A journey with Lana, Travel Concierge’s Customer Experience Manager.

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California’s past winter was historic, with day-after-day of “atmospheric river” deluges and a deep cold that settled into the bones. I desperately longed for summer. When an invitation emerged to escape the madness, I “took one for the team” and embarked on Oceania’s Sirena ship for 10 glorious days in the Caribbean.

The itinerary would stop in Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, St. George, St. Lucia, Les Saintes, Dominica, Barbados, Kingstown, and then back to Aruba. With an adventure-packed journey through some of the Caribbean’s most stunning destinations, it was time to grab my snorkel gear and start exploring!

Aruba.

Aruba is known for its pristine beaches and off-road adventures to explore the island’s rugged terrain. If you’re interested in history, take a tour of the Arikok National Park, which is home to ancient cave paintings and cultural artifacts. If wildlife is on your wishlist, Aruba has iguanas, tropical birds, wild donkeys, and goats throughout the island. While the white-sand beaches are a major draw, there’s pretty much something for everyone including diving, snorkeling, colorful architecture, street art, and constant trade winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Curacao.

On Day 2, Oceania's newly refurbished Sirena approached the dock of Willemstad.

Curacao came alive with its vibrant colors and unique Dutch colonial architecture, creating Insta-worthy moments at every turn. Larger than Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Netherlands.

Last February, the island was visited by Netherlands' king, queen, and princess. As a result of their visit, the entire island received a facelift! Roads were newly paved and buildings were freshly painted. Visiting Curaçao on an Oceania Cruise a few weeks after their visit had its perks!

When it comes to shore excursions, the choices were endless. For explorers seeking a light activity, you can take a trolley through the historical district, drive to museums, visit "SeaWorld" on a semi-submarine, or enjoy wine and cheese in the historical UNESCO city district.

Take the energy up a notch by snorkeling with the turtles at Cas Abao and Playa Piskado. Set aside time for a stroll through the neighborhood of Scharloo Abou, where buildings are laden with colorful murals. When you’re ready to take a break, grab a refreshing coconut latte or opt for the famous Curaçao liqueur to enhance your tropical experience.

Bonaire.

Bonaire, our next stop, is a true paradise for divers and snorkelers. With some of the healthiest coral in the Caribbean, the reefs are home to a diverse range of marine life. Swimming with the turtles was exhilarating, as was witnessing pink flamingos at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary.

Returning to the beautiful Sirena ship always feels like coming home after a day onshore. Completely refurbished in 2019, every stateroom is entirely new, with public spaces getting a refreshed color palette of soft sea and sky tones. Within the 648-passenger ship are tasteful fabrics, furnishings, and lighting that exquisitely encompass the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises.

Grenada.

Next stop, Grenada, known as "The Spice Island" with sensory overload when stepping off dock. Fragrant spices and fresh fruit compete for attention by filling the air with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, and lemongrass. The people extend the sweetest hospitality to visitors and warmly embody grace, charm, and a delightful sense of humor. A tour with a local is a must! If you find yourself strolling along the bustling marketplace, you’ll encounter The Sendall Tunnel—a thoroughfare connecting the two sides of St George. This historic 340-foot tunnel was completed in 1895.

Walking through the tunnel will save you a lung-busting hike over the hill, but beware since driving (or being a passenger here) is not for the faint at heart. The roads are narrow and produce vertigo-inducing climbs around Market Hill.

Grenada is a lush and mountainous isle with waterfalls, sugarcane fields, spice plantations, and forest reserves. Settled by the French and later conquered by the British, Grenada boasts an eclectic Creole culture with cuisine that combines West African, East Indian, French, and English. These styles, techniques, flavors, and foods make up the West Indian cuisine which we know today.

Dreamy beaches with white sand and coral gardens are full of colorful marine life. Moliniere Bay is a unique destination that houses an Underwater Sculpture Park where you can dive or snorkel. To stay above water, you can rent a glass bottom boat or kayak to experience the beauty from the surface. Free of crowds, Grenada is an island infused with rich history waiting to be explored.

Saint Lucia.

Onward to Saint Lucia, where I was greeted by its signature twin volcanic peaks dramatically rising from the turquoise sea. This lovely island needs at least a week to explore the crescent-shaped beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, hot springs, mud baths, and reefs.

During my brief visit, I took a catamaran to the west side of St. Lucia to snorkel among the diversity of sponges, corals, and brilliantly colorful fish. The lively fishing village of Soufriere offers incredible photo opportunities no matter where you look. You can capture the twin peaks by shore and some panoramic vistas from the Tet Paul Nature Trail.

