The Traces of a Traveler in the Caribbean

61 Countries, Infinite Blue:

We had an enjoyable interview with Feyhan Sönmez, who stands out with her passion for nature, photography, and travel, her experience in 61 countries, her engineering background, and her identity as a ‘World Traveler’

Sailor’s Newspaper: Could you briefly introduce yourself? Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your passion for travel, and your journey so far?

Feyhan Sönmez: I was born in Istanbul, and I spent my childhood and youth there. I graduated from Beşiktaş Atatürk Anatolian High School and then from Istanbul Technical University with a degree in Mathematical Engineering. I worked for 33 years, mainly in the finance sector, involved in almost every stage of information technology. During my high school years, I used to pore over a world atlas, dreaming of distant destinations and wondering how I could reach them. I would read the travel sections of newspapers and books about ancient civilizations.

One book that deeply influenced me at the time was Chariots of the Gods? by Erich Von Däniken. From then on, I dreamed of seeing the Nazca Lines in the Peruvian desert and walking in the footsteps of the Incas.

When I started my career and settled into the routines of daily life, I kept waiting for the “right time” to make those distant dreams come true. Meanwhile, I attended photography courses, acquired a professional SLR camera and lenses suitable for both macro and micro shots, and began researching different destinations. Finally, fully equipped and prepared, I took my first long-distance journey in 2009 to Peru to see the Nazca Lines, the Amazon, and the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu.

My trip to Peru was exactly as I had imagined. I was following the path described in the book I had read, and it was incredibly exciting to see and experience it all in real life. That trip was a turning point for me - I was no longer the same person. During my working years, I began to eagerly await my annual long vacations, meticulously planning and realizing trips to the farthest destinations possible.

The excitement of discovering these adventure- and culture-filled routes gave me great motivation, both in my personal and professional life.

S.N: What was the reason behind taking a cruise to the Caribbean three times? What kept drawing you back to this route?

F.S: I have always found the beauty of distant, hard-to-reach places incredibly appealing. Because of my passion for tropical islands, white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, swimming, and underwater life, the Caribbean has always been at the top of my travel list.

I wanted to visit all the Caribbean islands, feel the Caribbean sun on my face, explore its nature, and swim in its waters. In 2014, during my trip to Mexico, I met a fellow traveler who loved exploring as much as I did and shared similar interests. The Caribbean, which was also on her bucket list, brought us together on this route.

Since it was impossible to visit all the islands in a single trip and because I was very satisfied with my first Caribbean experience - the second and third trips naturally followed.

I did my first Caribbean cruise in 2015 to the Western Caribbean, followed by the Eastern Caribbean in 2018, and again to the Eastern Caribbean in 2023, visiting other islands I hadn’t seen before. As someone who experienced cruising for the first time in the Caribbean, I believe that the best way to explore these islands is by cruise. It’s an amazing feeling to experience a different culture, atmosphere, and natural beauty at every port.

With the comfort and freedom that a cruise offers, it’s easy to find a balance between relaxation and exploration. You don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking your suitcase repeatedly.

You simply choose a cruise itinerary that includes the islands you want to visit, wake up in a new destination each day, explore all day long, and then return to the ship. If you were to travel by air or by sea individually, the number of islands you could visit would be limited and would require much more time.

S.N: What surprised you the most on your first Caribbean cruise?

F.S: On my first trip in 2015, some Turkish staff members on the ship saw our names on the passenger list, came to meet us at dinner, and continued to offer us special treats throughout the journey.

We were the only Turkish passengers on board, and they told us that Turkish guests on Caribbean cruises were very rare at that time - they were quite surprised when they saw our names.

Our connection with the Turkish staff continued until the end of the cruise. We were just as surprised and happy to see them as they were to see us. Another unexpected encounter happened when we stopped in Antigua. In a supermarket, we met a Turkish woman who heard us speaking Turkish and came over to talk.

She had married an Antiguan man and settled on the island. Hearing that she was happy with her life there made us feel very glad as well.

Finding someone who speaks your own language in such a faraway place is truly precious.

S.N: What criteria did you consider when choosing your route and cruise ship before the trip?

