southern caribbean cruise 2025

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Southern Caribbean Cruises

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting Southern Caribbean on a cruise of a lifetime. Your Southern Caribbean cruise whisks you to the region’s distant reaches, the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Known for its stunning and pristine beaches, the Southern Caribbean is a top choice for vacationers seeking sun, sea, and relaxation.

Explore Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Truly get away from it all with dreamy Southern Caribbean cruise destinations. Discover the rich history of Amber Cove, explore the dry, cactus-filled terrain on a hiking adventure in Oranjestad, or traverse the bustling waterfront of Willemstad.

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

A cruise port on the country’s North Coast, Amber Cove offers something for everyone. History lovers can tour its Spanish colonial towns. Nature seekers can taxi to lush rainforests nearby. Families will find an array of resorts, beaches and water parks. 

Oranjestad, Aruba

The Dutch Island of Aruba feels like another world and has activities you can’t find anywhere else. Relax in the shade of a fofoti tree or hike its arid, cactus-studded landscapes, where you might see wild donkeys and lounging iguanas along the way. 

Willemstad, Curaçao

Willemstad is as picturesque as it gets with pastel gabled row houses lined up on a bustling waterfront. Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shop for fresh fruits at the floating market or taste the local liqueur at a distillery. 

See All Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports

Southern Caribbean Tours and Excursions

Dive a sunken shipwreck or take a sunset sail off the coast off Aruba. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it in our shore excursions.

All Inclusive Beach Getaway

Experience the genuine warmth of Dominican hospitality at Amber Beach Club, an exclusive north-coast shore, offering golden sands, attentive English and Spanish-speaking staff, and a variety of activities, all while savoring delicious buffet options and refreshing cocktails.

4x4 Natural Pool Swim & Snorkel Safari

Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure o access Aruba's renowned Natural Pool and its crystal-clear waters, Then, trek down the rugged path to the pool carved from lava rocks in Arikok National Park, where you can swim and snorkel with gear provided.

Cooking With a Caribbean Chef: In Partnership with Food & Wine Magazine

Discover the secrets of mango peeling and fish filleting before diving into a hands-on cooking class, where you'll craft tantalizing dishes using regional spices, fresh produce, and fish. Afterward, relish your culinary creations at a beautifully-set outdoor table.

Family Fun: Monkey Land & Dominican Flavors

Begin your adventure at Monkey Land, a lush tropical jungle where you'll interact with playful squirrel monkeys in their natural habitat. Then, visit a rustic countryside home frozen in time, offering insights into local life and the island's history and culture. 

Featured Southern Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Pick the cruise of your dreams, whether it's a 9-day excursion or an extended voyage and uncover the Southern Caribbean's most exceptional offerings. 

10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer Holiday

Embark on an island-hopping adventure across the Southern Caribbean, where your days can be filled with beachfront cabana relaxation, playful encounters with pint-sized squirrel monkeys, or exploring vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling. 

14-Day Southern Caribbean

Set sail on this 14-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean cruise and enjoy pristine beaches in St. Thomas, marvel at the vibrant marine life in Barbados, and walk along the blue cobblestones of Old San Juan.

17-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer / Eastern Caribbean

Embark on a 17-day Southern and Eastern Caribbean cruise, where you'll disembark at breathtaking destinations like the Dominican Republic, Curaçao, and Aruba. 

Explore All Southern Caribbean Cruises

Southern Caribbean Travel Tips

Immerse yourself in the full tropical experience and delve into expert travel advice and suggestions on activities to enjoy in cherished Southern Caribbean locales.

Finding The Best Caribbean Cruise for You

Find out the best Caribbean cruise for newcomers, families, and more, whether you’re looking for otherworldly scenery, wildlife and adventure, or fun in the sun. 

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

We've got you sorted with our Caribbean cruise packing guide, whether your fantasies involve snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life or savoring a delightful cocktail under an umbrella on the beach.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the ideal time to embark on a Caribbean cruise, whether your goal is to steer clear of crowds, make budget-friendly choices, or bask in the sunniest weather. 

View All Caribbean Cruise Tips and Travel Advice

Experience Sheer Delight on Deck

Nieuw Statendam

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The Southern Caribbean Cruise Experience

Delight in Top-Tier Dining Experiences

Savor a world of dining options on our cruise, curated by celebrity chefs and enriched by our Culinary Council®, from casual poolside favorites to local flavors, and award-winning cocktails. 

Add a Resort Stay

Add a hotel package to your Southern Caribbean cruise and enjoy convenient, comfortable overnights in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida before or after your cruise. 

Book Flights

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for your Southern Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change. 

Caribbean Cruises

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SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

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What to Do in the Southern Caribbean

Absorb local culture, discover the rich history of European colonialism and explore the pastel vistas of Dutch architecture whilst watching a game of cricket on a cruise to The Caribbean . Cruise to the Southern Caribbean and venture deep into exotic island activities. Ride on horseback along the pristine coastline when you cruise to Aruba, zip line through a lush canopy whilst travelling to Curacao and experience some of the world's most beautiful beaches where you can snorkel to see vibrant marine life or just kick back and soak up the rays.

