February 6, 2025

Underrated Caribbean Islands to add to your Wanderlist

Picture of Kenna Reyner
Kenna Reyner

Caribbean Island-Hopping: A Journey Through Paradise

Imagine waking up to a new tropical vista each morning—crystal-clear waters stretching to the horizon, warm trade winds rustling through palm trees, and gentle waves lapping at pristine shores. The Caribbean's string of islands offers an escape from the winter blues. Each port brings new adventures, from hidden coves and coral reefs to lush rainforests waiting to be explored.

Every Caribbean island defines itself from the tropical mountain tops to the sea with unique cultures, wonderous moments, and delicacies from each region. From St. Lucia's majestic Pitons to Barbados's historic rum culture, every stop tells a distinct story. Discover Dutch-French fusion in St. Maarten, Aruba's sun-kissed beaches, or Puerto Rico's colonial treasures—each destination offering its own blend of natural wonders and cultural riches.

St. Lucia: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

The iconic Pitons—twin volcanic spires rising from turquoise waters—are just the beginning of St. Lucia's natural drama. This verdant island marries luxury with adventure, from hiking through rainforest trails to soaking in volcanic mud baths near Soufrière. Local markets burst with exotic fruits and spices, while hidden beaches like Anse Chastanet offer world-class snorkeling among coral gardens.

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Barbados: British Charm Meets Caribbean Soul

Beyond its platinum beaches, Barbados serves up a rich cultural feast. In historic Bridgetown, Georgian architecture reflects its colonial heritage, while Mount Gay Distillery shares the island's centuries-old rum-making traditions. At Friday night fish fries, locals and visitors alike gather at rustic seaside stalls where fresh mahi-mahi sizzles on the grill and reggae music fills the air.

St. Maarten/St. Martin: Two Nations, One Island

This unique island offers a delightful split personality. The Dutch side pulses with energy around Philipsburg's Front Street, where duty-free shops and beach bars create a lively atmosphere. Cross the "invisible" border to French St. Martin, and the mood shifts to the laid-back Mediterranean. Here, Grand Case's restaurant row serves up some of the Caribbean's finest cuisine, from classic French bistros to local lolos (outdoor barbecue stands).

Aruba: Desert Island Paradise

Unlike its lush Caribbean cousins, Aruba charms with desert beauty and constant trade winds. Palm Beach and Eagle Beach stretch like ribbons of white silk along the western coast, while Arikok National Park showcases a rugged interior of cacti and dramatic rock formations. The island's Dutch influence shines through in the capital of Oranjestad, where sherbet-colored buildings house boutiques and cafés.

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Puerto Rico: Where History Lives

Old San Juan's blue cobblestone streets wind past candy-colored colonial buildings and massive fortifications like El Morro, telling 500 years of Spanish colonial history. Beyond the capital, El Yunque National Forest offers rainforest adventures among waterfalls and ancient trees. As night falls, Mosquito Bay in Vieques puts on a natural light show in its bioluminescent waters.

British Virgin Islands: A Sailor's Dream

Nature crafted the perfect maritime playground in the BVI. The famous Baths of Virgin Gorda invite exploration through a maze of massive granite boulders, forming secret pools and grottoes. Jost Van Dyke, though small, packs Caribbean charm into every inch, from the famous Soggy Dollar Bar to pristine White Bay. The waters between these islands create some of the world's finest sailing grounds, dotted with protected coves and vibrant coral reefs.

Advisor Take:

"After 15 years of planning Caribbean getaways, I've found that a cruise offers my clients the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Island hopping becomes effortless, and Celebrity's ships serve as elegant home bases for exploration. I especially recommend their suite accommodations—think expansive verandas for private sunset viewing and exclusive dining at Luminae. The specialty restaurants are particular standouts; Le Petit Chef offers an imaginative dining experience that's as much entertainment as it is culinary excellence. For clients seeking both cultural immersion and refined comfort, Celebrity's approach to Caribbean cruising delivers that sweet spot between destination immersion and onboard luxury." - Cheryl Hellmold, Luxury Travel Advisor & Cruise Expert

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Set Sail 

The Caribbean is home to rich sailing traditions, and navigating these waters is still the most captivating way to explore the area. Island-hopping by sea introduces a unique travel rhythm—where unpacking just once allows you to discover multiple worlds.

Modern adventurers, especially those who value sophisticated experiences and cultural immersion, often find Celebrity Cruises to be their ideal choice. With sailings available all year, travelers can pursue endless summer, but the prime months from December to April provide perfect conditions for both land and sea escapades. As spring transitions into summer, the warm waters and less crowded ports offer their charm, ideal for those searching for a more relaxed Caribbean experience.

