Although she is an older ship first launched in 1997, the 13-deck Celebrity Mercury still features the modern luxury you expect from a cruise ship. This includes a fitness center with jogging track, spa, salon and children/teen spaces. In addition, several berths are wheelchair-accessible with roll-in showers.
This 11-night cruise makes port in Haiti, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Kitts and St. Maarten. While in port, choose from activities like zip-line tours, local cultural tours, snorkeling or scuba diving and historic walking tours. Less strenuous activities may include lounging on the beach or duty-free shopping in the local markets.
Celebrity Cruises
800-647-2251
celebritycruises.com
It does not matter what your idea of fun and relaxation are, odds are the Enchantment of the Seas has something to pique your interest as you sail to the southern Caribbean. Thrill seekers will enjoy the bungee trampolines and rock climbing wall. Party animals will find their way to the casino and many lounges. Others will choose to enjoy a coffee at Latte-tudes and people watch as the 2,400 other guests filter by.
Once you reach the Caribbean, you will visit Labadee and Damana, where you can enjoy the various cultures of the island of Hispaniola. From there it is on to the historic former fortress city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then it is off to St. Thomas, USVI, for world-class diving or shopping. The next port of call is St. Maarten before your final stop in Tortola. On your return trip you will have three more days to enjoy your ship before returning to Baltimore.
Royal Caribbean International
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
Sailing on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore, you will make three ports of call. You first is Grand Turk, where you can take a 4x4 tour of the island and experience the culture and history of the island. Others will choose to take a sail on a catamaran to a luxury beach for relaxation and snorkeling. In the next port of Half Moon Cay you can try your luck at deep sea fishing before taking in some duty free shopping. In your last port of call, Freeport, do not miss the chance to swim with the dolphins before your ship cruises you back to Baltimore.
Carnival Cruise Lines
888-227-6482
carnival.com
