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You'll be hard-pressed to find a cruise line that does not sail to the Caribbean at least for a few months a year. The big-ship lines will station multiple ships in this region year-round, with additional ships swinging by during the colder months. You can find departures from ports as far west as Galveston and as far north as the New York area, but the majority of true Eastern Caribbean cruises set sail from Florida or Puerto Rico. In addition to Patagonia’s wild charms, you’ll have a chance to explore snow-capped Osorno Volcano, towering over the cobalt-blue waters of Chile’s Lake District. Take tango classes in sultry Buenos Aires, or join a guided tour of the dazzling street art in Valparaiso. In 2024, you’ll find thrilling voyages between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Valparaiso, Chile in South America.
Top 10 Most Popular Cruise Destinations for 2024 - Virgin Voyages
Top 10 Most Popular Cruise Destinations for 2024.
Posted: Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on American Queen Voyages' American Countess
From June through December, Carnival Venezia will sail one eight-day Bahamas voyage that includes Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay, with prices starting from $484 per person for an inside cabin. During that time, the vessel is also scheduled to run five eight-day Eastern Caribbean cruises calling on Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, with fares starting at $684 per person for an inside cabin. It's no secret that American Queen Voyages has been sailing U.S. rivers for years. But what makes this particular itinerary special is that it will be the line's longest ever. The 23-day cruises, which include travel on both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, will be offered on the line's newest ship, the 245-passenger American Countess.
Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary
Which itinerary is best for you will depend primarily on which port you want to depart from and how long a vacation you can take. Once you see the options that fit your parameters, you'll want to look at how many port stops versus sea days an itinerary has and which specific islands you'll visit. Most of Celebrity’s cruise itineraries include an overnight stay in Reykjavik, allowing you to enjoy plenty of time in the Icelandic capital, and perhaps get a glimpse of this natural wonder.
Why cruise to the Caribbean?
The falls provide a unique experience to connect with Jamaica’s natural landscape, offering a memorable adventure that is both exhilarating and grounding. Booking a cruise is more than just a vacation; it’s an adventure that unfolds on the open sea, leading you to the world’s most enchanting destinations. Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean just offshore from Playa del Carmen and just south of Cancun. You can head to the beach, go scuba diving or snorkeling or head to the mainland to see Mayan cultural sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza. Stick around town to find cheap drinks at Senor Frog's or shop for souvenirs.
A single cruise line might call at 20 to 30 different ports in the Caribbean. Although you might think they all look like stock photos of white sand beaches with palm trees and blue skies, each island has its own look, culture and vibe. I've sailed to a large number of those ports and would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite.
9 Day Cruises
Pack layers and a camera with a zoom lens; this is not the place to rely on your smartphone. When it comes to delicious local specialties and copas with class, it's hard to beat the ports found on a Western Mediterranean itinerary. All the walking you'll do at museums means you can indulge guilt-free, with a glass of local bubbly to buoy your spirits. With much of the world now accessible by cruise ship, it can be hard to pick exactly which destination is right for your vacation. Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.
If you booked a land-based stay, you'd be forced to cancel — or hunker down and wait for the rain and winds to pass. Don’t miss out on your chance to sail to one of the top cruise destinations in 2024. Further north, set sail to the sophisticated Catalonian capital of Barcelona, where the famed works of architect Antoni Gaudi are a magnificent and inspiring sight. In the Balearic islands, unwind on hipster Ibiza, famous for its glorious beaches, nightlife, and spiritual atmosphere.
We offer exclusive pricing for Cruise Critic members and visitors, ensuring you get the best value for your money. SeaDream Yacht Club has two Wine Voyages in 2023, which include vineyard visits in Greece, Italy, and Spain and a winemaker-hosted dinner on the 112-guest Seadream II. The highly regarded intimate-ship line wins frequent accolades from T+L readers for its on-board service and well-appointed vessels. Seabourn Venture, the luxury line’s first 132-suite expedition ship, launched in late summer with itineraries in northern Europe; trips in Japan, the South Pacific, and Antarctica are on tap for 2023.
