New ships — especially new ships that encourage you to “Choose Fun!” — grab your attention. So when Carnival Horizon debuted in spring 2018 and was christened by its godmother, the one and only Queen Latifah, this 3,960-passenger ship (5,101 at maximum capacity) generated lots of buzz. Add in Carnival Cruise Line’s appeal to budget-conscious cruisers (fares start at $429 per person for six nights in the Western Caribbean from Miami) and affordable fun is very much on the horizon. Want to know if the newest ship in Carnival’s fleet is a good match for you? Read on.

The Playlist Productions Shows Are Terrific

The Food Will Have You Coming Back for More

They Brew Craft Beer Onboard — and It’s Really Good

The Coolest Pool is Only Open to All Guests After 7 P.M.

Leave Your Pool Towels in Your Cabin

If the Ship’s Full You’ll Know It

Related: Best Caribbean Cruises for 2018-2019

Don’t Pay Extra for the Cloud 9 Spa’s Thermal Suite

If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Join ’Em with a Beverage Package

The post 10 Things to Know About the New Carnival Horizon appeared first on Islands.

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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From the first go-cart racetrack to a water slide with a 10-story plummet to a skydiving simulator, these unique cruise attractions mean your days spent at sea will be anything but boring.

SkyRide – Carnival Cruise Line

Take a ride on the closest thing to an actual roller coaster at sea on Carnival Cruise Line’s SkyRide, found on the Carnival Vista. Ride an open-air bicycle-like vehicle around an 800-foot-long track built atop the ship at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. Race your friends while taking in panoramic views of the sea 150 feet below on one of the best cruise ship attractions.

FlowRider – Royal Caribbean

Located on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-, Oasis– and Freedom-class ships, the FlowRider features a surf simulator that generates waves on top of a cushioned platform, mimicking what it’s like to actually surf on the ocean. Catch waves by either standing up or by boogie boarding on one of the best cruise attractions.

Race Track – Norwegian Cruise Line

Take a spin on a two-level Ferrari-branded go-cart racetrack in the middle of the ocean on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy. For the first-ever racetrack at sea, 10 passengers at a time will compete in electric go-carts throughout an 833-foot-long course.

Dr. Seuss WaterWorks Water Park – Carnival Cruise Line

Be greeted by larger-than-life images of Dr. Seuss characters at Dr. Seuss WaterWorks on Carnival Horizon. This family-friendly water park features two slides, including the Cat in the Hat slide with over 450 feet of twists and turns and the Fun Things slide, named after the Thing 1 and Thing 2 duo. The water park also includes a 150-gallon tipping bucket patterned after the Cat’s hat and a kiddie splash zone.

RipCord by iFLY – Royal Caribbean

Skydiving at sea? Yes, it’s a thing. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas both feature RipCord by iFLY, the first-ever cruise ship skydiving simulator. During this gravity-defying adventure, you’ll be suspended midair in a 23-foot-high, glass-enclosed vertical tunnel perched on the top deck of the ship. (Don’t worry, a seasoned pro will be with you the entire time.)

AquaDuck and AquaDunk – Disney Cruise Line

The AquaDuck on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy features a translucent tube so you can see the action as the slide takes fast dips, turns and uphill climbs over the side of the ship. On Disney Magic, the AquaDunk water slide features a three-story vertical drop through a trap door into a translucent tube that shoots out 20 feet over the ship’s side.

Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean

Located aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (the world’s largest cruise ship), the 10-story Ultimate Abyss is the tallest water slide at sea.

Largest Ropes Course at Sea – Norwegian Cruise Line

Found on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape, this three-story, elevated ropes course features 99 different elements, including an exhilarating sky rail where you can glide through the air on zip tracks. This ropes course will test your courage, as it spans the entire width of the ship and even features two planks that extend eight feet from the side of the ship.

The Perfect Storm – Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas features the Perfect Storm’s trio of water slides: two dueling, racing slides called Typhoon and Cyclone and one funnel-shaped tube slide called Supercell. Each slide plummets through a series of twists and turns, starting at the top deck and ending at the pool deck.

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Easy-breezy or culturally curious? Indolent or adventurous? Gregarious or private? Here, we’ve compiled a dozen ships with high-romance IQs sailing to climates from tundra to tropical. Read on to find the best cruises for your honeymoon.

Best Caribbean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze from Carnival

What you’ll love: Newfangled extras here include a water park, a comedy club, a tequila bar and – no kidding – 5-D movies. For some respite, there’s an adults-only deck, too.

Where to take it: Six-day trips to the Eastern Caribbean call at Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, where you can snorkel above a 7,000-foot drop-off. In Jamaica, climb the terraced Dunn’s River Falls, and ride a [snow-free] Jamaican bobsled. At Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, spend the day at Atlantis resort’s water park, or sample conch salad at downtown seafood shacks on one of the best honeymoon cruise packages.

Best Caribbean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 312-passenger Wind Surf from Windstar Cruises

What you’ll love: The five-masted ship anchors in deserted bays where you can go swimming, kayaking or water skiing off the stern’s water-sports platform.

