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Cruise to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

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GET YOUR RUM ON

Cruzam Rum Distillery, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Taste your way through the history of rum on St. Croix as you tour the Captain Morgan and Cruzan Rum distilleries, where you’ll learn about the process of making the Caribbean’s favorite spirit.

FORTIFIED FINDS

Canon Fort Frederik, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Check out the hard-to-miss yellow brick Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted for a vivid history lesson— it’s the best preserved Danish-built fort in the Virgin Islands. You can also visit an art gallery and several historical exhibits in Frederiksted’s Fort Frederik.

A BETTER POINT OF VIEW

Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States. It’s about a half-hour drive from Christiansted, but well worth the journey— once you arrive at the rocky bluff, you can wander up a paved road to the overlook for the best views on the island.

LOCAL CUISINE

St. Croix’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape. Stop in at any small local eatery and you’ll find fresh seafood dishes, like Cruzan Style Gundy (balls of ground herring and spices), that nod to French, Thai and Dutch cuisine— with plenty of West Indian spice and favorites like conch fritters. You’ll also find boardwalk bars serving traditional American fare, like hamburgers with rum punch.

There’s no shortage of interesting dive shops in either Christiansted or Frederiksted. But the best places to shop in St. Croix are the duty-free shops offering jewelry, liquor, clothing and souvenirs.

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Cruises to U.S. Virgin Islands

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Luxury Cruises to the U.S. Virgin Islands

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, discover a trio of tropical destinations with white-sand beaches, fine snorkeling, and pristine water in endless shades of blue. Made up of the main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, the USVI offers endless adventures in its national parks, delicious local rum, picturesque hiking trails, and gorgeous Caribbean beaches.

On cruises to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll get to dive into the deep blue waters around St. Croix, where you can swim with sea turtles and explore colorful coral reefs. Spend the day in Charlotte Amalie, known for its Danish colonial architecture and duty-free shopping,  and hike to the top of Skyline Drive for incredible views. Enjoy a rum tasting on St. Thomas before you spend the afternoon relaxing on the sands at Magens Bay Beach. No matter when you visit, a blissful luxury vacation awaits on one of our U.S. Virgin Islands cruises.

U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Highlights

Beaches & bays.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. St. John’s Trunk Bay is known for its clear turquoise waters, while St. Thomas’ Magens Bay is popular for its white-sand shores and lush greenery. For a more secluded experience, visit Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve on St. Croix, where you can find a number of small, sandy coves to relax in before heading back on board. 

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Off the shores of the beaches of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you'll find excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to hundreds of species of beautiful tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and blue tangs, which make for great underwater viewing. You can even find sea turtles drifting through the deep blue and rays skimming across the seabed around  St. Croix. You may spot dolphins, too, particularly during the winter months.

St. Thomas has some of the best duty-free shopping in the world. Charlotte Amalie is lined with boutiques and souvenir shops. On the island of St. John, browse through the shops in Cruz Bay to find some local artisan crafts like wood carvings, Moko Jumbie dolls, jewelry, and natural soaps.

U.S. Virgin Island Cruise Ports

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to the U.S. Virgin Islands last for  7, 8, 9, or 10 nights. These luxury cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, Miami, and Tampa. They include itineraries that stop in Charlotte Amalie, St. Croix, and other Caribbean ports such as St. Kitts, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Puerto Plata, and more.

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Why cruise to the u.s. virgin islands with celebrity cruises.

A cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands with Celebrity brings you the best in luxury travel, no matter which itinerary you choose. You'll enjoy world-class dining, contemporary accommodation, and unparalleled service. Spend a quiet afternoon by the pool at the adults-only Solarium. Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail at the Martini Bar. Choose The Retreat, a tranquil oasis of exclusive dining, a private lounge, and suite accommodation.

Your U.S. Virgin Islands cruise will take you to the capital city of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, where you can explore the 17th-century Fort Christian, stroll along the lovely waterfront, or do some duty-free shopping. Visit Fort Christiansvaern in St. Croix, or take a dip in the warm, clear blue waters at Cane Bay Beach. Get ready to rejuvenate mind and body in every sense on a luxury cruise with Celebrity.

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EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

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An Eastern Caribbean cruise awaits you on Norwegian Cruise Line. Wake up to turquoise, float into sapphire, and snorkel into aquamarine. Paradise has many shades and you’ll see them all onboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Eastern Caribbean cruises.

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What are the Eastern Caribbean Islands?

The Eastern Caribbean Islands consist of The U.S. Virgin Islands, The British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico. Some of the cities you may visit during your travels are San Juan, Puerto Rico which was founded in 1521 and is the second oldest city in the Americas. Another stop is St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, which has one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Philipsburg, St. Maarten has plentiful duty-free shopping and casinos. You may also visit Tortola, British Virgin Islands discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

Best Time to Cruise the Eastern Caribbean

The Eastern Caribbean Islands are great to visit all year round but peak season for an Eastern Caribbean Cruise is usually from December through April as travellers try to escape the winter months and find warmer weather. The weather in the Eastern Caribbean Islands are usually around the mid 70 F to high 90 F throughout the year. Always make sure to check ahead of time for island conditions and pack appropriately for your Caribbean cruise .

