Celebrity Cruises – Islands https://www.islands.com The world's most beautiful island travel to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti and Mexico with expert reviews of resorts, snorkeling and the best islands to live on. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:23:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://www.islands.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon-isl-1.png Celebrity Cruises – Islands https://www.islands.com 32 32 12 Coolest Things Aboard the New Celebrity Edge https://www.islands.com/12-coolest-things-aboard-new-celebrity-edge/ Mon, 31 Dec 2018 21:17:58 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=40539 The latest ship from Celebrity Cruises lives up to its name. It’s edgy — from its ground-breaking design to its esoteric entertainment.

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Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge, the latest ship from Celebrity Cruises, debuted late November 2018. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Hotly anticipated and featuring some of the coolest innovations in cruise ship design, 2,918- passenger Celebrity Edge made her debut in late November 2018, cruising from Fort Lauderdale this winter on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. It’s been six years since Celebrity Cruises’ final Solstice-class ship was introduced and Edge — the first in a series of four ships set to debut through 2022 — takes the cruise line’s focus on modern luxury to a design level not previously seen at sea.

The most obvious evolution is Edge‘s outward-facing design, resulting in panoramic vistas from many areas of the ship — including most of the staterooms (81 percent of which have balconies). While the ship’s staterooms were designed by London-based Kelly Hoppen, a host of other innovative minds contributed to the creation of this visually stunning vessel. There is so much to love, but we’ve narrowed down the 12 coolest things aboard the new Celebrity Edge.

Eden

Imagine Adam and Eve as part of a modern dance troupe with post-Apocalyptic undertones and they’re set loose every night to play in a fantastical garden (with real plants and intimate nooks). Sounds trippy, right? Created by architect Scott Butler and interior designer Patricia Urquiola, this 12,650 square-foot space spans three decks at the aft of Celebrity Edge. And Eden certainly it is.

This immersive and interactive spot invites passengers to sip on nature-inspired cocktails — or dine on an innovative six-course tasting menu (at $65 per person) full of earthly delights created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher — as Eden becomes a stage for flesh-tone-leotard-clad performers sinfully leaping, crawling and swinging overhead with dramatic slow-motion finesse.

Or maybe it’s not your thing. If not, Eden by day is a calm and visually captivating space (it features 7,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling glass) to read, drink coffee, enjoy a wine tasting or simply make new friends.

Eden on Celebrity Edge
Created by architect Scott Butler and interior designer Patricia Urquiola, Eden is a 12,650 square-foot space that spans three decks of Celebrity Edge. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

The Very Special Godmother

Passengers strolling through the Guest Relations area on Deck 3 may be surprised, as they spot her portrait on the wall, to discover the strong and resilient young woman that Celebrity chose to be Edge‘s godmother: Malala Yousafzai.

The now 21-year-old Pakistani human rights activist survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 and was awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her work helping educate young girls via her Malala Fund (which the cruise line is supporting).

Celebrity Edge continues the company’s ongoing commitment to women; Celebrity is helmed by a woman, President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, who in turn hired the cruise industry’s first American female captain, Kate McCue.

Infinite Veranda Staterooms

The design of the ship’s new Edge Staterooms with Infinite Veranda ditches the standard sliding glass doors for something far better: chic bi-fold doors that when opened extend the stateroom outward and create a floor-to-ceiling view through the glass walls of the veranda. Celebrity Edge has 918 of them and not only does the curtain-less design fill the 243-square-foot cabin with light, but it makes it a chic haven with a view that you might have a hard time leaving.

Want fresh air? You can lower the top glass partition with the touch of a button — just be aware that the captain can close it from a command center in the bridge should adverse weather or rough seas occur.

Celebrity Edge Staterooms
New staterooms feature bi-fold doors with a floor-to-ceiling view. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Martini Glass Hot Tubs

On a ship overflowing with innovative design how do you set something as standard as a hot tub apart from the crowd? You elevate it. Celebrity hoisted the two hot tubs high over the Resort Deck’s pool area to create a visual resembling two swirling martini glasses — and give passengers enjoying a soak some pretty dynamic views.

The Magic Carpet

No, it’s not a water slide or a hookah lounge. This 1,937-square-foot bar/lounge/eatery is a semi-glass-walled cantilevered platform on Celebrity Edge‘s starboard side that can be raised and lowered to three of the ship’s decks, creating an over-the-water extension of different venues that can accommodate 100 people at a time.

When positioned on Deck 5, The Magic Carpet offers alfresco dining on fresh seafood at Raw on Five. On Deck 14, the cantilever adds a stylish lounge for cocktails and live music to the cabana-lined pool area and when on Deck 16 transforms into an alfresco dining experience known as Dinner on the Edge.

Magic Carpet platform
The Magic Carpet platform can be raised and lowered to three of the ship’s decks. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Jogging Track

Yawn, you say. Not so! This leaf-green, quarter-mile pathway that meanders around and up and down – yes you can get some hill work in — Decks 15 and 16, offering terrific views of the ship’s design and the surrounding sea.

The Edge Launches

When is a lifeboat more than a lifeboat? When it’s an Edge Launch. Designed specially for this ship — and as a complement to The Magic Carpet, from which passengers load onto the launches from Deck 2 — the eight launches are a more stylish and comfortable way to go ashore in tender ports. In fact, they were a collaboration between French yacht designer Marc Lombard and lifeboat manufacturer Palfinger Marine Safety AS.

The Rooftop Garden

Whimsy takes flight in this one-of-a-kind outdoor relaxation and dining space on Deck 15, decorated with metal and wood sculptures along with an array of live plants and flowers. The 8,073-square-foot area, inspired by childhood playgrounds and designed by British architect Tom Wright, is home to the Garden Café (a delightful spot for burgers or barbecue) and hosts scheduled concerts and movie screenings as well as pop-up live musical performances.

Rooftop Garden
The Rooftop Garden is an outdoor relaxation and dining space, decorated with sculptures and live plants. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

With Celebrity Edge, the cruise line has eliminated 90 percent of single-use plastics; straws are paper and water bottles are recyclable aluminum or glass. The ship also features a new parabolic bow design and micro bubbles that coat the hull to reduce friction — and make Edge 25 percent more fuel efficient than Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships.

The Grand Plaza

The martini glass theme continues in this dazzling, three-story atrium designed by Paris-based Jouin Manku that’s the social heart of the ship. It’s also home to the decadent Martini Bar, where talented mixologists defy gravity to create 31 intoxicating variations on the cocktail classic, including the Kale Martini. Don’t knock it until you’ve sipped it — it’s actually quite refreshing.

The Grand Plaza
The social heart of the ship is The Grand Plaza, a three-story atrium designed by Paris-based Jouin Manku. Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

The Theatre

Accommodating 900 guests per performance, the 13,600-square-foot, two-level Theatre is the setting for nightly performances that mix multimedia images (on 10 giant screens that form a dynamic 120-foot panorama) with live performers on both the stage as well as two rotating lifts and two spiral staircases.

There are five productions in rotation, ranging from the musical energy of Hype (a musical tribute to Prince, Bowie, Bruno Mars and others) to A Hot Summer Night’s Dream (which mixes music, acrobatics and Shakespeare).

The App

Download the new Celebrity Cruises app and you can check in and get your Xpress Pass right on your smart phone, have deck plans right in the palm of your hand, use free guest-to-guest chat, keep a personal calendar of onboard activities, make dining and spa reservations, book shore excursions, control your stateroom temperature and lights and even use a digital key to unlock your stateroom door. And check out Edge Access for a cool behind-the-scenes 3D tour using augmented reality.

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Best Caribbean Cruises https://www.islands.com/story/caribbean/best-caribbean-cruises/ Wed, 25 Apr 2018 20:19:56 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42114 From big cruise lines to smaller luxury ships, these are the Caribbean cruises to book this year.

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Cruise ship docked
Our list of the best Caribbean cruises Shutterstock

Traveling abroad doesn’t always entail long, grueling flights in a cramped and dark metal tube. In fact, the journey to your destination never has to feel like a journey at all, when you take a Caribbean cruise. But what makes for the best Caribbean cruises?

Maybe it’s cruising past a once-active volcano. Or perhaps it’s sinking your feet and crinkling your toes in the warm, embracing sands of one of the myriad jaw-dropping Caribbean beaches. Perhaps it’s trying new cuisine or interacting with people from a culture you’ve never even heard of.

Regardless of your motivations for traveling to the Caribbean, relaxing and vacationing are the priorities, and the best cruises to the Caribbean will have that in mind, too. Here’s our list of the best Caribbean cruise lines that will have an itinerary suited for you.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas Royal Caribbean International

Sailing from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise ship: Independence of the Seas

Itinerary: 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise

Destinations: Fort Lauderdale; Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica

Begin your adventure in Fort Lauderdale: The ship won’t leave until late afternoon, so you have most of the day for activities like visiting the Florida Everglades and shopping. After a day at sea, you’ll arrive in Labadee, Haiti, where you can zip-line 500 feet above the ground on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line before indulging in local food. Your final destination is Falmouth, Jamaica, where you can go river-tubing or climb Dunn’s River Falls.

