A number of languages are spoken in the Caribbean, most of a European origin. You can get by just about anywhere with English, but it’s fun to explore the islands and hear the local languages.

• Anguilla: English
• Antigua: English
• Aruba: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish, Castilian
• Bahamas: English
• Barbados: English
• Bermuda: English, Portuguese
• British Virgin Islands: English
• Cancun: Spanish, English.
• Cayman Brac: English
• Curacao: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish; Castilian
• Dominica: English, French Patois
• Dominican Republic: Spanish, Castilian
• Grand Cayman: English
• Grenada: English, French Patois
• Grenadines: English
• Guadeloupe: French, Creole Patois
• Haiti: French, Creole
• Jamaica: English, Patois
• Martinique: French, Creole Patois
• Puerto Rico: Spanish, Castilian, English
• St. Croix: English, Spanish, Castilian, French
• St. Kitts and Nevis: English
• St. Lucia: English
• St. Maarten: Dutch, English
• St. Thomas: English, Spanish, Castilian, French
• Tortola: English
• Trinidad & Tobago: Languages: English, Hindi, French, Spanish
• Turks & Caicos: English
• U.S. Virgin Islands: English, Spanish, Creole

Here’s a nice article looking at the many travel opportunities on Curacao. The island lies at the southern tip of the Lesser Antilles and features nearly 40 beaches of a silky white sand. Snorkling and diving is another huge draw for the island, with some great locations just a short swim from shore.

There’s a seaside scene for every mood. On the wild side: Mambo Beach, a lively stretch of revelry, including a funky club by the same name, on the western side of the island, with killer tropical cocktails and nonstop dancing. For escapists: Playa Lagun, an isolated, romantic cove framed by imposing cliffs in the island’s northwestern stretch. For families: Playa Knip, near the town of Westpunt. Two coves there provide a great perch to lounge in beach chairs while the kids play in the water.

A Google maps tour of Curacao is now available.

The Southern Caribbean, a long haul for most cruises, is becoming a more popular destination, according to Cruise Critic Editor Carolyn Spencer.

The islands of the Southern Caribbean, which translate roughly to those lying east and south of St. Maarten/St. Martin, have always been slightly more exotic than counterparts in the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Part of that is due to the very strong colonial influence that pervades many of these islands, a great percentage of which are still related to France, the Netherlands and the U.K.

Cruise lines are beginning to offer “deep-south” itineraries that hit these islands and cruisers can always opt to leave out of San Juan, which gives them a head start in the right direction.

Because of the search for a missing U.S. woman in Aruba, there seems to be an increase in interest in the crime levels of various Caribbean islands. A good place to look before heading anywhere overseas is the U.S. Department of State website. The State Department offers advice about the level of crime in various countries and offers specific advice on travelling to Caribbean destinations. Below I’ve compiled the State Department’s crime information for Caribbean nations:

Antigua and Barbuda
Violent crimes have increased and armed assaults have been perpetrated against tourists. Petty street crime also occurs and valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Bahamas
Visitors should exercise normal caution in safeguarding valuables left on the beach. Woman may wish to avoid deserted areas, especially at night. Crime is more prevalent in major population centers, particularly the “over-the-hill” area of Nassau.

Barbados
Street crime sometimes occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Bermuda
Bermuda has a low crime rate. However, during the tourist season, pick pocketing and theft of unattended baggage can occur.

Dominica
Street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Dominican Republic
Valuables left unattended in parked cars, on beaches, and in other public places are subject to theft. Burglaries of private residences have increased. Some resort areas have experienced an increase in violent crime. The larger resort complexes, which rely on private security services, have generally not been affected.

French West Indies
The French West Indies include the islands of Guadeloupe, Isles des Saintes, La Desirade, Marie Galante, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin and Martinique. Street crime, sometimes involving armed assault, appears to be on the rise in St. Martin. In the other territories, petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Grenada
Tourists have been victims of armed robbery in isolated areas, particularly after dark. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Haiti
Reports of crime, including armed and sometimes violent robbery, are increasing. Crimes involving occupied and unoccupied vehicles along Route Nationale No. 1 in the port area, in Cite Soleil, and along the airport road continue to be a problem.

Jamaica
Crime is a serious problem in and around Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. Criminal acts can rapidly turn violent. Visitors should exercise common sense, not walk around at night, and use only licensed taxis or hotel-recommended transportation. In tourist areas, be careful at isolated villas and small establishments.

Netherlands Antilles
The Netherlands Antilles include the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius (also known as Statia), and St. Maarten. Petty street crime and armed robbery, including shooting of the victims, are increasing.

St. Kitts and Nevis
Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

St. Lucia
Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

Trinidad and Tobago
Violent crime, including murder, is on the rise. While crime is significantly lower in Tobago, travelers may wish to avoid traveling alone.

Nadine Wright, of the Jamaica Observer, offers travel tips for island residents planning their own summer Caribbean vacation. Wright suggests Curacao for shopping, Barbados for its affordable hotel gems, the Cayman Islands for watersports, St. Maarten for nude sunbathing, Dominican Republic for the Meringue Festival and Jamaica for its large variety of fun spots.

Here is what Wright has to say about Barbados lodging:

Barbados is a great get-away spot for relaxation and fun. The island, with an area of 430 square kilometres, is also one of the cheaper destinations within the eastern Caribbean.

Barbados is great for families and couples, with a lot of waterspouts activities and beaches to choose from.
The Savannah, Silver Rock, Blue Horizon, and Time Out At The Gap are well known hotels.

And, the MV Harbour Master offers night-time party cruises. You are treated to a live band, spectacular floor show and a fantastic dinner buffet.

Originally uploaded by cydesign.

Curacao shows its Dutch colonial heritage in the architecture of its famous pastel colored buildings fronting St. Anna Bay in downtown Willemstad, Curacao’s capital. (Found on flickr).