F.S: The main factors I consider first are the variety and appeal of the islands to be visited, whether there are stops I haven’t seen before, the comfort level of the ship, cabin type, food quality, buffet and restaurant options, price-performance balance, the reliability of the cruise company, the duration of the cruise, and flight connections to the departure port.

In my detailed research, I prefer itineraries with more days spent docked at islands and fewer days at sea.

Arrival and departure times at each island stop are also important criteria. The longer the stay on the island, the more places you can explore. Additionally, the weather conditions during that period must support what you want to do at your destinations. For example, no one would want to visit the Caribbean during the rainy season and return without enjoying its turquoise waters. The best months to visit the Caribbean are January, February, and March. These months have minimal tropical rainfall and temperatures suitable for island excursions and swimming activities.

Although cruise ship standards are generally similar, I would say that American ships rank higher in terms of hygiene, activities, and comfort. And of course, for Turkish citizens, the most important issue is the visa. You need to have a visa for the country where your cruise initially departs.

Additionally, since the ship also stops in other countries along the way, it’s crucial to check whether additional visas are required.

For example, the starting point of my last Caribbean trip was the island of Guadeloupe. To travel there, I had to obtain a DOM (French overseas visa) type visa from the French consulate. My flight also connected through France, and since France requires a transit visa from Turkish citizens, I also needed to have a regular Schengen visa. An American visa was also required for entering and exiting other islands.

If you pay attention to these details from the start, you won’t face problems during your journey. Some cruises depart directly from the USA, and in those cases, only a US visa is usually sufficient. Considering how challenging it can be for Turkish citizens to obtain visas, the visas already in your passport play a significant role in determining your itinerary.

S.N: What essential items do you always pack for a Caribbean cruise?

F.S: To move comfortably around the ship, I always bring a lightweight tracksuit, and a small bag (worn around the neck or waist) to carry my cruise card and some personal items easily.

For the tropical climate, I pack light summer clothes made of cotton, linen, or other breathable fabrics — dresses, shorts, T-shirts, shirts, swimsuits, bikinis, slippers, and sandals.

For onboard sports activities, I bring non-slip sneakers. For visiting waterfalls on some islands, I pack water-resistant, non-slip shoes. Other essentials include sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a snorkel and fins. Although snorkel equipment is available for rent during island tours, I prefer to bring my own to avoid shared use. I also bring tech items such as a waterproof phone case, power bank, headphones, charging cables, necessary medications, and of course, an engaging book to enjoy on deck.

In the ship’s dining rooms, there may be themed or formal nights depending on the day. For example, on the famous Captain’s Night, women are expected to wear elegant evening dresses, and men are expected to wear suits with a tie or bow tie. However, this is not strictly enforced, and smart casual outfits are also acceptable for such evenings.

Additionally, some cruises have a “white night,” so I always pack white clothes. For special cruise nights, I include one or two elegant dresses, matching shoes, and a handbag. Because the ship’s air conditioning often makes indoor areas quite cool, I also bring a shawl or jacket that matches my outfits to avoid getting cold at dinner. Of course, for guests who prefer to avoid formalities at dinner, there is always the option to dine comfortably at the ship’s buffet restaurant.

Every evening, a program for the next day is delivered to the cabins, including details on the dress code. With advancing technology, cruise ships now offer a local intranet system, allowing you to access daily activity schedules and dress codes directly from your phone without an internet connection.

S.N: Among the Caribbean islands, which island or port impressed you the most? Why?

F.S: It’s really difficult for me to name a single island that impressed me the most because each one is uniquely beautiful, and I don’t want to overlook the charm of the others. However, if I absolutely had to choose, I would pick Barbados, located on the easternmost edge of the Caribbean.

The country’s capital, Bridgetown, is very touristic and developed. The locals are warm, friendly, and full of life — sweet and cheerful people with their own charm.

The island is vibrant and lively. Its beaches, like those of many other Caribbean islands, are made up of fine white sand and turquoise waters.

