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Enjoy the best days of the year with a clear conscience and positive feeling: For more than 40 years, we have been pursuing the principle of sustainable tourism. Traveling with a small number of guests creates space for great things. Meeting people at eye-level in the countries you visit, experiencing cultures, appreciating regional values and creating added value for the region. This is pointing the way ahead because it is in keeping with the times. Because we are firmly convinced that traveling in harmony with nature is possible and necessary.

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Caribbean sailing trip

12 Knots offers sailing tours to Caribbean - the legendary islands of freedom with excellent beaches, friendly ocean and a tropical sun. You can make a cabin reservation aboard of the luxury sailing catamaran and experience a great mix of sailing adventure and relaxing vacation you will never forget.

9 sailing cruises in Caribbean

Martinique sailing vacation.

Availability

30 Mar 2024

7 Days / 6 Nights

Only 1 cabin left

06 Apr 2024

13 Apr 2024

20 Apr 2024

27 Apr 2024

04 May 2024

11 May 2024

18 May 2024

25 May 2024

01 Jun 2024

Guadeloupe sailing vacation

Guadeloupe sailing cruise on a crewed catamaran. Enjoy unforgettable sailing trip in Lesser Antilles chain of Islands on luxury yacht for the price of a cabin. Great itinerary with stops in: Marie-Galante, Dominica, Pigeon island and many more.

Only 3 cabins left

08 Jun 2024

St. Martin to St. Barth sailing vacation

Unforgettable sailing vacation on crewed catamaran from St. Martin to St. Barths and back. 7 days of relaxed sailing vacation on board of a sailing catamaran.

Only 2 cabins left

15 Jun 2024

St. Martin to BVI Cruise on catamaran

“Sailing and snorkeling was beyond words”

Hi Grigory and Julia, Thank you for your patience during the 18 months it took to arrange our trip during covid. You were so helpful and knowledgeable. Our cabin charter on the catamaran to St. Martin was just as described, if not more so. The other …

CABIN CHARTERS

Martinique and Grenadines

“Working with 12 Knots was a pleasure”

Working with 12 Knots was a pleasure. We have traveled with Dream Yacht Charters twice (Grenada and Martinique). The first time we booked direct, the second time we booked with 12 Knots. Although we did not have any problems when we booked direct wit…

Nassau Sailing Vacation

Luiz Galante

“My wife and I loved our Exumas cruise in the Lagoon 62”

The boat had some maintenance issues such as as the starboard motor was broken for already for three weeks and all cabin on the starboard had cold water the entirely trip. Since the weather was warm and we are used to take cold shower at home, it was…

BVI sailing vacation by the cabin

Steven Wolter

“Yacht was perfect”

Yacht was perfect - plenty of space and nooks to hang out in. Having sailed on a monohull before, the personal bathroom for each cabin on the catamaran was much appreciated. A/C in cabins was very nice. Plenty of hot water for showers. Our captain wa…

Ronald Garves

“Week onboard this lovely Lagoon 62 / BVI”

We spent a week onboard this lovely 62' sailing catamaran with 5 other couples (total 12 guests) The captain and chef were both French and at times it was difficult to understand what they were saying, but not a big deal. The captain (Damian) would a…

Karen E Grves

“It was truly a unique experience / Jne 2019 / BVI / Lagoon 620”

It was truly a unique experience. Despite a mishap that kept Ron out of the water due to fear of infection (he cut his leg pretty good while we were waiting for the ferry to scrub island) it was still enjoyable. The boat was great. Certainly the corr…

Tom Duckett

“Our sailing vacation was awesome / Lagoon 62 / May 2019 / BVI”

The captain (Damien) and chief (Michael) went out of their way to make the week special for everyone aboard. What we noticed about Damien was his concern about everyone’s safety during the week. We felt very secure with his expertise in handling the …

“I was slightly nervous going in”

It was absolutely terrific and if you’ll let me know which websites you list on I’m happy to leave 100% positive reviews there. I was slightly nervous going in, because you have a relatively small English language web presence, but I couldn’t be more…

Caribbean cabin charters

If you dream of luxury vacation, carefree and relaxed, Caribbean sailing cruise is the best choice for you. Whilst visiting the Caribbean islands you discover world-known snow-white beaches, thickets of coconut, dazzling sun and aquamarine sea with its coral reefs. You can make your Caribbean sailing vacations even more colorful, by getting acquainted with the local culture. And comfortable cabin of the yacht will be your safe haven in the Caribbean sailing trips.

Things to know

During your sailing cruise Caribbean Islands will appear in all the splendor of a huge arc stretching from North to South America, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Geographers divide the Caribbean into two archipelagoes: the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. The former includes: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. The second one is a chain of small bleak islets. It is not by chance that within the Lesser Antilles two groups are distinguished with the names Windward and Leeward. Offering vast variety and rather diverse sailing trips Caribbean region will open you all its secrets.