Explore Our Three SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE PORTS

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Discover More With A SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE EXCURSION

A Southern Caribbean Family Holiday THEY'LL NEVER FORGET

Southern Caribbean Cruise Packages for the Entire Family

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8-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise

Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise. With the largest fleet at sea Carnival offers sailings perfect for the whole family.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

• Carnival Horizon - Passenger Capacity: 3,960 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2018 Last Refurbished:  2022

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Miami, Florida , Port of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean , Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Antilles , Curacao, Caribbean

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8-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise sailing on the Carnival Horizon

Departure dates: apr 2024 - apr 2026.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel. Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Cruises to Southern Caribbean islands are the stuff vivid tropical daydreams are made of. The rainforests of Dominica, crystal-clear waters of US Virgin Island St. Thomas, seaside villages of Barbados and white-sand beaches of Aruba are just a few of the exotic treasures you’ll find on your travels — and each of these iconic island experiences can be yours on cruises to the Southern Caribbean. These far-flung islands were made for getting out and swimming, snorkeling, hiking… not to mention excellent shopping and beach lounging. For a remote island getaway within reach of home, look no further than one of Carnival’s cruises to the Southern Caribbean.

• Get a taste of the Dutch life, island-style, in Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire.
• Marvel at pastel buildings that come in more hues than a crayon box.
• Explore aquatic delights, both above and below the surface.

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SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

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Our Southern Caribbean cruises go beyond the ordinary.

On a Southern Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Cruises, immerse yourself in the laid-back charm and natural wonders that the islands are famous for. Hike through lush rainforests and marvel at the islands’ stunning coastlines. Zipline over verdant landscapes and explore deep underground caves. Discover the simple pleasures of rustic beach bars and unbelievably fresh seafood. Stroll on flawless beaches and get up close to the marine life that inhabits the surrounding seas.

In St. Lucia, trek The Pitons for panoramic views of sea and sand. Play with dolphins in St. Kitts and sway to the sounds of a live steel pan band. Bike the island of St. Croix and stop for a photo-op at the easternmost part of the United States. Tour the largest rum distillery in the world in Barbados. Stop and smell the nutmeg and cinnamon in Grenada. Discover Aruba’s award-winning beaches, Bonaire’s resident flamingos and incredible dive sites, and Curacao’s namesake turquoise-tinged liqueur.

Soak up the Southern Caribbean sun by day, and return to your Celebrity cruise ship each evening for globally inspired dining, thrilling entertainment, and luxuriously appointed accommodations. Your unforgettable Southern Caribbean vacation awaits. 

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Explore The Caribbean with us

Enjoy luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service as you discover Antigua, Saint Kitts, Barbados and Fort Lauderdale. Climb, snorkel, swim, bike or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Highlights

Underwater adventures.

You can’t go wrong diving or snorkeling along the coast of nearly any Southern Caribbean island. Learn how to scuba dive in Bonaire’s National Marine Park, one of the top-rated dive sites in the world. Paddle over Grenada’s vibrant coral reefs on a glass-bottomed kayak. In Aruba, you can explore a mysterious shipwreck via submarine or admire the sunset on board a wooden schooner. In any port of call, wading into the warm Caribbean Sea and marveling at the breathtaking coastline around you is always a good idea. 

Natural Wonders

These stunning islands are filled with lush mountains and tropical landscapes. Meander along a rainforest trail in St. Kitts, tasting local fruit as you go. In Barbados, go underground and witness the fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations of Harrison’s Cave. Head to Bonaire’s dense mangrove forests for a peek at the rose-colored flamingos. Perhaps the most iconic sight of the region is the dual Pitons of St. Lucia, where you can hike to the summit or admire them from afar while lounging beachside.

Rich Foodie Experiences

Mouthwatering flavors and fresh-caught seafood await in the Southern Caribbean islands. In Antigua, board a catamaran and indulge in a fresh lobster lunch. Visit the private home and garden of a famous Antiguan chef, who will teach you how to cook Caribbean cuisine at home. Try a chocolate-making class at a cocoa plantation in Castries, or explore St. George’s local markets to discover why Grenada is known as “Spice Island.”

Featured Ports

Oranjestad, aruba.

In Aruba’s colorful capital city, brightly painted architecture in the Dutch style stands alongside 19th-century military fortifications, juxtaposed with a backdrop of aquamarine waters. Learn the history of Aruba at the Museo Historico. Climb to the top of Hooiberg, the town’s volcanic peak, for expansive island views. Top it all off with a swim at Eagle Beach or a kayak excursion along the secluded Mangel Halto.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados is a favorite port of call for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts. Swim above shipwrecks, cruise along the coast in a catamaran, or snorkel amongst curious sea turtles. Eco adventures abound, from exploring Harrison’s Cave with an expert guide to watching green monkeys roam through the forest. Whether you prefer your rum straight up or in a tropical cocktail, a tasting of the famous Mount Gay variety is a must.

Castries, Saint Lucia

The dual Pitons of Castries are one of its signature sights, of course, but there’s also a wealth of outdoorsy activities waiting in St. Lucia. After an active afternoon seeing the Pitons, lounge at Sugar Beach nearby. Downtown, shop a bit at the Castries Market for spices and handmade St. Lucian goods. If you’re craving rejuvenation during your time in Saint Lucia, head to the Sulphur Springs for a restorative mud bath.

Cruise Itineraries for the Southern Caribbean

On a cruise to the Southern Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises, choose from 7- to 12-night itineraries that depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; or Tampa, Florida. Cruise between August to May and visit ports of call like St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Barbados, the ABC Islands, and more.

Itineraries

Why sail to the southern caribbean with celebrity.