Onboard Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International makes sure boredom is not an option. There are three stories worth of water slides and a virtual-reality bungee trampoline, for starters. Hungry? Try everything from typical American fare to decadent, made-to-order Japanese cuisine at Izumi or juicy hand-cut steaks at Chop’s Grille. Entertainment and relaxing won’t be lacking either, as there’s a spa, shops, live shows and auctions, to name a few activities.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises
Sky Princess Princess Cruises

Sailing from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise ship: Sky Princess

Itinerary: 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise

Destinations: Fort Lauderdale; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico

Your ship will first take you to Grand Cayman of the Cayman Islands where you can explore George Town before snorkeling with stingrays. In Honduras, check out the over 2,700 iguanas at a local iguana farm. Then, in Belize, visit the125-animal zoo, or check out Mayan ruins dating back to 2000 B.C. Last but not least, Cozumel offers a look into Mexico’s history while offering attractions like a national park, beaches, Mayan ruins and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Sky Princess offers a multitude of entertainment and dining options, as well as activities to keep your entire group engaged, placing it among the best Caribbean cruise ships. There’s a newly released escape room you can try out, or attend cooking shows and wine-tastings. Feeling lucky? There’s a casino, too. Also onboard are live shows, outdoor movies, a spa, a fitness center and kids activities for ages 3 to 17, making for one of the best Caribbean islands cruises.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Sea
Sail to the southern Caribbean aboard the Viking Sea Shutterstock

Sailing from: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cruise ship: Viking Sea

Itinerary: 11-day West Indies Explorer

Destinations: San Juan; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts (Basseterre), St. Kitts & Nevis; Castries, St. Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Martin; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this Caribbean adventure will take you to eight other ports. Start in Tortola, and consider a forest hike or an offshore fishing trip. In St. Kitts, take in the views on a scenic, historic train ride. Then, in Bridgetown, visit Harrison’s Cave for an awe-inspiring site of stalagmites and stalactites (which one’s which, again?).

Day 7 of the voyage will take you to Roseau, where you can relax to the sounds of the flowing Indian River, as you travel by rowboat. St. John’s, your next port, offers a catamaran cruise with a lobster lunch and tours of historic Fort James. In Philipsburg, you can admire panoramic views from hundreds of feet above on a chairlift. Snorkel with sea turtles at your last port, St. Thomas, while engaging with other marine life.

Onboard Viking Sea, there’s a spa, a fitness center, shops, a salon, a myriad of restaurants, a theater, pools and a sports deck.


RELATED: 62 Thoughts Everyone Has on a Cruise


Silversea Cruises

Silver Wind
The pool deck on the Silver Wind Antonio Vanni


Sailing from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise ship: Silver Wind

Itinerary: 11-day Fort Lauderdale round trip

Destinations: Fort Lauderdale; Long Island (Clarence Town), Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Nevis, St. Kitts (Charlestown) & Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; Gustavia, St. Barthélemy; Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

You’ll leave from Fort Lauderdale in the early evening and travel at sea for a day before arriving in Clarence Town where you can explore coral reefs teeming with life, beautiful beaches and waterfalls. After another day at sea, you’ll visit San Juan and its lively, vibrant culture and people. Charlestown is next on the itinerary, and, here, you can take to the salt again for an offshore fishing trip.

In St. John’s, go horseback riding, or break out the golf clubs at Cedar Valley. In Gustavia, you’ll likely be jaw-dropped from the abundance of personal luxury yachts at bay (all pale in comparison next to Silver Wind, though), but don’t forget to visit the red and white Gustavia Lighthouse. For your last port, you’ll visit Jost Van Dyke and its turquoise waters and idyllic beach scenes with palm trees and blinding white sand. Go snorkeling off this island’s shores.

Silver Wind has a boutique, a theater for live shows, a fitness center, a pool deck, multiple bars, lounges and restaurants, a spa, a library, a casino and a salon, to name a few amenities, making for one of the best tropical cruises.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Reflection
The formal dining room aboard Celebrity Reflection SBW Photo

Sailing from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise ship: Celebrity Reflection

Itinerary: 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Destinations: Fort Lauderdale; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie), U.S. Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Fort Lauderdale will play host to you and thousands of other passengers waiting to board Celebrity Reflection for this seven-night voyage. Here, you can explore beaches and have a relatively light day shopping, eating and enjoying South Florida life.

San Juan will be your first stop. Consider a trek through El Yunque National Forest, one of the most famous natural sites in the Caribbean in one of the best Caribbean cruise destinations. Day 4 will entail a stop on St. Thomas where not one culture reigns supreme: Danish, French, Spanish, West African and Caribbean influences can be seen all over the island. For your last stop in Philipsburg, prepare to go snorkeling in their crystal-clear, vibrant waters.

Aboard Celebrity Reflection, you’ll have the option to dine at a variety of restaurants, like the main Opus Restaurant that boasts “legendary” service. A martini bar and multiple lounges, among other onboard amenities, are also available for you to relax and enjoy life on the water outside your stateroom, making for one of the best cruises to the Caribbean islands.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Surf
Wind Surf is one of Windstar’s sail-powered vessels Courtesy Windstar

Sailing from: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Cruise ship: Wind Surf

Itinerary: 7-day St. Maarten round trip

Destinations: Philipsburg; Tortola (Road Town), British Virgin Islands; Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbour), British Virgin Islands; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Road Bay, Anguilla; Gustavia, St. Barthélemy; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

For your first stop, you’ll visit Road Town on the British Virgin Island of Tortola. Here, you can go snorkeling around Norman Island. On Jost Van Dyke, you have the option to go on a kayaking eco-tour. At Road Bay, enjoy true paradise on a relatively remote beach with delicious local food. When you get to Gustavia for your penultimate port, consider returning to the water on a catamaran adventure. At your last stop on Antigua, take a segway tour around Fort James.

Your Windstar Cruise aboard Wind Surf includes all meals in all venues at any hour and 24-hour room service, all non-alcoholic beverages and coffee, multiple restaurants and lounges to enjoy, of course multiple pools and a spa, among other amenities.

Holland America

ms Koningsdam
The Hydro Pool at Greenhouse Spa & Salon aboard ms Koningsdam Courtesy Holland America

Sailing from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise ship: Koningsdam

Itinerary: 10-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer

Destinations: Fort Lauderdale; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba

What better way to spend a day in the luxurious Bahamas than by going an eco-bike ride and hike, as you explore Half Moon Cay on a relaxed, wholesome experience. Change the pace when you arrive at Grand Turk: Try a thrilling dune-buggy safari that’ll take you to multiple sites with more energetic means than a bike ride. For those interested in culture in the D.R., visit Puerto Plata for its Victorian-style architecture, the rum factory and the Plastic Artists Art Galleries.

Bonaire is, perhaps, one of the lesser-known Caribbean stops, so a trip to King’s Warehouse & Cultural Park for a historic tour filled with panoramic views might be worth it. In Willemstad, a trolley train will take you on a 50-minute trip that takes you around many local sites, like Scharloo, a former Jewish neighborhood with buildings begging to be photographed. On Aruba for your final stop, consider exploring an underwater shipwreck on a submarine adventure.

From the Rolling Stone Rock Room and the Lincoln Center Stage providing live-music performances to a multitude of dining experiences, ranging from Northwestern American fare to pan-Asian cuisines, and a spa, Koningsdam has no shortage of onboard amenities to keep you engaged.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Odyssey
The all-suite Seabourn Odyssey Courtesy Seabourn Cruise Line

Sailing from: Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Cruise ship: Seabourn Odyssey

Itinerary: 7-day Classic Yachtsman’s Caribbean

Destinations: Philipsburg; Frenchman’s Cay, British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barthélemy; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe; Castries, St. Lucia; Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Bridgetown, Barbados

Your seven-day voyage will begin in Philipsburg: Go duty-free shopping before boarding. Then, on Frenchman’s Cay, take a self-driving safari and beach tour that’ll take you to Smugglers Beach, among other stops. In Gustavia, there are awe-inspiring beaches and now-dormant volcanic hills to explore. Basseterre has the Brimstone Hill Fortress that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its 17th- and 18th-century military architecture.

On Guadeloupe, go clear-bottom kayaking, and become enamored with the natural marine world below. Castries is home to St. Lucia’s only rum distillery, so that’s a must-visit. On Mayreau, take a local boat to two islands for photo-ops galore. You’ll end your cruise in Bridgetown where you can explore the ocean waters while staying dry in a submarine on one of the top Caribbean cruises.

Restaurants, lounges, bars, a casino, a dance club and a sky bar are just a few of the features that highlight an engaging experience aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

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12 Best Honeymoon Cruises https://www.islands.com/12-best-honeymoon-cruises/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 02:31:31 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=40009 Celebrate the most important day in your lives in style by adventuring on one of these best honeymoon cruises.

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On the best honeymoon cruises, you get exotic destinations, lodging, meals, entertainment and transportation all in one no-brainer package that delivers more escape for the money. But, of the hundreds of ships that ply the sea, which is best for you and yours? That depends on your travel style.

Easy-breezy or culturally curious? Indolent or adventurous? Gregarious or private? Here, we’ve compiled a dozen ships with high-romance IQs sailing to climates from tundra to tropical. Read on to find the best cruises for your honeymoon.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Carnival
Carnival Courtesy Carnival

Best Caribbean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze from Carnival

What you’ll love: Newfangled extras here include a water park, a comedy club, a tequila bar and – no kidding – 5-D movies. For some respite, there’s an adults-only deck, too.

Where to take it: Six-day trips to the Eastern Caribbean call at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, where you can snorkel above a 7,000-foot drop-off. In Jamaica, climb the terraced Dunn’s River Falls, and ride a [snow-free] Jamaican bobsled. At Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, spend the day at Atlantis resort’s water park, or sample conch salad at downtown seafood shacks on one of the best honeymoon cruise packages.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises Courtesy Windstar Cruises

Best Caribbean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 312-passenger Wind Surf from Windstar Cruises

What you’ll love: The five-masted ship anchors in deserted bays where you can go swimming, kayaking or water skiing off the stern’s water-sports platform.