Time for sailing vacation

Climate and weather conditions are great for yachting in the Caribbean islands almost all year round, except for the stormy season in August-October. Fair winds of 10 to 25 knots, can sometimes suddenly change directions and makes sailing in this are even more interesting. Taking all this into consideration we can definitely say that Caribbean region offers a wide variety of destinations for unforgettable sailing vacation. And of course, choosing by the cabin charter sailing vacation in Caribbean region will give you more freedom, comfort and carefree time, while professional crew and skipper will bring you to the most stunning destinations no one could ever think about.

Why Choose a Caribbean Small Ship Cruise

The Caribbean features uninhabited islets populated by hundreds of animal and bird species, crystal-clear waters rich with spectacular coral reefs and gorgeous vistas that unfold onto deserted shores. Aboard small cruise ships in the Caribbean, come face to face with rich biodiversity while swimming in tropical waters and learn about the enchanting ruins and history of the region.

Selecting a Caribbean cruise vacation with AdventureSmith safeguards your adventure as it’s backed by a fully insured, U.S.-based company. We also gain you access to remote, off-the-beaten path islands, away from tourist crowds. Relish the sense of seclusion only a small ship can bestow. The expert guides traveling alongside you are often from the region, ensuring each unspoiled stop is both special and fascinating.

Experience the best of Belize in a customized and exclusive way on your own Belize charter cruise. Choose from a fleet of private, 6- to 10-guest catamarans, each equipped with a captain, gourmet chef and activity gear including options for fishing and diving.

Spend 8 days discovering natural and cultural treasures of Panama and Colombia's Caribbean aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Hike through dense rainforests, explore inlets by kayak, snorkel in blue water and explore age-old traditions that remain part of everyday life.

Aboard a luxury small ship, cruise round-trip from Belize City to discover the lush landscapes and hypnotic shores of Honduras and Belize. Enjoy opportunities to dive, interact with locals, and seek wildlife in mangroves, rainforest, along beaches and under water.

Caribbean Small Ship Cruises

AdventureSmith’s Caribbean sailing vacations feature colorful flora and fauna, unique history, global cuisine and multicultural locals. Find your own paradise on Caribbean tall ship sailing cruises, Caribbean catamaran charters and more. Explore mangroves by skiff, kayak and stand-up paddleboard, right from your expedition ship. Cruise among more than 700 islands, visiting secluded bays only accessible by small cruise lines in the Caribbean.

With expert guides and historians, learn why this geographical nexus point has long been desirable for trading and military advantage; and why this unique region attracted seafaring Amerindians and cannibalistic Caribs, famous explorers such as Columbus and Drake, and infamous pirates including Captain Morgan and Blackbeard.

A Caribbean cruise vacation reveals the abundant sea life of hotspots like the Belize Barrier Reef—the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere—with inland explorations of Maya culture. Find your quintessential Caribbean sailing vacation with the solid guidance of the small ship experts at AdventureSmith Explorations.

Caribbean Small Ship Cruises with AdventureSmith

Small cruise lines in the Caribbean offer up-close, off-ship exploration of vibrant barrier reef, peaceful beaches, wildlife-filled jungles, mythical ruins and welcoming indigenous communities. Why book your Caribbean cruise vacation with AdventureSmith? 

Enjoy a Caribbean cruise with snorkeling, diving, swimming, paddling, hiking & more.

On your Caribbean cruise vacation, explore lush jungle, idyllic bays & private islands. 

Choose from a wide variety of itineraries, locales & small cruise ships in the Caribbean.

Our Caribbean cruise vacation deals offer discounts for cruises to the Caribbean in 2024.

Find Your Luxury Caribbean Cruise

Our luxury Caribbean cruise options offer top-notch guides and five-star onboard service. Consider one of our Caribbean tall ship sailing cruises aboard the historic Sea Cloud . Revel in French-inspired opulence aboard modern expedition ship Le Dumont D’Urville . Enjoy the luxury-meets-active feel of Le Ponant on her romantic cruises by small ship . Or opt for the luxury of an exclusive Caribbean catamaran charter aboard your private Belize charter yacht . Our experts are ready to help you find the best luxury Caribbean cruise based on your timeline and interests.

Make Memories On A Caribbean Catamaran Charter

Caribbean sailing vacations with family or friends are a popular way to experience the region’s dependable tradewinds. Honeymooners, families and small groups can experience the Caribbean in an exclusive way featuring your own agenda, via our popular Caribbean catamaran charter option: Belize Catamaran Charter Cruise . If Barbados, Colombia, or Costa Rica and Panama are calling, then view all of our Caribbean cruise vacation options ; any of our small cruise ships in the Caribbean are available for charter cruises .

“On your Caribbean cruise vacation, explore lush jungle, idyllic bays & private islands.”

