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

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

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

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.

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Silversea Cruises

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

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

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

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

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Today, Turks and Caicos’ diving and snorkeling sites — along with its white-sand beaches — are attracting a whole new generation of travelers. Cruises to Turks and Caicos will have you set foot on a plethora of other nearby Caribbean islands, so venturing here gives you a chance to explore places like San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua, among others.

Here are five of our favorite upcoming itineraries that include opportunities to cruise to Grand Turk.

Southern Caribbean Voyager – Princess Cruises

On this 10-day voyage across the Southern Caribbean, you’ll stop at six ports, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This Princess Cruises cruise will hit Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Grand Turk of Turks and Caicos before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Crown Princess will be the cruise ship hosting you and 3,000 other guests and 1,200 crew members. There are 10 eat-and-drink options, including a steakhouse, Italian cuisine, grilled food, a buffet, a wine bar and a cafe. Trying to stay active? Hit up one of their sports courts (basketball, volleyball or tennis). Tap into your creative side by visiting the photography studio or the art gallery, or spend a little extra at an auction or one of the onboard stores.

Furthermore, across each of the seven ports, including Fort Lauderdale, you’ll have 157 excursions available, with the most (29) being on St. Thomas. From sightseeing and exploring tropical cities to semi-underwater submarine expeditions and snorkeling, you’re sure to find something suitable for you and your party on one of the best Turks and Caicos cruises.

Eastern Caribbean from Miami – Carnival

Carnival Sensation is prepared to take you and your group to three different ports on this five-day roundtrip beginning in Miami, Florida. You’ll hit Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Princess Cays, Bahamas; and Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to the Sunshine State.

This Carnival cruise has 10 eat-and-drink options aboard, including 24-hour room service, a coffee bar, a deli and Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint. Check out the comedy club for some laughs, or escape the noise and hormones by going to the adults-only retreat or by heading over to the spa. Live-music entertainment and a casino are ready for you, too.

At each port, you’ll have the option to embark on a variety of excursions. Go on a clear-bottom kayaking adventure to admire the marine line just below you, or go snorkeling for a personal approach. ATV adventures aren’t out of the question, as you ride through the islands and explore in an energetic, fast-paced way.

Caribbean – P&O Cruises

For 14 nights, travel the Caribbean aboard Azura on this voyage that’ll embark from and return to Bridgetown, Barbados, and stop at eight other ports: St. Vincent; St. Kitts; St. Maarten; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Grenada.

This P&O Cruises adventure includes a full multiple restaurant options, a coffee bar, pools, a spa, a gym, dance classes, a sports deck (for basketball, tennis, golf and shuffleboard, among others) and an art gallery.

If you want to escape the confines of Azura, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to at one of the ports’ many excursions. Go [natural] sightseeing, as you stand in awe at the waterfalls on St. Vincent. Take a railway journey in St. Kitts, or wander through the trees’ canopies on an open-air gondola through the rainforest of St. Lucia. Prefer the waters? Grand Turk offers a chance to sail away on a catamaran and to go snorkeling.

Fort Lauderdale to Bridgetown – Silversea Cruises

Take a one-way trip to Bridgetown, Barbados, on this seven-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Along the way, your voyage will take you to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Kitts and Les Saintes, Guadeloupe.

Aboard Silver Whisper, you’ll join a modest crowd of under 400 passengers with a crew of 302 on this Silverseas Cruises voyage. Onboard, there are four restaurants, the Zagara Beauty Spa and the Zagara Beauty Salon, a card room for tournaments that also doubles as a conference room, a bar, a library, a casino and a fitness center, among other amenities.

When on land, you’ll have access to 45 shore excursions across all ports. On Grand Turk, take to the waters on a catamaran, go snorkeling, and explore beaches. You can also go horseback riding/swimming or segway through Grand Turk. On Puerto Rico, you have a chance to take a culinary walking tour through the rich, cultural city of San Juan, the island’s capital. Go clear-bottom ocean kayaking on Les Saintes, and take a jeep tour on Barbados.

Eastern Caribbean/Western Caribbean – Holland America Line

This 14-day adventure starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, returns there midway through the voyage and ultimately will conclude in the Sunshine State, as you hit eight other ports on this Holland America Line cruise: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West, Florida.

You’ll venture on Veendam with 1,300 other passengers. Onboard, take advantage of the Microsoft Studio to compile memorable photo galleries and videos from your once-in-a-lifetime trip. Treat yourself at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, or stave off the seemingly inevitable poundage at the fitness center. There’s also onboard stores for shopping, a casino and seven eat-and-drink options, including 24-hour room service, Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza.

