Depart from Puerto Rico for seven days aboard the Sea Dream I, a 100-passenger yacht that sails to several ports of call in the Caribbean. The first stop is St. John, Virgin Islands, for snorkeling and kayaking; sailing on Soma, a racing catamaran; or taking a hike. Saba, in the Netherlands Antilles, offers snorkeling in the Saba Marine Park, a sightseeing tour of Saba highlights and scuba diving around the volcanic island. Explore Gustavia, St. Barthelemy, with a six-hour self-guided tour, visit the marine park in a semi-submersible or take an island tour in an all-terrain vehicle. In Anguilla, British West Indies, enjoy the local beach or Sea Dream I's water toys right off the yacht. On Christmas Eve, visit Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Snorkel in six clustered islands, called "The Dogs," unreachable by the larger ships. Guests participate in a visit to The Baths, a group of sea caves near a spectacular beach. On Christmas Day, stop in Jost van Dyke, also in the British Virgin Islands, for a chance to swim and interact with dolphins or snorkel at Treasure Island.
In the past, guests have been entertained with a non-traditional Christmas Day treat such as Santa Claus water skiing. It is always a secret until Christmas Day. The day after Christmas, SeaDream I returns to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. SeaDream Yacht Club includes all beverages and gratuities. Jet skis are available for passenger use.
SeaDream Yacht Club
2601 S. Bayshore Drive, Penthouse 1B
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
800-707-4911
seadreamyachtclub.com
Crystal Cruises departs on a 14-day round-trip Christmas cruise from Miami on Crystal Serenity. On Christmas Eve, the ship arrives in St. Thomas. Christmas Day is spent on the high seas. The next ports of call are in the West Indies, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. The ship spends two days in St. Maarten and Curacao, and the final stop is Turks and Caicos.
Crystal Serenity is capable of serving 1,070 guests. Highlights include Crystal Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center with ocean views, dance lessons, fitness classes and health seminars and enrichment programs such as wine tasting and wellness lectures. Shore excursions include deep-sea fishing and helicopter trips. Crystal Serenity is decorated with seasonal adornments and elaborate holiday displays for the Christmas cruise. Lavish Christmas Eve and Christmas Day parties, dinners and entertainment are included.
Crystal Cruises
2049 Century Park E., Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
888-799-4625
crystalcruises.com
The Queen Elizabeth departs from Southampton, England, for a 16-day round-trip Christmas cruise. Stops include La Coruna and Cadiz in Spain; Oporto, Lisbon and Madiera in Portugal; Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Cunaria in the Canary Islands; and Monaco.
The ship can accommodate 2,092 passengers, and it offers Christmas Day dinner with the trimmings and holiday decorations. Ship highlights include the Royal Spa for unique spa treatments and an ocean-view fitness center and classes. Garden parties and dancing are held in the Garden Lounge, a conservatory with a domed ceiling. Crew members serve afternoon tea in the Queens Room, the grand ballroom. Midships Bar offers pre-dinner drinks, and the Commodore Club has a choice of martinis with expansive views over the ship's bow. For teas and pastries, head for Cafe Carinthia, perched over the Grand Lobby. Dining options include the Britannia Club, Princess Grill and the Queens Grill. The Lido Restaurant has buffets throughout the day. The Courtyard is available for tea and al fresco dining, or opt for French cuisine in The Verandah.
Cunard
24303 Town Center Dr., Ste. 200
Valencia, CA 91355
800-728-6273
cunard.com
