Cruising is an awesome way to visit the Caribbean Islands. Here, our favorite itineraries.
By: Sherri EisenbergIf you have five nights:
SeaDream II SeaDream Yacht Club
This sailing on a small 110-passenger ship cruises from St. Thomas to Anguilla, St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. It’s a truly beautiful sail around smaller ports that larger vessels just can’t reach. In addition, the ship overnights in St. Barts so you can take advantage of the glam nightlife scene.
Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club
Highlights: Prepare to have your mind blown: these islands have some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. The ship itself is decidedly romantic for an older, smaller vessel. The daybeds on the top deck are great for sunbathing and stargazing (five-night cruises start at $2,999 per person and include meals and some activities; seadream.com).
If you have six nights:
Norwegian Getaway Norwegian Cruise Line
The line’s newest ship sails from Miami, and the decor and amenities onboard reflect the home port. Think Latin dancing and Cuban coffee. The itinerary stops at St. Martin, St. Thomas and Nassau, Bahamas.
Highlights: If the salt air makes you crave seafood, you’ll find plenty of it on this ship. There’s a clam bar on deck and a high-end seafood restaurant with a raw bar, all of which are helmed by Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian. The mojito bar serves a long list of takes on this popular minty concoction and, best of all, has outdoor seating (six-night cruises start at $449 per person and include meals and some activities; ncl.com).
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Regal Princess Princess Cruises
This ship — the newest in the feet — sails out of Fort Lauderdale on an eastern Caribbean itinerary that takes you to St. Martin, St. Thomas, and the line’s private island in the Bahamas.
Photos courtesy of Princess Cruises
Highlights: Princess Cruises, most famous for being involved with TV’s “The Love Boat,” is quite tasteful. A real standout: the proper pizza restaurant, with brick oven pies topped with fresh mozzarella and basil (six-night cruises start at $699 per person and include meals and some activities; princesscruises.com).
