Celebrity Cruise's Caribbean cruises feature luxurious staterooms and suites, menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, and intuitive service. That's in addition to the spectacular beaches—most brilliant white, some volcanic black. This itinerary is for 8 days in the Eastern Caribbean aboard the Celebrity Equinox.
DAY 1 - Depart Fort Lauderdale
16 million visitors come each year to Fort Lauderdale for its miles of broad white sandy beaches, dozens of lush green golf courses, and Caribbean cruises. Stroll the famous beachfront promenade, just 15 minutes from the port, and plunge into the warm Atlantic. Head downtown to Las Olas Boulevard, paralleling New River, to sip lattes in outdoor cafés, shop chic boutiques, and catch concerts at the performing arts center. Stop at Stranahan House, the city's oldest structure, built in 1901 as a trading post and preserved as a museum, or explore a whole village of historic buildings at History Fort Lauderdale. Join a Segway tour along the river or a waterborne cruise of Millionaire's Row. Florida dominates production of citrus fruits. Before you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, take advantage of anything orange—juices, sauces, marinades, marmalades, dressings, soups, and cakes. Try authentic key lime pie, which is sweet, tart, creamy, and yellow—not green—in a Graham cracker crust.
DAY 2 - At sea
There isn't a dull moment on Celebrity Equinox. Days at sea can be spent lounging by the pool or participating in a wide array of activities that are offered for everyone, from the young to the young at heart. Ignite your competitive spirit with the Port vs. Starboard games, or learn something new from top naturalists, destination speakers, and workshops in the enriching Beyond the Podium series.
Insider tip: For a truly luxurious experience, head to the spa for innovative treatments like the detoxifying wraps, injections, and customized massages.
DAY 3 -San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean and features gorgeous landscape with lush green mountains, underground caves, balmy waters, white-sandy beaches, delicious rum drinks and so much more. Spend an afternoon snorkeling and discover the beautiful marine life of the Caribbean Sea while swimming among the fish, coral communities, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Or take an evening sail around Old San Juan for amazing views of the 500-year-old walled city as the sun casts gorgeous light on the turquoise waters. Take a tour of the Bacardi headquarters and learn about the process of rum making from barrel to bottle. Get a glimpse into the history of the world’s most awarded rum and sample the final product while you’re at it. Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico for the most gorgeous fine art collections on the island, including paintings, sculptures, and carvings as far back as the 17th century.
DAY 4 - Philipsburg, St. Maarten
In the 17th century, Dutch and French soldiers decided to share this little island, and today it remains happily split between France (Saint Martin, north side) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten, south side). Cruise to St. Maarten and explore the dozens of alluring beaches that ring the island. At Orient Beach, sunbathers bask and beachcombers stroll on the white sands, while divers and snorkelers explore the sunken shipwrecks and marine life just offshore. You'll really get blown away at Jet Blast Beach (officially Maho Beach), next to the airport. Embrace all the beauty of the island on a tour to the French capital, Marigot, where you can explore the quaint streets and cafés, open-air market, and 18th-century Fort Louis. Take a scenic cruise of Simpson Bay Lagoon, site of luxurious villas and megayachts. More tours show you charming Grand Case and Orient Bay.
DAY 5 - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie is the enchanting capital of St. Thomas that has attracted pirates and sailors the world over for centuries. The island enjoys a fascinating fusion of Danish, French, Spaniard, West African and Carib influences. There’s so much to discover on a cruise to St. Thomas. For a nice overview of the island’s history head to Fort Christian Museum. Built as a military fort by the Dutch in 1680, this historic landmark features exhibits chronicling the history of the Virgin Islands from the Stone Age to the present, as well as natural history collections, and an art gallery. Experience the beauty of St. Thomas' tropical beaches with a wonderful picnic on Magens Bay beach or snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean Sea where you’ll come up close to corals, sponges, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Authentic island dishes like savory curries with roti, the freshest seafood, and delicious drinks made with the finest local rums are readily available on restaurant menus. And, while the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets St. Thomas apart - shopping. This island is the most commercial of all the U.S. Virgin Islands. Browse through the shop-lined streets of the capital city and shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from liquor to imported china and crystal.
DAY 6 - Punta Cana
There is so much more to this resort town than meets the eye. Once you've soaked up some sun on one of Punta Cana's pristine beaches, venture to the capital city of Santo Domingo for a true taste of Dominican culture, go on a deep sea fishing excursion, or or take to the air for a thrilling helicopter ride.
DAY 7 - At sea
Spend your day unwinding at Celebrity's Canyon Ranch Spa. Enjoy an all-natural, sense-seducing body massage that will help nourish the skin and relax the mind and body. You’ll choose from exercise and mind-body wellness classes including yoga for all levels, explore a vast array of pampering spa treatments, stay fit with full training and cardio equipment, and get that perfect look in the full-service Canyon Ranch Salon. Leave the SpaClub feeling energized, relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment at sea and in port.
DAY 8 - Nassau, Bahamas
Bustling markets and placid beaches are like the yin and yang of this capital of The Bahamas. The Nassau Straw Market, three blocks from the port, presents a riot of vendors, shoppers, and pirates, while the broad white beaches, minutes from town, feature sun-kissed sands, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. In between, there are activities to suit the whole family—observing sharks, swimming with dolphins, plunging down water slides. Nassau’s culinary bounty emerges from the ocean—dishes like fried snapper served with grits and grouper drizzled with butter. Try conch, the marine mollusk of the iconic shell, presented as conch fritters, conch chowder, cracked conch, even raw conch in fresh lime juice. Peas and rice is the staple side dish, and rum-based beverages are always popular. Hop on a ferry to Blue Lagoon Island for a deluxe beach break. Unwind and settle into a hammock. Bask in warm golden sunshine and tranquil Atlantic waters. Watch the palm trees sway and the dolphins play. It's a day of pure bliss.