Shore excursions are sure to keep you busy. On Grand Turk, go on a dune-buggy safari, or take a stroll and a swim by horseback. In San Juan, immerse yourself in boricua culture with a Latin traditions show. Don’t forget to take a driving tour through El Yunque, the island’s national forest. It’d be a shame if you missed out on bioluminescent kayaking, too. When in Cozumel, take a tour through Mayan ruins, and ease your nerves with a tequila tasting and tour afterward.

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Each cruise line goes to great lengths to make sure you’re never bored or without something to do while onboard. From on-ship restaurants and live entertainment, including comedy shows, each ship is tailor-made to ensure each of its guests are having a good time. Here’s our list of the best cruises to Grenada.

Windstar Cruises – Star Legend

Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend will take you on its seven-day “Windward Islands Surf & Sunsets” round-trip itinerary from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to five other ports, including St. George’s, Grenada. Your first stop is Philipsburg, St. Maarten; you’ll then hit Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Grenada and Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines before a day at sea separates you from your return to San Juan.

When in Grenada, try one of the many shore excursions available. They include clear-bottom kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, river-tubing, nutmeg-and-chocolate tours, among others.

Oceania Cruises – Riviera

Cruise to Grenada aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera, as this 14-day voyage will take you from Miami, Florida, to nine ports before returning to the Sunshine State. After leaving Miami, you’ll hit Key West, Florida; then, you’ll hit Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Barts.

In Grenada, do anything from hiking, exploring and clear-bottom kayaking, to name a few activities.

Princess Cruises – Crown Princess

The Crown Princess sails a 10-day “Southern Caribbean Medley” itinerary that departs from Fort Lauderdale and includes stops in the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Curaçao. Grenada options onboard this itinerary include tubing the rapids of the Balthazar River and a trip to the waterfall cascades of Annandale Falls.

Royal Caribbean – Vision of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has plenty of bling to offer guests, including a live orchestra, art auctions, game shows, cooking classes, an arcade, multiple bars, lounges and restaurants, among many other fantastic amenities. Its seven-night Southern Caribbean itinerary leaves from San Juan, Puerto Rico, before hitting Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, ultimately returning to San Juan, making this one of the best Grenada cruises.

Go snorkeling when you get to St. George’s to discover hidden, underwater landmarks you’ll only see there. Learn why Grenada is called the Isle of Spice by visiting the Dougaldston Estate to experience and learn the craft behind harvesting, processing and exporting nutmeg. You also can’t visit St. George’s without trying its food.

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The dog days of summer cruising have arrived — at least in Alaska where a dog sled team earlier this month “pulled” the Ruby Princess into Juneau during her maiden voyage in Southeast Alaska.

The four-dog sled team, driven by Maliko Ubl of TEMSCO Helicopters Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding Tours and Alaska Icefield Expedition, didn’t actually pull the ship. (They might need a few more dogs for that!) Rather, they “mushed” their way alongside the cruise ship. Disembarking guests then had the chance to get a photo with with the pups before leaving for shore excursions.

Princess’ Alaska cruise season features seven ships offering week-long itineraries from the ports of Vancouver, Whittier and Seattle; and 10-day sailings from San Francisco. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Quick! Name the head bartender on the Pacific Princess in the TV series The Love Boat. (If you yelled out Gopher, you need some TV binging time on the couch.) The correct answer, as we know from our homework, is Isaac Washington, played by actor Ted Lange. And Princess Cruises has decided to honor the TV show and Lange by creating a new cocktail fittingly called the Isaac.

The new drink, concocted by Lange himself, debuted on all Princess ships for Valentine’s Day.

“Most people don’t know that while I was serving up drinks on The Love Boat, I also became a licensed bartender in real life,” says Lange, in a Princess media announcement. “If a bartender recognizes me, he or she always wants me to try their special drink. Now, I’m excited for everyone to try my special drink. I know they are going to love it.” (Watch a video of Lange making the Isaac.)

[More news from Princess Cruises | Best Caribbean Cruises for 2015]

To make the Isaac at home, here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. white rum
• 2 oz. pomegranate syrup
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• Splash of club soda
• Lime slices
• 2 pineapple-leaf spears

Preparation: Fill highball glass with 2/3 ice. Into a cocktail shaker, add ice, white rum, pomegranate syrup and lime juice. Shake and strain into highball glass, filling to the top of the ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a fresh lime slice and two pineapple spears.

The post Princess Cruise Pays Homage to ‘The Love Boat’ with ‘Isaac’ Cocktail appeared first on Islands.

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

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