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Discover the tiny islands andsecluded beaches that the big ships can't reach with our pick ofthe best small ship cruises to theCaribbean. Like any good expedition ship, Ocean Victory has one lounge dedicated to lectures with large flat screens to view presentations. You'll find an ocean-view fitness center, a small spa and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs. Its sizable expedition team, which can number 18 on select voyages, comprises seasoned authorities in a wide range of fields, such as geology, whale communications and photography. Team members lead complimentary excursions on sea kayaks and 18 Zodiacs so passengers can experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife up close. The windowed fitness center and spa area includes an ocean-view sauna and the infinity pool at the back of Deck 5 boasts killer views.
Small Ship CARIBBEAN CRUISES

They also call on more established isles like St. Lucia, St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Culinary-focused European river cruises have become a popular way for food and travel enthusiasts to explore the... Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives. Swan Hellenic's compact, well-laid-out SH Vega is built for expedition cruising with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull.
Discover Moorish Spain
Yet we often hear people writing the Caribbean off, lumping allof the islands together based on bad past experiences or somehorror story they've heard from a friend. As with so manypreconceptions about cruising, this negative view of the Caribbeantends to come from the world of mainstream megaships. Aboard a luxury small ship, cruise round-trip from Belize City to discover the lush landscapes and hypnotic shores of Honduras and Belize. Enjoy opportunities to dive, interact with locals, and seek wildlife in mangroves, rainforest, along beaches and under water.
Best for Expedition Cruises
She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Night Caribbean CruiseDetails
Among the larger ships on our list, Viking's new 378-passenger Viking Octantis (along with sister Viking Polaris) was designed to explore the polar regions with some pretty cool features, including a large two-level garage called the Hangar. The ships also feature a gym, yoga studio, spa, ocean-view saunas, library and two dining venues. If you're like me and find that bigger isn't always better, this list is for you. Here are 18 of the world's best ocean-going small cruise ships, both older and new. Each carries fewer than 400 passengers and all are ideal for your next intimately sized travel adventure. In the 2023 voting, readers gave high marks to established brands that have reinvigorated their offerings.
Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024 - Condé Nast Traveler
Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024.
Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For cocktails, head to either of two piano bars, the Dome Observation Lounge or the Atlas Lounge, just outside the lecture theatre. Seabourn's large expedition team leads daily complimentary excursions, such as Zodiac sightseeing tours, shore walks, hikes, snorkeling and kayak outings. There's an impressive spa, salon and gym with panoramic ocean views and several lounges for drinks (always included) and lectures. On board, many rooms are veranda suites measuring 356 square feet (including a private balcony), all with marble baths. The largest Grand and Owner's suites are massive multi-room affairs with huge private verandas.
Windward Ways & Tobago Cays
The new high-tech expedition ships, outfitted with the latest hardware and design touches, are incredibly appealing. However, I also adore certain older small ships for their heritage and atmosphere. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views of big ridges and high peaks. If you need a designated kids' club and tons of onboard activities to keep your family entertained, you might want to select a larger ship.
During the summer, it cruises the Mediterranean along the French and Italian rivieras and explores the coast of Croatia and the Canary Islands. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible. Magical islands, heavenly settings and an easygoing lifestyle… welcome to the Caribbean! It is hard to resist the charm of these islands afloat on a turquoise and indigo sea, where time seems to stand still. Between coral reefs and mountainous reliefs, gentle sea turtles and vibrant flora, this region contains so many natural treasures; an exceptional ecosystem both on land and at sea. A vast territory, a cultural heritage dating back thousands of years and unspoiled nature.
Boston Sights, Warm Caribbean Nights
Water sports include an inflatable trampoline, paddle-boards and kayaks and the ship has Zodiacs for wildlife spotting and shore excursions. There are also longer two-week voyages encompassing both the above regions, includinground-trip Barbados sailings. Our Caribbean small ships offer a bright and airy atmosphere, bold colors, elegant decor and plentiful deck space perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of this sun-soaked region. Expedition ships feature sophisticated launch platforms, hydrophones and an underwater camera. Caribbean sailing vacations aboard small ships offer opportunities for off-the-boat exploration that typical large Caribbean Sea cruisers can’t provide.
You can build an a la carte vacation or pay upfront for an easy trip that includes an open bar, unlimited Wi-Fi and included crew gratuities. The expansive wooden sun decks on Wind Star and Wind Spirit make you want to be on topside as much as possible to enjoy the yachting life. Each has multiple dining options, both indoor and on deck, including a weekly barbecue on deck under the stars. The line's iconic weekly beach barbecue on a remote stretch of sand, complete with Champagne and caviar in the surf, is a cruise highlight on all itineraries.
The food is excellent and served both on the romantic outdoor decks and inside the cozy restaurant. SeaDream Yacht Club's 40-year-old ships may not be new, but they're still some of the prettiest classic luxury yachts afloat. However, they're spacious, recently refurbished, and feature wood details that evoke a classic nautical feel. I'm drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no lines to wait in or crowds to contend with on board.
Norwegian-based cruise line Hurtigruten plies the poles with 16 ships of varying sizes. The fleet's latest vessels -- the 530-passenger MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen -- are eco-friendly hybrid propulsion ships that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent. The ships feature suites and cabins with balconies, as well as ocean-view cabins. Just launched, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is an excitingnew cruise line that promises to bring the Ritz-Carlton brand ofluxury to the oceans for the first time. The stylish yachts of French cruise line Ponant are a greatchoice for something a bit different. As you might expect,the French Caribbean features prominently in their programme,with unusual turnaround ports including the island of Martiniqueand Cayenne, capital of French Guiana.
However, if you've got independent older kids or teens that have no trouble keeping themselves entertained and aren't looking to meet their peers onboard, a small ship might work out just fine. However, you are more apt to feel the movement of the sea on a small ship than a larger one. Most people find "lullaby" waves -- those that gently rock the ship to and fro -- soothing. But, in bad weather with rough seas, the rocking can be more intense and stomach-churning for some individuals. Most itineraries embark/disembark from places like Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Marigot, St. Martin; and even Fort Lauderdale in the United States.
Be sure to visit Salt Whistle Bay, where the bath-warm Caribbean is separated from the churning Atlantic by a slim strip of sand. Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
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