As frequently as I cruise to the Caribbean, it was surprisingly not until 2016 that I first visited Saint Kitts.
Still, it took but moments for my wife and me to become instant fans of the island (so much so that we have since been back a second time this year to celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary).
And there's no better way to arrive at the country of Saint Kitts and Nevis than by cruise.
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The first time we arrived at the port of Basseterre was aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Star as it made its inaugural call there and the Caribbean in general. The second was via Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Vista. The former was a 930-guest ship and the latter a 3,936-passenger one-a striking difference in capacity.
But once ashore, the island felt as if it was all to ourselves.
There's something about the island that struck us as the perfect blend between Hawaii and the Caribbean in a single destination. Its topography and flora are very reminiscent of the 50th US state, especially given its remnants of a once booming sugar industry. Plus, as one of the most easterly islands in the Caribbean, it has many fascinating international influences, including Batik making.
Saint Kitts is an ideally-sized island for a cruise stop because it is easily discoverable in a single day's time. That's not to say there's not plenty more to explore on a deeper dive, but an overview is conveniently possible.
In fact, our first excursion was on a fun open-air truck with rows of seats lined behind the driver's cab under shade. It was perfect for me to mount my GoPro on and capture video, some of which is featured in my Viking Cruises in the Caribbean reel embedded from my Popular Cruising YouTube channel below.
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For our second visit to the island, we opted for a private air-conditioned van that allowed us to specifically target our favorite locations and spend as much time in each as we liked. Taylor and Delaney Taxi Service and Tour Operators treated us to a fine Saint Kitts day.
Between our two visits, highlights included stops at Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Black Rocks, Ottley's Plantation Inn and Wingfield Estate.
For those fascinated by industrial archaeology (like I am), the last on the list is particularly intriguing as an abandoned rum distillery overgrown with foliage in the shadows of trees growing high above. It looks like a set straight out of a "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and is perfect for cinematic photography. In fact, the island as a whole is full of such refinery relics ripe for exploration.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is similarly interesting as an aging structure with a British defense history all its own. The stunning view towering over the island is perhaps the best reason to make the trek up to its ramparts.
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor is not far from the aforementioned estate, isolated within the quiet, forested heart of the island. There, guests are treated to demonstrations of the artistic fabric crafting among the architectural gems of the manor itself.
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Meanwhile, the Black Rocks formation of solidified lava flow on the northeastern coast of the island is the most naturally breathtaking feature of Saint Kitts and another reminder of its similarity to Hawaii. The volcanic activity here has created a series of rocky pillars that waves crash upon for dramatic photo-ops. The bare monochromatic earth stands out beautifully against the saturated green succulents growing above and blue sea beyond.
Finally, Ottley's Plantation Inn is a secluded hotel that would be a welcome place to stay longer if not on a cruise, but day visitors here can enjoy a lovely lunch at its poolside restaurant for a taste of local flavors washed down with a cool tropical drink.
My wife and I are happy to already be planning our third trip back to Saint Kitts, this time aboard Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas for Christmas 2017. We already intend to spend the time fully relaxing with a day pass at the equally inviting St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino.
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