Actually, for the latter portion we went from the USVI non-stop north of the Silver Bank to TCI, then cruised through
Bahamas.
I gather many folks transit the Old
Bahamas Channel on the north side of Cuba going direct to SE US from the Virgins/PR/DR. I have not done that.
As for currents, there's the prevailing NW set along the Antilles, but it's not too much. I can't speak to the Old Bahamas Channel current.
By March the continental cold fronts are starting to get less frequent and less dramatic, but this is a crap shoot and for sure they're not over yet. You'll have to play the hands you're dealt in this regard. Otherwise, trades are prevailing, as you would expect.
If you cut the corner across the Carib basin rather than go along the Windwards and Leewards your choice seems to be cut thru the Mona
Passage (east of DR) or Windward
Passage (east of Cuba). This can be dictated by
weather at the time.
Recommend you subscribe to Chris Parker's services. He'll be a tremendous help.
Good luck,
2 Hulls Dave