Mount Soufriere is the most active geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles, boasting a 900-foot crater that you can view by car. The Des Cartier Rainforest Trail is one of the best sites for birdwatching on the island and offers the possibility of seeing the rare Saint Lucia parrot. As the setting for the 1967 film, Doctor Doolittle, Marigot Bay is beyond enchanting with lush hillsides that plunge toward the palm-fringed beaches.

As I ventured into local churches and botanical parks, I discovered a landmark that told of the 1948 fire that destroyed 80% of Castries. With that discovery, I fell in love with the writing of a Nobel Prize-winning St. Lucian poet, Derrick Walcott, who wrote about the fire in haunting detail.

With countless sites and natural wonders in St Lucia, it can be overwhelming to decide just where to start!

Back on the ship, I experienced the Oceania Cruise moto, “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.” They lived out that slogan with dinner at the Red Ginger, preparing me for the next day’s journey in Guadeloupe.

Iles Des Saintes.

“Bonjour!” Now that was a greeting I wasn't prepared for as I set foot in Bourg des Saintes. Beautiful flower boxes were splashed across colorful homes. People carried baguettes through town, and the boulangerie was packed with locals buying gelato, cafe au lait, and croissants.

The crown jewel of Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, is the French Caribbean with a volcanic archipelago made up of eight islands, of which two are inhabited. There’s a welcoming vibe of French sophistication mixed with the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean. The island can be explored by foot, however, renting a scooter is highly recommended. Fort Napoleon, perched 400 feet above the bay, is a unique find full of history and bizarre artifacts. Goats freely roam, and you’re likely to find iguanas scampering the hillsides.

After a hike to the top of La Tour De La Vigie, all I wanted to do was float in the turquoise waters. And so, I landed at Pain du Sucre Beach, a beautiful and rugged cove that offered a vibrant snorkeling experience. No visit to Îles des Saintes is complete without trying the local specialty, Tourment D’Amour. These heavenly petite pastries are filled with coconut cream. After sampling merely a day here, I plan on someday returning to explore more of this charming French territory!

Back onboard the Sirena, I debated my options: relaxing in the library, placing wagers at the casino, or the lulling tunes of a string quartet. No matter what I chose, it could always be paired with a drink at any one of the five bars and lounges.

Dominica.

As we disembarked in Dominica, I was enchanted by the small island sandwiched between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Friendly locals still speak a French Patois dialect, although almost everyone speaks English. Void of chain hotels or all-inclusive resorts, the island is famous for its incredible scenery, spectacular forests, and volcanic peaks. It's an island of contrasts and dramatic vistas, where sulfuric, boiling lakes make way to crystal emerald pools.

Islanders are proud to point out locations of Dominica's dramatic cliffs and lush foliage from The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. After swimming through Titou Gorge, I wanted more of the natural beauty. Dominica is famous for its volcanic scenery, especially in the magnificent Trois Pitons National Park. A short hike through lush rainforest lands at an emerald pool where 40-foot waterfalls pour into clear waters.

Equally stunning are Trafalgar's Twin Falls and Dominica’s rivers. Of the 365 rivers, Indian River is best explored with a guide to experience the raw beauty of this magical place surrounded by mangroves. The Roseau Botanical Gardens are one of the most loved sights on the island. A devastating hurricane destroyed much of the gardens in the 1970's—a reminder of the fragility of island life during hurricane season.

Champagne Beach is a unique and strange experience, where you can swim in what feels like a massive pool of champagne. Caused by the underwater geothermal vents, they emit volcanic gasses that feed hot springs and mud baths throughout the island.

After an adventurous day on this island, I was looking forward to a steam bath and dinner at Tuscan Steak back on the ship!

Barbados.

The turquoise waters and soft-sand beaches of Barbados created postcard-perfect scenes no matter where I looked. Yet it's the people who were the true heart and beauty of this island.

The English-speaking island has a distinct pip-pip-cheerio vibe! The British influence was everywhere, from cricket and horse racing to high tea and driving on the left side of the road. One of the most picturesque destinations is Carlisle Bay, on the edge of Bridgetown.

I took a taxi to Pebble Beach and discovered a blue umbrella on an empty white sand beach. It was beckoning me to nap. A visit to this beach at dawn is rewarded with sunrise views along with magnificent horses getting a morning bath in the ocean.

Also, on this beach, you’ll find fish sandwiches served from “Cuz,” the best food truck on the island. Anywhere you go, there are caves to explore, oceans to snorkel, reserves to hike, and incredible people to meet. I only wish I had more time to spend in Barbados!

As the unforgettable tropical experience came to an end, I reflected on the memories and friends I made on the Oceania Cruise. And of course, I couldn’t help but check the weather report back home which showed chilly days in the forecast. Regardless of the storms ahead. . .