On one of our award-winning cruises to the Southern Caribbean, you’ll travel to paradise in complete luxury. Set sail from one tropical port of call to another while indulging in the globally inspired restaurants, innovative venues, and stylish accommodations on board.

Watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea from your own private veranda. Book a treatment at the world-class spa after hiking through lush nature trails. Order an expertly crafted cocktail at one of our lively onboard bars before dining in the specialty restaurant of your choice. Sink into your cashmere mattress and plush bedding after a heavenly day of lounging on white-sand beaches. Come discover why we’ve been voted the Best Cruise Line in the Southern Caribbean for two years in a row. 

View all Southern Caribbean Cruise Vacation Itineraries

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Holland America Line Unveils 2025-26 Caribbean Itineraries

Holland America Line will offer nearly 30 Caribbean cruise itineraries between October 2025 and April 2026, as the cruise line sends all three of its Pinnacle-class ships to the region.

Travelers can enjoy an array of week-long getaways in the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, as well as cruises ranging from nine to 14 days long. Holland America Line will also offer holiday sailings in November and December.

Some of the cruises feature late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, giving travelers more time in port to explore these vibrant cities. Sailings will depart from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. 

All of the itineraries include a stop at Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.

“This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

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02 April 2024, 10:24

Saga Launches 2025 Ocean Cruises

02 April 2024 : Saga has officially launched its 2025 boutique ocean cruises programme, with 47 all-inclusive itineraries sailing aboard sister ships, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery.

There are plenty of new experiences, itineraries and ports-of-call available - as well as a new nationwide chauffeur service - across Saga’s new 2025 season of all inclusive no-fly cruises.  Highlights include more unforgettable experiences, such as tuk-tuk tours, which have been expanded to feature on 20 cruise itineraries and offer guests the option to explore the cities of Lisbon, Oporto, Split and Valencia by this unique mode of transport.

New ports-of-call for Saga ships in 2025 include the Croatian island of Korcula on the Dalmatian

Coast and also Helsingør in Denmark’s North Zealand, which offers the ideal opportunity to visit Kronborg Castle, immortalised by Shakespeare as the home of Hamlet.

Also new for 2025, Saga’s chauffeur service is now nationwide, so guests will be picked up from home across the UK mainland at no extra cost.

2024 was Saga’s fastest selling season ever, and some cruises sold out very quickly, so Saga is committed to offering early bookers for 2025 the very best deals, therefore, these cruises are available now with up to 35 per cent off the full price. Saga also offers a price promise, whereby if the price of the cruise is reduced, guests who have paid the higher price will get the value of the difference.

Some highlights from the 2025 programme include:

- A 21-night all-inclusive Croatia and Gems of the Mediterranean cruise departing 22nd May 2025 from Dover.  This cruise to the Adriatic offers guests a stop on Spain’s Costa Tropical to visit Motril, en route to Malta and its capital, Valletta, before exploring the historic coastal cities of Croatia, including the island of Korcula - a brand new port of call for Saga this year - then Split and the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, as well as UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik with its ancient fortifications. It will also cruise along the scenic Bay of Kotor and the opportunity to stroll the medieval streets of the fortified town of Kotor, where Romanesque churches sit alongside Venetian mansions. And finally, the cruise visits the Greek ruins of Sicily and iconic Rock of Gibraltar on the return journey.  Prices start from £7,069 per person for a standard balcony cabin (based on two sharing).

- A 49-night all inclusive Caribbean and Central America Discovery cruise departing Portsmouth on  6th January 2025.  This cruise contrasts the Caribbean and Central America, cruising from one tropical island to the next, before visiting the ancient Mayan ruins and dense rainforests of Central America and then onto the USA.  After the transatlantic crossing via Madeira, Spirit of Discovery visits the Caribbean islands of St Lucia, Barbados, Bequia and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Willemstad and Oranjestad.  The voyage continues to Central America to visit UNESCO-listed Cartagena and Colón, before the chance to experience the rainforests and banana plantations of Puerto Limón, beaches of Honduras and archaeological treasures of Belize City. Progreso, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers a gateway to the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.  The cruise will also visit the Gulf of Mexico to the Texan city of Galveston, from where guests can visit the world-renowned Houston Space Station with its NASA spacecraft, before following the Mississippi River for an overnight stay in New Orleans, birthplace of jazz and renowned for its Creole cuisine and French Quarter, as well as Miami and the opportunity to visit the famous Everglades National Park.  There is an overnight stop in Bermuda, where UNESCO-listed St George’s became an English settlement in 1612, and call at the scenic Azores archipelago on the return journey.  Prices start from £16,128 per person for a standard balcony cabin (based on two sharing).

There are also new itineraries that sail around the British Isles, from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to the Highlands of Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland. These itineraries are the ideal staycation with a difference and include:

- A 10-night all-inclusive Island Hopping in the British Isles cruise departing Portsmouth on 5th May 2025.  This cruise showcases the heritage and dramatic scenery of the British Isles, calling first into Guernsey with its 18th-century towers and unique World War Two fortifications.  The cruise then crosses the Irish Sea to visit Northern Ireland’s cultural capital of Belfast, where the RMS Titanic was built, before voyaging along the Welsh coast to visit Holyhead, gateway to exploring the Isle of Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park. From the Isle of Man, the cruise then heads to Ullapool, located on the shores of Loch Broom, and the remote Orkneys, home to the famous Neolithic site of Skara Brae. Prices start from £2,968 per person for a standard balcony cabin (based on two sharing).