Temperature & Rainfall

Year-Round Cruises To The Caribbean In 2024

Our Caribbean sailing vacations are offered year-round, with some itineraries focusing on the North American winter, when the weather is ideal and there are dependable tradewinds. Conversely, the North American summer months offer the best diving during a luxury Caribbean cruise or Caribbean catamaran charter. Note that the climate data referenced above is for Placencia, Belize, with even warmer temps encountered farther south on small cruise ships in the Caribbean.

When Should You Plan Your Caribbean Cruise Vacation?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Unique Caribbean Small Ships

Our Caribbean small ships offer a bright and airy atmosphere, bold colors, elegant decor and plentiful deck space perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of this sun-soaked region. Expedition ships feature sophisticated launch platforms, hydrophones and an underwater camera. Romantic tall ships or a Caribbean charter ship provide an exclusive experience. Caribbean sailing vacations aboard small ships offer opportunities for off-the-boat exploration that typical large Caribbean Sea cruisers can’t provide.

Small ships allow focused groups of likeminded travelers to tuck between unique islands into remote Caribbean resorts and beaches that are yours to savor. Access idyllic bays, hidden coves and white-sand beaches by inflatable skiff, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Spend your Caribbean cruise snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving in pristine waters near precious coral reefs and uninhabited islets.

The 58-guest Sea Cloud: Lindblad is the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht Sea Cloud, chartered by Lindblad Expeditions for select Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. Enjoy the grace and class of an extraordinarily elegant ship while relaxing in the casual atmosphere and informal style of expedition travel.

These 6- to 10-guest catamarans are colorful motorsailors equipped for your all-inclusive, tropical island-hopping Belize sailing vacation. Enjoy your own captain, gourmet chef and activity gear for an exclusive, customizable getaway.

This Relais & Chateaux ship with a crew of 33 treats her 32 guests to authentic and luxurious experiences with refined French touches. Come aboard for 3 decks of open-air spaces, upscale cuisine, onboard activity gear and the feel of a private yacht.

Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest is a luxurious and state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing.

The 184-guest Le Bellot is a modern, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic and Caribbean. She offers an upscale onboard ambiance, impressive service, and an engaging expedition program of both onboard lectures and off-ship excursions.

Caribbean Small Ship Cruise Reviews

Our Caribbean cruise vacation reviews reveal insights into the experience aboard small cruise ships in the Caribbean. Read these detailed trip reviews and journals written by travelers and our staff to learn about their experiences on small cruise lines in the Caribbean. What’s it like to get away from the crowds? What unique cross-cultural traits stem from the region? What creatures did they discover? These honest stories not only help you learn more about what it’s like but also help you pinpoint the best Caribbean cruise vacation.

Travel with AdventureSmith's Jennifer to Panama's Pearl Islands, Darien Jungle, Gamboa Rainforest and through the Panama Canal aboard the 24-guest Discovery catamaran.

Learn what life is like on board an exclusive sailing yacht in Belize and how it differs from a motor yacht or small cruise ship.

A review of the inaugural Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia Cruise aboard the 72-guest Variety Voyager written by AdventureSmith Explorations' founder.

Our Experts Are Your Ticket To A Small Boat Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Need help narrowing down all the Caribbean cruise vacation options? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist you. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Caribbean sailing vacations for your travel style, budget and timing needs. We have our finger on the pulse of the available options to cruise to Guatemala, Belize, Panama, Colombia and other hotspots along the Caribbean coast. Still want to research yourself? Head to our Caribbean Cruise Finder .

Contact Us - Caribbean Small Ship Cruises

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

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Sail the Caribbean

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Color and Contrast: the Complete Sailboat Vacation

Simply the perfect place to take a bareboat or skippered sailing holiday. Such a diverse collection of islands dotting the clear blue sea, each with its own unique appeal. Local cultures that fascinate and entertain, offering a welcome that keeps charterers returning to these waters year after year. With its 7,000 Islands and 28 Island nations, reliable trade winds and long sailing season, the Caribbean is a region that offers an endless amount of holiday enjoyment.

At Sail Connections, we work with all the best charter operators in the Caribbean, sorting through all the available boats and presenting all the best options to suit your vacation plans. Some of our operators offer extra services that are unique to their destinations. We personalize your proposal and give you the benefit of our knowledge and local contacts, to deliver a fabulous sailing holiday wherever there's a boat to charter in the Caribbean. 

Charter Sailing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean's numerous islands give you so many fabulous places to explore, so many diverse cultures to experience, that the permutations for planning a sailing charter are simply too numerous to list. The sailing distances between territories can be very short, and there are countless yacht charter bases scattered across the region. That opens the door to all manner of opportunities – from a seven-day sail around one distinct island nation to a multi-week one-way charter that takes in a wide variety of cultures and geographical features.