Each location, from the bustling Grand Canal to the historic Piazza San Marco, offers a piece of Venice’s rich tapestry, inviting you to immerse yourself in its timeless allure. The surrounding rainforest, part of the larger Tongass National Forest, offers adventurous trails and the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument, making Ketchikan a gateway to the natural wonders of Alaska’s landscapes. The Mount Roberts Tramway and the city’s historic district, with its echoes of the gold rush era, provide glimpses into both the natural grandeur and the rich history that define Juneau.
In Lisbon, take the tram up to Bairro Alto, a bohemian enclave at the heart of the city where you’ll find small shops, cafes, and entertainment along each cobblestone street. Explore the diverse coral reefs underwater during a snorkeling or scuba session. Discover ancient Mayan ruins in nearby archeological sites, or allow a Mayan shaman to perform a healing ritual and soothe your worries away. From the Bay of Islands, visit otherworldly caves illuminated by the light of millions of glow worms, or paddle a kayak through the bucolic scenery of woodlands, mangroves, and rocky islands. And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s hard to beat the thrill of sailing on a river that humans have masterfully navigated as early as 3,000 B.C.E. The cruise season spans just five months, from mid-November to March, and you'll want to book far in advance so you have time to prepare.
Luxury lovers should look at the smaller ships of the Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas fleets for opulent accommodations and fine dining while sailing the tropics. Oceania, Azamara and Windstar Cruises are less inclusive, but still high end. If you consider the best Caribbean cruise lines to be the ones with the most ship and itinerary choices, look to the big-ship lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Silversea gives Antarctica travelers the option to skip two days of sailing the often-rocky Drake Passage. Instead, they can fly in comfort over the waters separating South America from the continent, then hop aboard the 127-suite Silver Cloud and 100-suite Silver Endeavour for trips along the frosty coastline. Caribbean cruises depart from many port cities, so for some travelers, a few days in a new place before or after the cruise adds to the experience. Cruises can be family-focused or adults-only, and many accommodate all ages with activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, a cruise can fit into your plans.
It's impossible to choose since every island is fringed by talcum-soft sand and warm turquoise water and is home to lively beach bars offering music and tropical cocktails that will make your day in the sun all the more fun. There's a reason that nearly every single cruise line runs cruises to the sunny Eastern Caribbean Islands, including the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten/St. It's there you'll find that glorious turquoise-blue water and white-sand beaches -- like a postcard come to life. We particularly love the best beach in St. Thomas, Magen's Bay Beach, and Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos. This itinerary might very well define the beaten path, but if you're seeking a tan, this is exactly where you belong.
If you're retired and can drive to a port, you can likely find an inside cabin to book just a few weeks prior to sailing. For something a little different, try SeaDream Yacht Club for a super-small ship that feels like a private yacht, complete with an emphasis on alfresco recreation and dining. Star Clippers appeals to sailing enthusiasts with its masted ships, simple entertainment and emphasis on water sports. Western Caribbean itineraries are typically a week, but can be as short as four days (with just one stop in Mexico) or as long as 12 days (though these might include stops in the Bahamas, too). You'll find two main types of Western Caribbean cruises, and both are fabulous introductions to Caribbean culture and attractions. The classic Western Caribbean itinerary visits Mexico (typically Cozumel or Costa Maya), Jamaica, Grand Cayman and a cruise line's private island, which is typically in the Bahamas.
All of these offer superb snorkeling, hiking, dramatic volcanic scenery, and extraordinary wildlife. Marvel at the intricate lock system and see how the water flow is managed to allow massive ships to pass safely through this cut that divides North and South America. Porto offers an equally authentic atmosphere with sites like the dramatic Luis I Bridge that spans the Douro River and the grand old port houses at Vila Nova da Gaia on the opposite bank.
Historic towns, ancient ruins, modern cities, secluded beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals offer something for everyone. The diverse languages and cultures add to the fascination with the Caribbean, and cruises that visit a series of destinations highlight the distinctions among the islands. These lines offer a range of itinerary lengths, port combinations and departure cities from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast. These lines cater to all ages, including older couples and families with children. Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you can plan your trip for the winter holidays, spring break or summer vacation. However, more ships sail this region of the world in the winter, when other destinations (such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canada/New England and Bermuda) are too chilly for vacations at sea.
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