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Enjoy an Eastern Caribbean Cruise by travelling to awe-inspiring Islands. Cruise to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, the US and British Virgin Islands and everything in between, you're sure to experience it all. Immerse yourself in rich cultures - Dutch and French - whilst you cruise to St. Maarten. Explore underground waterfalls in the caves of St. Thomas. Eco-tourists delight in Samaná, where North Atlantic humpback whales migrate every winter to birth their young. Try amazing Eastern Caribbean street food throughout your trip. Keep your eyes open as you zip through trees and valleys in St. Kitts. Whatever you dream, your possibilities are as wide open as the Caribbean Sea.

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St. Croix, USVI

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Cruises to St Croix offer some of the most striking scenery you can see on a cruise — on land, on the water, and beneath it. The island also has a fascinating history. St. Croix’s path to becoming a U.S. Virgin Island took it through the hands of France and Denmark. While we’re talking geography, cruises to St. Croix let you explore a variety of it, ranging from the east end’s desert vistas to rainforest and palm trees on the west. Underwater, coral reefs are abundant, making SCUBA diving a great way to see best-hidden local sights during cruises to St Croix. As far as unwinding goes, there’s rum — the good stuff — and plenty of it, with famous brands’ distilleries located right here.

• Explore 40,000 acres of land and sea across Buck Island Reef National Monument.
• See St. George Botanical Garden, with plants from cacti to exotic lush rainforest flora.
• Get the full tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery to see — and sample — the distillation process.
• Tour the nearby Christiansted, learn about local Danish history and explore Fort Christiansvaern.

Things to do in St. Croix

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* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

New York Cruise Guide > Cruise Destinations > Caribbean

Caribbean Cruises from New York

There are many Caribbean cruises from New York City. They are one week to two weeks long and may be round-trip or one-way. See the schedules of departures below.

The majority of the cruises go to the Eastern Caribbean. It's the closest destination and includes the familiar Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and St Maarten.

Cruises to the exotic Southern Caribbean are longer. Stops include the islands of St Kitts, Barbados, and Martinique. They are more out of the way and less crowded than the Eastern Caribbean.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on MSC . Round-trip from Brooklyn (New York) to Port Canaveral (Florida), Cozumel (Mexico), Costa Maya (Mexico), Ocean Cay (Bahamas) and Miami (Florida). • 2024 departure: January 15.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: January 17.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: January 23.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: January 27.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda). • 2024 departures: February 6.

12-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Maarten. • 2024 departure: February 11.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: February 16.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: February 26.

12-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, St Lucia and St Maarten. • 2024 departure: March 3.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: March 7.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas, St Maarten, San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). • 2024 departure: March 15.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Maarten, St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). • 2024 departure: March 25.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: April 5.

12-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Philipsburg (St Maarten), St John (Antigua), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: April 7.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: April 15.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), St Maarten, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: April 19.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: April 26.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: May 6.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: May 17.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: May 27.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: June 10.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: June 18.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: June 26.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: July 8.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: July 16.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: July 24.

8-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: August 5.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Thomas, Puerto Plata and Grand Turk. • 2024 departure: August 18.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: October 4.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: October 14.

15-night cruise to the Caribbean on Regent Seven Seas . One-way from New York to Miami (Florida). Visit Bermuda, St Barts, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba. • 2024 departure: October 23.

10-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departure: October 25.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: November 4.

14-day cruise to the Caribbean on Oceania . One-way from New York to Oranjestad (Aruba). Visit Hamilton (Bermuda), St George (Bermuda), St Barts, Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada, Bonaire and Curacao. • 2024 departure: November 8.

15-day cruise to the Caribbean on Oceania . One-way from New York to Miami (Florida). Visit Hamilton (Bermuda), St George (Bermuda), St Barts, Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba. • 2024 departure: November 19.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises . Round-trip from New York to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Dominica, Barbados, Antigua and St Maarten. • 2024 departure: November 24.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Thomas, Tortola and Bermuda. • 2024 departure: November 30.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Thomas, Tortola and Bermuda. • 2024 departure: December 11.

11-day cruise to the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line . Round-trip from New York to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Thomas, Tortola and Bermuda. • 2024 departure: December 21.

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10 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

• You want a mega, modern, family-friendly Princess cruise
• You like sailing on the latest-and-greatest ships afloat
• You want a family-friendly cruise with activities for all
• You long for Princess Cruises' smaller, less-crowded ships
• You expect exacting service; 3,560 passengers means this difficult
• You are looking for a big ship sailing exotic itineraries
• You want quality fun for the family at a reasonable price
• You like scheduled activities that aren’t too wild or wacky
• You want to party all night long; this isn’t the right ship
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7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

• You want a ship with plenty of balcony cabins and suites
• You enjoy sailing on the latest-and-greatest ships in the fleet
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• You don't enjoy lines; queuing up is a reality on big ships
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14 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want a family-friendly ocean cruise at a moderate price
• You like big ship amenities that don't sacrifice quality
• You want a balcony cabin; Caribbean Princess has plenty
• You are looking for enrichment activities or local cuisines
• You want action-packed nightlife and nonstop diversions
• You are averse to spending money onboard for extra options

12 Night Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

• You want a sophisticated cruise with some Vegas glitz and glam
• You love having lots of diverse dining options for all tastes
• You're traveling as an extended family and need fun for all
• You like the promenade decks found on other Princess ships
• You want large cabins and balconies; standard ones are small
• You like big, classy ships with plenty of entertainment choices
• You want great restaurant and lounge options to suit all tastes
• You like a traditional style of cruise, with focus on service
• You don't care for crowds; certain activities can fill up fast
• You are traveling with kids and need cutting-edge facilities

8 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

11 night cruise to the caribbean.

