With its serene turquoise waters, abundant sea life, all-year-round sunshine and vibrant local culture, the Caribbean is a perennial favourite among travellers and holiday-makers, widely considered one of the world’s most idyllic destinations.
Among its visitors are a large numbers of official cruises, many of which arrive from the east coast of America. We’ve picked out three of the best Caribbean cruises that start their journey in the coastal city of Baltimore.
12 Night Southern Caribbean
FROM $70 PER NIGHT
Famous as the setting of the police and drugs drama The Wire, Baltimore may not instantly envisage images of beautiful Caribbean scenery, but this tour will magically transport you between both in a matter of days. After three days at sea, you’ll arrive at Charlotte Amalie, located on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. A day’s exploration will be followed by a trip to St John’s in Antigua the next morning, and the whistle-stop tour of the region continues with further visits to the pristine islands of St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Maarten – all offering their own unique and distinctive Caribbean flavour. After three more days at sea, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the cruise’s on-board facilities such as a rock-climbing wall, fitness centre, bars and restaurants, and dazzling night-time entertainment, sit back and relax during your return journey to where it all began.
7 Night Bahamas
FROM $60 PER NIGHT
“It’s better in the Bahamas” is the country’s official tourism slogan, and anyone who has visited is inclined to agree. This wonderful 7-night cruise gives first-timers the chance to decide for themselves as well as enjoy the myriad of incredible amenities available on-board your vessel, such as a comedy club, a rum bar and a casino. As for your itinerary, after two full days at sea you’ll dock at Princess Cays, a private tourist resort at on the island of Eleuthera. After plenty of time to explore, the following morning you’ll be taken to the Bahama’s capital city of Nassau on New Providence island, a bustling urban centre with world class shopping opportunities. Next up, it’ll be on to the quaint, historical town of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island before one final day at sea to wrap up your magical trip.
7 Night Eastern Caribbean
FROM $83 PER NIGHT
From Baltimore you’ll head out onto the wide open expanses of the Atlantic ocean with the magic of the Caribbean ready to greet you. After two full days at sea, you’ll arrive at the picture-perfect Grand Turk Island, the largest of the Turks & Caicos islands. You’ll get to spend a full day here before returning to your vessel. Early the next morning, it’s time for the next leg of your trip, as you make you way to Half Moon Cay, a stunning private island in the Bahamas. You’ll remain in the beautiful archipelago overnight when you’ll visit Freeport on Grand Bahama Island for your last adventure. The next day will be spent at sea – giving you the chance to enjoy the ship’s dining and entertainment options – before you’re transported back to Baltimore the following morning.