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Be sure to visit Salt Whistle Bay, where the bath-warm Caribbean is separated from the churning Atlantic by a slim strip of sand. There's a reason why small-ship cruising in the Caribbean is becoming increasingly popular. The intimate atmosphere, unique itineraries, immersive experiences, and personalized service make for an unparalleled vacation.
Royal Caribbean CEO: New smaller cruise ship could be announced in 2024 - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean CEO: New smaller cruise ship could be announced in 2024.
Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Year-Round Cruises To The Caribbean In 2024
The line offers sailings in the Windward Islands from Grenada on the 10-passenger Diamant; its 24-passenger schooner and 26-passenger Vela offers a mix of both. Other itineraries include the French West Indies and the British Virgin Islands. Look out for special themed cruises like Solo Sojourns (for those traveling alone), rum cruises, pirates and mermaid Week, and Taste of the (Caribbean) Islands foodie sailing. At other times Vela has two single cabins and single travellers can be paired up with a same-sex cabin mate to avoid paying a supplement. Celebrity's Galapagos cruise ships combine the line's modern style and focus on service and cuisine with a local, small ship ambience.
Best for Scenic Nature Cruises
You’ll also visit all the ports the bigger ships miss, from the idyllic Terre-de-Haut in Guadeloupe to pretty Gustavia in St Barts, where high-end restaurants and boutiques cater to the island’s usual celebrity clientele. Many small-ship cruise lines offer all-inclusive pricing, covering accommodations, meals, and sometimes even excursions and alcohol. This all-inclusive nature can provide excellent value for money and allows you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about unexpected expenses.
The best Crystal Cruises sailings for 2024 & 2025 to book now
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. No. 5 Windstar Cruises rose five places since last year, as adventurers praised its three distinctive sailing yachts, including the Wind Spirit and Wind Star, both of which accommodate 148 guests. No. 2 Ponant also climbed five spots this year, winning over readers with an ever-expanding fleet of small ships. New on the list for 2021 is No. 10 Alaskan Dream Cruises, an Alaska Native–owned line that has a fleet of six ships, including the Kruzof Explorer, a Bering Sea crab-fishing vessel turned luxury-expedition yacht.
Emerald Cruises
Find your own paradise on Caribbean tall ship sailing cruises, Caribbean catamaran charters and more. Explore mangroves by skiff, kayak and stand-up paddleboard, right from your expedition ship. Cruise among more than 700 islands, visiting secluded bays only accessible by small cruise lines in the Caribbean.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives. Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions. Our Caribbean cruise vacation deals offer discounts for cruises to the Caribbean in 2024. I could hardly move because of the odd shape of the shower, and the clingy curtain didn't help!
Here is every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation ranked from biggest to smallest. There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views of big ridges and high peaks. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In addition to your lightweight clothes, pack sun protection while visiting the Caribbean -- and consider reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray. Sun showers can happen, so a thin waterproof layer or umbrella might keep you dry during a surprise thunderstorm. Culinary-focused cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among foodies who want to...
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. Most small ships also offer complimentary snorkel gear that you can use at all ports of call. This is a nice perk, so you don't have to plan a shore excursion to go snorkeling; just grab the free gear and head to the nearest beach once you tender ashore.
Day Atlantic Coast Harbors & Antilles Overture
Before boarding Grandeur of the Seas, I anticipated the ship was going to be in rough shape. After all, Grandeur was rated the worst Royal Caribbean ship in the fleet, according to U.S. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. 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. Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew.Our guide Dan, had a bit of style and swagger.
Best for luxury Silversea’s Silver Dawn may welcome nearly 600 passengers on board but it’s still small fry when it comes to the mammoth cities-on-water offered by most Caribbean cruise lines. Silversea will even send a chauffeur-driven car to bring you to the airport from your home. Onboard, passengers can enjoy the doting of a polished 95-person crew; locally inspired and international cuisine served up on deck or in an elegant dining salon; and included-in-the-rates wine, Champagne and cocktails. Look out for exciting extras like the option to sleep under the stars (on deck-side Balinese loungers) and a water sports platform with complimentary equipment including sailboats, paddle-boards and kayaks.
These activities offer enriching ways to experience the Caribbean's natural beauty and cultural heritage. While the Caribbean is a year-round destination, small-ship cruises can offer unique benefits during the off-peak seasons. The summer and fall, outside the traditional high season of winter and spring, can provide fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, this is also the hurricane season, and while operators take utmost precautions, it's essential to be aware of potential changes in weather conditions. Don't let the trappings fool you though -- these cruises (indeed all Hurtigruten sailings) are all about nature.
"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff." Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net. And if you're looking to save money on your next cruise, be sure to visit our Caribbean cruise deals page. We offer exclusive pricing for Cruise Critic members and visitors, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
However, there are many very nice aspects to cruising the Caribbean on a small ship cruise. 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.
Cabins come with air-conditioning, and all but two offer portholes and private bathrooms. When not bunking down or out exploring in port, head out for some sunbathing or alfresco dining on deck, or retreat to the indoor dining room or lounge area. 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). Though better known for its big ships, Celebrity Cruises has been a leader in offering Galapagos itineraries on intimate vessels since it first launched the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in 2004. Since then, two more small ships -- the intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration and 100-passenger Celebrity Flora – have joined the fleet.
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