This lush volcanic island has many unique attractions including the drive-in volcano, sulphur springs and lush botanical gardens. The port of St Thomas is a cosmopolitan cruise hub with room for six ships. With your family or in a group, you can have a wonderful time visiting St. Maarten. Amber Cove offers a day of sand, sea and watersports in a private beach resort atmosphere as part of Eastern Caribbean cruises. Other useful souvenirs of your Eastern Caribbean cruise include spices, hot sauces and delicious Tortuga Rum Cake. Were here to help by giving you insight into the 10 best Eastern Caribbean ports of call (in our opinion!). Families in particular enjoy Carnival's affordable and flexible itineraries: Caribbean cruises range from two to 14 days, and you can find trips for less than $200 per person. Nassau and Freeport are typical ports of call. Now we're back where we started with you booking a Caribbean cruise that works for you and your travel group. Alternatively, the French cuisine served in the gourmet restaurants in Grand Case is well worth the 30-minute taxi ride. Travelers can also indulge in a few cocktails at 11 bars and lounges. Typically disembarking from port cities within the Southeastern U.S., many major cruise lines feature Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Galveston, and New Orleans. 12 Best Caribbean Cruises of 2019 | ShermansTravel Royal Caribbean takes world's largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas out . You may not see them, but you will certainly hear their calls. BVI is a place of quiet beauty, beautiful beaches and great snorkeling and scuba diving. If you find a lower price online, well match it! Besides the excellent shopping in Philipsburg and Marigot, there are also lovely beaches on the island. THE WORLD'S BEST FAMILY VACATION Introducing the new Icon of the Seas, a whole new class of Royal Caribbean adventure. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1690, is one of the best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. Come nighttime, cruisers can unwind at the alfresco Sky Bar, try their luck at the casino or enjoy a movie or dancing under the stars. How to Choose a Caribbean Cruise Itinerary - TripSavvy . Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Whether you set sail for a long weekend or 10 blissful days, the area beckons with soft sand beaches, swaying palms, sparkling waters and plenty of sunshine. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Grand Turk without booking a tour. Cruise visitors can spend an easy afternoon at a good assortment of public beaches near the cruise port. Ovationsails throughout NorthernEurope,the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and more. While most of the season offers moderate fares, if your cruise dates are limited to holiday breaks, be prepared for prices close to double what youd pay during the few weeks before that. Privacy Policies Holland America For a weeklong getaway, hop aboard this seven-day Eastern Caribbean trip from Holland America. Golf, submarine rides underwater, as well as seaplane and helicopter rides over the ocean, are other popular St. Thomas excursions. And instead of a buffet or a dining hall, the Scarlet Lady offers a collection of more than 20 specialty restaurants, all covered by the cruise fare. THE WORLD'S BEST FAMILY HOLIDAY Introducing the new Icon of the Seas, a whole new class of Royal Caribbean adventure. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What is the best month to cruise the Caribbean? Royal Caribbean's Health & Safety Protocols, CruiseDirect Exclusive: Up to $500 Visa Gift Card, Exclusive: $50 Onboard Credit Per Stateroom, CruiseDirect Exclusive: Up to $1,000 Visa Gift Card. Passengers also have a variety of eateries to choose from, including The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves steakhouse classics created by its namesake Michelin-starred chef. Fort Bay beach, also known as Millers Beach, is a 10-minute drive by taxi from the cruise port at St. Johns. Best Eastern Caribbean Cruises Visit some of the region's best-known islands, including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Antigua. Simply the Best Deal Guarantee, Or we refund 115% of Difference! In addition to offering character greetings and waterslides, the island boasts less-congested beaches and prime snorkeling. 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up; What to pack for your first cruise . The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Other attractions include the famous (and clothing optional) Orient Bay beach and the French towns of Marigot and Grand Case, which have the best restaurants on the island. Burn off those cruise buffets by climbing the famous 99 steps (there are actually 103!) Explore Cruises Bahamas Cruises | Southern Caribbean | Tropical Caribbean | Western Caribbean Featured Eastern Caribbean Cruise Destinations Each Eastern Caribbean destination gives the perfect balance of beach relaxation and sightseeing. Dont forget your camera when you visit St. Kitts. Tours are also the easiest way for those interested in military history to visit Brimstone Hill Fortress. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. Caribbean Princess Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic Amenities range from complimentary fitness classes to spa and salon treatments to a deck with private cabanas and a whirlpool. The ship also offers transatlantic itineraries. the famous hymn Amazing Grace. If youre dreaming of a tropical vacation, a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean delivers. That's the Eastern Caribbean cruise experience. She prefers shore excursions involving history, wine or wildlife. Prebook a cruise excursion snorkeling and diving, kayaking or swimming with stingrays in the clear warm waters on the coral reef. 15 Best Cruises to the Caribbean | U.S. News Travel Related: The 9 best fall cruise itineraries. This small but beautiful island has fewer attractions, although visitors are more likely to go because of cruises and for quiet overnight vacations. Embark on a rum tasting experience at the Casa Bacardi Rum Factory, where they pride themselves on their sugarcane formula. Look particularly at last-minute options and those first two weeks in December. If there are cruise lines or specific ships you would like to try, winter in the Caribbean is an ideal time to test them out especially luxury and premium lines that