• You like having plenty of choices on a classically styled cruise
• You want numerous bars, lounges and specialty restaurants
• You appreciate a laid-back cruise that's steeped in traditions
• You dislike crowds; lines and reservations are inevitable
• You need a cutting-edge ship with the latest technology

10 Night Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

20 night cruise to the caribbean, 33 night cruise to transatlantic, explore u.s. virgin islands.

Cruises from Port Canaveral to the Virgin Islands, U.S.

7 Night Eastern Caribbean

Orlando (Port Canaveral), Perfect Day Cococay, Charlotte Amalie, Philipsburg, Orlando (Port Canaveral)    View map

Sailing Dates:

Aug 18, 2024 → Aug 25, 2024

Sun-Sun See other dates

Wonder of the Seas

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $145 pp not included.

$904 $129 /night

$1,082 $155 /night

$1,069 $153 /night

Priced per person, based on 2 guests

8 Night Eastern Caribbean

Orlando (Port Canaveral), Labadee, San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, St. Croix, Orlando (Port Canaveral)    View map

Jan 10, 2025 → Jan 18, 2025

Adventure of the Seas

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $134 pp not included.

$631 $79 /night

$1,032 $129 /night

$1,149 $144 /night

Port Canaveral (Orlando), Grand Turk, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Port Canaveral (Orlando)    View map

Aug 31, 2024 → Sep 8, 2024

Sat-Sun See other dates

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $160 pp not included.

$899 $112 /night

$1,119 $140 /night

$1,209 $151 /night

Port Canaveral (Orlando), Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Port Canaveral (Orlando)    View map

Jul 27, 2024 → Aug 4, 2024

Carnival Vista

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $150 pp not included.

$1,019 $127 /night

$1,319 $165 /night

$1,559 $195 /night

Port Canaveral, Tortola, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral    View map

Aug 31, 2024 → Sep 7, 2024

Sat-Sat See other dates

Disney Fantasy

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $141 pp not included.

$1,575 $225 /night

$1,701 $243 /night

$1,925 $275 /night

Port Canaveral (Orlando), Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Port Canaveral (Orlando)    View map

Jan 5, 2025 → Jan 12, 2025

Carnival Venezia

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $140 pp not included.

$594 $85 /night

$739 $106 /night

$929 $133 /night

8 Night Caribbean

Port Canaveral (Orlando), St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Grand Turk, Port Canaveral (Orlando)    View map

Dec 1, 2024 → Dec 9, 2024

Sun-Mon See other dates

Caribbean Princess

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $170 pp not included.

$638 $80 /night

$736 $92 /night

$1,408 $176 /night

Orlando-Beaches-Port Canaveral, Puerto Plata, St.Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay, Orlando-Beaches-Port Canaveral    View map

Nov 15, 2025 → Nov 22, 2025

Norwegian Joy

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $257 pp not included.

$729 $104 /night

$799 $114 /night

$1,249 $178 /night

Dec 14, 2025 → Dec 22, 2025

Sky Princess

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $165 pp not included.

$608 $76 /night

$1,008 $126 /night

$912 $114 /night

11 Night Southern Caribbean

Port Canaveral (Orlando), Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas, Manhattan    View map

May 11, 2025 → May 22, 2025

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $180 pp not included.

$749 $68 /night

$999 $91 /night

$1,254 $114 /night

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St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The gently rolling hills of this island blend with palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. Old plantation windmills are scattered across the landscape, and the Danish heritage is evident in the towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. Snorkelers will find their paradise at the nation's only underwater national park, Buck Island Reef. Other popular excursions include a rum-tasting tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery, horseback riding in a rain forest and a sailboat ride.

Best Cruise Destinations

From serene, azure waters to vibrant coastal cityscapes, come sea the world with us.

Get ready to sail! Seek out new perspectives sailing from Miami and San Juan to ports across the Caribbean. Experience the thrill of late-night beach fun at our exclusive Beach Club at Bimini on all Miami voyages.

Enjoy cruises from our home ports in Barcelona, Spain, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the Med. Or embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal and Croatia.

North America

Featuring homeports in the four corners of the US, we’re setting sail from the vibrant streets of New York City, the sun-soaked vibes of Miami, the star-studded shores of LA, and the lush landscapes of Seattle. Embark on voyages that blend unprecedented happenings with iconic destinations.

Transatlantic and More

Uncover paradise! Be part of our transatlantic and transpacific journeys as our lady ships make their way from their home in the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean to experience the most amazing weather — while expanding your horizons with new routes and destinations.

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Cruises to Tortola, British Virgin Islands

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Tortola Shore Excursions

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Tortola British Virgin Islands Port Guide

A British Virgin Islands cruise takes you to an archipelago made up of low mountains and rolling hills. Surrounding the peaks of the islands are gorgeous lagoons that are home to coral reefs and white sand beaches. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) encompass dozens of islands, though most are uninhabited. Tortola is the largest island followed by Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, though to give you scale, Virgin Gorda is only eight square miles and Jost Van Dyke is even smaller at just three square miles. Despite their small size, a lot of beauty is packed into their coastlines.

Caribbean cruises pull into port in Tortola. From there, you can explore the main island’s 21.5 square miles of landscape and quaint coastal towns, or take an excursion to one of the smaller islands.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to tortola, brandywine beach.

This beach is close to Road Town and features a long, sandy stretch of sand. It is also next to a calm bay that makes it ideal for families with children and anyone who wants to go for a relaxing swim.