Where to take it: The seven-day Yachtsman’s Caribbean itinerary, a roundtrip from St. Maarten, island-hops in the British Virgin Islands. Go snorkeling on Tortola, swim around the Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda, and have signature Painkiller cocktails on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where an overnight call allows you to party late. Then, slip on your best sundress for a day amid the swanky set on St. Barth.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette from Celebrity Cruises

What you’ll love: Walk barefoot on the real-grass lawn on the top deck, sample some of the 32 vintages at the wine bar, and take advantage of the DIY scrubs in the water-centric spa.

Where to take it: The eight-night Adriatic cruise starts out in Venice and makes its way around the Italian boot to Rome. En route, walk the walls belting the city of Dubrovnik, and make stops in Rijeka, Split, Corfu, Messina and Naples. In Italy, taste olive oil, cruise the Amalfi Coast, and visit the ruins of Pompeii.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises Courtesy Variety Cruises

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 49-passenger Panorama from Variety Cruises

What you’ll love: The triple-masted yacht switches to sail power in the right conditions. When it stops in remote coves, you can swim right off the boat.

Where to take it: The eight-day Aegean Odyssey departs from and returns to Athens and visits freewheeling Greek islands, including Mykonos – where the ship overnights, allowing you to sample the area’s ouzo, “mezethes” (appetizers) and legendary nightlife – and Santorini. (Tip: Rent a moped, and hit the black-sand beaches.) Wander around tiny Delos, mythical home of the sun god Apollo, and Ephesus, which has the most magnificent ruins in the region.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Pacific Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,138-passenger Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line

What you’ll love: Shipboard diversions range from lei-making lessons with a Hawaiian expert to whale-watching from your balcony.

Where to take it: Based in Hawaii, the Pride visits four major islands on a roundtrip from Honolulu in weeklong tours. An overnight call in Maui allows you to catch the sunrise at Haleakala Crater, to drive the remote road to tranquil Hana or to snorkel offshore at Molokini. Watch the lava flow on the Big Island, and cruise Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Pacific Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: The 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises

What you’ll love: Get your scuba training on board, and find Nemo off the stern’s water-sports deck. Wind down afterward with a traditional Polynesian massage.

Where to take it: Tour Tahiti and the Society Islands on a seven-night cruise from Papeete to neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa, where you can visit a black-pearl farm, drift-snorkel or kayak a river canyon. Next, it’s on to legendary Bora Bora to snorkel or sail its blue lagoon.

Sapphire Princess from Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Best Alaska Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess from Princess Cruises

What you’ll love: Fresh from a dry-dock overhaul, the ship has three new restaurants, an outdoor movie screen and an adults-only sunning area. Don’t miss whale-watching between shots on the nine-hole putting course.

Where to take it: The 15-day Connoisseur Escorted cruise tour in Alaska combines a week afloat and a week in Denali National Park and on the Kenai Peninsula for a thorough exploration of the 49th state. Roam the tundra before sailing to the calving Hubbard Glacier. En route to Vancouver, Canada, canoe on a glacier lake in Juneau and hike a gold-rush trail in Skagway.

Wilderness Explorer from UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

Best Alaska Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This ship comes with commodious cabins and extra elbowroom in public spaces. You can stargaze from the hot tub and watch wildlife on the underwater TV channel.

Where to take it: The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay tour from Juneau to Sitka spends three full days inside Glacier Bay National Park, where rangers and guides lead hiking treks and kayaking excursions. The Explorer pokes into passages bigger ships can’t, including Peril Strait, popular with otters, whales and bears, and Chichagof Island, where the coast is lined with waterfalls.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises Courtesy Crystal Cruises

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 848-passenger Crystal Symphony from Crystal Cruises

What you’ll love: The ship’s worldly dining options include a sushi bar by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, plus Italian and French restaurants. Sign up for a couples massage in the feng shui-designed spa.

Where to take it Start from Sydney, and venture along Australia’s east coast on this 13-night venture before ultimately concluding your tour in Bali. Along the way, you’ll stop by Airlie Beach, granting access to the Whitsunday Islands. Journey on for an overnight stay in Cairns, and explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. After stopping by Darwin on Day 9, you’ll spend the last three nights in Indonesia.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II with Lindblad Expeditions

What you’ll love: Passage comes with yours-for-the-duration snorkeling gear, and kayaks are stowed on board for trips to deserted coves. After frolicking, don’t miss a treatment on the floating massage platform.

Where to take it Lindblad pioneered Galápagos Islands cruises, and a staff of five onboard naturalists and National Geographic photo instructors accompany its 10-day trips. Get as active or as lazy as you’d like: Options range from scuba diving to lounging poolside, with plenty of alone time rather than group herding. Catch the early-morning light from the summit of Bartolome Island, swim with a sea lion, and toast the sunset from the top deck.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Courtesy Royal Caribbean International

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Big Ship

Ship: the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International

What you’ll love: This is the floating home of nonstop wows: boardwalk games, a climbing wall, a surf pool, a 12,000-tree park, water shows with aerial acrobats and a three-level bar.

Where to take it: Eight-day trips to the Caribbean stop in Haiti, where you can gaze up at the ship from sea level aboard a WaveRunner; Falmouth, Jamaica, where you can poke around the gingerbread-trimmed buildings in the historic port; and Cozumel, Mexico, for snorkel stops and tangy margaritas. Best of all, you’ll have three full days at sea.

Best Cruises for Honeymoons: American Safari Cruises
American Safari Cruises Courtesy American Safari Cruises

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Little Ship

Ship: the 84-passenger yacht Safari Endeavor from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This small ship offers a wine bar, hot tubs, a sauna, yoga classes, stand-up paddle-boarding and our favorite: hydrophones for listening to whales.

Where to take it: The Baja’s Bounty itinerary in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez explores the aquarium-like waters east of Baja, home to more than 800 species of fish and 20 kinds of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Though there are occasional shore calls for hiking, it’s largely about life on and in the water on one of the best cruise lines for honeymoons.

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Is This a Cruise Ship or Resort? https://www.islands.com/cruise-or-resort/ Mon, 14 Sep 2015 03:26:00 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39836 Can you tell the difference between a cruise ship and a resort? It might be harder than you think. They often have the same number of guests, and the amenities can be nearly identical. See if you can tell which photos are from a cruise ship and which are from a resort. 20 Best Caribbean […]

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Can you tell the difference between a cruise ship and a resort? It might be harder than you think. They often have the same number of guests, and the amenities can be nearly identical. See if you can tell which photos are from a cruise ship and which are from a resort.

20 Best Caribbean Cruises | 12 Over-The-Top Cruise Cabins | Best Cruises for Families

Water Park
Is this water action happening on a cruise ship or resort? Courtesy of …
Royal Caribbean waterpark
CRUISE: Aboard Royal Caribbean‘s Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas, guests can tackle two FlowRider surf simulators. Want to stay dry? There are also two rock-climbing walls and a zip line nine decks in the air. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Swanky lobby
Is this swanky lobby in a cruise ship or a resort? Courtesy of …
Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club
RESORT: This is the lobby of the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla. The hotel’s recently renovated lounge-like lobby features bold colors and custom-made artwork from famed artists Dale Chihuly and Renee Dinauer. Courtesy of Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club
Waterpark
Another water park! So cruise or resort? Courtesy of …
Jewel Runaway Bay Water Park
RESORT: Jewel Runaway Bay Resort in Jamaica has its own water park, including private cabanas, a lazy river with rock grottos and waterfalls, a speed slide and a stage for live music performances. Courtesy of Jewel Resorts
Owner's Suite
Cruise or resort? Courtesy of …
Oceania Owner's Suite
CRUISE: Welcome to the Owner’s Suite aboard Oceania’s Riviera. This suite measures more than 2,000 square feet and spans the entire beam of the cruise ship. Among the amenities: a large living room, king-size bed, two walk-in closets and indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas. Courtesy of Oceania Cruises
Bret Michaels Rock Star Suite
We recognize Bret Michaels, but that’s the only clue. So cruise or resort? Courtesy All Inclusive Collection
Bret Michaels Rock Star Suite Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
RESORT: Hard Rock doesn’t do anything halfway, and neither does rocker Bret Michaels. Behold the Bret Michaels Rock Star Suite at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The 9,204- square-foot space features a photo booth, private screening room, DJ booth and bar, raised dance floor, billiard table, and – of course – a cowboy hat display and bandana-influenced ceiling décor to showcase Bret’s personality. Courtesy of All Inclusive Collection
Lawn Club
Yep, that’s real grass. Does that help you decide? Zach Stovall
Celebrity Silhouette Lawn Club
CRUISE: We thought the grass would fool you, but no! Aboard the Celebrity Silhouette, the Lawn Club features a half acre of the real, live growing green stuff. Private alcoves are available for those wanting privacy, and even spa services can be ordered to your hideaway. But the best part? You can leave the mowing to someone else. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Living Room
Is this “Living Room” in a cruise ship or resort? Courtesy of …
Sandals LaSource Grenada
RESORT: Welcome to the “Living Room” at Sandals LaSource Grenada. Don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s for couch potatoes. Here guests gather nightly for cocktails and live entertainment until 2 a.m. See what our reviewer thought of the Sandals LaSource Grenada. Courtesy of Sandals LaSource Grenada
Floating bar
A floating bar? Now we’re talking. Cruise ship or resort? Courtesy of …
Motu Teta Paul Gauguin Cruises
CRUISE: Our preferred way to get to this floating bar is on Paul Gauguin Cruises. It’s on the cruise line’s private island, Motu Teta, in the Islands of Tahiti. Courtesy of Tahiti.com
Trapeze lessons
Who’s ready to play? Just figure this out first: cruise or resort? Courtesy of …
Quantum of the Seas SeaPlex
CRUISE: Aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum of the Seas, the SeaPlex is the center of the action for adventuresome guests. The giant activity area offers trapeze lessons, bumper cars and even the first food truck at sea. Check out more amazing features on the Quantum of the Seas. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

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6 Best New Cruises in 2016 https://www.islands.com/6-best-new-cruises-2016/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 02:43:14 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42192 No, we didn’t put the wrong photo here. That’s not a villa or a resort — it’s a cruise ship, and on the other side of that infinity pool is really the ocean. It’s time to set sail. Here are some of the coolest new offerings in the cruise world for 2016. 1. NEW OVERNIGHTS: […]

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No, we didn’t put the wrong photo here. That’s not a villa or a resort — it’s a cruise ship, and on the other side of that infinity pool is really the ocean. It’s time to set sail. Here are some of the coolest new offerings in the cruise world for 2016.