often feature lower prices on Caribbean sailings than on their cruises elsewhere in the world. CruiseBooking.com, 5353 Conroy Road, Suite 200 Orlando Florida 32811, USA. Standouts include Extra Virgin, a traditional Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, and Gunbae, a Korean barbecue eatery. Wonder of the Seas sails to ports in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The world's biggest cruise ship is almost ready | CNN Best Eastern Caribbean Cruises 2023 & 2024 | Celebrity Cruises Home Destinations Caribbean Cruises Eastern Caribbean Cruise Eastern Caribbean Cruise Highlights Lounge on Pristine Beaches It wouldn't be a Caribbean cruise without dazzling white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and aqua-adventures. the exhilarating Dragons Breath Zip Line at around 40mph. One of St. Kitts' unique features makes it one of the most appealing Caribbean islands. Catamaran tours offer the chance to see the islands twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, from the sea while the Rainforest Aerial Tram Tour sails through the treetops. Its main draw is its plush, numerous, all-inclusive resorts on fantastic white sand beaches. A kayak tour of Fajardo's bioluminescent bay might be a good way to spend your overnight in San Juan. Beaches are a short stroll or bus ride from the port. Eastern Caribbean Cruises: Cruise to Eastern Caribbean | Royal This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Cruise review , rated 3.8 out of 5 stars by member donshell6 You might want to consider a shore excursion to escape the crowded pier area! No island in the region has more visitors than the Bahamas because of numerous tourist attractions, recreational activities and shopping opportunities. If your aim is to cruise with your own children while they are on break, there are plenty of ships with age-appropriate facilities. The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet and reach up to 243 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Trek up the mountain as part of a guided tour then ride down Many rooms also offer private verandas. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Relax on gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, discover the ancient treasures of the Mayans, or let your cares melt away while relaxing to steel drum melodies. To find out, U.S. News used a methodology that factors in each cruise line's variety, number and percentage of Caribbean itineraries, along with approval ratings among experts and travelers, to compile this list of the best cruise lines sailing to the Caribbean. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet. Picture yourself shopping for unique gifts after your snorkel excursion or before your spa appointment instead of slogging through slushy mall parking lots with the tip of your nose threatening to freeze, and I think you'll agree. Instead of Broadway classics, cruisers will be treated to six original shows, along with "micro plays" that are performed throughout the ship. A pleasant blend of old and new, the compact colonial city is just a short stroll from the pier. Cruise Line Travel Awaits Best of Travel 2022 (Top 10) The sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean are calling. gardens without the crowds. Travel Best Cruises to the Caribbean U.S. News ranks 87 Best Cruises to the Caribbean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. The main cruise port at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, is one of the most popular duty-free shopping meccas in the Caribbean. Coral ledges and walls provide excellent snorkeling and diving or book a Snorkel and Sail experience around nearby St John for a relaxing half-day on the water. November feels like a bonus cruise month. At the north end of the island sits magnificent Mont Pele, an active volcano. Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico and more. Related: Top Things to Do in St. Lucia While on a Cruise. One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. Debuted in October 2021, the Scarlet Lady boasts a collection of unique amenities not often found on cruise ships, including a tattoo studio, a record shop and a blow-dry bar. For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. The best eastern Caribbean cruise ports are close and convenient for many people living in the United States, which makes them a tempting choice for someone going on their first cruise. If youre interested in island hopping, a Carnival cruise is the perfect option. Best Time to Cruise the Eastern Caribbean. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. It is one of the best in the Caribbean because of its size and atmosphere. Dont forget indoor activities such as laser tag and ice skating. Future sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean and the Netherlands. Port of Call: Miami - Florida, Nassau - Bahamas, Labadee - Haiti, Miami - Florida (Itinerary Details), Payment plans with no late fees or surprises when booking with Uplift, Ship: Freedom of the Seas (Ship Info), Port of Call: Miami - Florida, Puerto Plata - Dominican Rep, Miami - Florida (Itinerary Details), Redeem your future cruise credit with CruiseDirect. U.S. News ranks 87 Best Cruises to the Caribbean based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. The multi-island jaunt takes you through Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. Must-dos in the Turks and Caicos Islands: Spend the day swimming and sunning at Governors Beach onGrand Turk. iCruise.com has the best cruise deals, with offers on 2023 cruises and beyond. Just a short stroll from the pier lies this pleasant colonial city with a mixture of old and new. Boat charters, catamaran trips and lagoon kayaking trips can all be booked from your cruise excursion desk as part of your Eastern Caribbean cruise. The average highs for these islands stay in the 80s even during the winter months, which make them popular with hotel and cruise visitors alike. Take a luxury sail off the shores of Freeport, or navigate Lucayan National Park by kayak. At night, a section of the ship called The District transforms into an adult oasis with host of bars and lounges. One of the Edge's most noteworthy venues is the Magic Carpet the world's first cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. An almost perfectly scattered arc of islands, ringing sparkling tropical waters this is what awaits you on cruises to the Eastern Caribbean .