The Caribbean yacht charter season is busy from November through July. The peak season is mid-December to March, when winter escapees from North America and Europe arrive in their greatest numbers.

The hurricane season arrives late July and can last until early October, although storms here are rare and tend to deflect northwards towards the USA rather than hit the Caribbean. These months have their advantages in that they are the least costly for chartering, particularly in the British Virgin Islands. At that time of year it is in fact more likely to encounter light winds than it is storms.

As with many yacht charter locations, the shoulder season can be the best time to charter a yacht. In the Carribean that's from April to July. There are less shore-based visitors then, yet you can expect settled and sunny weather with warm, steady breezes prevailing.

We have access to over 30 charter bases in the region, from where you can take a sailboat vacation like no other. We select from the best boats available and guide you into the ideal sailing adventure that matches your interests and level of experience. The sailing options here are just about endless. Hopefully these pages will help you on your way to your much-anticipated Caribbean sailing holiday.

Regional Map of the Main Charter Sailing Areas

A One-way Cruise: Martinique to Grenada

There are quite simply countless itinerary options for sailing the caribbean. for many charterers a downwind cruise offers the crew conditions for maximum enjoyment. so here's a sample north to south course plan that gives you the prevailing breeze abaft. .

Waterfront at Fort de France, Martinique's largest town

Sailing from Martinique to Grenanda you can expect winds primarily from the northeast, especially around peak season either side of Christmas. Sailing this course involves short stretches of open water, with a stiff and steady breeze on your aft quarter. That makes for quick passages with most enjoyable sailing to a choice of Islands, whether it be for a lunch stop and a snorkel, or an overnight stay.

The eastern Caribbean islands that form a distinctive arc on the map are collectively the Lesser Antilles, a mixture of soverign states and territories governed by various powers. A trip along some of this chain exposes the voyager to a wide variety of cultures and customs in places that all sit in the idyllic picture-postcard surroundings of the movies and travel brochures. 

Starting in Martinique and sailing south, you are exploring the Windward Island group of the Antilles.

Wildlife viewing at its finest in the Tobago Cays

Like most of this group, Martinique was orginally colonised by France, and French flair is still in evidence there today. Martinique offers excellent on-shore facilities for the visitor, and is a popular base for boat charters. The island is mountainous, but with plenty of white sandy beaches to enjoy, especially in the south.

The next island is St Lucia. It's some 30 nautical miles to Rodney Bay on St Lucia's northwest, so to get there requires an early start. There are several top spots to visit down the island's sheltered western coast. Take time out to investigate Les Deux Pitons.

Another long but relaxing sail to St Vincent and the Grenadines, so-named because of their joint French and British colonial history. St Vincent has its Blue Lagoon that you'll probably overnight in, while the Grenadines island group, some of which confusingly belong to Grenada, provide numerous anchoring options.

Happy charterers enjoying their time ashore in the Grenadines

The Grenadines stretch all the way to Grenada, your final port of call, making this part of the voyage very convenient for a leisurely sail. Call in at one of the uninhabited Tobago cays for a real taste of desert island living, if only for a few hours.

Once offshore Carriacou you are in Grenadan territory. Grenada, like St Lucia & St Vincent and the Grenadines, is now an independent member of the British Commonwealth, but with historical French influence. This is the 'Island of Spice' where nutmeg and mace production are important to the economy. As is tourism, and there is plenty to entertain you before concluding your vacation and departing these fabulous sailing waters.

Once you have experienced all the pleasures of sailing the Caribbean, chances are you'll be back one day for more.

The Best Caribbean Charter Sailing Destinations

British Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico & Spanish Virgin islands

Cayman Islands

St Martin, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis

Antigua & Barbuda

Martinique, St Lucia & The Grenadines

Latest Blog Posts

Charter catamarans for modest sailing holiday budgets

Here we highlight some smaller catamarans finding favour with our charterers in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. Robert is our expert evaluator when it comes to helping you select the right boat for your sailing charter, and the following is his personal take on recent introductions to the charter boat market.

The popular Bali Catamaran in all its variations

The Bali catamaran, designed and built specifically with chartering in mind, has become so popular that it’s been hard to keep up with all the new models, hard to spot which one has just the right size and amenities to perfectly fit your group's sailing holiday charter needs. We can help you there.

The value of after-charter destination and boat reviews

At Sail Connections we offer a personal service based on long experience in the business and close attention to what's happening in the destinations we offer. We have also sailed a large number of those places, and can often speak from personal experience.  But we can't be everywhere.

Chartering in Turkiye: feedback we just have to share

Turkey is one of those charter destinations that doesn't fail to pleasantly surprise. We're always delighted when we receive such good reports as we did recently from a New Zealand client.

Barcelona gets ready for the America’s Cup

As well as the competition for the Auld Mug itself, the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona will incorporate the first ever Women’s and Youth America’s Cup regattas. Chartering Barcelona 2024 will be in demand!