Saga guests can also choose from a range of other popular cruises throughout the year to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Norway (and the Northern Lights), Africa, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands. 

Saga’s boutique ocean cruises are all-inclusive with no hidden costs on-board and guests also have the benefit of the new complimentary nationwide chauffeur service between home and Dover or Portsmouth.

Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks, including premium label spirits available at no additional cost. Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance are also included.

Guests can view and book these 2025 cruises at saga.co.uk/2025 or by calling 0808 273 6463.

Selected destination images are available here , and cruise ship images here .

Sarah Lloyd-Morrison

Notes to editors

Saga is a leading provider of products and services primarily tailored for customers over the age of 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has been carefully developed over the past 60 years to become one of the most recognised and trusted brands among UK consumers over 50. Saga is synonymous in the UK with the over 50s market and is recognised for its high-quality products and services. These include cruises and holidays, home and motor insurance, savings and share dealing and the UK’s award-winning Saga Magazine.

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Thinking of going to Moscow?

By scubacruiserx2 , October 11, 2013 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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We thought about it and did it September 21, 2013. We would like to share how we did it and explore options on how to visit this great city.

Because we were staying in St. Petersburg, we chose a "Day Trip".

We found a guide on the internet and contacted her. We asked her the best way and day to visit Moscow. We agreed Saturday would be good and the Sapsan train is the preferred way to travel. We booked our e-tickets for the train on the internet.

The day began early with an accuweather check. It showed brilliant sun all day - in St. Petersburg (1 of only 35 days a year) and rain all day in Moscow. Walking to the Metro station we began the long ride down to the underground train.

The early morning Metro

This is the Moscow train station in St. Petersburg

And here is the Sapsan at rest

After scanning our tickets and a walk through a metal detector ( which we set off) we walked to wagon #3. Showing our passports to the attendant , we were seated by 0630 and ready to ride !

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After we were seated we received this overhead greeting

Russian Railways welcomes you aboard ! We soon found out that every thing would be in Russian first and then in English. Our launch time was reached - and we were off.

Here is some information about the Sapsan

http://www.russiantrains.com/en/page/sapsan-train

As the sun began to rise we saw some fog , but a clear sky just outside of St. Petersburg @ 125 mph.

We settled in for the 4 hour train ride to Moscow.

Appreciate your posting of these visuals in connection with your rail trip to Moscow and back. As noted below, we did this "adventure" in 2008 via the air routes. Keep sharing your nice and interesting visuals. Below are a few of mine showing the "prizes" to be enjoyed in Moscow. Fortunately, we had three days on our cruise stop in St. Petersburg, making this one-day trip work better.

The high-speed train connection does make a big, big difference currently. We did the one-day Moscow trip in 2008 by the air connections. I'll offer up some added background, along with various pro/con factors for your consideration. My wife thought it was lots of money, but she viewed it as very much worth it after completing the trip as a "once in a lifetime" experience.

CON FACTORS : It's a long day! Leave the ship early (greeted by a small welcoming band dockside); get back to the St. Petersburg airport around midnight and back to the ship a little before 1 am. Moscow is a super large city of over ten million people. There has been huge growth in the suburbs of this city during the past decades or so. Traffic and time from the airport to the main downtown takes about an hour, but the train takes your directly into the heart of this large city. Since we had to drive in from the airport, we had a good feel as we traveled into town through the coach windows about the “new Moscow” with its suburban growth, commerce, advertising, capitalism, big box stores, etc.

PRO FACTORS : Moscow has its unique history, sights and sites, from Ivan the Terrible up through Lenin, Stalin and the new Russian leaders of today. After a long ride in from the airport on the outer edge of this large metro areas of 17.3 million (with 10.5 million in the city), we stopped at a new hotel for coffee/tea/break. Then, we rode the Moscow subway and saw a couple of their very unique and artistic stations. Stalin at the time called these stations “People’s Palaces”. This Moscow Metro was first opened in 1935 and now has 182 stations, 12 different lines,187 miles of routes and carries seven million passengers each weekday. It’s the world second busiest subway system. This subway ride offered a good sampling of real life for people who live and work in Moscow. We then saw more key places enroute, including the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, KGB Headquarters, various Stalin-era buildings, etc. Then we went to the Kremlin with its 19 historic towers. WOW, we were really there!

Inside the Kremlin are three key “super stars”. First, was the State Armoury with its spectacular Faberge Eggs, plus so many carriages, crowns, gowns, jewels, etc. Second are the various historic Cathedrals within the Kremlin Walls, plus the Tower Bells, Icon art, etc. This includes the Cathedral of the Annunciation built in the 1480’s and having such spectacular wall murals and icons. Third, was the Great Kremlin Palace with its spectacular reception halls, inlaid wood floors, gold and more gold, fancy ceilings, etc. The Czars were crowned here, plus the current heads of the Russian government, etc. The size and scale of these areas are hard to describe in words, let alone reflect and capture the history that has happened in some of these rooms dating back to the late 1400’s. We have seen lots of great palaces all over Europe, but this is something above and beyond for the eyes, heart and brain.

