Thursday, April 11, 2024

10 of the best small-ship Caribbean cruises to avoid the crowds

small cruise lines caribbean

We’ve got our eye on Seabourn Odyssey’s 20-day sailing, which departs Miami on December 17 and calls at islands including Guadeloupe, Virgin Gorda and Mayreau. Best for all-inclusiveYou’ll want for nothing on an ultra-luxurious Regent Seven Seas Cruise which has one of the most generous all-inclusive packages on the high seas. Forget lukewarm buffets and think 24-hour room service, unlimited drinks, free minibar, all-suite accommodation, wi-fi, an extensive lecture programme and unlimited shore excursions. The ship sails destination-intensive itineraries predominantly in the Caribbean, Adriatic and Middle East. Activities on shore -- most of which are included in the cruise fares -- focus on kayaking, cycling, swimming, snorkelling and hiking, with a smattering of cultural and culinary tours.

What is the best time to cruise to the Caribbean?

Enjoy the luxury-meets-active feel of Le Ponant on her romantic cruises by small ship. Or opt for the luxury of an exclusive Caribbean catamaran charter aboard your private Belize charter yacht. Our experts are ready to help you find the best luxury Caribbean cruise based on your timeline and interests. AdventureSmith’s Caribbean sailing vacations feature colorful flora and fauna, unique history, global cuisine and multicultural locals.

Emerald Cruises

Plus, they often focus on local culture, history, and nature, offering in-depth shore excursions and expert-led lectures. Typically thought of as a midsize-ship line, Viking took top honors in this category, too, thanks to its twin ships Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis. The expedition vessels, both of which have 189 cabins, are built for out-there adventures, whether on the waters of the Great Lakes or in the Southern Ocean on the way to Antarctica.

UnCruise Adventures

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. Expedition cruising with Silversea means you'll visit a good mix of mainstream and less-crowded destinations (Galapagos, Polynesia, Micronesia and more) throughout the world's seven continents. Itineraries include complimentary shore excursions, such as Zodiac tours, nature hikes with certified guides, snorkelling and kayaking.

small cruise lines caribbean

Star Clippers

10 of the best small-ship Caribbean cruises to avoid the crowds - The Times

10 of the best small-ship Caribbean cruises to avoid the crowds.

Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This is a wonderful combination of walking in the lovely Sierra Nevada mountains and then staying in Granada, although we extended our trip to give us 3 days in Gr... This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of the best, thanks to the varied walks, excellent leader, great scene... For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship is a luxury vessel that is part of the Edge-Class Ship owned by Celebrity Cruises. Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada

Ponant's all-inclusive fares (some shore excursions, drinks, internet and gratuities) are competitive and provide high value for money. A small ship cruise around the Caribbean is a completelydifferent experience, allowing you to visit the smaller islands andsecluded bays that the bigger ships can't reach. On sleepy islandslike Bequia and Tobago you'll encounter none of the hassle thatplagues the more mainstream islands, and you'll find idyllicbeaches and lush rainforests still largely unsullied by masstourism. The 184-guest Le Bellot is a modern, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic and Caribbean. She offers an upscale onboard ambiance, impressive service, and an engaging expedition program of both onboard lectures and off-ship excursions.

Exploring The Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Small Ship Cruises

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; small-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 249 or fewer passengers. Best for included shore excursionsGroup activities and trips in port can hike the cost of even the most budget-friendly cruise.

The ship comes equipped with all you’ll need to explore Caribbean ports, with kayaks, Zodiacs, e-bikes and paddleboards. Eclipse has two helicopters on board to give guests a real bucket-list experience. Best for feeling like you’re on a yacht Pretend you’re a billionaire aboard your very own yacht by booking a SeaDream Yacht Club cruise. Sharing space with just over 100 guests, you can expect serious pampering, with alfresco movies, double Balinese sunbeds and all kinds of toys available to borrow, from jet skis to bikes for impromptu rides ashore. 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.

of the best small ship cruises to the Caribbean

Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip. Experience ultimate relaxation in the Caribbean, an idyllic destination that offers something for everyone. From the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico to the lush rainforests and mountain trails, each island boasts its own unique charm. Best for smaller portsBigger is definitely not better when it comes to squeezing into some of the Caribbean’s smallest and most picturesque ports. Emerald Cruises’ sleek 110m-long Sakara holds just 100 guests (and 76 crew) so its Eastern Caribbean voyage can dock at some of the region’s least-visited islands. Mayreau Island is just one and a half square miles, has no proper roads and just a single unnamed village, but plenty of powder-soft white beaches you’re likely to have all to yourself.

Temperatures rise and rain becomes more likelyas you head towards the summer months, though downpours tend to beshort and sharp. Hurricane season officially runs from 1 June to 30November, and the peak usually comes in August and September, bywhich time you're unlikely to find many cruise ships in theCaribbean. The most convenient Caribbean gateway for UK cruisers isBarbados, with regular direct flights from both Gatwick andManchester. You can also fly direct to Miami and Fort Lauderdale,both of which serve as turnaround ports for many Caribbean cruises,though you will of course have to contend with the joys of USimmigration.

The one-of-a-kind, four-masted Sea Cloud was originally commissioned as a private luxury yacht by multi-millionaire Wall Street titan E. Hutton's extravagant heiress and businesswoman wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post, oversaw the ship's interior design, outfitting it in marble, mahogany and gold-plated fixtures. Lindblad's newest 128-passenger ships, National Geographic Resolution (2021) and National Geographic Endurance (2020), were built for hard-core exploration in the polar regions they call home. Of course, the best small ship for you may depend on where you wish to sail and whether you're looking for a relaxing yacht-like experience or a rugged adventure.

Though ships around the world were grounded, readers still recalled fun times at sea as they rated the world's top small-ship ocean cruise lines. Best for cruise and stayMake the most of a holiday in paradise by staying as long as possible. Banish the jet lag with seven lazy days poolside in Barbados then board the Royal Clipper, a five-masted ship that resembles a traditional tall ship and holds just 227 passengers.

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.

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