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We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.

The Essential Guide to Sailing Holiday Charters

The Sail Connections Essential Guide to Bareboat and Crewed Sailing Holiday Charters is jam-packed full of useful tips for getting the most out of your next boat charter. And it is FREE to download.

Enquire about a charter...

For a personal proposal structured to meet your needs, with advice on all aspects of your sailing charter.

Under new management - check back soon for 2024 sailing schedule!

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Boston harbor sailing cruises, another great boston harbor cruise season in the books. see you in 2024, thank you for supporting small business..

• Fan Favorite Cruise!

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise on a Tall Ship

If Boston is best seen from the water, then by far the best time to see it is during a sunset cruise on a classic schooner!

• Calendar Summer , Fall
• Hour Glass 1.5-2 Hours

Featured Cruise

• Calendar Special Event
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Boston Harborfest Fireworks Cruise – Liberty Star

Kick off the Independence Day Weekend with a BANG and join the fun on Boston’s Tall Ships for an amazing fireworks display, being launched right in Boston Harbor.

• HARBOR HISTORY CRUISE ON A TALL SHIP!
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

"A Sail Through Time" with Boston By Foot

“A SAIL THROUGH TIME”  Learn about Boston’s history while aboard a classic schooner. The cruise follows the paths of ships like the Flying Cloud, Astrea, and Columbia, exploring how their voyages shaped Boston and helped industrialize the country.  Tourguide / Onboard Docent from Boston By Foot.

• PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR 2024 SCHEDULE

Boston Harbor Day Sailing Cruises

Come aboard for a day sail in Boston Harbor on one of our classic schooners! Sailing is a great, family-friendly way to see Boston from a new viewpoint.

Browse Boston Harbor Cruises!

Returning in Spring 2023!

Join us on the water today and experience Boston’s favorite tall ships!

Come aboard with Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships for an unforgettable authentic tall ship sailing excursion in Boston during the summer with Boston Harbor public sails or private charters .

We offer tall ship Boston Harbor cruises and charters, which are the best way to experience Boston sailing in the city’s historic harbor and enjoy unparalleled views of the city with coworkers, friends, and family!

On board, guests have the opportunity to temporarily become part of the crew and step back in time for a taste of what it was like to sail the magnificent ships that were once a common sight in every port. Sailing opportunities include harbor cruises, sunset sails, our specialty Boston Harborfest Sails, USS Constitution Turnaround Sails, and Rum & Revelry sails.

Five-Star Reviews from TripAdvisor

No kidding, this is one of the BEST vacations, and most uniques experiences WE HAVE EVER HAD. Don’t miss the chance to do it. There were passengers from late thirties to mid-seventies aboard, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

The snorkeling was excellent including coral rocks and islands, and even a sunken freighter. One of the best traveling experiences we have every had. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for an exciting and satisfying sailing experience.

Sailing on a tall ship is like no other vacation. If you’ve ever wanted to do it, it doesn’t get any better than the Liberty Clipper. The crew, Captain Noah, Andrew, Ben, Rikka, Mitch, Jewel, Cam, Brian and Lincoln were excellent!

We loved seeing Boston this way. The sunset was beautiful and the crew was friendly. My only regret is that we didn’t do the longer cruise.

• Expeditions
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• San Juan to Manaus
• Manaus to San Juan

Amazon & Caribbean Adventure

• From $3,999
• 8 Guided Tours
• 6 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• San Juan to Manaus Manaus to San Juan

Amazon & Caribbean Adventure Map

Lush islands & diverse cultures

Experience picturesque scenery, rich cultures and stunning biodiversity on this voyage of discovery. Immerse yourself in lively San Juan, soak up Antigua’s historic charms, explore St. Lucia’s pristine beauty and Barbados’s colonial influences. Marvel at the striking architecture of Manaus and sail the majestic Amazon River, admiring its robust plant and animal life and calling on riverside ports steeped in tradition.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: San Juan

From $899 | 2 Nights

Post: Manaus

From $199 | 1 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Explorers: The Age of Discovery
• - Pirates & Treasure Hunters
• - History of the Amazon
• - The History of Brazil
• - Explorers of South America

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Memory Making Western Caribbean Family Vacation Ideas

Going wild in roatán my oh my, costa maya crazy for cozumel your perfect day at cococay®.

By Heidi Sarna | Published on March 19, 2024

With pools and restaurants, cruise ships are their own destination. But a cruise on a fabulous kid-friendly ship sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary is a family vacation to remember.