Where to take it: The seven-day Yachtsman’s Caribbean itinerary, a roundtrip from St. Maarten, island-hops in the British Virgin Islands. Go snorkeling on Tortola, swim around the Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda, and have signature Painkiller cocktails on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where an overnight call allows you to party late. Then, slip on your best sundress for a day amid the swanky set on St. Barth.

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette from Celebrity Cruises

What you’ll love: Walk barefoot on the real-grass lawn on the top deck, sample some of the 32 vintages at the wine bar, and take advantage of the DIY scrubs in the water-centric spa.

Where to take it: The eight-night Adriatic cruise starts out in Venice and makes its way around the Italian boot to Rome. En route, walk the walls belting the city of Dubrovnik, and make stops in Rijeka, Split, Corfu, Messina and Naples. In Italy, taste olive oil, cruise the Amalfi Coast, and visit the ruins of Pompeii.

Best Mediterranean Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 49-passenger Panorama from Variety Cruises

What you’ll love: The triple-masted yacht switches to sail power in the right conditions. When it stops in remote coves, you can swim right off the boat.

Where to take it: The eight-day Aegean Odyssey departs from and returns to Athens and visits freewheeling Greek islands, including Mykonos – where the ship overnights, allowing you to sample the area’s ouzo, “mezethes” (appetizers) and legendary nightlife – and Santorini. (Tip: Rent a moped, and hit the black-sand beaches.) Wander around tiny Delos, mythical home of the sun god Apollo, and Ephesus, which has the most magnificent ruins in the region.

Best Pacific Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,138-passenger Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line

What you’ll love: Shipboard diversions range from lei-making lessons with a Hawaiian expert to whale-watching from your balcony.

Where to take it: Based in Hawaii, the Pride visits four major islands on a roundtrip from Honolulu in weeklong tours. An overnight call in Maui allows you to catch the sunrise at Haleakala Crater, to drive the remote road to tranquil Hana or to snorkel offshore at Molokini. Watch the lava flow on the Big Island, and cruise Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast.

Best Pacific Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: The 332-passenger m/s Paul Gauguin from Paul Gauguin Cruises

What you’ll love: Get your scuba training on board, and find Nemo off the stern’s water-sports deck. Wind down afterward with a traditional Polynesian massage.

Where to take it: Tour Tahiti and the Society Islands on a seven-night cruise from Papeete to neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa, where you can visit a black-pearl farm, drift-snorkel or kayak a river canyon. Next, it’s on to legendary Bora Bora to snorkel or sail its blue lagoon.

Best Alaska Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess from Princess Cruises

What you’ll love: Fresh from a dry-dock overhaul, the ship has three new restaurants, an outdoor movie screen and an adults-only sunning area. Don’t miss whale-watching between shots on the nine-hole putting course.

Where to take it: The 15-day Connoisseur Escorted cruise tour in Alaska combines a week afloat and a week in Denali National Park and on the Kenai Peninsula for a thorough exploration of the 49th state. Roam the tundra before sailing to the calving Hubbard Glacier. En route to Vancouver, Canada, canoe on a glacier lake in Juneau and hike a gold-rush trail in Skagway.

Best Alaska Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This ship comes with commodious cabins and extra elbowroom in public spaces. You can stargaze from the hot tub and watch wildlife on the underwater TV channel.

Where to take it: The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay tour from Juneau to Sitka spends three full days inside Glacier Bay National Park, where rangers and guides lead hiking treks and kayaking excursions. The Explorer pokes into passages bigger ships can’t, including Peril Strait, popular with otters, whales and bears, and Chichagof Island, where the coast is lined with waterfalls.

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Big Ship

Ship: the 848-passenger Crystal Symphony from Crystal Cruises

What you’ll love: The ship’s worldly dining options include a sushi bar by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, plus Italian and French restaurants. Sign up for a couples massage in the feng shui-designed spa.

Where to take it Start from Sydney, and venture along Australia’s east coast on this 13-night venture before ultimately concluding your tour in Bali. Along the way, you’ll stop by Airlie Beach, granting access to the Whitsunday Islands. Journey on for an overnight stay in Cairns, and explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. After stopping by Darwin on Day 9, you’ll spend the last three nights in Indonesia.

Best Bucket-list Cruises – Little Ship

Ship: the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II with Lindblad Expeditions

What you’ll love: Passage comes with yours-for-the-duration snorkeling gear, and kayaks are stowed on board for trips to deserted coves. After frolicking, don’t miss a treatment on the floating massage platform.

Where to take it Lindblad pioneered Galápagos Islands cruises, and a staff of five onboard naturalists and National Geographic photo instructors accompany its 10-day trips. Get as active or as lazy as you’d like: Options range from scuba diving to lounging poolside, with plenty of alone time rather than group herding. Catch the early-morning light from the summit of Bartolome Island, swim with a sea lion, and toast the sunset from the top deck.

