Cruises to St. Kitts

You’ll find an abundance of Caribbean flavors when visiting St. Kitts & Nevis. The islands are blessed with fertile volcanic soil in which everything from soursop and breadfruit to lush mangos and sweet bananas thrive. Locally grown spices include ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves.

Popular entrees include goat water stew, a rich stew of slow-cooked goat meat, green papaya, onion, chilis, and tomatoes, as well as conch fritters. Conch aside, lobster, wahoo, and mahi mahi, also called dolphin but not related to the marine mammal, are the best seafood to try. The national dish is stewed saltfish. For dessert, don’t miss out on the tasty snack of sugar cake, made from sugar, coconut, and ginger.

St. Kitts was named in 1493 by the explorer Christopher Columbus after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, and later shortened to the more familiar St. Kitts. The first non-Spanish colony in the Caribbean was established by the British in 1624, after which sugar cane became the island’s main industry. This established St. Kitts as the epicenter of the slave trade in the region. By 1775, there were 68 sugar plantations on the island. European powers struggled for control over the Caribbean—St. Kitts was shared between Britain and France for nearly a century—and pirates prowled the seas.

Slavery was abolished in the British colonies in 1834, prompting the decline of the sugar cane business, although the last factory was only closed in 2005. St. Kitts & Nevis became independent from Britain in 1983, and while the islands remain part of the Commonwealth, they have their own government and prime minister. Tourism has replaced sugar cultivation as a source of income. And while you’ll still see elements of “British-ness” in the Georgian architecture of Basseterre, the passion for cricket, and driving on the left, the islands very much have their own character. Locals are warm and friendly, and you’ll hear many references to “limin’”—the art of hanging out with friends.

The easiest way to get around the island is by taxi; these have set fares between various points on the island. There are also local minibuses operating from The Circus in Basseterre. You could rent a car, scooter, or ATV, but remember that driving is on the left—and you’ll be sharing the road with goats, donkeys, and cows. You’ll also need a local driver’s permit for any of these. Ferries operate between St. Kitts and Nevis, the journey taking 45 minutes, with water taxi a quicker option if you want a private boat.

The main shopping area of Basseterre is located just steps from the pier, in Port Zante. Head further into Basseterre for more authentic purchases, from paintings by Caribbean artists to antique maps and handmade flip-flops and purses. Other popular souvenirs to bring home with you from St. Kitts include handmade batik prints, clothing and jewelry, Caribbean dolls, rum, spicy sauces, and locally made arts and crafts.

The official currency of St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, or EC$, pegged to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of EC$2.7 to $1. U.S. dollar bills—but not coins—are also accepted at most places. Even if paying with U.S. dollars, change is usually given in Eastern Caribbean dollars. You can find ATMs in Basseterre. Most stores and restaurants take credit cards, but keep some cash handy for buying things in markets or at street stalls. For tipping, check if the service charge is already added to the bill. If not, it is generally expected to leave 10% to 15% of your total bill. For taxis, also expect to tip 10% to 15% of the total fare.

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