Cruising round-trip from sunny Miami, Icon of the Seas'℠ Western Caribbean itineraries, for example, call at four ports with tons of personality. They're some of the region's best spots for die-hard beach bums, nature lovers and heritage buffs. Embrace the wild side of Roatán's jungles and spectacular coral reefs. Pack your beach bag for a Western Caribbean family vacation to the beautiful stretches of sand that grace Mexico's Costa Maya and Cozumel — or maybe you'd rather lace up your sneakers to climb the ancient Mayan ruins of Kohunlich. At fun-in-the-sun Perfect Day at CocoCay®, it's all about taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches and exciting water sports conveniently offered at Royal Caribbean's private island paradise in The Bahamas. Combine the dazzling new Icon of the Seas℠ with these dazzling destinations for a top kid-friendly vacation.

Going Wild In Roatán

If your idea of having the best family island vacation means a walk on the wild side, Roatán is one of the best places for nature lovers in the Western Caribbean.

At almost 40 miles long, Roatán sports a mountainous backbone surrounded by the world's second-largest barrier reef — the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system — which means excellent snorkeling and diving are in order. (Go aheaf and tick that off your bucket list!)

Head over to the island's West End and West Bay area, where Roatán's fringing coral reef is just a short swim from the beach. Don your mask and snorkel and float above the labyrinthine reefs to mingle with tropical fish of every imaginable color. It's also likely that you'll see brilliant brain coral, pretty sea fans and other marine life like sea turtles and nurse sharks. Divers will want to head to the West End Marine Reserve at Sandy Bay for some of the world's best diving ,with 38 unique sites, all no more than a 15-minute boat ride away from the shore.

You can also opt for a cruise through Roatán's mangrove trees or hike the verdant heliconia-lined trails of the Gumbalimba Park nature reserve to see (and hear!) the resident macaws and white-faced capuchin monkeys. See this natural wonderland, alive with black spiny-tailed and red iguanas, on solid ground or go for the bird's-eye view on a zipline through the rainforest canopy.

If some of your family members would prefer to dig their toes in the sand, Roatán's soft, white-sand beaches are another great way to spend your day. Head to West Bay and Half Moon Bay to set up camp. There, cool off in the refreshing surf or go for another round of snorkeling along the reef. When you're ready to dry off and explore, check out the restaurants, bars and souvenir shops just steps from your beach towel.

When the hunger pangs hit, try local fare, such as a baleada, a folded tortilla filled with refried beans, crema fresca and crumbled farmer's cheese.

My Oh My, Costa Maya

About 100 miles south of Cozumel, near the fishing village of Mahahual, Costa Maya sits along the Mexico-Belize border. This port offers something for everyone and seamlessly links the past and the present. The best Western Caribbean family vacations are all about choice, and a day in Costa Maya offers it in spades.

History enthusiasts in the family will appreciate the opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan ruins outside of Costa Maya at sites called Kohunlich and Chacchoben, each more than 1,000 years old. Beautifully mysterious, many of the temples and structures have become partially or fully covered in vegetation over the centuries, becoming one with the natural environment. Some ruins appear as mounds of earth (they're underneath) and others have co-mingled with the tangled roots of trees and foliage. One day they might be restored, but there is splendor in their natural state, too.

Kohunlich dates back to the third century; its most notable feature is the pyramid-shaped Temple of the Masks, built to honor the Mayan sun god with a central stairway flanked by large stucco masks.

Similarly, it's believed that by 360 AD, the Chacchoben community was an important destination for ceremonial rituals. Today, you can see remains of the site's Great Plaza and the Gran Basamento, a sacred area where religious rites were once practiced.

Those who prefer living in the moment can check out the stunning undersea life of the very same coral reef that runs along Roatán, Honduras and Belize. It's the second largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and it's easily accessible from the beaches of Costa Maya. Grab a mask and some fins and hop in the water to witness the magic of marine life. There are more than 65 species of stony corals, 350 species of mollusks and some 500 species of fish!

Other colorful underwater sites to explore from Costa Maya include the pristine Banco Chinchorro. A spectacular ring-shaped coral island encircling a lagoon, it's the biggest platform reef system in Mexico and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Another must-see bucket list item for water babies? Taking a dip in the sparkling blue waters of Cenote Azul, a freshwater swimming hole.

When it's time to relax and refuel, head back to the port village of Mahahual for a cold drink. Why not try a refreshing michelada , a spicy beer cocktail? And if lunch is on your mind, the restaurants of Costa Maya's resorts and boutique hotels are reliable spots to sample traditional favorites like cochinita pibil , a delicious slow-roasted pork dish and agua de jamaica , a sweetened hibiscus drink.

Crazy For Cozumel

Marrying heritage with a modern festive vibe, the island of Cozumel promises one of the best family vacation days you can imagine. With something for the whole family to enjoy, Cozumel is a thriving port that makes a Western Caribbean family vacation truly memorable.

If you're set on checking off ancient Mayan temples from your travel list, Cozumel gives you access to several impressive sites. The Mayas lived in the area for 12 centuries and left their mark at the gorgeous walled city of Tulum on the Riviera Maya. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; its heyday was in the 13th to 15th centuries.