Best Cruises for 2016
The Regent Seven Seas Cruises Explorer Courtesy Regent Seven Seas Cruises

1. NEW OVERNIGHTS: Celebrity Cruises

Typically, cruising means no happy hours, sunsets or even dinners on dry land. Starting January 2016, Celebrity Cruises will give guests aboard 43 Caribbean itineraries, each 10 nights or longer, the chance to overnight in ports such as Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, Curaçao, St. Maarten and Cartagena, Colombia. So go ahead — make a dinner reservation at Yemanja Woodfired Grill on Aruba, and keep the party going on St. Maarten, stopping by Kali’s Beach Bar for a shot of local-fruit-infused rum.

2. NEW SPA: Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The newest ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ fleet, the 750-passenger Explorer — setting sail July 20, 2016, from Monte Carlo — will debut a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, hailed by company president Jason Montague as “the most luxurious at sea.” On deck five, it will feature an infrared sauna, aromatic steam room, a cold room designed to re-create the effect of icy swims, eight treatment rooms and an outdoor infinity-edge plunge pool. The new menu takes inspiration from across the globe: Atlantic Ocean sea salts are used in an exfoliating treatment, and a body cleanse features Moroccan mint tea and silt for detoxifying. These treatments will premiere on Explorer before transitioning to other ships in the fleet.

3. NEW PORT: Montserrat

Since the 1995 volcanic eruption, no cruise ship has returned to the Lesser Antilles island of Montserrat … until now. Starting Dec. 5, 2015, Windstar CruisesStar Legend, which debuted in May,will stop at the new capital and port, Little Bay, which can welcome small ships only. Choose the Insights of Montserrat excursion, part of the San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands itinerary, to tour local villages and witness the long reach of the lava.

4. NEW PORT: Martinique

In early 2016, Disney Wonder, leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will tour the Southern Caribbean, introducing a new stop at the French island of Martinique. Hailed as the “Flower of the Caribbean,” Martinique offers rainforest hikes and waterfall pool swims. The all-new itinerary will visit Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and St. Kitts.

5. NEW SHIP: Norwegian Escape

It’s home to the first at-sea Margaritaville bar and the new Waterfront, an open-air promenade leading to the Food Republic; order Asian-fusion cuisine via iPads. (Not to mention, you can choose from 120 bottles of wine.)

6. NEW SHIP: Encore

Seabourn’s newest ship sails Dec. 4, 2016, and it will be the largest in the small-ship fleet. Restaurateur Thomas Keller, of California’s The French Laundry, brings his famed fare on board.

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5 Best Cruises to Aruba https://www.islands.com/best-cruises-aruba/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:51:12 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42592 From Norwegian cruises to Aruba to Windstar and Celebrity, there’s no shortage of opportunities to visit this Southern Caribbean island.

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If you’re looking for cruises to Aruba, then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of expeditions that will take you to this Southern Caribbean island country, among other stops along the way. From one of the best Royal Caribbean Cruises to Aruba to Norwegian cruises to this island, there isn’t a shortage of options for you and your group.

Try one of Windstar Cruises’ relatively small vessels, accommodating around only 300 passengers; other cruises will have you packed tightly with upward of 2,000 or more. Looking to never run out of food options while at sea? Venture out with Norwegian Cruise Line and its 15 eat-and-drink options on Norwegian Dawn. Each of these Aruba cruises also has more than enough shore excursions suitable for almost any age group, accommodating most budgets.

Here are five of our favorite cruises that visit Aruba.

Best Cruises to Aruba Windstar
Windstar Cruises Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windward Ways & Tobago Cays – Windstar Cruises

Traverse the Windward and ABC islands on this seven-day adventure aboard Wind Surf, Windward Cruises‘ flagship sailing ship. Along with 300 other passengers, you’ll depart from Barbados, stop by Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Bonaire and Curaçao before arriving in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.

Along the way, you’ll stop by four colonial towns, two of which are UNESCO-listed, have an opportunity to snorkel the coral reefs of Tobago Cay, see exotic birds and attend an exclusive beach party on Mayreau. Additionally, you’ll have 22 shore excursions available along the six stops. Activities range from boating, watersports, sightseeing and exploring wildlife, costing anywhere from $35 to $500 and lasting between one and five hours.

Best Cruises to Aruba Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Southern Caribbean Cruise – Celebrity Cruises

Join 2,200 other passengers on Celebrity Summit for a seven-night cruise that will take you from Puerto Rico to St. Kitts and Nevis, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire and back. Onboard, dine in one of three elegant restaurants, including one exclusive for the suite class. Shop for fine jewelry and the most fashionable clothes on the European-inspired piazza. There is also an alfresco movie theater, bars, lounges and an adults-only solarium.

Boredom won’t be a part of your vocabulary on this cruise: Each port this Celebrity Cruises vessel stop at, including Puerto Rico, has 20 excursions available each. These opportunities include horseback riding, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, beach tours, a sunset cocktail cruise, hiking and more.

If you want to burn off the calories gained from either at sea or from an island, don’t worry: There’s also a jogging track that’s built around Celebrity Summit‘s top deck.

Best Aruba Cruises Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Southern Caribbean Cruise – Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas will take you on a nine-night expedition in the Southern Caribbean. Departing from Miami, Florida, this ship will stop at four ports before returning to South Florida: Labadee, Haiti; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire.

Passengers onboard won’t have to worry about getting bored during their four days at sea. In addition to four restaurants — a 10-plus-year-old steakhouse, a casual Italian trattoria, a made-to-order sushi restaurant and a nostalgic American eatery — Explorer of the Seas also has four primary attractions: a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator, a mini-golf course and an ice-skating rink.

Not enough for you? Join fellow passengers at the varied live-entertainment opportunities. “Invitation to Dance” is the cruise line’s take on “Dancing with the Stars,” wherein a select few guests are taught ballroom and Latin dance. “Fast Forward” is a trip down memory lane, showcasing the best movies and musicals from the ‘80s. Lastly, “Spirits of the Season” is an ice show inspired by each of the four seasons.

Best Aruba Cruises Princess
Princess Cruises Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Southern Caribbean Medley – Princess Cruises

Aboard Crown Princess, you’ll embark on a 10-day exploration of six Southern Caribbean islands in a round trip beginning in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The first destination is Aruba; afterward, you’ll hit Curaçao, Grenada, Dominica, St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Grand Turk of Turks and Caicos.

Never go hungry on this Princess Cruises voyage with 10 eat-and-drink options on this 3,080-passenger ship, including a steakhouse, a wine bar, a buffet and an Italian eatery. Stay active with one of your favorite sports, as Crown Princess has basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, too. Avoiding physical activity? Visit the photography studio, go shopping, admire an art gallery, win a prize at an auction, try your luck at the casino, or dance away at the nightclub.

At each of your six stops, there are also plenty of excursion options, ranging from snorkeling in Aruba, an off-road adventure exploring caves and ostrich farms in Curaçao and an eco-hike on St. Thomas.

Best Aruba Cruises NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Southern Caribbean from Tampa – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line will take you aboard its Norwegian Dawn for a 14-day expedition across a variety of Southern Caribbean islands. You’ll begin your roundtrip journey by departing from Tampa, Florida, before hitting eight different ports: George Town on Grand Cayman; Aruba’s capital of Oranjestad; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John’s, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Enjoy an attentive staff aboard this 2,340-passenger cruise ship, as the passenger-to-crew ratio is almost 2:1. Enjoy 15 eat-and-drink options, revel in the ship’s three shows focusing on song and dance, or find ultimate relaxation with one of 36 spa-treatment options.

When you’re not enjoying yourself aboard on one of your five days at sea, there are a plethora of shore excursions at each port — 116 total, to be exact. Go scuba diving off the shores of George Town, exploring a nearby coral reef; venture into Harrison’s Cave, considered one of the world’s best caves, in Bridgetown; or step onto a submarine to get a dry-but-personal close-up of local marine life.

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Best Cruises to Puerto Rico https://www.islands.com/great-cruises-puerto-rico/ Fri, 24 Jul 2015 21:54:33 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39549 Whether you’re looking for a small or a big cruise ship, venture to and from Puerto Rico on one of these cruise lines.

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Old San Juan, the historic district of Puerto Rico’s biggest city, is a mecca for cruise ships. And why not? The port’s location and availability of non-stop flights from major U.S. markets make it a great jumping-off point for ships exploring the heart of the Caribbean. Simply stopping by? That’s fine, too. Puerto Rico’s culture and liveliness are easily enjoyed, even if only for a day.

