TABLE OF CONTENTS This part of the Caribbean tends to be seen as more exotic because the islands are located close to Venezuela in South America and the itinerary usually requires using a home port from within the area, such as Barbados and Aruba. Many cruises to the southern Caribbean originate from San Juan in the eastern Caribbean and include a mixed itinerary of ports from both the eastern and southern Caribbean. This region enjoys the Caribbean's sunniest climate.
Georgetown is the port for the island of Barbados which lies at the eastern edge of the southern Caribbean. The countryside has a softly rolling landscape, in contrast to some of the other volcanic islands that have been considered so far. Barbados has a strong British connection (Barbados Tourism Authority, 2005) and is a former colony (it gained full independence in 1966). Attractions include rum factory tours, touring the island, water sports, and visiting the many beautiful beaches.
Willemstad is Cura ao's capital. Cura ao is the main island of the group of islands known as the Dutch Antilles. Cura ao has an unmistakable Dutch heritage, reflected in its style of architecture (Cura ao Tourist Board, 2005). The island has a host of activities for cruise passengers, who may wish to visit the island's shops, the underwater park and Seaquarium, or the island's ostrich farm.
There are many other islands in this area including Bonaire, Trinidad, and Tobago. Itineraries may also include Venezuelan ports such as La Guaira (for Caracas or Venezuela) and Cartagena.