Further afield, if you're willing to put in the two-and-a-half hours of travel time. you'll marvel at the spectacular Chichén Itzá, the largest and most fabled of the Yucatán ruins. Founded in 445 AD, the city had about 50,000 residents at its height. By the early 13th century, Chichén Itzá was deserted and relinquished to the surrounding jungle until it was rediscovered in the 19 th  century. Its star relic is the magnificent El Castillo pyramid, which was inspired by the Mayan calendar. There are 365 steps to the top, representing the days in a single solar year.

You might prefer to check out Mayan ruins closer to the port at the small San Gervasio archeological site on the island of Cozumel. This way you'll have more time to hit a powdery white-sand beach. Near the town, you'll find the popular Playa Mia, among the best beaches for families on the Yucatán peninsula, with water sports, slides and lots of dining opportunities.

For snorkeling and swimming, the best spots here are the saltwater lagoon, offshore reefs and underwater caves of Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.

If your focus is more on drinks and eats, go local and sample Mexican dishes like panucho (fried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans and piled with pulled chicken, tomatoes, pickled red onions, avocado and jalapeño peppers) or pescado frito  (fried fish). Wash it all down with a chilled bottle of cerveza ; you'll find international beer brands alongside local microbrews.

Your Perfect Day At Cococay®

Offering a classic beach day with all the trimmings, Royal Caribbean's family-focused island vacation destination in The Bahamas is a white-sand winner for all ages, from toddlers to teens, mom and dad, and for grandparents, too. Still, there's so much more to do than laze around a dreamy beach all day (though that's not a bad idea!).

Perfect Day at CocoCay® offers many complimentary experiences. Pick your passion: swim in the Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, or watch the kids splash around the water cannons and slides of shipwrecked Captain Jill's Galleon. Grab free beach chairs and umbrellas at the powdery sands of Chill Island℠ and South Beach — two of the best beaches for families in The Bahamas.

For an extra charge, kids and young-at-heart-adults will be grinning ear to ear at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark® , which has a floating trampoline, a wave pool and 13 crazy waterslides, including the tallest one in North America. For even more adrenaline-fueled fun, whirl across the 1,600-foot-long zipline and try a helium balloon ride for out-of-this-world views.

In between all these adventures, you can fuel up at five complimentary dining venues throughout the island. But if you're craving a day of luxury, then you should head straight for Coco Beach Club® , with its floating cabanas and stunning sea views. The entry fee includes access to a gorgeous infinity pool, an exclusive restaurant and more.

Written By HEIDI SARNA

"Heidi Sarna, a freelance writer who specializes in cruising, is a contributor to Frommer's, Travel Weekly, CNBC.com and The Points Guy, among others. Heidi has taken more than 125 cruises and has visited 78 countries and counting."

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Why Royal Caribbean isn't going all in on massive cruise ships despite the wild success of its new Icon of the Seas

• Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a swath of giant cruise ships over the past few years.
• Its CEO said its new world's largest ship, the  Icon of the Seas,  is its "best-selling product" ever.
• But the cruise line doesn't plan on going all in on megaships forever.

Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.

The vessels towered over their communal dock like skyscrapers, casting a dark shadow over their relatively tiny shared pier.

Together, they can accommodate about 19,250 people.

At 1,196 feet long and weighing 248,663 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a sight to behold. When it launched in late January, the giant vessel upstaged its eight-foot shorter predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's biggest.

At the time, it was no surprise: Every new Royal Caribbean ship seemed to dethrone another Royal Caribbean ship for this title.

But not for long.

The company's smaller ships, important for diverse trips, are aging.

The company is synonymous with its mega vessels. And they've been mega-hits: Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, has repeatedly called the Icon of the Seas the "best-selling product" in the company's history.

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Royal Caribbean is set to launch four more megaships by 2028 — representing about a third of its total fleet. So far, most of the megaships' scheduled sailings are in the Caribbean.

The other 21 smaller vessels tend to have more specialized itineraries, Patrick Scholes, the managing director of lodging and leisure-equity research at Truist Securities, told Business Insider.

Given their trimmer sizes, these vessels can operate more sailings outside the Caribbean , which often reel in high fares and customer satisfaction for the company, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January. Think of the Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific itineraries — the latter are especially important as the cruise line continues to ramp up business in Asia.

But these destination-flexible cruise liners are aging as Royal Caribbean continues to unveil their giant counterparts. The company launched its four oldest Vision-class ships, with a maximum 2,730-guest capacity, between 1996 and 1998.

They're tiny and old compared to the 2-month-old, 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas .

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships.

Despite the cruise line's success with mega-vessels, Schneider said Royal Caribbean is now considering a new class of ships that would start "smaller" — noting that he was "careful to say small, but less-than-large."