After stopping in Old San Juan, traverse over one of three bridges leading to mainland Puerto Rico. Venture along the cobblestone streets, and visit historic sites like forts and the district’s massive city wall. El Yunque, the island’s national forest, is also a site for nature-lovers to visit before leaving. Many of these are cruises to Puerto Rico from Miami, so be ready to experience a nightlife and urban culture almost unlike any other.

Here are the best Puerto Rican cruises that either begin or include a stop in Puerto Rico.

San Juan & the Virgin Islands – Windstar Cruises

Puerto Rico Cruises Windstar
Windstar Cruises Courtesy of Windstar

Travel aboard Star Legend with only 200 other passengers on this seven-day, roundtrip cruise that departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico. After embarking on this Windstar Cruises voyage, you’ll stop at six other ports, including Vieques, Puerto Rico; Gustavia, St. Barthélemy; Little Bay, Monsterrat, British West Indies; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands; and Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

Explore more than 400 restored Spanish colonial buildings in San Juan before starting your Caribbean expedition. Visit El Morro’s 16th-century ramparts, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or go on a hike in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest.

At each of this voyage’s stops, there are opportunities for excursions — 26 in total. They range from $55 to $625 and can last from one to five hours. Among the possible excursions are kayaking, snorkeling and ATV adventures.

Caribbean Melody – Oceania Cruises

Puerto Rico Cruises Oceania
Oceania Cruises Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Starting from the bustling shores of Miami, you’ll embark on Insignia for a 10-day adventure that’ll see stops at six other ports: Gustavia, St. Barts; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Castries, St. Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Onboard this Oceania Cruises voyage, there are 12 eat-and-drink options, ranging from bars, restaurants, lounges and cafés. Check out the artist loft for guided painting, sketching and more. There are also three boutiques to purchase duty-free items, a spa, a casino, four live-entertainment shows, a library with over 2,000 books, a pool, two whirlpool spas and a sports deck with a putting green, shuffleboard and a fitness track.

In total, there are 45 excursions across the six stops, with the most happening on St. Kitts. Visit botanical gardens, go on jeep tours, hike through El Yunque, or go on an ATV tour. Whatever your fancy, there’s bound to be something that’ll catch your interest.

Eastern Caribbean from Miami – Carnival

Puerto Rico Cruises Carnival
Carnival Shutterstock

This Eastern Caribbean Carnival cruise takes you to four other ports in its roundtrip that begins in Miami, Florida. The seven-day voyage will include stops in the Dominican Republic (Amber Cove), the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Puerto Rico (San Juan) and Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk).

You’ll travel on Carnival Conquest with a crew of 1,100. In addition to a seemingly never-ending, twisting water slide, there’s also a comedy club, an adults-only area, 10 eat-and-drink options and live musical entertainment.

Excursions at each port range from dune-buggy rides in the D.R. and exploring fortresses in San Juan to parasailing off the coast of St. Thomas and snorkeling off Grand Turk.

Southern Caribbean Cruise – Celebrity Cruises

Puerto Rico Cruises Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Join 2,200 other passengers aboard Celebrity Summit on this seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise. You’ll embark on this roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and hit five other ports: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Johns, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis.

Never be bored on this Celebrity Cruises voyage that has you and your group at sea for only one day out of the entire trip. At each port you stop at, there are 20 excursions each, including 20 from your departing port. Experience anything from rum tastings and eating seafood to snorkeling, island tours and horseback riding.

For the time you are on Celebrity Summit, enjoy six eat-and-drink options, a top-deck, al fresco area for movies, a kids club for the younger members of the party, a casino, an art gallery, a fitness center, shopping and an adults-only spot when you need to simply get away.

Caribbean and Antilles – MSC Cruises

Puerto Rico Cruises MSC Divina
MSC Cruises Shutterstock

Aboard MSC Seaside, you’ll embark on a unique itinerary that’ll depart from Miami, Florida, and return there midway through the voyage before ultimately ending there.

This 15-day, 14-night adventure will stop at nine ports, including a two-day stop in Puerto Rico: Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Nassau, Bahamas; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Miami, Florida.

Across this MSC Cruises’ cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico, there are 188 excursions, with the most (45) occurring in Cozumel. From snorkeling and bamboo rafting to exploring Mayan ruins and experiencing tequila tours and tastings, there’s an abundance of activities fit for anyone’s tastes.

Eastern Caribbean – Holland America Line

Puerto Rico Cruises Holland America
Holland America Line Courtesy of Holland America

Visit Puerto Rico and three other Eastern Caribbean islands on this seven-day cruise, as Nieuw Statendam takes you and your group on a roundtrip that begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and visits Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Boredom aboard won’t be a concern on this Holland America Line voyage. There’s a variety of live-music opportunities, including genres like rock ‘n roll, the blues and orchestra. Head over to the Microsoft Studio to compile a photo gallery or a video from your memorable cruise experience, or visit the spa to unwind with the ocean’s waters around you.

In total, there are 11 eat-and-drink options, including 24-hour room service, New York-style pizza and French, Italian and Japanese cuisines. Want to get more hands-on with your food? Check out America’s Test Kitchen for live, onboard cooking shows and workshops.

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7 Best Hawaiian Cruises https://www.islands.com/want-visit-hawaii-here-are-7-great-hawaiian-cruises/ Tue, 24 Mar 2015 01:24:10 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=39488 The paradisiacal islands of Hawaii await travelers from all over the world to explore their historic culture and lands.

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Among the best places in the world to vacation, Hawaii is somewhere near the top of most people’s lists – and for good reason, too. Nearly transparent waters paired with vibrant blue skies in near-perfect temperatures make Hawaii both easy on the eyes and the body.

While you could fly to Oahu and spend a few days in Honolulu, you won’t get the full experience of what the Hawaiian islands have to offer. The best way to experience this isolated U.S. state is to go on cruises in Hawaii. Live in Canada? There are plenty of roundtrip Hawaiian cruises that start in Vancouver. They are among the best Hawaiian cruises, giving you a chance to explore two countries and different cultures.

Read on for our list of Hawaiian island cruises that will leave you with lifetime-lasting memories.

Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver – Disney Cruise Line

Disney
Disney Cruise Line Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

Embark on a 10-night journey aboard Disney Wonder, hitting five Hawaiian ports before enjoying a relaxing five days at sea on the way to Vancouver.

In Honolulu, check out the Dole Plantation and its pineapple exhibits. Careful when visiting Hilo, as there are two active volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In Nawiliwili, try to stay dry near Mount Wai’ale’ale, the second-wettest place on the planet. A stop at Kahului isn’t complete without a visit to Kanaha Beach Park, a place for swimming, sunbathing and picnics.

Disney Wonder will keep you entertained while at sea, too, with Broadway musicals, three themed pools, a spa and a boutique, among many other amenities.

Hawaii, Round-trip Honolulu – Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, you’ll embark on a seven-day itinerary that begins and ends in Honolulu and stops at four other ports: Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kaua’i.

In Honolulu, consider going on a Pearl Harbor tour and visiting a memorial to the sunken USS Arizona. Kahului offers the chance to taste local cuisine or discover how Hawaii’s best-selling vodka is made. How about a 4.5-mile, six-hour hike to see Hilo’s waterfalls? At your next stop, visit Kona’s black-sand beach. Saving the best for last, check out Luau Kalamaku on Nawiliwili for delicious local foods and authentic cultural showcases.

Pride of America was refurbished in 2016 after debuting in 2005. It fits 2,186 passengers and has a crew of 927.

Hawaiian Islands – Princess Cruises

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Pacific Princess
Princess Cruises Courtesy Princess Cruises

Embarking from Vancouver, Canada, you’ll start your journey with five nights at sea aboard Pacific Princess before hitting three ports and ending your journey in Honolulu.

Before departing Canada in the late afternoon, visit the second-largest Chinatown in North America. On Maui, spot humpback whales, and consider traversing the Haleakala National Park with photo-op vistas. Try snorkeling to get a glimpse at the wondrous marine life off the shores of Kauai. On Hilo, visiting the 442-foot Akaka Falls is worth it for the sight alone. Lastly, when at your final destination, visit Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace.

Onboard Pacific Princess, Princess Cruises makes sure its travelers are taken care of in every way. This ship was refurbished in June 2019 and holds 670 passengers and 375 crew. It has 10 dining options, and activities include a writing room, a golf practice cage, shops, a Las Vegas-style casino, fitness classes, a spa and more.

Hawaii from San Diego – Carnival Cruise Line

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Carnival Miracle
Carnival Cruises Courtesy Carnival Cruises

Take to the salt from San Diego, California, and spend a 15-day vacation aboard Carnival Miracle traveling to Hawaii before returning to the mainland on one of the best cruises to Hawaii.

For your first stop on Maui, you can enjoy whale-watching and conch shell-supported luaus. Next up is Hawaii’s capital and largest city, Honolulu. There, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn the long, majestic history of Hawaii. On Kauai, embrace nature, as you explore Kokee Forest Reserve and Poipu Beach. Explore sea caves while on Kona, and take in the aftermath of a past volcano eruption.

After the Hawaii tour, spend four day at sea before making one final, quick stop in the Mexican city of Ensenada before returning to San Diego. Indulge in local wine and cheese, as you take in the sites of the Guadalupe Valley.

On board Carnival Miracle, partake in a lip-sync battle, visit the Cherry On Top candy store, have a beer at the SkyBox Sports Bar, or play your favorite games, like Connect 4 and Yahtzee, but giant versions of them.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas – Holland America Line

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Holland America
Holland America Courtesy Holland America

Looking for that ultimate getaway? One that really takes you away from all your worries and responsibilities and puts you on a boat to explore 12 different ports over 32 days? This Holland America Line cruising adventure aboard Zaandam is for you.