Barbados, with the highest income level among Caribbean islands, has become a tourist destination while still maintaining its natural beauty. Many Europeans come and rent houses for consecutive years, escaping the winter in Europe to live an affordable summer life on this tropical island. Once, I had the chance to chat with one of these visitors while enjoying a cocktail at a reggae bar on one of Barbados’s most beautiful beaches. She told me that even as a solo female traveler, the island felt extremely safe and affordable. She was very happy living there, and at that moment, I thought to myself - why not me, too?

S.N: What did you observe about the nature, sea, and people in the region?

F.S: Although each island has its own unique ecosystem, in general, the Caribbean islands are surrounded by turquoise waters, fine white sandy beaches, and lush green palm forests.

The underwater life - coral reefs and colorful fish - is another magical world altogether. Swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters feels like a festival in paradise.

It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But this description perfectly fits the Caribbean.

In addition, some islands in the region are volcanic and covered with high mountains. Naturally, the beaches and sea in these volcanic islands are darker in color. For example, while snorkeling on Dominica Island, I watched tiny bubbles rising from volcanic hot springs on the sea floor among the blue and yellow fish and corals.

Some islands also feature waterfalls and nature parks that you can visit. In these parks, you can see endemic plant and animal species; flamingos, colorful birds, and parrots.

The islands embrace you with all shades of green. You can find every type of tree you would expect in a tropical climate — various palm species, eucalyptus trees, majestic banyan trees, vibrant tropical flowers, and of course, fruits.

On my last Caribbean trip, I saw a rainbow eucalyptus tree for the first time in my life. I couldn’t resist hugging it! You can see its grandeur and beauty in my photos. Cruise passengers are a vital source of income for the local people. They organize various tours and provide transfer services for passengers disembarking in the mornings.

While these services were more affordable back in 2015, I noticed that prices increased significantly after the rise in cruise ships on this route and especially after COVID.

Except for Saint Lucia, I found the locals on most islands to be friendly yet respectful of personal space.

The local population is generally a blend of African, European, indigenous, and Latin cultures, and each island greets visitors with a different accent and a unique energy.

S.N: How do you usually spend your day on the island when the cruise docks?

F.S: When I choose a cruise itinerary, I research each island stop in advance and make a list of must-see spots, sometimes taking inspiration from the ship’s excursion programs. If I have a busy schedule on an island, I make sure to be ready and have breakfast before the ship docks. Once docked, I quickly disembark and find a local taxi or tour at the port. I show them my planned route, agree on the price, and start exploring.

I always keep a close eye on the ship’s final boarding time - because the ship won’t wait, and missing it can easily turn your dream trip into a nightmare.

Tasting local delicacies on each island is also an essential part of my day and a source of great joy.

S.N: As someone passionate about photography, how did the Caribbean inspire you? Which of your photos is the most special to you, and can you tell us its story?

F.S: The Caribbean is so naturally beautiful that it’s almost impossible for anyone passionate about photography not to feel inspired.

Every corner is stunning, and it’s nearly impossible to resist capturing it all.

Endless white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and all shades of green - especially the reflections of clouds over the sea and beach, the spectacle of sunsets - create stunning contrasts and lead to incredible nature shots.

The colorful clothes, warm smiles, and lively energy of the local people are perfect for portrait photography.

Children, in particular, are irresistible subjects for me. They are so beautiful and natural that I can’t help but photograph them.

Street life, markets, and dancing children also offer spontaneous and lively shots.

In Caribbean towns, pastel-colored or brightly painted houses, cars, and colonial-style old houses provide nostalgic and interesting frames.

For photographers looking to tell a different story with each shot, the Caribbean is an endless source of inspiration. All of my photos are very special to me, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Generally, I take photos to immortalize the beauty I see and to relive that moment when I look back.

My soul overflows with joy at the beauty I witness, and I press the shutter so that I can revisit that feeling later. My only regret is not having an underwater camera - if I had one, I would have loved to photograph the underwater wonders as well.

S.N: During your three different cruises, which onboard activities stood out the most?

F.S: During the day at sea, I enjoyed activities like Bingo, origami workshops, various dance lessons, and trivia contests.

In the evenings, I never missed the theater performances. Sometimes there would be amazing cabaret shows. After the theater, I loved listening to live music at the bars. Since I see spending time at the casino as a waste, I preferred these types of entertainment instead — though, of course, the casino can also be fun for those who enjoy it.

