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Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruises

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Join a small ship cruise throughout both the British and U.S. Virgin islands. Snorkel, swim, explore reefs and plantations, and sail around multiple Caribbean Islands as you get the chance to encounter a variety of cultures. Look for diverse animal life such as mongooses, monkeys, iguanas, herons, pelicans, and more. Visit famous islands like St. John, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Croix, Water Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Pelican Island, or combine your trip with a visit to Puerto Rico or Grenada. Contact Adventure Life's travel experts with any questions or comments that you may have.

10 Best Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

All Virgin Islands Luxury Cruises

Top 1 Virgin Islands Luxury Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

3 Best Virgin Islands Cruise Deals for 2024-2025

Trip NameSaveFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Hidden Charms of the CaribbeanSavings$89908Mar 23, 2024Embark on an 8-day Caribbean adventure, sailing from San Juan to St. John's aboard the luxurious Emerald Sakara. Discover the hidden gems of the …
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Eastern Caribbean with St. BarthsSavings$88908Mar 23, 2024On an 8-day voyage on the Emerald Azzurra, visit St. Barths and the Eastern Caribbean. Discover the azure waters of Tobago Cay National Park while …
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Island YachtingCustom Label$53999Apr 24, 2024Join a 9-day cruise starting from Barbados and back aboard the World Voyager. Explore the lush rainforests, rugged peaks, & hot springs of Dominica. …
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Top 10 Small Ships that Cruise Virgin Islands for 2024-2025

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Sea Cloud64$11595With occupancy for just 64 guests, the Sea Cloud is a modern and elegant windjammer outfitted with modern amenities and uniquely decorated cabins. …
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Emerald Azzurra100$8890As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, …
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Le Dumont-d'Urville184$5830Discover a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with …
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Royal Clipper227$1660The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, carrying just 227 privileged guests aboard. She offers the ultimate tall ship …
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Star Flyer170$1600The Star Flyer is a stylish vessel designed to accommodate 170 passengers in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This true clipper ship reflects …
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Sea Cloud58$11830The Sea Cloud is a glorious and gracious luxury sailing yacht, a four-masted bark, custom built in 1931 by the business magnate E.F. Hutton for his …
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Le Champlain184$5430Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with …
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Emerald Sakara100$8890Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our …
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World Voyager198$4499World Voyager can cater to up to 198 guests with refined accommodations, globally inspired gourmet dining, and premium cocktails. Take an …
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Silver Shadow388$11850Award-winning Silver Shadow has all the hallmarks of extreme luxury at sea. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, Silver Shadow is a …
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Virgin Islands Travel Guide

What Is the Difference Between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands?

It is important to note that the two island groups are distinct in terms of culture and customs, with the British Virgin Islands being a British Overseas Territory with four larger islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke), while the US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States with three larger islands (St. John, St. Thomas, and Croix,).

In comparison to the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered more family-friendly.

How many islands are included in the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands consist of approximately 90 tiny islands, bays, coasts, and cliffs located east of Puerto Rico in the West Indies of the Caribbean Sea. They are controlled as two separate groups: British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands.
 
Best Time to Visit the British Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between March and early August. This is because temperatures are extremely comfortable and there's a heavy dip in tourism during this time, usually resulting in less expensive air fare, better hotel deals, and better deals on activities. Do be aware that hurricane season does begin in June, so it's possible that could put a damper on your trip but it's unlikely as hurricane season lasts until November and generally the rains peak between late August and November.

Another good time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between December and February. This is because it's winter in many parts of the world but it's still sunny and warm in the Virgin Islands. With this season there's extremely high tourist traffic and the hotel and activity prices generally go up quite a bit.

Between September and November is an okay time to visit the islands with cheaper prices and warm temperatures, but be aware that it rains quite often during this season and this is the peak of the hurricane season.
Best Time to Visit the U.S Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is between April and June. This is because there's very little rainfall, the temperatures are comfortable in the mid-70s to '80s (Between 21-27 degrees Celsius), and it's not the peak tourism season resulting in less expensive lodging and activities along with fewer crowds.

Between December and March is also a good time to go but this is the peak tourism season so hotel and activity prices can raise as much as 50 percent.

Between July and November, you'll find unbelievable deals but these months are during hurricane season so it's not recommended that you go during this time.
The Virgin Islands' Hurricane Season

The Virgin Islands' hurricane season is between the beginning of June and lasts until the end of November with the peak period between late August and November.