"The reality is, families want to go on vacations not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean where a ship like Icon can get into," Schneider said. "They want to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility in ship size."

Desirable destinations such as French Polynesia and Venice, Italy, have limited visiting cruises , including size restrictions, to curb pollution and overcrowding. But, as Schneider said, small-vessel-enabled specialized itineraries are also important to travelers.

Giant mass-market floating resorts also often attract first-time cruisers, enamored by their family-friendly water parks and Broadway-style shows. But after a few good vacations at sea, these no-longer-new-to-cruising guests might start craving quieter ships or more bespoke itineraries.

"Alaska cruises tend not to be the first-time cruiser," Scholes told BI. "I don't really see Icon of the Seas doing a Norwegian Fjord or Alaska trip."

Plus, "there's probably only so much demand for these giant ships," Scholes said.

Royal Caribbean has already succeeded in the first part: bringing in a swath of new cruisers with its megaships. Now, it has to retain them.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You.

Here are five unexpected features on ships, some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

Cruise ships have hidden features that many passengers, particularly first-timers, don’t know about. Some ships are as big as small cities, and while it’s relatively easy to familiarize yourself with a seemingly endless number of amenities — water parks, tattoo parlors, multiple restaurants — there is also an entire ecosystem, often below passenger decks, that is shrouded in mystery.

Here are five things that cruisers may not know about cruise ships:

There’s a morgue …

Cruise ships carry millions of passengers each year, and it is not uncommon for deaths to occur on board. Most vessels are required to have a morgue and additional body bags in the event of an emergency.

The morgue, usually a small stainless steel refrigerated room on the ship’s lowest deck, accommodates between two to 10 bodies, depending on the size of the vessel. When a passenger or crew member dies, officials on the ship will notify the authorities on shore and a medical team will assess the body and move it to the morgue, where it is kept until arrangements are made for repatriation. In most cases, the body will be removed at the next port of call, but sometimes will remain on board until the end of the voyage.

…and a jail

There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship’s security team determines that they have violated the cruise line’s code of conduct.

The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell. It is used to detain guests who commit serious crimes like assault or possession of illegal substances. Drunk and disorderly passengers may be put under “cabin arrest,” meaning they cannot leave their cabin without a security escort.

Depending on the circumstances, most passengers put in the brig will stay there until they can be handed over to law enforcement officials.

Many ships don’t have a Deck 13

Many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13 because of the widespread superstition in Western culture that the number is unlucky. Ships with a Deck 13 typically use it for public areas, not cabins.

Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class vessels, have a Deck 13 because the vessels are used mainly for the company’s market in Asia, where the number is not considered unlucky. MSC ships also have a Deck 13, but not a Deck 17, because the cruise line’s founder is Italian and 17 is considered unlucky in Italy.

Cruise lines entertain other superstitions, like appointing godmothers to bless new vessels and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. They also hold naming ceremonies in which a bottle of champagne is smashed against the hull of a new ship for good luck. If the bottle fails to break, the vessel will, according to superstition, have bad luck. These days, cruise lines use mechanical devices to ensure that does not happen.

Hidden pools and facilities for the crew

There are typically more than 1,000 crew members on board large cruise ships, and while they spend most of their time serving passengers, there are several areas on the lower decks designated for them to unwind.

The facilities vary from ship to ship, but there are usually small pools in the ship’s bow exclusively for crew members, as well as restaurants, bars and recreational areas like game rooms and gyms. The designated bar, a central social hub for employees after they have finished their shifts, often hosts live music and events in the evening.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has an entire “neighborhood” dedicated to its 2,300 crew members, with a clubhouse that has massage chairs and virtual balconies — large screens that show real-time views from outside — as well as a restaurant with portholes looking out to the ocean.

Most ships host A.A. meetings

With all-inclusive beverage packages and countless bars, cruise ships can be a tough environment for guests in recovery. Many cruise lines offer daily Alcoholics Anonymous meetings that are usually scheduled as “Friends of Bill W.,” a reference to William Wilson, who co-founded the A.A. program in 1935.

The meetings are usually held in a quiet place like the library, where guests can feel comfortable and maintain their anonymity. They are also open to other support group members, like Women for Sobriety and Narcotics Anonymous.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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About Island Windjammers

"By far the best vacation we've ever taken.  So relaxing, a great group of people, superb crew."

"We were all kicking ourselves for not booking two weeks back to back. One is just NOT enough!!!! The ship and crew were great and the islands are now our favorites. …The Diamant is now our favorite windjammer ship!"

"The ship was terrific, crew was better, the captain loyal and strong, the weather beautiful, the food was delicious and the islands visited were the places that lifetime memories are made of."

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Island Windjammers is committed to providing you with the vacation of a lifetime! We welcome our past and future guests' feedback as we continue to expand our company. Future plans include fleet expansion and new itineraries.

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