Smuggler’s Cove

Smuggler’s Cove is a lovely beach located on the western edge of Tortola. The sandy beach is lined by the turquoise sea to one side and pretty sea grapes and almond trees on the other side, the latter of which provide nice shade for beachgoers. Within the bay of Smuggler’s Cove, you’ll also find coral reefs you can snorkel along.

If you love to surf or simply love watching surfers, head to Apple Bay, nicknamed “the Surfing Beach”. This bay is home to one of the Caribbean’s best surf breaks, particularly in the winter months during a north sea swell. You’ll also find a surfer’s bar there called Bomba’s Shack to get a drink in after you’ve caught a wave or two.

Lambert Beach

If you’re looking for a picturesque white sand beach in the British Virgin Islands, head to Lambert Beach. Located on Tortola’s east end, the soft white sand is framed by palm trees and sparkling teal water.

Norman Island

Feel like a pirate navigating a secret island when you take an excursion to Norman Island, a privately owned and uninhabited island. It’s open to visitors for hiking and sunbathing on the white sand beaches. Norman Island also has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots surrounding it.

Learn More About Tortola Shore Excursions

Top things to do in tortola, explore road town.

Take a guided tour of Road Town or explore it on your own to see the top sites of this colorful capital city. The streets of Road Town are lined by candy-colored buildings housing bars, shops, restaurants, and markets. The picturesque harbor is a popular yachting hub and will likely have you dreaming of owning a boat someday.

Virgin Gorda Baths

The Baths of Virgin Gorda are a gorgeous stretch of coastline lined with huge boulders. These massive rocks create pockets of seawater by tiny white sand beaches. It makes for an exhilarating excursion to hike between the different baths.

Water Sports on Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay is a great place to do watersports since it’s sheltered from high winds due to the curve of the bay. You can go swimming and snorkeling or rent equipment for windsurfing, paddleboarding, or other watersports.

Hike in Sage Mountain National Park

Sage Mountain National Park is home to Sage Mountain, the highest point in the British Virgin Islands. You can hike one of the 12 looped trails, which go through beautiful rainforests.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Tortola Cruise Port

The British Virgin Islands has an array of dining options with Caribbean flair and flavors. Here are some of the top places at which to eat during BVI cruises.

Bananakeet Cafe

If you have time in port to catch the sunset, this is a great place to do so thanks to its incredible sea and mountain views. Arrive early to take advantage of happy hour and get a good sunset viewing spot. The cuisine served here is Caribbean fusion with a strong emphasis on seafood, including the local Anegada conch. Try the free sundowner shot for a fun way to celebrate the gorgeous sunset.

Brandywine Estate

Located on picturesque Brandywine Bay, the Brandywine Estate features a romantic outdoor patio with views overlooking the sea and nearby islands. The cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean and is constantly changing. The restaurant was beautifully reconstructed after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma and is open for diners again to enjoy its fabulous views and cuisine.

Capriccio di Mare

If you want something more casual to eat during your British Virgin Islands cruise, this is a great Italian café serving espresso, pastries, pizza, and pasta. You can also get a Bellini or other cocktail to enjoy from the onsite bar if you’re looking for something heavier than a cappuccino.

Sugar Mill Restaurant

This unique restaurant is located inside a 17th century sugar mill and features a menu that changes nightly, though you’ll find a variety of Caribbean favorites like Jamaican pulled pork and rum-based desserts.

Culture & History of the Tortola Cruise Port

The British Virgin Islands were formed by volcanic activity, which contributed to its mountainous terrain. The islands were first inhabited by the Arawak, an indigenous tribe, until the 15th century when Caribs took over the island. Christopher Columbus documented seeing the islands on his expedition to the region in 1493, and eventually the Spanish Empire took claim of the islands in the 16th century. Later, the Dutch took hold of the islands and established a permanent settlement on Tortola in the 1600s and held onto the islands until 1682, when the British conquered the island of Tortola and later annexed the other islands in the archipelago.

Today, your British Virgin Islands cruise will take you to islands that have British influence while still maintaining an island charm all their own. The two main components of the economy in the BVI are tourism and offshore financial services.

Tortola Port Facilities & Location

Your British Virgin Islands cruise ship will dock in the city of Road Town on the island of Tortola. The cruise terminal is conveniently located next to Tortola Pier Park, which is an 80,000-square-foot area that includes 50 different shops and restaurants. For those wanting to explore Road Town on foot, it’s a short walk to get to the city center.

Transportation in Tortola

Taxis are a reliable and affordable method of transportation in the BVI. No matter what your travel requires, you’ll find transportation to accommodate you, from open-air safari buses to enclosed air-conditioned buses and smaller passenger vehicles. In the BVI, taxis are for more than just point A to point B. They’re some of the most popular methods of touring the beautiful landscapes quickly and comfortably. Whether you are looking for a ride from the airport to your hotel or a trip around one of the islands, taxis and water taxis help you make it happen.

For getting to other islands, take one of the inter-island ferries that can transport you to nearby smaller islands that are part of both the BVI and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Shopping Near the Tortola Cruise Port

Top souvenirs to get during your British Virgin Islands cruise include gems and metal bracelets pounded out right in front of you by local jewelers. To bring the flavors of the Caribbean home with you, local rum and spices are also popular. You can also find local art and pottery in the shops of Road Town.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Though the British Virgin Islands are a territory of Great Britain, don’t expect to use the British Pound while there. The official currency of the islands is actually the U.S. Dollar, making it convenient for those sailing to the islands from Florida or also visiting the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tipping in the BVI is often expected and is similar to what you’ll encounter in the U.S. with 10% to 20% being a common tip in restaurants, bars, and for taxi drivers.