Startin San Diego, and relax at sea for Days 2 to 6 before arriving in Hilo. Spend the day there before moving to Honolulu for the next two days. Your next stop is then Lahaina for the day. Two more days at sea will take you away from U.S. waters to Kiritimati (Christmas Island), just northwest of Australia.

Days 15 and 16 will be the start of the French Polynesia tour, beginning in Bora Bora. You’ll continue on to Raiatea, Society Islands, on Day 17. The next two days will be spent in Papeete, French Polynesia, before an early-morning trip to Moorea. Day 20 will be held on Avatoru, Rangiroa, and Day 21 is on Fakarava, Tuamotu. Days 23 and 24 take place in Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas, and Taiohae, Nuka Hiva, before the journey back stateside for the next seven days.

You’ll share in this journey with 1,400 other guests. So, be prepared for the on-ship casino to be filled. Perhaps you’ll have to wait a little extra for a massage at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. There is certainly no limit to how much you can spend, however, as onboard shopping is available.

Hawaii Cruise – Royal Caribbean International

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Radiance
Royal Caribbean International Courtesy Royal Caribbean

Cruise the Hawaiian islands on a 10-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas that will take you from Oahu to Maui, Kailua Kona, Kauai and Hilo before ultimately ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Before you even leave from Honolulu, the state’s capital city, schedule a snorkeling tour in crystal-clear waters with a variety of marine life. Then, embark on your cruise where you’ll first stop at the former-whaling-village-turned-tourist-site of Lahaina. Day 3 will be spent at Kailua Kona where you can peer into the lives of Hawaiian royalty at the Hulihee Palace, formerly a vacation home for royalty but now a museum.

In Kauai, visit Wailua Falls without having to stress about a hike. You’ll also have a chance to see Alekoko Fishpond, a nearly 1,000-year-old, Hawaiian fishpond that is said to have been built in one night. In Hilo, check out 24-acre Liliuokalani Gardens, the largest authentic, ornamental Japanese garden outside Japan. Days 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are then spent at sea before you ultimately arrive in Canada on Day 11.

From live stage performances and dive-in movies above the main pool area to a variety of cuisines, including Japanese and Italian, and a full-service salon and spa, there will always be something for you to do aboard Radiance of the Seas.

Hawaii Cruise – Celebrity Cruises

Best Hawaiian Cruises | Cruise Vacation to Hawaii | Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Cruises Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

Take 10 days out of your busy schedule to unwind and detach from your regular routine, and tour the islands of Hawaii. Start in Honolulu before stopping in Lahaina, Hilo and Kailua Kona before ultimately concluding the adventure in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The journey begins with an overnight stay in Honolulu. There, you can visit the Honolulu Museum of Art and admire cultural landscapes, Asian art and Polynesian artifacts. In Lahaina, take a helicopter tour that hovers above dormant Haleakala volcano. Hilo is for those who stand in awe at waterfalls, as it is home to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. For your last stop in Hawaii, Kailua Kona will sate coffee lovers and snorkelers alike.

Aboard Celebrity Solstice, you’ll join 2,800 other passengers. Enjoy the martini bar, two lounges, three restaurants, a casino, a fitness center, an artificial lawn, outdoor movies, an art gallery, shopping and an adults-only solarium.

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Best Cruise Trips 2015: Editors’ Picks https://www.islands.com/best-cruise-trips-2015-editors-picks/ Sat, 24 Jan 2015 07:23:23 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=41269 We’ve now ranked these from No. 26 (Iceland cruise) to No. 1 (?), based on cruise itineraries with the most must-see islands. For passionate island travelers, island-hopping cruises are the best way to see the islands on your travel bucket list. We’ve researched hundreds of 2015 cruise itineraries for these suggestions on great island cruises. […]

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We’ve now ranked these from No. 26 (Iceland cruise) to No. 1 (?), based on cruise itineraries with the most must-see islands. For passionate island travelers, island-hopping cruises are the best way to see the islands on your travel bucket list. We’ve researched hundreds of 2015 cruise itineraries for these suggestions on great island cruises.

See more ideas in our Best Caribbean Cruises Travel Guide and 10 Cool Features on the New Carnival Vista

Winstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Ship: Wind Surf
Itinerary: Rome to Venice
Region: Europe
Nights: 8
Islands: Capri, Sicily, Venice The iconic islands on the list miss an important aspect of this cruise that essentially circles Italy. You get to cruise along Croatia, which the average traveler often doesn’t realize is full of coastal islands, some of which have been featured on our Best Islands to Live On list. Dates: Departs May through October, 2015
Price: from $2,999 See more about this cruise on Windstar’s website.
Winstar Cruises
Silversea
Silversea
Ships: Silver Discoverer, Silver Spirit, Silver Whisperer
Itinerary: Melbourne, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand
Region: Pacific and Australia
Nights: 10-16
Islands: Australia (if you consider it an island); New Zealand Start in Melbourne, then see up to eleven ports of New Zealand, from Milford Sound to Port Chalmer to Wellington and, of course, Auckland. Dates: Departs all year, except from June – November (winter in Australia)
Price: $6,950 See more about this cruise on Silversea’s website.
Silversea
Tauck
Tauck
Ship: L’Austral
Itinerary: Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice
Region: Atlantic
Nights: 7
Island: Iceland Some of these cruises have a quantity of great islands; this cruise goes deep on just one island. And Iceland, as relatively small as it is, both in geography and profile, is worth extensive exploration. The last time ISLANDS editors were there, they saw much of the southern side but knew there was still much to see.This cruise with Tauck, known for authentic experiences, takes you to fishing villages, up to the Arctic Circle, and to the Blue Lagoon. Dates: Departs throughout July and early August
Price: from $6,690 See more about this cruise on Tauck’s website.
Tauck
Sea Cloud Cruises
Sea Cloud Cruises
Ship: Sea Cloud II
Itinerary: Canary Islands
Region: Atlantic
Nights: 7
Islands: Canary Islands – Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Gomera To really see the Canary Islands, doing a cruise like this lets you flit to all of the highlights. Dates: Nov. 2, 2015
Price: N/A See more about this cruise on Sea Cloud’s website.
Sea Cloud
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Ship: Disney Wonder
Itinerary: 14 Night Hawaii Los Angeles Cruise
Region: Hawaii
Nights: 10
Major ports: Vancouver, Canada; Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii Disney Cruise Line and some of the other major cruise ships featured on this list may not offer the usual Islands sense of immersion in a local culture. But those of us Islands editors with children see the value in making the trek from Vancouver to Hawaii not a daunting airplane ride but the ultimate family-friendly vacation on its own. There are no “are we there yet?” complaints aboard the Disney Wonder. Once you get to Hawaii, you can enjoy a truly authentic taste of the islands. Dates: Departs Sep. 7 and Sep. 17, 2015
Price: from $4,402 See more about this cruise on Disney Cruise Line’s website.
Disney Cruise Line
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises
Ship: Carnival Legend
Itinerary: 10-15 Days Hawaii from Vancouver or Los Angeles
Region: Hawaii
Nights: 11
Major ports: Vancouver, British Colombia; Los Angeles, Califorinia; Hilo, Hawaii; Kahului, Maui, Hawaii; Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Hilo, Hawaii. You can start this trip with your own exploration of Vancouver Island or Los Angeles, then enjoy five days crossing the Pacific. Rest up for the whirlwind tour of the Hawaiian Islands, then rest for five days back. And as Carnival points out, the starting cruise rate averages to about $80 a night, an amazingly cheap Hawaii vacation. Dates: Departs May through November, 2015
Price: from $879 See more about this cruise on Carnival’s website.
Carnival Cruises
Cunard
Cunard
Ship: Queen Victoria
Itinerary: Canary Islands Celebration
Region: Atlantic
Nights: 14
Major ports: Southampton, England; Lisbon, Portugal; Spain; Lanzarote, Spain; Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; La Palma, Canary Islands; Madeira, Portugal; La Coruña, Spain. Yes, the Canary Islands are worth seeing. Combine that with enjoying the famous White Star Service of the Cunard cruise line — imagine donning your tuxedo and evening gown and socializing as if you were British nobility. That’s priceless. Dates: Leaves Nov 16, 2015
Price: from $2,197 See more about this cruise on Cunard’s 2015 Voyages Calendar.
Cunard
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Itinerary: Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Greenland
Region: Atlantic
Nights: 12
Major ports: Rekyjavik, Iceland; Greenland Islands intrepid contributor Jad Davenport did this cruise several years ago and actually commandeered the ship to go deeper into the Greenland coast as he wanted to solve a mystery (read Jad’s Greenland cruise story about Viking ghosts). You don’t have to go to that extreme; just relax and see two majestic islands that few U.S. travelers ever see, let alone explore. Dates: Departs July 19, 2015
Prices: From $10,580 See more about this cruise on Lindblad’s website.
Lindblad
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International
Ship: Voyager of the Seas
Itinerary: Xiamen, Jeju and Nagasaki Cruise
Region: Asia
Nights: 7
Islands: Hong Kong, China; Xiamen, China; Jeju South Korea, Nagasaki Japan, We highly recommend that any island traveler visit Japan, and not just for the sushi, though we love that. We also love seeing Jeju on a cruise itinerary, ever since Islands ran a memorable photo essay on the Jeju mermaids. Really. This cruise also stresses how Royal Caribbean is making more of a push into Asia, far from its namesake Caribbean. Dates: August 19, 2015
Price: $766 See more about this cruise on Royal Caribbean’s website.
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Itinerary: 12-Day Grand Mediterranean from Venice
Region: Europe
Nights: 11
Key islands: Venice, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus, Greece Some of our most memorable trips of recent years have been to Italy and Greece. Each has the iconic sites you expect, but they also offer richer cultural experiences, welcoming people and more warmth than you’d expect. Dates: Departs May through October, 2015
Price: from $1,479 See more about this cruise on NCL’s website.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Variety Cruises
Variety Cruises
Ship: Pegasus
Itinerary: Cruises in the Garden of Eden (Mahe to Mahe)
Region: Indian Ocean
Nights: 7
Islands: Seychelles The Seychelles are fascinating not just for their reputation as a luxury getaway, but for their time-forgotten villages, their bird paradises, their shores that are like nowhere else on Earth. Dates: Departs December through October, 2015
Price: from $2,170 See more about this cruise on Variety Cruises’ website.
Variety Cruises
SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club
Itinerary: Malaga – Civitavecchia
Region: Europe
Nights: 7
Islands: Spain – Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca; Sardinia, Italy; Corsica, France These are practically all of the must-see islands of the Mediterranean in one efficient cruise that makes a bouncing beeline from Malaga, Spain, to Rome. Dates: May 1-8, 2015
Price: from $4,199 See more about this cruise on SeaDream’s website.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Abercrombie & Kent
Abercrombie & Kent
Ship: Eclipse
Itinerary: Wonders of the Galapagos 2015
Region: Pacific
Nights: 9
Major ports: Guayaquil, Ecuador; the Galapagos Islands Islands contributing editor Jad Davenport went on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Eclipse for an incredibly memorable trip to these must-see islands. See Jad’s Galapagos cruise travel guide. Dates: Departs February through November
Price: from $7,995 See more about this cruise on Abercrombie & Kent’s website.
Abercrombie & Kent
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Ship: MV Mystique Princess
Itinerary: 7 Day “Escape to Paradise” Cruise
Region: Pacific (Fiji)
Nights: 6
Major ports: Lautoka, Fiji; Yasawa Islands, Fiji We’ve partnered with Blue Lagoon Cruises in the past on prizes in our annual Photo Contest. A week cruise here is a terrific way to see the scenery and culture of Fiji as you hop through the Yasawa Islands, seeing traditional Fijian villages, dining on “East Indian Delights,” snorkeling above reef gardens and much more along the way. Dates: Throughout 2015
Price: from $2,478 See more about this cruise on Blue Lagoon Cruises’ website.
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Itinerary: Indian Ocean Explorer
Region: Australia/Africa
Days: 21
Major ports: Perth, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa Amazing islands along the journey — Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar — bookended by fascinating land programs in South Africa. You truly do enjoy the best of both worlds. Dates: March 13-April 3, 2015
Price: from $7,520 See more about this cruise on Crystal Cruises’ website.
Crystal Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ship: Seven Seas Voyager
Itinerary: Singapore to Hong Kong
Region: Asia
Nights: 18
Islands: Singapore; Ko Samui, Thailand; islands of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Hong Kong You get the full range of urban and natural islands here, from sparkling Singapore to beachy Ko Samui to the limestone marvels of Ha Long Bay. And then there’s Hong Kong, which combines the best of both urban and nature. Dates: Departs Jan. 18, 2015
Price: from $14,299 See more about this cruise on Regent’s website.
Regent Seven Seas
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Itinerary: Greek Isles Getaway – Istanbul to Athens
Region: Europe
Nights: 8
Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Thodes, Patmos, Crete Starting in Istanbul, hop along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea where some ISLANDS hidden gems are. Namely Patmos, Mykonos, Rhodes and, of course, Santorini, which ISLANDS readers love to take photos of for our annual Photo Contest. Dates: Sep 27-Oct 5, 2015
Price: from $2,999 See more about this cruise on Oceania’s website.
Oceania Cruises
Star Clippers
Star Clippers
Ship: Royal Clipper
Itinerary: Transatlantic Westbound
Region: Europe, Africa, Atlantic
Nights: 28
Islands: Corsica; Menorca; Ibiza; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Barbados It’s not that the mainland is invisible to we ISLANDS editors. We certainly appreciate that this itinerary also has stops along the coasts of Spain and Morocco. But these featured islands just give you more of that seafaring rush while on a cruise. And to really ramp that up, after Tenerife, you cross the Atlantic, Columbus style. This cruise is actually two legs: a 12-night Rome to Lisbon “Grand Voyage,” then a 16-night Lisbon to Barbados crossing. Dates: Oct. 24-Nov. 21, 2015
Price: from $5,200 See more about this cruise on Star Clippers’ website.
Jon Whittle
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises
Ship: Azamara Quest
Itinerary: 10 Night Temples Dragons and Beaches Voyage
Region: Asia
Nights: 10
Major ports: Singapore; Semarang, Indonesia; Lombok, Indonesia; Bali; Komodo; Celukan Bawang, Indonesia; Singapore This is an all-islands dream trip, starting from the island of Singapore and hopping along the best of Indonesia, including the must-do islands of Bali and Komodo. Bali, Komodo, Singapore Dates: Dec. 12-22, 2015
Price: from $2,499 See more about this cruise on Azamara’s website.
Azamara Club Cruises
Costa
Costa
Ship: Costa neoRiviera
Itinerary: United Arab Emirates, India, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa
Region: Indian Ocean
Nights: 34 This itinerary is really like a ride through ISLANDS’ Greatest Hits in the Indian Ocean. Very efficiently, and for an amazing price, you get to experience many of our editors’ favorite destinations, from the Maldives to the Seychelles to Mautirius (see the ISLANDS Travel Guide: Mauritius for our editor-in-chief’s recent visit there). Dates: Departs Feb. 8, 2015
Price: from $4,839 See more about this cruise on Costa’s website.
Costa
Seabourn
Seabourn
Ship: Seabourn Sojourne
Itinerary: 40-Day Southeast Asia Exploration
Region: Asia
Nights: 39
Islands: Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, China This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza cruise, tracing an adventurous route through iconic mainstays like Phuket, Thailand and Halong Bay, Vietnam, as well as fresh getaways like Myanmar and Cambodia. Plus, you spend five days exploriing the Philippines, a region comprised of over 7,000 islands. Dates: Leaves Feb. 3, 2015 (a great way to start the year with a bang)
Price: $21,499 See more about this cruise on Seabourn’s website.
Seabourn
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises
Ship: Crown Princess
Itinerary: Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa
Region: Pacific
Nights: 27
Islands: Maui, Hawaii; Oahu, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; Kauai, Hawaii; American Samoa; Western Samoa; Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti; Moorea, Islands of Tahiti; Papeete, Tahiti Consider this two island vacations in one. First, you get to see the greatest hits of Hawaii, then the greatest hits of the Islands of Tahiti. Everyone asks us ISLANDS editors about all these islands, especially Kauai and Bora Bora. Now’s your chance to see them all in one epic journey, plus days at sea on the open Pacific to enjoy the ship. Dates: Oct. 17, 2015
Price: from $3,399 See more about this cruise on Princess’ website.
Princess Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Ship: Paul Gauguin
Itinerary: Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands
Region: Pacific
Nights: 14
Islands: Tahiti, Fakarava, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea Yes, you must see Bora Bora at least once (though preferably many times). But on this cruise, Paul Gauguin assures you will see all the wonders of the Islands of Tahiti, the places that live in the shadow of Bora Bora but are absolutely spectacular in their own right. No one knows Tahiti like Paul Gauguin. Dates: April 29 and November 21, 2015
Price: from $6,995 See more about this cruise on Paul Gauguin’s website.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Itinerary: Tahitian Treasures Cruise
Region: Pacific
Nights: 18
Major ports: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii; Lahaina, Maui; Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti; Auckland, New Zealand; Bay of Islands, New Zealand Granted, the $2,259 may sound a little steep, but this cruise departs in 2016. Plenty of time to save up. Plus, this cruise visits three iconic island paradises: Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand. For those who have yet to visit any of these islands, that’s a three-for-one deal. All of ’em ISLANDS favorites. Book before we do. Dates: Leaves Apr. 9, 2016
Price: from $2,259 See more about this cruise on Celebrity’s website.
Celebrity Cruises
Orion Expedition Cruises
Orion Expedition Cruises
Ship: Nat Geo Orion
Itinerary: Palau to Solomon Islands – Along the Pacific Equator
Region: Pacific
Nights: 18
Islands: Papua New Guinea, Palau, Yap, Solomon Islands When ISLANDS teamed up with Orion a few years ago, we called this itinerary the “Trip of a Lifetime.” It starts in one of the island destinations near the top of our wish list: Palau. Then this small-ship cruise takes you to islands you’ve only heard of, and many you haven’t. See our photo gallery of this Orion cruise from our trip. Dates: Leaves in September and October
Price: from $17,390 See more about this cruise on Orion’s website.
Orion Expedition Cruises
Holland America
Holland America Line
Ship: ms Prinsendam
Itinerary: 57-Day Grand Africa and Mediterranean Voyage
Region: Caribbean, Europe, Africa
Nights: 56
Major ports: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; St. Thomas, USVI; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain; Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; Cadiz, Spain; Malaga, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Castellon de la Plana, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Gozo, Malta; Crete, Greece; Jerusalem, Israel; Isanbul, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Santorini, Greece; Naples, Italy. This isn’t an epic round-the-world cruise, but it’s close. We love that you start simply in Fort Lauderdale, then see some favorite Caribbean destinations – St. John and St. Maarten – before going more exotic into the Atlantic with Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. Once you’ve hopscotched along Africa, the Mediterranean, Greece, Italy and beyond, you will have seen some of the most beautiful regions and islands of the world. Dates: Departing March 12, 2015
Price: from $5,999 See more about this cruise on Holland America’s website.
Holland America

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20 Best Caribbean Cruises for 2016 https://www.islands.com/20-best-caribbean-cruises-2015/ Tue, 06 Jan 2015 06:43:20 +0000 https://www.islands.com/?p=42784 From the big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Princess to the smaller luxury ships, these are the cruise trips with the best vacation itineraries for seeing the Caribbean in 2016. We reviewed every Caribbean cruise itinerary from 20+ cruise lines to create this list of cruise ideas for your next vacation. Best […]

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From the big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Princess to the smaller luxury ships, these are the cruise trips with the best vacation itineraries for seeing the Caribbean in 2016. We reviewed every Caribbean cruise itinerary from 20+ cruise lines to create this list of cruise ideas for your next vacation.

