Azure waters, brightly-painted architecture, colorful coral reefs, and verdant rainforest paint the unmistakable color palette of the islands you’ll see on an Eastern Caribbean cruise. Your tropical vacation has infinite possibilities, like breathtaking hikes in lush forests, dips in the clearest waters, and mouthwatering culinary experiences. Here are some of the incredible experiences you can have on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise vacation.
Taste the Culinary Capital of the West Indies
St. Maarten
Journey through the culinary wonders of St. Maarten on an exclusive food tour. St. Maarten fuses French and Dutch favorites with a Caribbean spin. Sip rum cocktails from a local distillery, sample fine local cheeses, and sample Caribbean tapas and French Creole cuisine. Your foodie guide will give you an authentic taste of the island while telling of its history.
Swim the Virgin Gorda Baths of Tortola
The Baths at Virgin Gorda, Tortola
Experience sailing in the Caribbean on a boat ride to Tortola’s famous rock formations, the Baths.
Grab your snorkel and join your expert guide on an open swim and snorkel through some of the clearest water in the Caribbean. Afterwards, bask in the sun and sand on a secluded beach.
Hike Sage Mountain Forest
Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola
Lace up your hiking boots for an adventure of a lifetime in Tortola’s 86-acre nature preserve, Sage Mountain National Park. Lush and undisturbed trails wind to the tallest point on the island, opening up to panoramic views of the sea. Reward yourself for a hike well done with a refreshing swim in the secluded Cane Garden Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Salsa Dance at Great Bay Beach
Great Bay Beach, St. Maarten
Arrange a salsa session on the beach to practice your dance moves, or simply lounge and swim at Philipsburg’s most famous beach. At Great Bay Beach, there’s no rush to do anything at all, so take your St. Maarten beach day at your own pace.
Taste Authentic Mofongos and Mojitos
Mofongo
Puerto Rico’s culinary treasures are numerous, and San Juan takes its foodie scene seriously. After working up an appetite on a guided walk through Old San Juan, join a skilled chef for a hands-on experience of Puerto Rican classics like mofongo. Mash plantains yourself with a mortar and pestle, savor a three-course meal of regional delicacies, then sip a mojito as a reward for a hard day’s work.
Discover the Inspiration for “Treasure Island”
Norman Island
Just south of Tortola, discover the hidden gem and snorkeling paradise of Norman Island. Legend has it that Norman Island served as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel Treasure Island. Grab your gear and swim through the reefs, keeping watch for tropical fish and buried treasure.
Explore El Yunque Rainforest
Watch: Discover Puerto Rico With Celebrity Cruises
Just a short drive from San Juan is Puerto Rico’s lush tropical rainforest, El Yunque. The forest buzzes with natural life, verdant foliage, and hundreds of unique plant species and Caribbean wildlife. Hike through dense trails like La Coca or El Angelito, or take a dip in pools gathering beneath El Yunque’s free-flowing waterfalls. For the best views of the mountains, head to the Yokahu Observation Tower for a photo-op overlooking mountains and ocean.
Hop Onboard a RIB
Jost Van Dyke, Tortola
Ride on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with an expert captain at the helm for a thrilling journey along the turquoise coastline of Tortola. Marvel at the cliffs, speed past the Beef Island Bridge, and explore the mangrove forests of the British Virgin Islands.
Take to the Trees at Loterie Farm
Loterie Farm, St. Maarten
One of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to get your adrenaline pumping from the heights of Loterie Farm in Philipsburg. Soar above St. Maarten on ziplines, rope swings, and across the rainforest. Take in island views and feel the wind in your hair as you admire the flawless nature around you.
See Sea Life Onboard a Semi-Submarine
Orient Bay, St. Maarten
Get ready to cross “submarine ride” off your vacation to-do list in Philipsburg. Discover the wealth of sea life surrounding the corals at Creole Rock through the submarine’s glass windows. Returning on land, get your sea legs back on a guided tour of the French capital of St. Maarten, and soak in panoramic views of Orient Bay Lookout.
Take the Scenic Route in Tortola
Cane Garden Bay Beach, Tortola
One of the best things to do in Tortola is to hop on a comfortable coach on a day trip to the countryside and see more of the island than you could on two feet alone. Peer down on the neighboring islands from the peaks of Great Mountain and Heritage Lookout Point. You’ll discover that the British Virgin Islands are far more than its beaches.
Go on Water Adventures in Simpson Bay Lagoon
Simpson Bay Lagoon, St. Maarten
Dart down the coast of St. Maarten in a powerful rafting boat, zooming past Marigot and Fort Louis on the way to the island’s top beaches. Take in the local red mangroves, billowing seagrass, and bright coral as you snorkel past on a guided tour.
Cycle Around San Juan, Puerto Rico
Playita del Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico
See San Juan on two wheels instead of two feet on a scenic bike route through Old San Juan’s marvelous sights on the way to views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll feel like a local cycling through colorful residential neighborhoods. Pedal through Escambron Beach Park, past Playita del Condado, and on to the next tropical paradise. Stop at the Santurce Market for a bite to eat and a bit of shopping.
Soar Beyond the Summit of Pelican Peak
Pelican Peak, St. Maarten
Merely steps from the St. Maarten cruise port is one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures on this Eastern Caribbean island. A safari ride to Pelican Peak shows off the flora and fauna of St. Maarten, and at the top, your zipline adventure begins. Take the leap and zip down 1,500 feet at exhilarating speeds through the lush greenery toward Philipsburg.
Make Yourself at Home at Casa Bacardi
Casa Bacardi in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Bacardi brand is known worldwide and has even earned the title “best rum in the world.” Sample their rums for yourself after a distillery tour, where you’ll learn everything there is to know about aging, distilling, and producing Bacardi rums from raw cane sugar. Bring home some Caribbean rum from Casa Bacardi.
Read: Eastern Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean
Catamaran Adventures in St. Maarten
Maho Bay, St. Maarten
Of course, no 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise vacation would be complete without a sail on a luxurious catamaran. Tan on the comfortable netting at the back of the catamaran on the way to a snorkeling expedition. Or, take a custom-built catamaran along the coast of St. Maarten at sunset, complete with delicious food, pink skies, and a champagne toast to cap off your one-week cruise. These adventures are just a taste of the immersive experiences waiting for you across islands like St. Maarten, Tortola, and Puerto Rico.
Browse our Eastern Caribbean cruises on our website and book your unforgettable vacation to the islands.