Find Cruises to British Virgin Islands' Tortola Port

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Stunning beaches and an ugly past: What travelers discover at Virgin Islands National Park

With turquoise waters and white sand shores, Virgin Islands National Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world .

“The viewscapes out here are really truly amazing,” said Ahmad Touré, Visitor Services program manager at Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument . 

But there’s so much more to the park on St. John , which was part of the Danish West Indies before the U.S. purchased it from Denmark in 1917, along with St. Thomas and St. Croix.

“As the program manager for the Interpretive team, we're making sure that we are helping to share with visitors a holistic understanding and perspective of enslavement in the Danish West Indies and also how that differed from slavery in the continental U.S. and also the island’s Indigenous history ,” Touré said. 

Here’s what travelers should know about Virgin Islands National Park, the latest park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

Where is Virgin Islands National Park?

Virgin Islands National Park is located on St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. 

“Most of the island is the national park,” Touré said. 

To get there, visitors can fly or cruise to neighboring St. Thomas, which has the nearest airport, and then take a ferry to St. John. 

What is the main attraction of Virgin Islands National Park?

Virgin Islands National Park is famous for its unspoiled beaches.

But visitors will also find remains of plantations from the 18th and 19th centuries when St. John was still under Danish rule.

“We recently put a commemorative plaque at the peak of Ram Head to commemorate the Revolution of 1733,” Touré said. “It was one of the first successful revolutions by enslaved people in the Western Hemisphere. They were able to hold the island for about six to nine months.”

Who originally inhabited the Virgin Islands?

Touré said the Ciboney, Igneri, Taino, Arawak and Kalinago peoples are all tied to the islands. The Kalinago are still present in Dominica , and Touré said many Puerto Ricans today have Taino DNA . 

“We'll hear a lot of (park) visitors that'll say like, ‘Oh, yeah, the Taino are extinct,’ and when we're talking about them in our programming, they'll ask if their descendants are still around,” Touré said. “Just even learning about those types of facts is really eye-opening and a change of perspective for people.”

How much does it cost to go to Virgin Islands National Park?

There is no entry fee for Virgin Islands National Park.

Do you need a passport to go to Virgin Islands National Park?

U.S. citizens do not need passports to visit the park. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory , like Puerto Rico and Guam. 

“Part of our interpretation is making sure that people are understanding the contextual reality of the U.S. Virgin Islands being a territory of the United States,” Touré said. “That's also why we encourage (visitors) – even though they're coming on our programs and talking to us – go out and interact with the locals. Get information from the locals as well. Support the local businesses and communities, not necessarily only people that transplanted here to make businesses, but actual local people and ancestral St. Johnians and Virgin Islanders.”

“St. Johnians are just a really strong and vibrant people. They really care about this island,” Touré added. “If you come here with an open mind and open heart, they will welcome you and they will make sure that you're taken care of.”

How long to spend in Virgin Islands National Park

“You can drive around this island in a day, but realistically, I would recommend that if somebody really wants to get a good taste of St. John to at least spend two or three days,” Touré said, adding that the park’s busy season runs from the beginning of November through April. 

Hurricane season is the offseason.

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

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Thinking of booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line ? You have a lot of choices. The Miami-based line operates vessels in almost every corner of the world, with a wide range of itineraries in many destinations.

You’ll find Norwegian ships everywhere, from the Caribbean and the Bahamas to Europe, Asia and Australia. The line is also a big player in Hawaii.

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In addition, Norwegian is particularly known for cruises to Bermuda out of Boston and New York City, and it offers Canada and New England cruises regularly. It also operates some Panama Canal sailings and trips from the West Coast of the U.S. to the Mexican Riviera.

In North America, Norwegian ships sail from a relatively wide range of home ports, including Boston; New York City; Miami and Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco; Seattle; Honolulu; Vancouver, British Columbia; Quebec City and Quebec in Canada; and Seward, Alaska.

Here is a look at the best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

Some of Norwegian’s most exciting itineraries are in Europe, where the line is a significant player. It offers a wide range of itineraries in the Mediterranean and across northern Europe.

Norwegian will typically deploy around half of its 19 ships to the continent from spring to fall, making Europe its biggest focus for more than half the year. Norwegian also sometimes offers Europe cruises in the winter — albeit typically with just one ship.

Norwegian’s Mediterranean sailings provide the chance to see such iconic destinations as Barcelona in Spain; and Florence, Rome and Naples in Italy in a single cruise. Or, you can sign up for a Mediterranean cruise that focuses on the Greek Islands.

In northern Europe, Norwegian will take you to such famed Baltic cities as Stockholm; Tallinn, Estonia; and Helsinki in a single sailing.

In past years, such Baltic trips have also included a multiday call at St. Petersburg, Russia — traditionally the highlight of any Baltic sailings. However, like all major cruise lines, Norwegian pulled St. Petersburg from Baltic itineraries for 2022 and 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As of the publishing of this guide, Norwegian had opened bookings for all of its Baltic sailing through late 2025, and St. Petersburg remains off the schedule for all of them. The line hasn’t said when it might return to St. Petersburg.

