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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Transatlantic Fashion Week Cruise

The scoop: Fashion designers, historians, and photographers will be onboard for a week of activities including runway shows, fashion presentations, and photography exhibitions. Get ready for the catwalk with fashion and styling workshops (head to toe, let your whole body talk).
Dates: September 2-9, 2018
Ship: Cunard Queen Mary 2 Port of Departure: Southampton, UK Itinerary: New York, NY Website: cunard.com

2018 Hawaiian Running Cruise

The scoop: If you’re going to run on vacation, you might as well do it with a view of Hawaii. Explore the Hawaiian Islands by running (walking is okay too) a 5K or a half marathon in Maui, and a 5K or 10K in Kona on the Big Island. For a change of pace, explore trails in Kauai or hike to the Kilauea Iki crater in Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dates: September 15-22, 2018
Ship: Norwegian Pride of America
Port of Departure: Honolulu, HI
Itinerary: Maui; Hilo, Kona, Big Islands; Kauai
Website: runningcruise.com

The Sci-Fi Sea Cruise

The scoop: The 21st annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who — guests from the show’s long run include Wendy Padbury, Ian McNeice and Frazer Hines. Join fellow Whovians for the cruise’s first trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Dates: September 21-28, 2018
Ship: Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
Port of Departure: Seattle, WA
Itinerary: Astoria, OR; San Francisco, CA; Victoria, B.C.
Website: scificruise.com

Amazon River Cruise with Jean-Michel Cousteau

The scoop: Touring the Amazon River is an adventurer’s dream, but having the opportunity to do so with a professional explorer and film producer takes this cruise to the next level. Jean-Michel Cousteau will be on hand to teach about environmentalism and conservation as you tour the jungles of the Amazon. On board, Cousteau will offer stories and lessons from his adventures.
Dates: October 5-12, 2018 (3- and 4-night packages also available)
Ship: Aria Amazon
Port of Departure: Iquitos, Peru
Itinerary: Nauta, Peru
Website: aquaexpeditions.com

Legends in Blue Cruise

The scoop: What better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series victory than to spend time with members of the 1988 team? Mike Marshall, Derrel Thomas and Dennis Powell will be on hand, and fans can fill their days with activities such as Home Run Trivia Kings and “A Day to Remember” — highlights from the championship-clinching game.
Dates: October 18-22, 2018
Ship: Ruby Princess
Port of departure: Los Angeles, CA
Itinerary: Catalina Island, CA; Ensenada, Mexico
Website: grouptravel.travelstore.com

Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager

The scoop: Do you find lounging by the pool with a drink a little too relaxing? If you think a cruise would be more exciting with body slams and pile drivers, the Rock N’ Wrestling Rager is for you. Host Chris Jericho joins wrestling legends like Mick Foley and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat for four nights of podcasts, meet-and-greets and even a wrestling tournament.
Dates: October 27-31, 2018
Ship: Norwegian Jade
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: chrisjerichocruise.com

The New York Times Christmas Markets of the Danube

The scoop: Experience Europe’s Danube River and the special markets that operate only at Christmastime. Excursions include guided tours and bike rides through several European cities. And, since this is a cruise hosted by The New York Times, Maureen Dowd and Andrew Rosenthal will be onboard to talk politics and current events.
Dates: December 10-20, 2018
Ship: Crystal Mozart
Port of Departure: Vienna, Austria
Itinerary: Melk, Linz, Krems (Austria); Passau (Germany); Bratislava (Slovakia)
Website: nytimes.com

Star Trek : The Cruise III

The scoop: Trekkies can join fellow fans for a variety of theme nights including “Risa’s Festival of the Moon Party,” and a costume ball where Trekkies can show off their most outrageous tributes. Of course, fans can also expect guests from Star Trek’s history including Jonathan Frakes and Wil Wheaton, as well as music from Thomas Dolby.
Dates: January 4-10, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Jade
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Great Stirrup Cay, Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Falmouth (Jamaica)
Website: startrekthecruise.com

The Walking Dead Walker Stalker Cruise

The scoop: The Walking Dead fans can rub shoulders with stars from the show like Norman Reedus (Daryl). Full details have yet to be announced, but based on past cruises, fans can expect autograph sessions, panels and meet-and-greets. Much like the show, all things must come to an end — this is the final Walker Stalker cruise.
Dates: February 21-25, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of Departure: Tampa, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: walkerstalkercruise.com

Ante Up Poker Cruise

The scoop: The highs (and lows) of playing slots on a cruise is always fun, but if you’re a little more serious about gambling, this is the themed cruise for you. With multiple tournaments, you can easily find a level of play that you’re comfortable with. Not ready to take on the pros? Free poker classes can help you get ready for the big leagues.
Dates: February 25-March 13, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Cartagena (Colombia); Colon (Panama); Puntarenas (Costa Rica); Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala); Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
Website: anteupmagazine.com

Holistic Holiday at Sea XVI

The scoop: Vegans, rejoice: With expertly trained chefs and waiters aboard, you won’t have to worry about what’s for dinner. This 11-day cruise specializes in vegan meals, as well as accommodating special diets such as macrobiotic, raw and gluten-free. Want to continue your healthy habits at home? Cooking classes taught by internationally known chefs are offered throughout the cruise.
Dates: March 3-14, 2019
Ship: MSC Divina
Port of Departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Ocho Rios (Jamaica); Oranjestad (Aruba); Cartagena (Colombia); Colon (Panama); Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico)
Website: atasteofhealth.org