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Big Ship

Ship: the 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International

What you’ll love: This is the floating home of nonstop wows: boardwalk games, a climbing wall, a surf pool, a 12,000-tree park, water shows with aerial acrobats and a three-level bar.

Where to take it: Eight-day trips to the Caribbean stop in Haiti, where you can gaze up at the ship from sea level aboard a WaveRunner; Falmouth, Jamaica, where you can poke around the gingerbread-trimmed buildings in the historic port; and Cozumel, Mexico, for snorkel stops and tangy margaritas. Best of all, you’ll have three full days at sea.

Best Cruises for Ship Geeks – Little Ship

Ship: the 84-passenger yacht Safari Endeavor from UnCruise Adventures

What you’ll love: This small ship offers a wine bar, hot tubs, a sauna, yoga classes, stand-up paddle-boarding and our favorite: hydrophones for listening to whales.

Where to take it: The Baja’s Bounty itinerary in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez explores the aquarium-like waters east of Baja, home to more than 800 species of fish and 20 kinds of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Though there are occasional shore calls for hiking, it’s largely about life on and in the water on one of the best cruise lines for honeymoons.

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The most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean just got a huge new expansion. Carnival Cruises added a third cruise ship berth to the Cozumel pier at Puerto Maya.

In honor of the occasion, three of the company’s ships – Carnival Breeze, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Triumph – arrived today and became the first trio of ships to use the new three-berth pier.

“Cozumel is the Caribbean’s most visited cruise ship destination and consistently receives high ratings from our guests,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president of global port and destination development for Carnival Corporation. “So the destination is in demand by our guests, and we are excited about officially opening the third berth to our pier, since it gives our brands greater flexibility for visiting Cozumel and more of our guests the opportunity to enjoy the island.”

So what impact will this have? With 3.3 million cruise guests annually, Cozumel is already the busiest cruise destination in the Caribbean. The expanded pier will allow more ships and travelers to call on Cozumel, providing a sizable boost to the local economy.

See our picks for the top Caribbean cruises.

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Tropical Storm Erika‘s was downgraded to a tropical depression on Saturday afternoon, so cruise lines are rethinking the changes they previously announced for their itineraries. Cruise guests traveling to Florida on Monday and Tuesday could still see travel delays as the remnants of the storm pass over the state. Flash flooding is possible in several areas of the state.

Here’s what we know as of Saturday afternoon.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Royal Caribbean has a page devoted to updates. As of Friday, it read: “Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the path and progress of Tropical Storm Erika to ensure guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern. … We encourage guests sailing on Adventures of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas monitor this website for any additional updates.”

CARNIVAL CRUISES
From Carnival: “We’re closely monitoring the storm and will adjust our itineraries to keep our guests, crew and the vessel out of harm’s way.” As of Saturday morning, changes in itineraries were made for:

• Carnival Conquest‘s 8-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Aug. 23-31) with an extra day in San Juan and a stop in Nassau replacing planned stops in St. Maarten and St. Kitts.
• On Carnival Ecstasy‘s 3-day cruise (Aug. 28-31) from Miami, an overnight stay in Nassau will instead depart the port at 5 p.m.
• On Carnival Valor‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 5 cruise from Port Canaveral, the original itinerary has been resored.
• On Carnival Breeze‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 6 cruise from Miami, the original itinerary has been restored.
• On Carnival Fascination‘s Aug. 29-Sept. 3 trip from Jacksonville, Half Moon Cay will be replaced with a day at sea and Freeport will be added to the itinerary (replacing a different day at sea.)

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
NCL has Erika updates on its home page. The latest news: “At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. The company has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Erika and will be adjusting itineraries for Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Sky, to ensure our guests have the best vacation experience possible.”

DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney has a special page for updates, but at this time has made no changes to upcoming trips. “Disney Cruise Line is monitoring the current weather conditions and path of Tropical Storm Erika. At this time, we have made no changes to our itineraries. Should weather conditions change, we can alter the itinerary of our ships to ensure the safety and comfort of our Guests. We will also continue to update this website with any new information as it becomes necessary.”

For the latest on Erika, check for updates on Weather.com.

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CARNIVAL PRIDE

Carnival Cruise Line’s 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will return to the Port of Tampa in January and February 2017. The ship recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation.

Among the new food additions: Guy’s Burger Joint, the full-service Bonsai Sushi and Mexican-specialty spot Blue Iguana Cantina. Another feature we here at Islands magazine absolutely adored on a recent trip is the addition of Alchemy Bar, a pharmacy-themed bar that specializes in craft cocks. (Tip: Order the Basil Drop!) For younger or more daring guests, Carnival Pride now includes the WaterWorks aqua park on deck.

Carnival Pride will offer seven-day cruises from Tampa departing Jan. 15, 22 and 29, and Feb. 19, 2017, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; and George Town, Grand Cayman. The ship also will offer a five-day cruise round-trip from Tampa February 14-19, with stops at Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

For additional information on these voyages, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Related stories: 6 Things You Never Thought You’d Do On A Carnival Cruise | Is This a Cruise Ship or Resort?

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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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