For those looking to explore northern Europe, Norwegian also offers itineraries that zero in on Iceland, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Norwegian’s Europe voyages range widely in length from just three nights to a whopping 19 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Norwegian offers that include calls in Europe are one-way trips between Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens), and Dubai. Typically lasting 18 or 19 nights, these will often include stops in Israel and sometimes Greece, as well as visits to Egypt, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

In Northern Europe, Norwegian ships mostly sail out of Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, England’s Southampton and Reykjavík in Iceland.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s hubs are Barcelona, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice in Italy, Piraeus (the port for Athens) in Greece, and Istanbul.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian ships

The Caribbean and the Bahamas

The Caribbean and the Bahamas have always been a big area of operations for Norwegian. In fact, for a long time, the regions were so much the focus that the line included “Caribbean” in its name. Up until 1987, Norwegian was known as Norwegian Caribbean Line.

These days, Norwegian usually keeps just two of its 19 vessels in the Caribbean and the Bahamas year-round (in recent years, the year-round ships have been Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Escape, both sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Florida ports). However, it really ramps things up in the region in the winter, when it deploys a large portion of its ships to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Norwegian currently has 15 of its 19 ships scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for at least part of 2024 — including its newest and most advanced ship, the 3,219-passenger Norwegian Viva.

Related: I’ve sailed on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from more than half a dozen home ports. If you’re looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of lots of quick, three- and four-night trips from Miami to the Bahamas.

It also offers an abundance of seven-night sailings to Caribbean and Bahamian ports, as well as a handful of longer trips in the region that range from nine to 14 nights.

At the core of the line’s Caribbean and Bahamas program are its seven-night sailings, which break down into three broad categories:

• Eastern Caribbean voyages
• Western Caribbean voyages
• Southern Caribbean voyages

A typical seven-night Norwegian sailing to the Eastern Caribbean includes stops in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

Norwegian’s seven Western Caribbean voyages will typically include a visit to Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.

The line’s Southern Caribbean itineraries will often bring visits to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Lucia and St. Kitts. They typically begin and end in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

When sailing to the Caribbean, Norwegian ships generally sail out of Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa in Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The line also offers Caribbean sailings out of New Orleans, New York City and, occasionally, Panama City, Panama.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian’s Latitudes Reward loyalty program

Norwegian is the undisputed leader in Hawaii cruises. Most cruise lines that offer sailings to Hawaii only offer a limited number of such trips during a few months each year. Norwegian, by contrast, offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands out of Honolulu every week of the year — the only cruise line in the world to do so.

Norwegian’s Hawaii voyages are also more intensely focused on Hawaii than the Hawaii trips offered by most other lines. This is because Norwegian offers its Hawaii cruises on one of the only cruise ships in the world that meets the regulatory requirements allowing it to spend all its time in the destination.

Norwegian’s Hawaii trips take place on Norwegian’s 2,186-passenger Pride of America, which has the rare distinction of being both U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed. By law, only such a vessel can cruise full-time in Hawaii without regularly traveling long distances to foreign ports.

An iconic presence in Hawaii, Pride of America has been permanently dedicated to the archipelago since its debut in 2005. It offers a repeating seven-night itinerary that begins each Saturday in Honolulu and brings the chance to visit four different Hawaiian islands on a single seven-night trip.

Beginning and ending on the island of Oahu, the itinerary includes two days each on the islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. The two-day visit to Maui involves an overnight stay at the port of Kahului.

The two-day visit to Kauai involves an overnight stay at the port of Nawiliwili. The two-day visit to Hawaii is split between a call at Hilo and a call at Kona.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian ships, explained

Norwegian isn’t the biggest player in Alaska cruises. The giants of cruising to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America , which are sister lines that control a large percentage of the market.

Still, Norwegian typically sends three to five vessels to Alaska every summer, and its big, activity-filled ships are a popular pick with families looking to visit the destination.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to early October.

For 2024, Norwegian plans to deploy four ships to the Alaska market for the full season:

• Norwegian Encore : Norwegian’s biggest vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. It will call at the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. It will also visit Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park for glacier viewing.
• Norwegian Sun: This ship will operate a mix of nine- to 11-night sailings to Alaska out of Seattle. The list of port calls varies based on the length of the trips.
• Norwegian Bliss : The 4,002-passenger vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round trip out of Seattle. On most sailings, it will call at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point in Alaska, plus Victoria, British Columbia. It will also visit Alaska’s Endicott Arm for glacier viewing. Some sailings at the start and end of the season substitute a visit to Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park for the stops in Sitka and Icy Strait Point, and drop the visit to Endicott Arm.
• Norwegian Jewel. The 2,376-passenger ship will operate one-way voyages to Alaska between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. The trips typically include stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, plus a visit to either Glacier Bay National Park or Icy Strait Point.

In recent years, the 2,018-passenger Norwegian Spirit also has spent its summers sailing in Alaska, but its Alaska voyages for 2024 were canceled as a result of the vessel being chartered to another company.

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Norwegian Jewel is that they can be combined with Norwegian-organized land tours of Alaska lasting from three to six days to create 10- to 13-night “cruisetours.”

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide  

Norwegian usually deploys two ships on Bermuda runs every year — one out of New York City and one out of Boston.

In both cases, the sailings offered are mostly seven nights in length and include a two-night stay in Bermuda.

For 2024, Norwegian will devote one of its biggest and newest ships, the 3,802-passenger Norwegian Joy, to Bermuda. It will run out of New York. The line’s 2,394-passenger Norwegian Gem will sail to Bermuda out of Boston.

In addition, the line’s 3,969-passenger Norwegian Getaway will operate a handful of sailings to Bermuda out of New York during the early part of 2024, and the 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will operate a few sailings to Bermuda out of New York toward the end of 2024.

