Best Caribbean Cruises for Winter 2016
This winter, why not trade snow and cold for sun and sand as you sail around the Caribbean? Pristine beaches and bustling ports await when you disembark, while the ships themselves offer thrilling water slides, cozy reading lounges, and so much more. Whatever your idea of relaxation, and whatever your budget, these winter cruises offer the best floating getaways you can find right now.
Royal Caribbean, 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Allure of the Seas.
Courtesy: Royal Caribbean International
Itinerary: Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas, to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, to Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Dates: Select dates in January and February 2016.
Price: Starting at $878.50.
A behemoth so big it encompasses seven distinct “neighborhoods,” Allure of the Seas is the world’s biggest cruise ship. With capacity for up to 6,296 passengers, families enjoy this pristine ship for its world-class amenities—two FlowRider surf simulators, a zip line, an ice-skating rink, a carousel, and more. Entertainment is second to none onboard Allure, with dazzling water shows in the Aquatheater and performances of the just-added ABBA musical Mamma Mia!
Ponant, 7-Night Grenadine Islands Cruise on Le Ponant
Courtesy of Ponant
Itinerary: Round-trip from Fort de France, Martinique, to Soufrière, St. Lucia, to Marigot Bay, St. Lucia, to Bequia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, to St. George’s, Grenada, to Carriacou, Grenada, to Tobago Cays, Grenadines, to Grande Anse d'Arlet, Martinique, to Fort de France, Martinique.
Date: February 13, 2016
Price: Starting at $5,520.
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience at sea, Le Ponant is the luxury yacht of your dreams. Welcoming only 60 guests on each sailing, Ponant is notable for cruises featuring decadent French service. Le Ponant stands out for its ability to reach ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, offering passengers the chance to experience a less commercial side of the Caribbean. And when it comes to cuisine, the ship brings the best of French cuisine to the seas with its two onboard restaurants serving multi-course meals with complimentary wine.
Norwegian Cruise Line 7-Day Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Escape
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
Itinerary: Round-trip from Miami, Florida, to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, to Nassau, Bahamas.
Dates: Select dates in January 2016.
Price: Starting at $749. Following its inaugural sailing last month, Norwegian Escape is the newest ship setting sail in the Caribbean this winter. Expect a party scene on this ship thanks to fleet firsts including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea, serving up dozens of flavored margaritas; The District Brew House, with a variety of craft beers; and Tobacco Road, Miami’s oldest bar, recreated at sea. Music fans, too, will rejoice as Broadway favorites After Midnight and Million Dollar Quartet keep the ship rocking.
Windstar Cruises Cruise 7-Day San Juan & the Virgin Islands on Star Legend
Courtesy of Windstar Cruises
Itinerary: Round-trip from San Juan to Isla Culebra to Gustavia to Little Bay to Marigot, St. Martin, to Jost Van Dyke, Great Harbour, to Virgin Gorda.
Date: January 9, 2016
Price: Starting at $2,199. Having undergone a stem-to-stern refurbishment, Star Legend debuts its newly outfitted interiors this season. As with other smaller cruise ships, the unique ports called on become a major selling point of this journey, with stops at coveted beaches in paradise including Isla Culebra and Jost Van Dyke. Two important things to note: Windstar offers a low-key, small-ship cruising experience where casual dining is preferred, and rates aren’t all-inclusive, unlike many other lines in its class.
Princess Cruises Cruise: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise on Regal Princess
Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Itinerary: Round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Princess Cays, Bahamas, to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles.
Dates: Select dates in January–March 2016.
Price: Starting at $399. Joining the ranks of ships sailing the Caribbean this winter is Princess Cruise Lines’ newest and most-prized ship, Regal Princess. Featuring the largest atrium in Princess’s fleet, this newcomer has a few fun tricks up its sleeve, most notably the pool deck’s WaterColor Fantasy experience, an interactive sound and light show that dazzles the senses. While onboard, you can also enjoy gelato, a seafood bar, and live performances.
Azamara Club Cruises Cruise: 11-Night West Indies Hideaway Voyage on Azamara Journey
Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises
Itinerary: Round-trip from Miami, Florida, to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Terre-de-Haut, Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, to Roseau, Dominica, to Charlestown, Nevis, to Gustavia, St. Barts, to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Date: January 27, 2016
Price: Starting at $2,799. Azamara Journey is one of two ships in Azamara Club Cruises’ tiny fleet, launched by Royal Caribbean in 2007. The Azamara experience is focused primarily on getting passengers off the ships by visiting exotic, off-the-beaten-path locales and often spending extended time in each port. Six dining options offer a wide variety of flavors and ambiance, from room service to the ship’s specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina (complimentary for suite guests, $25 per person for non-suite guests). Standard spirits, international beers, and wines are included with all fares, along with a generous WiFi internet package that offers 235 internet minutes free.
For more of Fodor’s best Caribbean cruises click here.
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