Best Island Cruises Guide | Favorite Exotic Cruises | Best Luxury Ship Staterooms

20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Barbados to Barbados, 6 nights
Ship: Windstar
Terminal: Barbados
Stops: St. Lucia; Grenada; Mayreau, Grenadines; Tobago Cays, Grenadines; Bequia, Grenadines
Starting dates: January through March, December 2015
Starting price: $1,599 This is an easy way to hit Grenada and see the Grenadines. Find out more on the Windstar Cruises website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy Windstar Cruises
Best Caribbean Cruises Holland America
Holland America
Western Caribbean Holiday, 6 nights
Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Terminal: Fort Lauderdale
Stops: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Key West, Florida
Dates: January-March 2015
Starting prices: $399 See Half Moon Cay, Cozumel, plus totally unwind on Key West. All for a great starting price! Find more on the Holland America website for this cruise trip.
courtesy Holland America
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises
St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, 7 nights
Ship: MSC Divina
Terminal: Miami
Stops: St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Antigua, Tortola, BVI, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Dates: January-March 2015
Starting price: From $449 The Caribbean’s mainstay ports are popular for a reason. And this cruise hits ’em, with ample sailing time on a ship inspired by Sofia Loren. Find more on the MSC Cruises website about this cruise trip.
Shutterstock
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Costa Cruises
Costa Costa
Florida – Mexico, 10 Nights
Ship: Luminosa
Terminal: Miami
Stops: Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Honduras
Date: January-March 2015
Starting price: $424.50 On the Costa cruise line, this itinerary is a quick greatest-hits circular tour. Find out more on the Costa website for this trip.
Courtesy Costa Cruises
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Mayan Mystique, 10 nights
Ship: Riviera
Terminal: Miami
Stops: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Guatemala, Roatan, Costa Maya, Mexico, Key West
Dates: January-April 2015
Starting price: $2,499 Interesting mix of classic and coastal Caribbean, including Guatemala. Find out more on the Oceania Cruises website about this cruise trip.
Shutterstock
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Seabourn
Seabourn
Exotic Caribbean In-Depth, 13 nights
Ship: Seabourn Spirit
Terminal: Bridgetown, Barbados
Stops: St. Vincent and the Grenadines; St. Lucia; Guadeloupe; Antigua; Saba; Prickly Pear, BVI; Jost Van Dyke BVI; St. Barts; St. Kitts; Guadeloupe; Martinique; Grenadines
Dates: Jan – Mar, 2015
Starting price: $5,699 This cruise lives up to the itinerary’s name, hitting a lot of memorable islands off the beaten path. Find out more on the Seabourn website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy Seabourn
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas
Miami to Miami, 10 nights
Ship: Seven Seas Navigator
Terminal: Miami
Stops: Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Gustavia, St. Barts; Tortola, BVI; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Dates: February 6, 2015
Starting price: $5,299 Hits Nassau and other popular stops, but then have a full day with midnight departure in St. Marteen, plus a full-day stop in the Dominican Republic. Sweet. Find out more on the Regent Seven Seas website about this cruise trip.
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20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Cunard
Cunard
The Caribbean, 20 nights
Ship: Queen Mary 2
Terminal: New York
Stops: St. Thomas, USVI; Antigua; St. Kitts; St. Maarten; Tortola, BVI
Dates: Nov. 5-25, 2015
Starting price: $3,198 It’s a sweet experience to be on the famous Queen Mary 2, especially if you pack your tux and evening gown for a high-class 20-day experience on the high seas. Find more on the Cunard website for this cruise trip.
Shutterstock
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Celebrity
Celebrity
Bermuda and Caribbean, 8 Nights
Ship: Summit
Terminal: San Juan to New Jersey
Stops: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Bermuda
Dates: April 25, 2015
Starting price: $549 Start in Puerto Rico to explore there, then to St. Maarten and a fairly rare itinerary that goes on up to Bermuda. Find out more on the Celebrity Cruises website for this trip.
Courtesy Celebrity
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises
10 Night Temple, Jungles and Beaches Voyage
Ship: Azamara Journey
Terminal: Miami
Stops: Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti
Date: March 26, 2015
Starting price: $2,699 This cruise itinerary is unusual all the way around, from rare stops in Haiti and Guatemala to welcome mainstays like Jamaica and Cozumel. Find out more on the Azamara Club Cruises website for this trip.
Shutterstock
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - SeaDream
SeaDream Yacht Club
San Juan to St. Thomas, 6 nights
Ship: SeaDream I
Terminal: St. Martin
Stops: Anguilla; Saba; St. Barts; Virgin Gorda, BVI; Jost Van Dyke, BVI; San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dates: Jan. 31-Feb. 7, 2015
Starting price: $2,399 Significant time in BVI and out to Anguilla and Saba, all uncommon cruise stops. Find out more on the SeaDream website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy SeaDream
Nonstop Flights from Philadelphia to Caribbean | Direct Flights to Caribbean | Bermuda

Philadelphia to Bermuda

Airlines: American Airlines | Flight Time: 2:04 | Availability: Daily Shutterstock
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Sea Cloud
Sea Cloud
Santo Domingo to Bridgetown, 10 nights
Ship: Sea Cloud
Terminal: Santo Domingo
Stops: La Romana, Dominican Republic; Virgin Gorda, BVI; Jost Van Dyke, BVI; St. Barts; Iles de Saintes, Guadeloupe; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Barbados
Date: Feb. 16-26, 2015
Starting price: N/A Great-looking itinerary, with time in the DR, the BVI and Iles des Saintes. Find out more on the Sea Cloud website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy Sea Cloud
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Gems of the Caribbean, 14 nights
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Terminal: Miami
Stops: Grand Cayman; Aruba; Porto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; Santa Maria, Colombia; Cartagena, Colombia; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 12, 2015
Starting price: $4,520 Great mix of classic and new, including Crystal’s fresh stop in Santa Maria, Colombia. Plus mainstays like Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. Find more on the Crystal Cruises website for this cruise trip.
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20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Star Clippers
Star Clippers
Windward Islands, 7 nights
Ship: Royal Clipper
Terminal: Barbados
Stops: St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, Iles des Saintes, Martinique
Dates: January through March, monthly; Nov. 21, Dec. 5, 19, 2015
Starting price: $3,120 These islands off beaten path are must-sees. Find out more on the Star Clippers website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy Star Clippers
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Princess Cruises
Princess
Eastern Caribbean, 6 nights
Ship: Regal Princess
Terminal: Fort Lauderdale
Stops: Princess Cays, Bahamas; St. Maarten; St. Thomas, USVI; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Dates: January, February, March, April, November, December 2015
Starting price: $574 Includes Princess Cays plus popular St. Maarten, St. Thomas and editor favorite Grand Turk. Find out more on the Princess website about this cruise trip.
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20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Western Caribbean Itinerary B, 7 nights
Ship: Magic
Terminal: Port Canaveral
Stops: Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Cozumel; Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Dates: January through March
Starting price: $1,448 Gets you to Cozumel and Disney’s own Castaway Cay for the most family-friendly vacation you can imagine. Find more on the Disney Cruise Line website for this trip.
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Norwegian Cruises
NCL
Eastern Caribbean, Round-trip from New York, 10 nights
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Terminal: New York City
Stops: San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten; St. Thomas, USVI; Tortola, BVI
Dates: January-March, October 2015
Starting price: $699 For U.S. northerners, you get four total days at sea to enjoy the ship, plus you hit two Caribbean meccas: Puerto Rico and St. Thomas. Find out more on the NCL website about this cruise trip.
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20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Carniva
Carnival
7 Days Western Caribbean Ship: Carnival Legend
Terminal: Tampa
Stops: Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, Grand Cayman
Dates: January through March, 2015
Starting price: $644 Make the most of Carnival’s “fun days at sea” with popular spots and Islands favorites Belize and Roatan. Find out more on the Carnival website for this trip.
Courtesy Carnival
20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean
Western Caribbean Cruise, 6 nights
Ship: Independence of the Seas
Terminal: Ft. Lauderdale
Stops: Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Haiti
Dates: January through April 2015
Starting price: $442 See Grand Cayman and Jamaica at an unbeatable price. Find out more on the Royal Caribbean website about this cruise trip.
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20 Best Caribbean Cruises - Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin
Roundtrip St. Martin, 7 nights
Ship: Tere Moana
Terminal: St. Martin
Stops: Tortola, BVI; Jost Van Dyke, BVI; Virgin Gorda, BVI; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Les Saintes; St. Barts
Starting dates: March 28, 2015
Starting price: $4,745 Luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin, known for its epic itineraries across the Islands of Tahiti, has recently brought its newest ship and its world-class know-how to the Caribbean. Find out more on the Paul Gauguin website about this cruise trip.
Courtesy Paul Gauguin Cruises

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