The line’s relatively new Norwegian Prima will operate a single Bermuda sailing out of New York at the end of 2024.

While most of Norwegian’s Bermuda sailings are seven nights in length, the line also sometimes offers a few shorter four- and five-night Bermuda sailings and, occasionally, a longer, nine-night Bermuda sailing.

Note that the shorter Bermuda sailings can offer very little time in the country, sometimes as few as nine hours.

Bottom line

Norwegian offers a wide range of itineraries in destinations around the world, from the Caribbean to Asia. However, you’ll find the most choices among Norwegian itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.

The line is also well-known for voyages around Hawaii and to Bermuda. Its Hawaii sailings, in particular, are something of a rarity in the industry.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Experience a hamptons-maldives fusion on an island just 30 minutes from miami.

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Florida’s affluent Wall Street South crowd is set to experience a new upscale retreat — and they can spare themselves a trip to the Palm Beaches to do so.

Developer Rafael Reyes, owner of Rockwell Island Development Group, is transforming Bimini, a Bahamian island just 48 nautical miles from the Florida coast, into a luxurious escape for Miami’s elite, Bloomberg reports .

Miami, now ranked 33rd globally for its millionaire residents, is becoming home to an increasing number of wealthy professionals.

For the approximately 4 million Miamians with boats, according to Reyes, the journey to Bimini can be as short as 40 minutes.

A high-speed ferry matches this time, while standard ferries take about 90 minutes. A helicopter ride with a local charter like HeliFlite shortens the trip to 25 minutes.

Currently, Bimini lacks 5-star amenities, but Reyes is rapidly changing that. His ambitious plans include a series of dining and beach clubs, such as an outpost of Bonito from St. Barts and Aspen’s Betula.

Following this, 54 waterfront mansions have a starting price of $3.5 million — each featuring a pool, a 90-foot dock and custom garages for Moke Jeeps.

The residences will be built in phases with the first few delivered in early 2025

A beach club by Sir Richard Branson to cater to Virgin cruise guests has joined the lineup.

The centerpiece is slated for 2026: a Banyan Tree resort featuring the country’s first overwater villas — an aesthetic very reminiscent of the Maldives — priced from $3,000 per night, spread across four man-made islands facing a vast lagoon.

This will be part of the new master-planned community, Rockwell Island, with an overall cost of approximately $245 million, in addition to $80 million in public-private funding for airport expansion to accommodate direct flights from major US airlines.

“Bimini used to be a very popular place in the old days,” Reyes told the outlet, referring to its heyday during Prohibition when it was the closest escape from alcohol restrictions for Americans. “Those were the glory days of Bimini … I’m trying to reestablish that now.”

Spanning 5 square miles, Bimini is surrounded by shallow, clear waters. Reyes’ company, a subsidiary of RAV Bahamas Ltd., has acquired over half the island since the 1990s, developing infrastructure including a seaplane port, helipads and a ferry terminal.

His efforts also brought in the largest marina in the Bahamian “Family Islands,” with 242 slips.

“You have all these people bringing their ships and mega yachts from the Med each year,” Reyes added. “So how do we attract them? You attract them by creating an extravagant food and beverage experience — and then sending a tender to pick them up from wherever they dock offshore.”

Bonito, opening this summer, will be followed by two or three more high-profile restaurants. Plans include a toes-in-the-sand beach bar with high-end Italian cuisine. Although Banyan Tree won’t be fully operational for a few years, its overwater spa and restaurants will open in phases to serve residents and yachters.

The Banyan Tree resort will feature 50 rooms and villas, designed as floating ivory jewel boxes with outdoor living areas and private plunge pools. The main pool and restaurant will extend over the sea on stilts.

Gabriel Gn, head of business development at Banyan Group, calls the Bimini resort a flagship property, pivotal to the brand’s expansion into the Americas.

“Bimini is going to be one of the most beautiful properties in our entire portfolio — a mini Maldives,” said Gn, noting that this is Banyan Tree’s first resort with overwater bungalows.

Building overwater accommodations in the Caribbean is challenging. Only a few resorts, like Sandals in Jamaica and St. Vincent, have succeeded due to stringent government regulations protecting coastlines.

Reyes emphasizes that their construction methods are environmentally conscious, transplanting coral and designing lighting to minimize wildlife disruption. A portion of the land remains undeveloped to preserve a mangrove forest essential for marine life and fishing.

Reyes asserts that the infrastructure improvements, including water treatment and power plants, will benefit local communities, creating 200 jobs at the Banyan Tree resort and nearby restaurants. However, the high-end development is unlikely to cater to the average Bahamian resident.

“When New Yorkers take off in a seaplane or helicopter, they go to the Hamptons. I’m trying to create that same concept in a Caribbean fashion,” Reyes said.

Miami-based architectural firm Oppenheim Architecture is leading design efforts for the residences and the resort, and locally-based OFFICIAL, is overseeing the sales of the residences.

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Maine Maritime training cruise cleared to depart after lifeboat repair

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Maine Maritime Academy’s students are cleared to set sail for the open ocean.

The Castine-based school’s 500-foot training ship, State of Maine, had to delay the beginning of its annual overseas cruise  when a U.S. Coast Guard inspection found the crane used to lower one of its four lifeboats broke.

That required a new part to be shipped from Norway for the necessary repairs.

Well, those repairs have been completed, according to a Thursday post  on the blog run by the midshipmen.

So the 202 students and 45 staff and crew are cleared to cast off.

The 74-day cruise was scheduled to take the State of Maine to Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Spain, Portugal, Portland and then back to Castine.

