guadelupe’s main islands, Basse-Terre (not to be confused with Basseterre above), is often passed by—and that’s to your advantage. The town maintains an enchanting sleepiness, offering travelers just the right blend of seclusion and restaurant options framed by towering hills all around.

Cruise to Deshaies with Seabourn >

Willemstad

Willemstad, Curaçao

What do you get when you take Amsterdam, paint the buildings vibrant colors, and add some sunshine? Easy: Willemstad. As the capital of Curaçao, a constituent country of the Netherlands, the city takes you straight back to the Old Country, complete with quaint street cafés and bustling waterways. Among the must-sees are the historic downtown area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the districts of Punda and Pietermaai, which are packed with galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.

Cruise to Willemstad with Norwegian >

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