Mountainous, beautiful St. Kitts
(that’s actually a nickname – the island’s original name is St. Christopher)
welcomes Caribbean cruise ships large and small, thanks to the modern
facilities at Port Zante, just a five-minute walk from the island’s capital,
Basseterre.
St. Kitts’ central spine of
mountains – dormant volcanoes and all – is high and rugged, cloaked by dense
rainforests. On the west side of the island are the broad fields that until
recently were used to raise sugar cane. It’s only in the past 20 years that St.
Kitt’s has become a popular destination for cruise ships and other tourism, so
the island still has unspoiled Caribbean beauty and character.
Here are some of the things you
can do on a day in St. Kitt’s:
Basseterre is small, but worth
touring. Visit the roundabout known as the Circus, a nod to London’s Picadilly
Circus, and take a photo of the clock tower in the center (but watch for cars
and roaming chickens). There are stately Georgian homes around Independence
Square, which was once a slave market. St. George’s Cathedral has quite a
history: it has repeatedly been repaired after fires, earthquakes and
hurricanes. Basseterre has some interesting art galleries, too.
To explore the verdant rainforest
and the mountains of St. Kitts, take an off-road four-wheel tour of the lush
interior. The rainforest is full of exotic plants and animals; and, when you
get high enough, you’ll have a breathtaking view from a mountain-top lookout.
Then, spend the afternoon at Cockleshell Bay, enjoying expansive views across
the water with a refreshing drink in your hand.
To visit St. Kitts’ sister
island, Nevis, take a water taxi across the shallow channel called “The
Narrows.” Nevis has some very fine historic inns and plantation homes that you
can visit. Pinney Beach is a wonderful place to sip rum punch while sunbathing
or swimming in the turquoise water.
If you’re sailing with children,
they’ll be delighted by a ride on St. Kitts’ 18-mile historic rail line,
originally built to transport sugar cane. Board the custom-made railcars,
complete with onboard refreshments and music, to see all the beauty St. Kitts
has to offer. Then, board a catamaran to sail along the scenic coast back to
your ship.
To understand the variety of
cruise lines and ships that sail to St. Kitts, talk with Anita, your Cruise
Holidays personal cruise expert.
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