Then, we saw more building inside the walls of the Kremlin. We went outside of the Kremlin Walls and walked next door to adjoining Red Square, seeing St. Basil’s and the re-done Gum Department Store. Red Square is so historic, especially having grown up seeing the military May Day parades there, visuals of Lenin’s Tomb, etc. Have the words “spectacular” and historic been used too much? Maybe, but it fits for many of these unique places. St. Basil’s was built 1555–1561 on the order of Ivan IV (the Terrible). It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (266 feet tall) in 1600 inside the Kremlin Walls. To be able to “CONTRAST” and compare Moscow and St. Petersburg during these three short days adds to the benefits of seeing both of these great Russian capital cities. Each is a very different and special city.

We finished with dinner in the Central Writers’ Club, a one hundred years old mansion made into a restaurant with crystal chandeliers, rich wood panelling, fireplaces, and antique balustrades.

Is one day too short and limited? YES! You can, however, do and see lots in only that one short day. You get a small sampling above. How often do you get to Russia? The Cold War might not come back in full force, but there are going to be increasing and revisited tensions in future years involving Russia and getting access there. They have done this tour many times and have its details down well and timing perfected. Let us know any questions, thoughts or reactions.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 120,278 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Walking on the famed Red Square of Moscow. This square separates the Kremlin, as the former royal citadel and the current official residence for Russia's President, from a historic merchant quarter. Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia, because Moscow's major streets originate from here. The name Red Square comes neither from the color of the bricks nor from the link between the color red and communism. The name came about because of a Russian word that can mean either "red" or "beautiful". This word, per Wikipedia, has the meaning "beautiful", was originally applied to Saint Basil's Cathedral. Then, later, the meaning was transferred to the nearby square. It is believed that the square acquired its current name in the 17th century. Red Square was the leading stage and trade center for Moscow. Ivan the Great decreed that trade should only be conducted from person to person, but later these rules were relaxed and permanent market buildings began appearing on the square. After a fire in 1547, Ivan the Terrible reorganized the lines of wooden shops on the Eastern side into market lines and part of that transitioned into what is now GUM department store that adjoins this famed square.:

St. Basil's sits on Red Square and dates back to its 1555-61 construction on the orders of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV). It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan and marks the geometric center of the city. This location has been the hub of its growth for Moscow since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This church was near destroyed in the 1930’s when Stalin was in control.:

The domes of the historic church inside the walls of the Kremlin:

This is the interior for Moscow's most historic church, Assumption Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, inside the Kremlin walls. It is the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The church stands on Cathedral Square and was built in 1475–1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. It was erected on the spot of an older 14th century cathedral of the same name:

The famed KGB (Secret Police) Headquarters in Moscow where many entered and did not exit (alive) during the 1950’s and 1960’s:

Here is a small sampling of the Kremlin Royal Treasures of the Czars: Eggs & Jewels inside the famed State Armoury in Moscow. One of the oldest museums in Moscow, it was established in 1808 and located within the Kremlin Walls. It originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 during when it was in charge of producing, purchasing and storing weapons, jewelry and various household articles of the Tsars. There are ten Fabergé eggs in the Armoury collection (all Imperial eggs). This is the most Imperial eggs, and the second-most overall Fabergé eggs, owned by a single owner. The Trans-Siberian Railway Egg is a jeweled Easter egg made under the supervision of the Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé in 1900 for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. It was presented by Nicolas II as an Easter gift to his wife. The exterior of the 1900 Trans-Siberian Railway egg is made of onyx, silver, gold, and quartz, and is decorated with colored vitreous enamel. The lid of the egg is hinged, has an overlay of green enamel, and is decorated with inlaid leaves of acanthus. On top of the lid is a golden three-headed eagle in gold with the Imperial Crown. The interior is lined with velvet. A route map of the Trans-Siberian Railway is engraved in silver across the face, with major stations marked by a precious stone, forming a belt around the egg. The egg is supported by three griffins made of gold-plated silver on a stepped triangular base of white onyx.:

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures.

One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures. One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Appreciate the nice comments and good question from our friend in Las Vegas. YES , if your cruise is there three days or less . . . A ND . . . you are with a licensed travel/tour firm , then there is no need to do a Russian Visa. You cannot take that one- or two-day train to Moscow and back unless you either have a visa or are with an appropriate such firm traveling with you.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 144,153 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

The announcements on the train requested turning off phones. We quietly greeted and introduced ourselves (In Russian) to our table mates . It seems that we were the token foreign passengers and we quickly realized that on the train (Like most public transport), people don't usually speak unless they have a question or know one another. Even when they do it's respectful of others privacy with no loud talking or phone calls." I could get used to this" I thought to myself. Reading was the norm and listening to music was socially acceptable. Out came the Eyewitness Travel Moscow and cued Al Stewart's Road to Moscow on the mp3. After a quick nap and a snack we noticed that the movie Moscow does not believe in tears was playing on the TV and people were seemed surprised that we knew the movie.

The next thing we knew, the train was arriving in Moscow !

Exiting the train , we headed for the station.

Irina was waiting for us at the end of the platform and it was starting to rain. " Welcome to Moscow and it's weather" she said. " Nine months of expectations and three months of disappointment" she remarked. We headed to the Metro for a tour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Metro

As you can see , at 11 in the morning and we still had an empty Metro. Saturday or Sunday is the way to tour Moscow with a minimum of crowds

The first station that we visited was Komsomolskaya which is named for the Communist Youth League

Here is a mosaic from the ceiling

And at the end of the station was comrade Lenin

The Kievskaya Station is dedicated to the friendship between Russia and the Ukraine and is named after it's Capital - Kiev

It features idealized mosaics in the Soviet realism style

The Ukraine was the bread basket of the Soviet Union so agriculture and handicraft is displayed prominently in it's mosaics.

