Are you searching for a place to enjoy an extended vacation or a quick escape? Going on a cruise can effortlessly fit into your plans, especially if you’re going with family. Cruises can be family-friendly or adult-only while some make enough rooms for all ages to keep everyone engaged in one fun activity or another.
The Caribbean islands are one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, where ships, sailboats, yachts and ocean liners carry their cruisers to spend a good time at sea and enjoy the scenic marine view, tropical weather and take in the beauty of the paradise-like islands.
Apart from these, there are also ancient ruins, stunning modern cities, historic towns, delicious cuisines, and friendly locals that confirm that the Caribbean offers something for everyone who takes the time to visit its diverse, iconic destinations. Here are some of the ultimate cruises you can experience in the Caribbean;
8 Ultimate Cruise Experience in the Caribbean
1. Disney Cruise Line: If you want to reconnect with some of your childhood fantasies, Disney Cruise Line provides Disney-inspired entertainment such as movies, live shows, and meet and greets with the characters. On board, you can enjoy several family-friendly facilities, youth clubs, themed pools and spas. There are also Disney-themed main dining rooms to enjoy exclusive cuisines. Voyages can last between 2 and 13 nights, and itineraries depart from various ports for sailings in the Caribbean, amongst other places.
2. Windstar Cruises: With about 150 elegant staterooms, the 342-guest sailing ship begins its cruise in St. Maarten aboard Wind Surf, where the ship sails to Nevis for a catamaran cruise or a snorkelling excursion, deep sea fishing, or hiking. From there, it sails to Roseau to enjoy a day of scouring through rainforests, sightseeing waterfalls and the tropical island before heading to Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, Les Saintes Archipelago for snorkelling and rum sampling before sailing on to Basseterre, St. Kitts & St. Barts before the ship eventually retreats to St. Maarten.
3. Oceania cruises: From gourmet cuisines across the numerous dining venues that serve menus formulated by master chef Jacques Pépin to casinos and the Aqua mar Spa, Oceania Cruises stands apart from other mid size cruise ships. Here, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time at sea, including educational presentations on smaller cruise ships such as Regatta, Nautica, Sirena and Insignia ships, wine tasting and art classes which takes place in the more prominent Marina and Riviera ships, which can carry up to 1,250 guests.
4. Star Clippers: To partake in a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ experience, although without actual buccaneers, Star Clippers imitates the golden age of sailing the sea with its tall ships provoked by wind power wherever possible. With traditional shining brass, wood interiors, swimming pools and incredible modern comforts, the 227-passenger ship has ports of call, including St Lucia, which gives guests the chance to explore the Pitons and see the landmark pair of volcanic cones that emerge from the sea.
5. Seabourn cruise line: With five different ships entertaining 458 or 600 guests, Seaborne cruise line offers cruisers several luxurious amenities both inside and outside their suites, so no matter which itinerary you choose, be rest assured that you’ll be treated to incredible ocean views. Melbourne sails popular cruising destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean with good dining options and different excursions available on board.
6. Holland America Line: The 2,668-passenger Rotterdam offers week-long sailings with unforgettable cruises and longer voyages sailing out of Fort Lauderdale. The itineraries here include a day at Half Moon Cay, the award-winning private island in the Bahamas. The passengers enjoy all sorts of two-legged and four-legged activities from hiking around the island, cycling, world-class diving and riding in the surf.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line: The award-winning Norwegian ships sail to a couple of Caribbean islands to offer you a raft of diverse experiences. From Saint Kitts, lovers of history can head to Basseterre, the oldest town in the eastern Caribbean, where the main attractions include the grand 18th-century Fairview Great House. For water sports fanatics, there’s a submarine experience in Barbados for an underwater adventure.
8. Carnival cruise line: On board, you will find plenty of activities to keep you busy occasionally. The Carnival Cruise Line offers comedy acts, casinos, piano bars, sports courts, nightclubs and water slides for all ages to enjoy. Cruisers also get to pick their choice of destination across Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean, among other locations. Voyages can range from 2 to 16 days, with delicious three-course meals served in the main dining room and a chance to do some whale watching and view panoramic landscapes.
