I’ve spent 3,000 nights on a cruise, this island is my favourite | Cruise | Travel

A woman who has visited a whopping 58 counties has just popped the champagne on her 3,000th night on board a cruise ship. Joy Howe, 78, tentatively boarded her first cruise 27 years ago and has not looked back since. The cruise expert, who has spent the equivalent of eight years at sea, recently clocked up her 3,000th night as a Saga Cruises passenger on April 9th 2025 and cemented herself in the company’s record books. After being on 144 cruises no one knows cruise liners better than Joe and now she has lifted the lid on her favourite island to visit.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Joe said one particular stunning island “holds a special place in her heart” and that is the eastern Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty St Lucia has lush rainforests, volcanic sand beaches and colourful coral reefs.

Nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, Saint Lucia is a paradise of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes.

One of the islands most famous beaches is Reduit Beach, renowned for its crystal turquoise waters and golden sands this beach is sure to take your breath away.

Situated on the northern end of St. Lucia, this beach boasts glorious sunsets and is in close proximity to an array of bars and restaurants so you won’t go hungry.

The island’s most famous feature is its Pitons – two massive volcanic plugs that rise from the sea near the town of Soufrière. 

The steep mountainous peaks connected by the Piton Mitan Ridge attract flocks of tourists and hikers daily.

A hike up this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a guaranteed way to get your adrenaline pumping with it taking around four to six hours in total. 

While Pigeon Island National Park is one of the most vibrant and beautiful points on the island. Nature lovers will fall in love with the parks incredible viewing points and colonial historical ruins.

St Lucia is an extremely popular cruise destination with many cruise lines offering itineraries that include the island. Major cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line regularly visit St. Lucia.