Because it is on the ring line #5 , it connects with #3 and #4 line and can get very busy.

Desertbelle

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D

The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D   The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Congratulations on your upcoming TA and Baltic cruise and thank you for your kind comments. We did a TA in April of 2009 , followed by a 10 day stay in St. Petersburg. It's really a great time for the weather. Going to Moscow from St. Petersburg on a 2 day stay is going to be an either/ or proposition. Unless you can do a post cruise stay , it will be either Moscow or St. Petersburg . If its your first visit to Russia , we would recommend that you stay in St. Petersburg. It will save you travel time and money and there is more than enough to do in 2 days. If you decide on Moscow , many of the cruise ship offer this trip. We don't normally use or recommend the ship's tours but Moscow would be an exception. Few if any private tours offer this option for 2 days. If you chose to DIY with a Visa you could fly and meet the guide in Moscow and stay overnight. The problem with a 2 day stay is that Sapsan leaves before your ship arrives in port on the first day and arrives after your ship leaves on the second day. A more radical plan that we considered was to jump ship (With the Captain's permission) with a Russian Visa and stay longer in St. Petersburg / Moscow. Because we wanted more time in Russia , we cancelled our post TA Baltic cruise and just stayed in St. Petersburg.

Our last Metro stop before entering Red Square was Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Square of the Revolution). The hall contains life size sculptures of 'everyday people' who made The Revolution and the Metro possible.

Rubbing the nose of this border guards dog is said to bring good luck. I was amazed to see how many people touched this dogs nose after we stepped away.

This last 'every day person' is Lyudmila Pavlichenko who was credited with 309 kills as a sniper during WWII.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyudmila_Pavlichenko

Upon leaving the Metro station we were greeted by a steady rain and it was time to pop the umbrellas. After entering through The Resurrection Gate we stopped to take a picture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_Gate_and_Chapel

And turning around , there is was - Red Square ! I felt like like Dorothy opening the door in OZ. All of my childhood fears of ICBM rockets , goose stepping troops , 1 PM air raid sirens on Saturday , bomb shelters and duck and cover drills at school flooded my memory! Focusing on the task at hand , I had to learn to shoot pictures with one hand while holding an umbrella with the other. The first picture is Marshal Zhukov , a war hero

mounted on a horse , in front of The Historical Museum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgy_Zhukov

Kazan Cathedral was consecrated in 1636 by Prince Pozharsky and stood for 300 years until Joseph Stalin destroyed it in 1936. This faithful reconstruction was completed and consecrated in 1993.

There was a sea of umbrellas watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I could only get a picture by holding the camera overhead. If you look carefully, you can see his rifle beneath his raincoat.

The crowd thinned as they quickly marched away

But I sprinted ahead to capture a video clip

It was raining harder so we headed for GUM in hopes that the rain would abate.

GUM (pronounced goom) was the name given to this building after the Revolution in 1921. It was built in 1893 and currently has over 1000 shops. A banner proclaims 120 years.

This was one of my favorite photos of our trip. Watching a game of Bridal tug of war.

Maybe they were here shopping for this Mother In Law Cake. It features poisonous mushrooms on top ( I think they are sugar but didn't try them ).

We moved on to Yeliseev's Gastronom. The original store is in St. Petersburg.

http://russiapedia.rt.com/prominent-russians/business/grigory-yeliseev/

This is their souvenir shop

With no sign of the rain stopping it was time to pop the umbrellas and head out to Red Square. The square is about 500 yards long.

The small platform in front of St. Basil's is called The Lobnoe Mesto. It is where the Tsar and patriarch would address the people at various times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobnoye_Mesto

Even in the rain and overcast skies the cathedral is striking !

To the right of the photo is The Savior's Tower. It was the main entrance to the Kremlin and stands 230 feet tall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasskaya_Tower

We thought we would go inside of St. Basils to dodge rain and see what the interior looked like. Here's the porch.

Fancy doors

Iconostasis

And here is a view of Red Square with everything labeled

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!

Jim and Pam

Hi: I am new to CC and we are going on our first cruise in June 2014 with Crystal Cruises. Scuba - I would like to find out more about your Moscow trip - not sure how one goes about emailing here, but could you please email me at [email protected] ?

Welcome to Cruise Critic ! We are honored to be your first post. Don't be afraid to ask questions and browse the threads on CC. They are many experienced people willing to help and share with your upcoming trip. We are emailing now.

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!   Jim and Pam

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

In front of St. Basil's Cathedral is a statue of a butcher Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitniy Pozharskiy. When Moscow was occupied in 1612 by the Polish Army , they raised a volunteer group to repel the invaders.

To me, the most amazing church in Moscow is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

After Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 , the strategy of retreat and destroy (scorched earth) was employed by Russia to allow Napoleon to enter Moscow. He found it in ruins - burned by the residents. When winter arrived on October 19, Napoleon began the long retreat to France. Along the way with no food , the winter and the Russian people attacking , the French troops were decimated. 600,000 troops had entered Russia and less than 60,000 left alive. To celebrate the victory Tsar Alexander ordered the Cathedral built to thank Christ for the victory.

