Nutmeg trees and rainforest cover the mountainous landscape of Grenada, a Southern Caribbean island known for its aromatic spices. After a devastating hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, this island nation has emerged stronger and perhaps even more beautiful than before.
Your cruise ship will dock in the historic capital of St. George, where the colorful buildings reflect a blend of colonial British, French and West Indian culture. Some consider it to be the prettiest harbor town in the Caribbean. Market Square bustles every morning with a variety of vendors who sell local produce, spices and crafts. For beautiful views of the city and harbor, visit Fort George; for an even more expansive view, venture up to Fort Frederick.
In addition to nutmeg, the enticing spices of Grenada include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice, and citrus peel. The island has been rebuilding its nutmeg production ever since about 85% of the nutmeg trees were destroyed by hurricane Ivan – the replacement trees are just now becoming mature enough to bear fruit. At the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing station, you can learn all about the production process and try out various nutmeg-infused foods and cosmetics.
If you love chocolate, visit Belmont Estates, where farmers bring their raw cacao pods to be turned into delicious organic dark chocolate. As a delightful balance to all the spices and chocolate, visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery, which has been in operation since 1785. You’ll learn about the process of turning raw sugar cane into rum and be rewarded with a sample.
Grenada has dozens of lovely beaches, including world-famous Grand Anse Beach, a two-mile stretch of palm-fringed white sand where you can gaze over the turquoise water, swim, or try some exciting water spots. You can also snorkel at the beach, or check out Moliniere Point, where an underwater sculpture park acts as an artificial reef and attracts colorful marine life.
Then, venture inland to the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, where there are hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, towering mahogany trees, abundant flowers and ferns, and charming wildlife like mona monkeys and tropical mockingbirds.
Grenada is a highlight of many Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries that may also include Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, and even the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). To select an itinerary that will bring you to Grenada, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