Since the State of Maine had to linger longer off the Maine coast, the Maine Maritime students won’t be stopping at St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, but rather sailing for New York before shipping off to Tenerife, Spain. They were scheduled to sail out from Castine at noon Friday.

It could be the last voyage for the State of Maine, which has been in use since 1997. A new training ship  is being built in Philadelphia, and it is expected to be delivered to Castine in spring 2025.

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News Brooklyn Navy Yard / Shipspotting / Waterfront

Guide to the Ships of Fleet Week New York 2024

By Andrew Gustafson

Our favorite week of the year has arrived—it’s Fleet Week! This year’s visitors will include 11 ships from the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and the German Navy, which will be docking on Manhattan’s West Side and at Staten Island’s Homeport pier. There is one important change to note: most of the ships in Manhattan will only be open to the public on Saturday, May 25 , so please view the full schedule of events . If you want to avoid the lines for future Fleet Weeks, consider becoming a member of the New York Council Navy League , which offers VIP tours to members, as well as a host of other great events to support the Sea Services.

And join us on Memorial Day, May 27 at 10:45am for our Fleet Week Harbor Tour with Classic Harbor Line , where we will cruise past all the docking locations, get a waterside view of the ships aboard a beautiful motor yacht, and discuss the rich naval history of the harbor.

Manhattan Pier 88

• Ships open for visitors Saturday, May 25, 9am–4pm

The big ship coming to town this year will be the Norfolk-based amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) , which visited for Fleet Week in 2016 and 2022. Since its last visit, Bataan has seen a lot of action. It was deployed to the Red Sea in August 2023, alongside the dock landing ship Carter Hall , which visited New York in 2019. This was a scheduled deployment for the Amphibious Ready Group, but it meant that these ships were in the theater during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza, and the region-wide violence that has erupted in its wake. Bataan was tasked with using its helicopters and aircraft to intercept barrages of missiles and drones fired by the Houthis in Yemen at commercial ships, and to launch strikes against the Houthis and other Iranian-backed militias attacking American bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. They returned to Norfolk in late March.

Manhattan Pier 90

Last year, we were visited by ships from NATO allies Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom, while this year the only allied ships visiting come from the Deutsche Marine , the German Navy. The frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) is one the largest and newest ships in the German fleet; though classed as a frigate, its length and displacement approach the size of an American Arleigh Burke -class destroyer (though with far less firepower). It is also one of the most controversial.

Laid down in 2011, the ship was expected to be completed by 2016, but it encountered major construction problems. The German Navy refused to accept it from the builder as it was overweight and suffered a 1.3º list, so it had to undergo major modifications. It was finally commissioned in 2019, but was not ready for full operational deployment until 2023, 12 years after the keel-laying. And soon it will be replaced, assuming the next class of ships doesn’t run into the same pitfalls. The replacement F126 frigates have already begun construction and are expected to enter service starting in 2028.

Though lightly armed, the large frigate was designed with “long legs,” able to deploy for long periods at long distances from its homeport. This visit to New York represents the first leg of a round-the-world voyage ; after visiting New York, it will head to the Panama Canal and visit allies in the Indo-Pacific region until at least November. Accompanying Baden-Württemberg will be 21,000-ton replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) , which will keep the warship fueled and supplied.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

• Yard Patrol Boats open for visitors May 23–24, 10am–5pm, USCGC Sturgeon Bay open May 23–27, 10am–5pm

As is tradition, four of the Naval Academy’s  Yard Patrol Boats will be joining this year’s festivities. These 119-foot vessels are used to teach midshipmen basic seamanship skills. Alongside them will be a local ship USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) , an icebreaker tug based out of Bayonne, NJ that is a regular participant in Fleet Week. If you want to learn more about what it is like to serve on one of these ships, watch our virtual program about Coast Guard history where we interviewed a crew member and former Turnstile guide Ramon Ortiz.

Staten Island Homeport

• Ships open for visitors May 23–27, 8am–5pm

Another local ship will be participating, the buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) , which recently came out of dry dock in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Named for the first female lighthouse keeper who tended the Robbins Reef Light (which will be featured on the tour), this cutter provides vital service maintaining the aids to navigation around the harbor. It will be joined by one of the newest ships in the Coast Guard fleet, the Legend -class National Security Cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) , which has been in service for just over a month. Though homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, it is not named for South Carolina senator and arch-secessionist John C. Calhoun, but rather former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles L. Calhoun. Built in Pascagoula, MS by Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding, this is the penultimate in a class of 11 ships that are the largest, longest-ranged, and heaviest-armed ships in the Coast Guard.

While the National Security Cutters likely have long careers ahead of them, the future of the Freedom -class Littoral Combat Ships is far more uncertain. Last year we had the honor of commissioning the USS Cooperstown (LCS-23) in New York City, the first Navy ship commissioning here is 14 years, and the latest model, USS Marinette (LCS-25) will be here for Fleet Week, named for the city of its construction, Marinette, WI, which is home to Fincantieri Marinette Marine. We have noted the problems with these ships every time one comes to visit, but the Navy has come to realize that they are under-gunned, under-armored, and prone to serious mechanical defects. Five of the 13 completed ships habe already been decommissioned, some after less than five years of service.

Waterfront Tours

Turnstile Tours offers several tours that highlight New York’s waterfront, past and present, including tours of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Brooklyn Army Terminal. We also offer guided boat cruises with Classic Harbor Line about the military and industrial history of the harbor.

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