In 1931 Joseph Stalin blew up the cathedral to build a skyscraper - The Palace of the Soviets , that would be taller than The Empire State Building. It would feature a giant statue of Lenin on top. The plans were abandoned when Germany invaded in 1941. After the war , it became a giant pool when construction was needed for housing. It was rebuilt beginning in 1995 , and was completed in 2000.

There was a crowd at the door and we waited in the rain and cold. It was beautiful inside (no pictures allowed). We stayed about an hour and the crowd had left and we took the second picture in the rain. A quick Metro ride to the train station and we said goodbye to our guide Irina.

http://www.newbyzantines.net/byzcathculture/christsavior.html

We returned to St. Petersburg on the Sapsan 1st Class. It included dinner , a drink and internet connections. The internet only works with a Russian phone service - so it did not work for us. The chairs reclined , so we got a nice nap after a long day.

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.   http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.

We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!

Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.   We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!   Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...   Jim

It sounds like a couple of great cruises coming your way. The Western Carib. is our most common trip cause we dive in all 4 ports. It's a great way for you to beat that long winter ! My wife's sister (from Bay City) does a girl cruise every winter to beat the cold and avoid the Spring breakers. We would encourage you to prioritize in St. Petersburg - you won't get to see it all in 2 days so pick the best for you. Please know your camera well before you visit ! The sites will come fast and furious so you want to catch them all. I had some new lenses and made some rookie mistakes and muffed some good shots ! If we can answer any questions - give us a holler. Joe

Thank you for your great report and photos! We will be in St. Petersburg for 3 days next June on Legend of the Seas. I arranged private tours in St. Petersburg on days 1 and 3, and to Moscow on day 2 - all with Alla Tours. I previously visited St. Petersburg in 2005, and am especially looking forward to visiting Moscow this trip.

Good to know that Nancy has these great Russian locations on her future, upcoming list. That assumes she survives her earlier “down under” visit, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, going from Australia to Auckland/NZ doing 14 days on this ship we loved in the Med in June 2011. Nancy will be "riding" with us on this Aust-NZ cruise. Will share more on Russia with Nancy while we are sailing on this early 2014 adventure.

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 123,372 views.

Sounds like the perfect plan NancyIL ! Maybe something old and something new in St. Petersburg and something Red in Moscow! Did anyone watch Miss Universe in Moscow ? We enjoyed seeing the locale shots at night - something that we missed on our day trip. It also confirmed what we observed when we were there. Moscow like St. Petersburg has the majority of it's main sites located in a very small area. Catherine's Palace , Peterhof and Moscow require an amount of travel time equal or greater than the time spent there. There is the additional cost to Moscow as well. But it's great that you have 3 days and have seen some of St. Petersburg before so it made your decision easy. If you look at the map of Moscow you will see that most of the sites are very close together

and can be seen in a day, but Petersburg requires several days or more for maximum enjoyment.

Red Square and The Kremlin are next to each other and , in the lower left corner, is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior - all within walking distance.

We will be taking the Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg next summer. Is there much of a difference between first class and coach? We're booked in coach as the TA says there's not all that much difference for the money. Also, do you have any opinion on whether to ride on the left or right, facing forward, headed to St. Petersburg? I want to get the best views.

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Moscow Muled

Top 5 caribbean mule recipes.

May 09, 2020

In this post, we reveal the Top 5 Caribbean Mule Recipes anywhere on the internet. Read on to learn how to make this awesome variation on the classic Moscow Mule!

Introduction

At times, one desires something new and exciting that complements the old. So, in comes the Caribbean Mule!

While you are probably familiar with the Moscow Mule, the Caribbean Mule is a variation that might just become your new favorite. The Caribbean Mule is a popular Mule that substitutes vodka for rum. An avid rum-drinker will no doubt love this version of the traditional Moscow Mule. And the best part is that it can easily be made from scratch without leaving your home. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the easy-to-make, yet absolutely irresistible recipes for the Caribbean Mule. We’ll explore how the cocktails tastes, how it ought to be served, the different ways it can be made, and the different recipes. So, let’s get started!

History of the Caribbean Mule

Although there’s plenty to love about the original Moscow Mule, variety is undeniably the spice of life. Thus, there is good reason to have a collection of recipes for your cocktails. With only a cabinet full of liquor from different parts of the world and a few basic ingredients, exploring with the Mule drink is like going on an adventure from the comfort of your home bar. 

Because the original Mule was named to pay homage to where vodka came from, Russia, its variations have followed the same idea. The Caribbean Mule takes the spirit of the enchanting blue waters of the Caribbean islands, combined with conventional ginger beer. 

With the Caribbean Mule, you can choose to use spiced rum, white rum, pineapple-flavored rum, or even coconut rum. The sweetness of the drink is livened up by the ginger flavors.

Caribbean Mule Ingredients

The ingredients in this variation are:

• Rum – To achieve the best flavor, choose a premium quality rum.
• Lime juice – Fresh lime juice balances out the sweetness and adds a tangy flavor.
• Simple syrup – This can be made at home and is comprised of water, granulated sugar and, if you want to add a greater ginger kick, fresh slices of ginger.
• Ginger beer – Choose a high-quality beer for the best results.
• Ice – Use small crushed ice for heightened sensation and guaranteed chilling while drinking.

Which Rum Should You Use for your Caribbean Mule?