Hurricanes shouldn't be too much of a worry safety-wise because there's only a very slim chance that the hurricane hits the island or even creates a dramatic tropical storm. A hurricane can be a huge damper on your trip though because it's extremely likely that it will bring some kind of rain (whether it be light rain or a tropical storm) which can screw up your day on the beach. Hurricanes can also delay or force a cruise to cancel its itinerary, so make sure to be in touch regularly with the captain of the cruise.

If you choose to go to the Virgin Islands during hurricane season for the amazing deals, it's recommended that you buy hurricane travel insurance so you can protect yourself, your stuff, and if your flight gets delayed or canceled you can file a claim for that as well. Additionally, it's recommended that you keep track of hurricanes coming to this area and how powerful they're expected to be through the internet or the various apps that relay hurricane information to you..
Best Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025
  • Ponant transports you to the Virgin Island's stunning white-sand beaches in all-inclusive luxury. Le Champlain, a small-sized ship, combines respect for the environment, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. It features Blue Eye, a unique multi-sensory lounge, the only one of its kind in the world, located in the hull, below the waterline. 
  • Silversea Cruises added door-to-door service from home to ship to its all-inclusive service. Along with daily complimentary shore excursions, Silver Wind guests enjoy 24-hour gourmet dining and butler service, as well as award-winning entertainment. Take a "flightseeing" tour for an outstanding view of Roadtown, Tortola, a British Virgin Islands territory. 
  • Star Clippers Americas. A contemporary cruise line inspired by the golden age of tall sailing ships cruises to the stunning Virgin Islands. One of three sailing ships in the Star Clippers fleet, Royal Clipper, one of three sailing ships in the Star Clippers fleet, is the world's largest and only full-rigged five-mast sailing ship. The maximum passenger capacity is 227.
  • Sea Cloud Cruises has preserved the authentic value of windjammers, where sails are still set by hand. Seeing the sailors climb the rigging, unfasten the thick fabric, and fiercely tighten the deck lines on the ship is always a spectacular scene. Sail the BVI aboard Sea Cloud II, perfectly combining spaciousness for up to 94 passengers with the lifestyle of a private yacht.

Virgin Islands Cruise Guide


What are the most popular U.S. Virgin Islands?
St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island.

What are the most popular British Virgin Islands?
Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, and Pelican Island.

If you're a U.S. citizen, do you need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No, you will need a photo ID to travel but you do not need a passport, will not have to go through customs, and don't need to have a visa. But it's still recommended that you bring a passport as you will need a passport to travel to other Caribbean islands and the British Virgin Islands and you may be asked to prove your residency to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands - which is most easily done with a passport.

If you're a UK citizen, do you need a passport to go to the British Virgin Islands?
Yes, you do need a valid passport and you don't need a visa regardless of where you're coming from. 

Are the Virgin Islands safe?
There aren't any vaccination requirements on the islands but you should still consult your doctor to see what they say (everyone is different). In terms of the population, the Virgin Islands are a fairly safe destination - the people are usually pretty welcoming as they understand that you're bringing tourism, and therefore wealth into their country. But in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix and St. Thomas are bigger cities that have had quite a few crimes, so be sure to be extra vigilant in these cities at night. But to put this in context, the U.S. Virgin Islands only have a small fraction of crime that you would find in most-any big city. All of the British Virgin Islands are relatively extremely safe.

What is the drinking age on the Virgin Islands?
18 is the legal drinking age but if you're under 21 you cannot legally transport alcohol outside of the Virgin Islands.

Can I use my cellphone on the Virgin Islands?
If you have a U.S. phone plan on the U.S. Virgin Islands you won't have trouble with using your phone without additional roaming charges. If you're from outside the U.S. or going to the British Virgin Islands (even if you're from the UK) then you will be charged roaming charges if you choose not to get a SIM card from the respective island you're in.

Is the tap water safe?
Yes, on both islands many foreigners drink the tap water without any harmful effects.

What language do they speak on the Virgin Islands?
On both Virgin Islands the primary language is English, sometimes with a Caribbean twist.

Will I need power converters or adapters on the Virgin Islands?
If you're from the US you will not need a power converter or adapter, but if you're not you need to get a two prong 120 Watt power converter for the outlets along the island.

What currency do the Virgin Islands use?
Both islands use the US dollar as currency.

Are there ATMs on the Virgin Islands?
There's no shortage of ATMs on either island.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! It's important to be prepared for the worst - just in case. One small investment can save you thousands of dollars. Additionally, if you're traveling during hurricane season it's even more highly recommended that you buy travel insurance as hurricanes can sometimes force your plane ride to be canceled. Adventure Life's once you're booked page has more details on this, including some deals with our partner companies.

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