Explore Caribbean Small Ship Cruises

Table Of Content

• Rhapsody of the Seas
• You really want to visit some of the Caribbean's lesser-explored islands.
• Find the perfect trip
• The Caribbean Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips
• Best of Spain & Portugal
• Exploring The Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Small Ship Cruises
• Royal Caribbean cruise ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list

Ships are blissfully void of children — cruisers must be over 18 — making it a prime choice for an adults-only cruise. Parents will find opportunities to unwind at adults-only sun decks and pool areas that are closed to kids; there are also bars and clubs that are off-limits to anyone younger than 18. Western Caribbean ports of call include Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel; Roatan, Honduras; Nassau; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Culinary-focused cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among foodies who want to... Royal Caribbean also has two more vessels similar to Icon of the Seas on order from shipyards for delivery in 2025 and 2026, respectively. That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.

What's it Like on a Yacht Cruise to the Caribbean? - Cruise Critic

What's it Like on a Yacht Cruise to the Caribbean?.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Rhapsody of the Seas

The big ships are restricted to busy, overdeveloped islandswhere going ashore means running a gauntlet of hassle from streetvendors, touts and taxi drivers. Often the main attractions areduty free shopping malls, and the chances of experiencing anauthentic slice of Caribbean culture are minimal. Some of the bigcruise lines even stop at their own private islands, a sanitisedpastiche of the Caribbean that we find rather depressing. Like any good expedition ship, Ocean Victory has one lounge dedicated to lectures with large flat screens to view presentations.

You really want to visit some of the Caribbean's lesser-explored islands.

The biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are, by nature, the Royal Caribbean ships with the most pools, waterslides and other deck-top activities, as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet as well as the most cabins and suites — and the most variation in cabin and suite types. Our Caribbean small ships offer a bright and airy atmosphere, bold colors, elegant decor and plentiful deck space perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of this sun-soaked region. Expedition ships feature sophisticated launch platforms, hydrophones and an underwater camera.

Find the perfect trip

Travel with AdventureSmith's Jennifer to Panama's Pearl Islands, Darien Jungle, Gamboa Rainforest and through the Panama Canal aboard the 24-guest Discovery catamaran. Register with Cruise.com to get access to exclusive rates, discounts and special offers. With its PC6 ice-class rating, Silver Endeavour spends November through April in Antarctica and the rest of the year in the Arctic, including Greenland, Arctic Canada, Iceland and Norway.

Eclipse has two helicopters on board to give guests a real bucket-list experience. Best for cruise and stayMake the most of a holiday in paradise by staying as long as possible. Banish the jet lag with seven lazy days poolside in Barbados then board the Royal Clipper, a five-masted ship that resembles a traditional tall ship and holds just 227 passengers. One of the unique advantages of small-ship cruises is the opportunity for cultural immersion.

Best of Spain & Portugal

Travel Agents: Small-Ship Cruises on the Rise in the Caribbean - Caribbean Journal

Travel Agents: Small-Ship Cruises on the Rise in the Caribbean.

Posted: Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A distinguishing feature of small-ship cruises in the Caribbean is the focus on adventure and exploration activities. Depending on the itinerary, you may have opportunities for hiking in national parks, snorkeling in coral reefs, kayaking in marine reserves, or exploring historical sites. These activities offer enriching ways to experience the Caribbean's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Exploring The Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Small Ship Cruises

This can take the form of local-led excursions, onboard lectures, cultural performances, and culinary experiences. By interacting with local communities and learning about their histories, traditions, and lifestyles, you'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Caribbean's diverse cultures. Ponant's all-inclusive fares (some shore excursions, drinks, internet and gratuities) are competitive and provide high value for money. One of our favourite features -- available on each of Windstar's vessels -- is the water sports platform, with its range of complimentary activities  such as snorkelling, wind-sailing, paddle-boarding and even water skiing).

Most people find "lullaby" waves -- those that gently rock the ship to and fro -- soothing. But, in bad weather with rough seas, the rocking can be more intense and stomach-churning for some individuals. Most itineraries embark/disembark from places like Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Marigot, St. Martin; and even Fort Lauderdale in the United States. They also call on more established isles like St. Lucia, St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Carnival Cruise New Orleans is a popular cruise line that offers a wide range of exciting and fun-filled activities... Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community.

This slow travel approach allows you to connect more deeply with your surroundings and create lasting memories. When packing for your cruise, consider the climate, onshore activities, and cruise line's dress code. Essentials include swimwear, beachwear, casual clothes, and a few smart-casual outfits for dinner. Don't forget sun protection, comfortable footwear for excursions, and any necessary gear for activities such as snorkeling or hiking.

Imagine the unique feeling of cruising the world on a small ship and sharing your journey with anywhere from 6 to less than 1,000 guests. Small ship cruises are offered across the globe, following itineraries that tend to include visits to both larger and more intimate ports; ports where larger ships simply cannot call. Small ship cruises are offered by a variety of cruise lines, catering to a range of itineraries and budgets. The onboard experience is much more intimate and small ships make it easier to know the ship, its staff and your fellow travelers. Smaller ships tend to focus more on the destinations with onboard lecturers or naturalists and unique excursions. Dining is an intimate affair where you can meet for cocktails followed by gourmet fare, often in a single seating or at a time of your own choosing.

Passengers choose from 10 original cabins, including Post's own suite with its Louis XIV–style bed and nightstands, marble fireplace and bathroom, chandeliers and intricate moldings. After passing through various owners, Sea Cloud I has spent the last several decades offering casually elegant windjammer cruises to old-ship lovers from Europe and North America. Lindblad Expeditions has been a leader in small-ship expedition cruising since 1966 when company founder Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expeditions to Antarctica, Easter Island and the Galapagos.

Two more yachts are due to follow before 2025 but the company’s Evrima will remain its smallest, with fewer than 300 passengers. This has regular sailings in the Caribbean starting at just four nights for those looking for a quick escape. Offering a round trip from San Juan, it minimises sailing time with a stop each day in the British Virgin Islands’ Virgin Gorda, St Maarten and St John in the US Virgin Islands.

Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Silversea's classic fleet, ranging in size from 298 to 728guests, offers a number of Caribbean options, including a handful of Barbados round-trips. There are alsovarious itineraries embarking or disembarking in Fort Lauderdale,and Silversea have some interesting voyages combining the islandsof the Caribbean with either Bermuda or Central America.