2019 Hawaii Golf Cruise

The scoop: Test your skills at some of the best golf courses in Hawaii, like The Plantation Course on Maui, and Poipu Bay on Kauai, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Island transportation, green fees and cart rental are included in the cruise fare, and non-golfing companions are welcome.
Dates: May 18-25, 2019
Ship: NCL Pride of America
Port of Departure: Honolulu (Oahu)
Itinerary: Kahului (Maui); Hilo (Big Island); Kona (Big Island); Nawiliwili (Kauai)
Website: golfahoy.com

Grand Prix & Cannes Voyage

The scoop: Some of us are content to watch NASCAR and the Oscars at home. This themed cruise — overnighting first at the Cannes Film Festival, and then at the Monte- Carlo Grand Prix — is more for those who would rather experience the action in person. Sorrento and Barcelona round out the culture-packed itinerary.
Dates: May 18-28, 2019
Ship: Azamara Journey
Port of Departure: Rome, Italy
Itinerary: Sorrento, Portoferraio, Livorno (Italy); Cannes and Corsica (France), Monte-Carlo, Monaco; Barcelona, Spain
Website: azamaraclubcruises.com

2019 Cooking at Sea Cruise

The scoop: Celebrity Chefs Francine Roberts Bryson (winner of the National Pie Championship) and Erik Holdo host a Latin-inspired cooking cruise complete with a stop in Havana, Cuba, where passengers can experience Cuban cuisine and nightlife.
Dates: June 10-15, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas
Port of Departure: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Key West, FL; Havana, Cuba
Website: southernsailings.com

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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 Cruises‘ Star 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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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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Few destinations are as romantic as the tropics and there is no more romantic way to see them than from the welcoming decks of a Windstar yacht. The all-inclusive tropics package features three FREE shore excursions, a FREE private event, FREE alcohol beverage package and unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities. Discover the hidden harbors and secluded coves of Tahiti, the Caribbean, Panama or Costa Rica in the company of fewer than 300 guests. Experience local cultures and cuisines and indulge in an exclusive complimentary private event on every tropics voyage. Find isolated beaches, breathtaking shorelines, crystal-clear waters in mesmerizing shades of blue all while enveloped in the warm tropical sun.

Book your trip to paradise today. This offer expires September 18, 2015. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com

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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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Foodies, we’ve found an amazing cruising event for you. “Royal Chef” Darren McGrady will be the star attraction on Windstar Cruise’s “Private Event” program in 2015. McGrady was the chef to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II; Diana, Princess of Wales; and Princes William and Harry for 15 years.

McGrady will join Windstar’s June 19 sailing where he’ll host an afternoon tea and share his favorite recipes. The event will take place at a 13th century castle and include a performance from a Welsh choir. Back on the ship that evening, McGrady will prepare a three-course meal for guests.

Additional celebrity hosts for different Windstar cruises will be announced in the coming months.

For more information including rates and itineraries, contact a travel professional or call Windstar at 800-258-7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

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Thinking of booking travel on Windstar Cruises next year? The cruise line has just announced its 2016 lineup of voyages. Among the highlights are a first-time sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, select voyages to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and resumed travel to Little Bay, Montserrat.

Here’s a look at Windstar’s new voyages for 2016, according to the company’s official announcement:

New 2016 Caribbean Voyages

San Juan & the Virgin Islands — 7 Days: Round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, including Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico and Montserrat.

Gems of the Leeward Islands — 10 Days: Nine different ports round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Highlights include an overnight in Virgin Gorda, BVI.

Caribbean Hideaways — 7 Days: Sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Bridgetown, Barbados (or reverse). Highlights include Montserrat and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Best of the ABC Islands — 7 Days: The voyages begin in Bridgetown, Barbados, and sail to Oranjestad, Aruba (or reverse) and feature Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Dutch Delights & Rainforest Retreats — 14 Days: Starting in Oranjestad, Aruba, and sailing to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, this 2-week voyage features a Panama Canal transit and Cartagena, Colombia.

Icons of the Dutch Caribbean — 7-8 Days: Discover all there is to love about the Dutch Caribbean: world-class diving and windsurfing, pastel-colored towns and a relaxed ambience that perfectly complements Windstar. Starting in Colon, Panama, and finishing in Philipsburg, St. Maarten (or reverse), this itinerary stops in Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; and Bonaire.

Secrets of the Southern Caribbean — 7 Days: The voyage begins in Colon, Panama, and cruises to Oranjestad, Aruba, with stops in Colombia and the ABC Islands.

New 2016 Central America Voyages

Naturally Costa Rica — 7 Days: Highlights include a stop in Quepos to visit Manuel Antonio National Park and a visit to Nicaragua.

New 2016 Northern European Voyages

Around Iceland — 7 Days: This round-trip voyage from Reykjavik features many Icelandic gems, including an overnight in Seydisfjordur and a stop at Akureyri.

Lands of the Midnight Sun — 11 Days: Sailing from Dublin, Ireland, to Reykjavik, Iceland. Highlights include Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Molde, Norway.

New 2016 Mediterranean Voyages

Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco — 8 Days: Sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona (or reverse), this voyage features stops in Ibiza and Tarragona, Spain.

For a full list of voyages, visit Windstar’s website.

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

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