I would follow the schedule and location of the programs I liked and make sure to attend.

To participate in some of the daytime and evening programs, at least intermediate or advanced English is necessary. In recent years, large American cruise ships have so many activity and theater halls that you can actually get exhausted running from one program to another at night.

S.N: What did these Caribbean trips personally bring to your life? Did you notice any changes in yourself?

F.S: Not only my Caribbean journeys but all my long-distance trips have given me the opportunity to better understand myself.

I observe my strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the country I visit, I learn to adapt to local customs and traditions. I get to know how locals behave. I see that there are other cultures in the world besides my own, and I learn to respect them.

I discover new local flavors and try to minimize my pickiness and tendency toward comfort.

Overall, regardless of the circumstances, I aim to adapt and enjoy rather than complain. By the way, the Caribbean will always hold a special place in my memories as the first place where I learned to snorkel.

I snorkeled for the first time in Trunk Bay, located in the Virgin Islands National Park on the US Virgin Islands. The corals, colorful fish, and marine life I saw underwater enchanted me and took me to another world.

I didn’t want the day to end or to return to the ship. After that first snorkeling experience, I tried to observe the underwater world on every route, as much as possible. Also, the beauty I saw on my Caribbean trips motivated me to keep searching for tropical islands. For example, Mauritius in the Indian Ocean made it onto my list and became a realized dream.

S.N: Looking back after your third trip, what is something you are especially glad you did? Do you have new routes and dreams?

F.S: This is truly the most beautiful question to ask a traveler!

I’m so glad I went, saw, and experienced those beauties. The Caribbean is definitely one of those places worth visiting three times. Since traveling is one of my greatest joys, I always have new routes and dreams.

In the Caribbean, I still have the southern islands left to explore. I’m considering combining this with a trip through the Panama Canal. Additionally, one of my biggest dreams is to board a cruise ship from Los Angeles or Seattle and visit all the islands in the Pacific Ocean —-Hawaii, French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and many more - ending the journey in Australia.

As Paulo Coelho says, “What makes life interesting is the possibility of realizing a dream.”

S.N: Finally, as a traveler who passionately loves nature and photography, what is the most important inspiration or message you’d like to share with your followers and those dreaming of new routes?

F.S: When we are young, we often focus on our career plans. We study, work for many years, and life passes by while we focus on education, career, family life, and children.

However, life is so short. If you feel the excitement of traveling and discovering new places deep inside, I strongly recommend that you create the opportunity to do so, as much as your means and time allow.

Even if distant routes are not possible immediately, there are beautiful places nearby waiting to be discovered.

Today’s young travelers combine mobility and technology brilliantly. With advancing technology, people can now access information and reach anywhere in the world more easily and quickly.

Traveling is not just about changing locations; it’s about expanding your perspective, discovering yourself, and redefining your view of life. Every journey broadens your horizon a bit more and shapes you into who you are meant to be.

Photography immortalizes those moments and, when you look back later, brings you right back to that time. Let’s not waste our time; let’s travel joyfully and respectfully toward local cultures. In every place we visit, let’s not only capture the scenery but also try to catch the light and the story in people’s eyes.

Instead of leaving a mark everywhere we go, let’s try to take meaning from each place we visit. I never aimed to increase the number of countries I visited. Wherever I go, I prefer to explore it in detail and get to know it as much as possible.

For example, my Peru trip lasted 18 days, Colombia 17 days, and my Patagonia and Easter Island trip took 18 days.

Some traveler friends focus on increasing the number of countries they visit.

There are even tour operators who cram 6–7 countries into a 13–15 day South America tour. Such programs are definitely not for me.

To summarize, as a traveler who passionately loves nature and photography, my most important inspiration would be:

“Don’t be afraid to hit the road. The most striking frames await you outside your comfort zone.”

And push your limits.There are so many beautiful places in the world; I sincerely hope those who can, will go and see them.

Thank you for your rich perspective and inspiring stories.

Banu Demir / The Sailor's Newspaper

Photograps: Feyhan Sönmez Archive

Prepared for Publication: Doruk Agency / Founded by Sailor's Newspaper