Spiced rum brings a comforting, warm feel that’s perfect during fall. When paired with ginger beer, the result is an extra sweetness and spice perfect for those cozy, cold nights or for entertaining your guests. Even when it comes to mixed drinks, you should always ensure you buy quality spiced rum. Preferably, use one with a medium to heavy texture. The flavors of the rum come out and help even out the ginger beer and simple syrup. 

You can also choose to use Red Leg rum. Red Leg spiced rum comes from the makers of Blavod, a premium vodka. The name is inspired by the red legged hermit crab that is indigenous to the coral reefs found in the Caribbean. The rum is infused with vanilla and ginger  and then rested in oak casks to marry all the spicy flavors. 

The Easy Caribbean Mule Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 4 oz spiced rum
• 2 small pieces of fresh ginger
• 4 oz ginger beer
• ¼ oz homemade ginger simple syrup
• ¼ oz lime juice

Instructions:

• Muddle the fresh ginger.
• In a cocktail mixer, add the simple syrup, spiced rum, and lime juice and shake well.
• Strain, then add ginger beer to create that absolutely delicious spicy cocktail. 

Pirate Inspired Caribbean Mule

This cocktail will transport you to the ocean blue waters of the dreamy Caribbean from wherever you are in the world. 

• ½ oz white rum
• ½ oz gold rum
• 1 oz coconut rum
• Pineapple wedge
• Mix all the rums.
• Add ginger beer, then stir gently.
• Serve in a classic copper mule mug over ice and garnish with the pineapple wedge.

The Kranks’ Caribbean Mule

This easy-to-make Caribbean style cocktail is one tasty treat. It draws its inspiration from a holiday favorite, ‘Christmas with the Kranks.’ In the movie, a couple whose kids are all grown up and have left home go merry-making on a Caribbean holiday cruise. This particular cocktail uses cranberry syrup, which gives the drink a distinctive twist.

• 4 fresh cranberries chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 12 oz ginger beer
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 slices lime
• Ice as needed 
• Put the water, sugar, and chopped cranberries in a saucepan and cook over very low heat.
• Stir frequently until the cranberries are completely soft.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the mixture. Press the pulp gently to extract the liquid.
• Let the syrup cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Cover the syrup and put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before use.
• Pour ½ oz of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of the cooled syrup into two Collins glasses or copper mugs.
• Add ice, then pour rum and ginger beer in equal amounts and stir using a cocktail stirrer.
• Garnish with cranberries, a lime wheel, and rosemary sprig.

Bright Caribbean Cocktail

This low-carb cocktail is bright enough to make you forget a chilly and dull day outside your window. It’s also perfect for weekend entertaining. Besides, you get to enjoy all the goodness of a low-carb  drink which lets you indulge while also helping you in the weight management department!

• 1 1/8-inch slice of fresh ginger
• ¼ teaspoon of pineapple coconut water enhancer
• 4 oz sugar-free ginger beer
• 1 oz pineapple rum
• Frozen cranberries
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Muddle the ginger in the bottom of your cocktail mixer.
• Fill with ice.
• Add all the rum, water enhancer, and lime juice. Shake well.
• Put the mixture in a glass and add the club soda and ginger beer
• Garnish using the frozen cranberries and serve immediately.

The result is a sparkly cocktail that is ideal for weekend sipping. If you prefer your drinks a little sweeter and a bit heavier, then add more ginger beer.

Ginger Peach Fizz

The dark rum used has a flavor that perfectly complements the peaches  in this utterly amazing cocktail.

• 1 ½ oz dark rum
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• ¾ oz lime juice
• 2 slices of peach
• Muddle peach slices in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice, lime juice, rum, and simple syrup, then shake.
• Strain mixture in a highball glass and top with ice.
• Fill the glass with ginger beer and stir.
• Use the mint sprig to garnish.

Which One Should You Use: Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale?

Although it’s possible to use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in your Caribbean Mule cocktails, you won’t achieve the depth of ginger flavor, which is what makes ginger beer such a great mixer. Ginger beer is actually fermented and has a sharper, more pronounced ginger flavor and almost .05 percent alcohol. Besides, it’s less carbonated compared to ginger ale .

Making Homemade Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that’s dissolved and then cooled. The ideal ratio should be 1:1.

To make a ginger simple syrup, you should mix a few fresh slices of ginger with water and sugar and put it in a small saucepan. Then, place it over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Should You Make Your Own Simple Syrup or Use A Store-Bought One?

Even if you're a novice, making your own homemade spiced Caribbean Mule with your own simple syrup is very easy. The advantage of making your own is you can control the sweetness and flavor when cooking. For instance, adding extra ginger will give your drink more punch. On the other hand, if you need a faster drink, then store-bought simple syrup is your best bet. However, it will not have as much ginger flavor. 

Get Creative

Does the idea of rum and ginger beer sound fascinating? Rather than just following a specific recipe, take a tall glass and fill it with ice to the brim. Next, pour a shot of rum or two. Add ginger beer to the ice and rum until you find the balance that perfectly suits your palate.

It’s Always a Good Time

With these delicious and refreshing recipes, you can rest assured that these cocktails will excite any palate. The drinks are meant to be sweet but not overly sweet, and the alcohol contents, although generously poured, can still be subtle depending on what you like.

Cocktails are more than simply drinks. They make friends out of strangers and bring people together. So, sit back, relax, and have a good time with any of these amazing recipes.

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  Top 7 Jamaican Mule Recipes and  Top 7 Pineapple Mule Recipes

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