Table Of Content
Crystal Esprit -- Crystal Cruises' 62-passenger yacht -- gets especially high marks for dining, and even offers four distinct dining venues plus room service. If you dream of deserted beaches and castaway islands, a Caribbean cruise can be a shock to the system. On my first cruise from Florida to Puerto Rico, my colossal ship would often dock alongside at least two other equally giant vessels, dwarfing local towns crowded with disembarking passengers. I’ve since returned on smaller ships to destinations including the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines and the difference is startling, with more unusual ports, quiet local villages to explore and almost-empty beaches. True, the ships may not come with water slides and mini golf, but you can usually expect top-notch food and attentive service rather than buffet queues and scrambles for sunloungers.
Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra
Days at sea are full of lectures and presentations from scientific experts and, on some vessels, photographers. Solo travelers can avoid a single supplement by opting for the Request-Share program where they will be matched with a same gender passenger to share a cabin. Don't let the trappings fool you though -- these cruises (indeed all Hurtigruten sailings) are all about nature. Vessels are equipped with small landing craft that take passengers to incredible locations. Passengers are an international mix, and the ships -- which operate in English and Norwegian -- add other languages, such as German or French, if needed.
What Readers Loved
Sailing to worldwide destinations that include Greece, Cuba, the Seychelles, Costa Rica, Panama, West Africa and Cape Verde, the vessels moor in secluded bays and private marinas that are inaccessible to larger ships. The onboard vibe is casual and low-key, with very personal levels of service and the opportunity to dine on deck and swim and snorkel off the back of the ships. The first of its kind to join the Crystal Cruises' fleet, the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit is a luxury yacht with multiple restaurants offering top-notch cuisine, a gym, a spa and an expansive sun deck with a plunge pool and lounge. Its superb crew is consistent with the line's reputation for attention to passengers and detail. Most cabins on Crystal Esprit are a comfortable 280 square feet, with a king bed, lots of high-tech toys and lavish marble bathrooms.
Blue Waters of the Leeward Islands
Be respectful of local cultures and environments, engage with fellow passengers and crew, and take every opportunity to soak in the beauty and vibrancy of the Caribbean. Mediterranean, Baltic and Caribbean SeaDream cruises incorporate hidden-away ports and crew-led activities, which are included in the pricing. Whether you want penguins or polar bears, Quark Expeditions, which specializes in Arctic and Antarctic journeys, is a great choice. The line's newest ship, Ultramarine, has a pair of onboard helicopters, and all six ships in the fleet include kayaking, cross-country skiing and mountaineering equipment (not to mention the ever-present Zodiacs). The line's 128-passenger expedition vessel, 50 Years of Victory, is one of the world's most powerful icebreakers and has nuclear-powered capabilities to go through nearly 10 feet of ice to make the voyage to the North Pole. Topflight naturalists, historians, undersea specialists and expedition leaders accompany each trip; many itineraries also have National Geographic photographers or at least a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor.
Some Caribbean ports, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow cruisers to get off the ship and enter the country without a passport, so check your itinerary and cruise line instructions. That means he or she might be able to arrange for a sunset coastal sailaway so you can snag some amazing pictures, or arrange to stay in port a little longer in order to maximize passengers' time. The schedule, as written in the brochure, can ebb and flow a bit to accommodate on-the-fly situations. Most small-ship cruisers enjoy these spontaneous and serendipitous adventures, so be prepared that not everything will go according to plan.
An open bar contributes to the social atmosphere on board, and watersports from a stern marina when conditions are right are a great perk for active travelers. Escape to the Caribbean and let the beauty of the islands, the warmth of the waters, and the rich culture of the people transport you to a world of pure bliss. Book your Caribbean cruise today and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships.
Find the perfect trip
Celebrity's Galapagos cruise ships combine the line's modern style and focus on service and cuisine with a local, small ship ambience. Destination-oriented features are incorporated into the onboard experience; such as a performance highlighting Ecuadorian folklore on Xpedition and regionally inspired sustainable decor on Flora. The newest ship in the Galapagos fleet also features cabin automation and environmentally friendly systems, including anchorless technology (dynamic positioning) and in-room water filtration stations. Onboard facilities include 10 dining experiences, including a Champagne bar and private dining room for just eight people, the Senses Spa and suites with private hot tubs.
I sailed on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship. Here's what it was really like. - Royal Caribbean Blog
I sailed on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship. Here's what it was really like..
Posted: Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Emerald Cruises
The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler.
Posted: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These activities offer enriching ways to experience the Caribbean's natural beauty and cultural heritage. With the growing awareness of sustainable tourism, many small-ship cruise lines in the Caribbean are committed to minimizing their environmental impact and contributing positively to local communities. They employ practices such as using eco-friendly amenities, reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and educating passengers about responsible tourism. When choosing your cruise line, you might want to consider their commitment to sustainability. The closest you can get to the feeling of having your own private yacht is to sail on one of Variety Cruises' three motorized sailboats -- Absolute King, Monte Carlo and Obsession -- where just 10 passengers are looked after by a crew of six. The rest of fleet comprises eight small vessels, including the 71-passenger flagship Variety Voyager and masted Panorama and Panorama II which cater for 49.
Our Experts Are Your Ticket To A Small Boat Caribbean Cruise Vacation
While entertainment is more low-key compared to larger cruise ships, there is a focus on enrichment activities. Built in response to the growing interest in small ship cruising, Emerald Yacht Cruises is the ocean arm of river cruise operator Emerald Waterways. Its first "super yacht", Emerald Azzurra, has 50 cabins and suites; 88 percent with balconies or terraces. Passengers can relax on the sun deck and take a dip in the infinity-style pool or head to the marina platform to enjoy various water sports. The vessel has spacious cabins percent with private balconies -- along with three dining venues, a spa and water sports marina with activities including kayaking, paddle-boarding and diving. Cruises visit the line's private island of Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha'a, where passengers are greeted with food, drink and live music.
Also, make sure your travel documents are in order and that you have appropriate travel insurance. While the Caribbean is a year-round destination, small-ship cruises can offer unique benefits during the off-peak seasons. The summer and fall, outside the traditional high season of winter and spring, can provide fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, this is also the hurricane season, and while operators take utmost precautions, it's essential to be aware of potential changes in weather conditions. When packing for your cruise, consider the climate, onshore activities, and cruise line's dress code.
Essentials include swimwear, beachwear, casual clothes, and a few smart-casual outfits for dinner. Don't forget sun protection, comfortable footwear for excursions, and any necessary gear for activities such as snorkeling or hiking. Though better known for its big ships, Celebrity Cruises has been a leader in offering Galapagos itineraries on intimate vessels since it first launched the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in 2004. Since then, two more small ships -- the intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration and 100-passenger Celebrity Flora – have joined the fleet. Cruise ships generally head to the Caribbean as winter descendson Europe and North America, with high season running from Decemberthrough to February.
Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements. The portable, custom-made "sea dragon" platform at the stern makes for easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, activities popular with UnCruise's sporty fans. After passing through various owners, Sea Cloud I has spent the last several decades offering casually elegant windjammer cruises to old-ship lovers from Europe and North America. Today, the line's fleet of small ships explores nearly the entire planet, always with an impressive lineup of experts and photographers along for the ride. Lindblad Expeditions has been a leader in small-ship expedition cruising since 1966 when company founder Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expeditions to Antarctica, Easter Island and the Galapagos.
No comments:
Post a Comment