Ready to sail the Caribbean? Discover our favorite Celebrity sailings below, or contact your advisor for a tailored itinerary.

1. A Quick but Luxurious Getaway: If you’re short on time but still want a tropical escape, this four-night cruise delivers just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.

Route: Key West & Bahamas
Starting at: $442 USD per person
Ship: Celebrity Reflection

What to Expect
  • Key West: Wander through colorful streets, visit Hemingway’s house, and catch the famous sunset at Mallory Square.
  • Bimini, Bahamas: Snorkel in the legendary Bimini Road, lounge by the Resorts World infinity pool, or simply sip a cocktail on the sand.
  • Onboard Luxury: Enjoy The Lawn Club, where you can play bocce on real grass, sip wine, and take in the ocean views.
  • Perfect for Couples, solo travelers, or anyone in need of a quick but stylish retreat.

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2. The Ultimate Island Experience: This itinerary takes you to some of the most picturesque islands in the Southern Caribbean, packed with culture, pristine beaches, and vibrant cityscapes.

Route: Aruba, Curaçao & Bonaire
Starting at: $1,042 USD per person
Ship: Celebrity Silhouette

 What to Expect
  • Bonaire: Snorkel or dive in the Caribbean’s clearest waters, famous for colorful coral reefs.
  • Curaçao: Stroll through Willemstad’s pastel-colored streets, visit local markets, and taste authentic Blue Curaçao liqueur.
  • Aruba: Rent a jeep and explore Arikok National Park, or just relax on Eagle Beach, ranked one of the best beaches in the world.
  • Perfect for Travelers who love a mix of beach days, culture, and exploring vibrant island towns.
3. Island-Hopping at Its Best: For those looking for a little adventure mixed with luxury, this one’s a winner.

Route: Puerto Plata, St. Thomas & St. Maarten
Starting at: $1,225 USD per person
Ship: Celebrity Xcel

What to Expect
  • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Take a cable car to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for incredible island views.
  • St. Thomas: Known for duty-free shopping, white sand beaches, and top-notch snorkeling.
  • St. Maarten: Head to Maho Beach, where you can experience planes landing just a few feet above you.
  • Onboard Perks: Sail on Celebrity Xcel, one of the newest Edge-class ships, featuring the Magic Carpet, a floating platform with ocean views and next-level cocktails.
  • Perfect for those who love a mix of relaxation, adventure, and iconic island experiences.
4. A Laid-Back & Scenic Escape: This cruise balances culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

Route: St. Kitts, San Juan & Puerto Plata
Starting at: $826 USD per person
Ship: Celebrity Apex
Duration & Days at Sea: 7 Nights & 3 Sea Days

What to Expect
  •  San Juan, Puerto Rico: Wander through cobblestone streets, see centuries-old Spanish forts, and try authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
  • St. Kitts: Take a scenic ride on the St. Kitts Railway or hike to the top of Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano.
  • Puerto Plata: Visit colonial landmarks, swim in waterfalls, or sample locally distilled rum.
  • Onboard Perks: Guests in The Retreat Suites get VIP access to a private lounge, restaurant, and sundeck—a next-level experience from start to finish.
  • Perfect for those who love history, nature, and a relaxed island pace.

The CaribbeanWhy Cruise the Caribbean with Celebrity?

With Celebrity Cruises, the journey is just as impressive as the destination. From incredible dining to luxurious suites and next-level entertainment, it’s all about sailing in style.

What Makes Celebrity Special?

✔️ Unmatched Comfort – Whether you’re in an AquaClass spa suite or lounging in The Retreat, luxury is everywhere.

✔️ Gourmet Dining – Think Michelin-starred menus, fresh seafood, and global flavors that rival top restaurants on land.

✔️ Excursions to Remember – Swim with stingrays in Bimini, go ziplining in Puerto Rico’s rainforest, or visit a local rum distillery.

✔️ Entertainment Done Right – Live music, Broadway-style performances, and open-air movie nights keep the fun going all day and night.

Plus, booking with an MVT advisor offers added benefits, with $120 Onboard Credit when booked in a balcony–AquaClass® and $200 USD Onboard Credit when booked for The Retreat®!

Ready to Set Sail?

Celebrity Cruises are more than vacations—they’re remarkable experiences. If you dream of cruising the Caribbean, there’s a perfect itinerary waiting for you.

Contact one of our MVT advisors today to book your suite and take advantage of special offers.

Let’s make your travel dreams a reality! 

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