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Greater Antilles Small Ship Cruises

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Breathe in the fresh island air of the Caribbean as you explore the Greater Antilles on a luxury small ship cruise. Charming Cuba invites travelers to enjoy myriad activities, from cigar sampling tours to cycling to walking tours of historic sites around the island like Havana and Bay of Pigs. From the tropical island paradise of Puerto Rico, discover the marine wonders of the Caribbean when you snorkel and dive in the reefs and visit the small towns that give these islands their character. Along the way, each small port and the tranquil beach is a perfect mix of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation for your Caribbean vacation. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your trip to the Greater Antilles. 
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Top 8 Small Ship Cruises of the Greater Antilles for 2025-2026

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Nassau Lighthouse

Caribbean Escapade

8 Days from $7,590
Set sail on an 8-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Emerald Sakara. Explore Grand Turk's pristine beaches and historic landmarks, discover Long Island's tranquil Gordon's Beach, and dive into San Salvador's vibrant coral reefs and historic sites.
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The crystal blue water of Jost van Dyke

Jamaica to Antigua

12 Days from $3,090
Explore a paradise of vibrant coral reefs, powder-soft sand, and warm island hospitality on this 12-day cruise from Jamaica to Antigua aboard Star Clipper. Experience crystal-clear water, bright skies, and gentle breezes. Relish in the beauty of untouched beaches and become enchanted by seductive scents and rhythms.
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Cayo Arena Island

Dominican Republic: Culture and Cocktails

8 Days from $3,125
This 8-day journey will give you a genuine taste of the Dominican Republic. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to street art and local delicacies, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and cultures of this Caribbean gem. With optional beach extensions, savor every moment of your unforgettable journey.
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Deans Blue Hole

West Caribbean Cruise

11 Days from $5,180
Embark on an 11-day SH Vega cruise through the Western Caribbean. Explore Mayan ruins in Belize, relax on Grand Cayman's beaches, snorkel Montego Bay’s reefs, and visit Jamaica’s mountains. Enjoy birdwatching at Great Inagua, swim with sharks in the Exumas, and marvel at Nassau’s beauty.
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Explore beautiful Jost van Dyke

Caribbean Yachting Hideaways

8 Days from $8,390
Set sail on an 8-day cruise from San Juan to St. John aboard the Emerald Azzurra, exploring stunning beaches and vibrant island towns. Visit highlights like Culebra, Vieques, and Saint Barthelemy while enjoying premium comfort and seamless access to diverse ports.
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Areal view of Old city of Santo Domingo

Best of Dominican Republic

8 Days from $2,612
Discover the best of the Dominican Republic's highlights on this 8-day adventure, from the idyllic beaches of Punta Cana to the historic charm of Santo Domingo, the lush landscapes of Jarabacoa, the cultural richness of Santiago de los Caballeros, the bustling streets of San Francisco de Macoris, and the coastal allure of Las Terrenas.
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Explore the famous rock formations of the baths

Quintessential Caribbean

8 Days from $7,990
Embark on an 8-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Emerald Sakara. Explore the vibrant culture of San Juan, the charm of Saint John, the tranquil beaches of Nevis, the picturesque village of Deshaies, the historic allure of Falmouth Harbor, the lively streets of Gustavia, and the pristine beauty of Prickly Pear Cays.
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St Barts harbor view

Caribbean Yachting Discovery

8 Days from $7,990
Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Emerald Azzurra, uncovering pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs while island-hopping through a tapestry of diverse cultures. Let the genuine warmth of the locals add a personal touch to your luxurious yacht adventure.
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4 Best Small Cruise Ships of the Greater Antilles for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Star Clipper $1,740 Jun 14, 2025 Star Clipper is a 170-passenger vessel designed to provide a unique traveling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. Step aboard and discover a new age of sailing, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day.
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SH Vega $5,180 Jul 17, 2025 5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
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Emerald Azzurra $7,990 Jun 28, 2025 As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, Red Sea, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.
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Emerald Sakara $7,590 Jul 26, 2025 Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our brand new, innovative superyachts, custom-designed to allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbors only small yachts can reach.
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Greater Antilles Travel Guide

What to Know About the Greater Antilles
The Greater Antilles are the largest of the Caribbean Islands, including:
  • Cuba
  • Hispaniola (home to Haiti & the Dominican Republic)
  • Puerto Rico
  • Jamaica
  • Cayman Islands
A number of languages are spoken throughout the Greater Antilles, most with roots in the region's colonial history, including English, Spanish, French, and variations of Creole.

Although it is one geographic region, the cultures of the Greater Antilles are extremely diverse, with different native dishes, religious beliefs, customs, and traditions. Each island is home to its own distinct culture that you will get to know on our tours. 

Are the Greater Antilles part of the West Indies?
The Greater Antilles are part of three major archipelagos that comprise the West Indies, along with the Lesser Antilles and the Lucayan Archipelago.
Snorkel and dive in the clear waters of the Caribbean

Caribbean Island Guide

The Caribbean is so much more than sun, sand & surf. Various islands allow travelers to sample regional flavor & local adventures. The close proximity to the U.S. makes the Caribbean a perfect destination for a getaway. Get acquainted with some highlights of specific islands to plan a trip that is perfectly suited for you!
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Highlights of the Greater Antilles
Snorkeling in crystal clear waters, exploring colonial cities, and witnessing diverse wildlife are key parts of every tour. Additionally, some highlights of each island are...
Cuba
  • Stroll the famed Malecon promenade in historic old Havana
  • Snorkel and swim the clear waters of Maria la Gorda
  • Explore the beautiful old town of Cienfuegos
Jamaica
  • Visit banana and sugar plantations near Port Antonio, Jamaica
Dominican Republic
  • Marvel at historic Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World
Puerto Rico - Although Puerto Rico is technically a U.S. island territory and not part of the Greater Antilles, many cruises visit popular sites here like San Juan & Culebrita Island.
Enjoy the beautiful blue Caribbean

The Best Time to Visit the Greater Antilles

The Greater Antilles are a group of islands in the Caribbean, most prominently consisting of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Jamaica. The Greater Antilles are warm year-round and always welcoming to tourists- except for June through September as this is the hurricane season when, generally, these islands should be avoided.
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Vintage car in Jose Marti Square, Cienfuegos, Cuba

Cuba FAQs

Planning a trip to Cuba? Now what? From the best time to visit to entry requirements, this FAQ gives travelers more of an idea of what to expect on a trip to Cuba. We have answered some of the most common traveler questions in hopes of helping you feel better prepared for the adventure.
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Best Greater Antilles Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2025-2026
  • Ponant - strives to provide a personalized cruise experience, working diligently to provide you with first-class, intuitive service. Le Dumont-d'Urville cruises the Greater Antilles' gorgeous white-sand beaches and crystalline waters fringed by palm trees.
  • Silversea Cruises - has a fleet of small ships that can access ports where larger vessels cannot. This means its diversified, hand-picked itineraries have the perfect balance of iconic destinations and hidden gems. Silver Wind not only takes you to the best islands in the Greater Antilles, but with a staff-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1, it takes you there in style.
  • American Queen Voyages - ventures off the beaten road to uncover North America's unscripted adventures, sailing through the state of Florida, the closest point on the U. S. mainland to the Greater Antilles. Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator offer small-ship cruising with immersive shore excursions and onboard programs aboard similar 202-passenger ships.


 
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