Experience white sand beaches, sapphire-blue sea, and the rhythm of reggae on the breeze aboard one of our Virgin Islands cruises. Once the hangout of pirates and buccaneers, these laid-back islands are perfect for the pleasurable pursuits of sailing, snorkeling, shopping, and simply snoozing in a hammock strung between two coconut palms.
The islands are divided between Britain and the U.S., and each has its own personality. St. Thomas is the place for duty-free shopping and fun-filled days, while sleepy St. John is all lush rainforest, dazzling reefs, and sugary beaches. Tortola, the hub of the British Virgin Islands, is the jumping-off point for laid-back Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Virgin Gorda, famed for its tumbled granite rock formations, The Baths. Be whisked away on one of our luxurious cruises to the Virgin Islands and discover your own paradise.
The Virgin Islands is one of the top spots in the Caribbean for both snorkeling and diving, with an impressive selection of wrecks and diverse marine life. From Tortola, dive the best-known wreck, the RMS Rhone, which is now a thriving reef colonized by coral and teeming with fish. Novice divers can take their first plunge in the warm, clear waters off Virgin Gorda, while families will love the underwater snorkeling trail at pretty Trunk Bay on St. John.
Rum distilling and the Virgin Islands go hand-in-hand, and you’ll find fascinating distilleries and flavor-packed rum cocktails to enjoy. On St. Thomas, try the famous Bushwacker cocktail, a heady mix of coconut rum, chocolate, Amaretto, Kahlua, and Bailey’s. The Painkiller is the potent but refreshing cocktail to try in the BVI, made from cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, and the historic Pusser’s Rum.
There are blissful beaches on all the Virgin Islands, from dreamy Honeymoon Beach on St. John to the aquamarine water of Trunk Bay and the gorgeous horseshoe of Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas. On Tortola, you could combine a hike up wooded Sage Mountain with a cooling dip off sheltered Cane Garden Beach. Or take a trip to The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where you can clamber over tumbled granite boulders to grottoes, narrow rock passages, sheltered tide pools, and tiny coves.
Pretty Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, dates back to the 17th century and has influences from Denmark, Africa, and the Caribbean. There’s plenty to explore amid the narrow lanes, imposing Fort Christian, the 17th century Blackbeard’s Castle, and stone stairways lined with lush tropical vegetation. Wander along Main Street, where many of the old buildings house tempting duty-free shops, and join a culinary tour to sample traditional Caribbean dishes.
Tortola and its colorful capital, Road Town, is the hub of activity in the British Virgin Islands, where glorious beaches, yachting, hiking, and rum are the order of the day. Head to Sage Mountain National Park for hiking with magnificent views, or enjoy a beach day on the wide sweep of Cane Garden Bay. Take a boat trip to Virgin Gorda to splash around in The Baths, or snorkel off Norman Island, the inspiration for the classic Treasure Island.
Cruises to the Virgin Islands last between seven and 10 nights, with a wide choice of departure ports and itineraries. Embark in Fort Lauderdale to explore the jewel-like islands of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
Celebrity’s luxurious, contemporary ships are perfect for cruising the balmy Caribbean. Relax around the pool, or watch the sun sink over the horizon from the Sunset Bar. On Edge-series ships, you can dine on BBQ favorites at the al-fresco Rooftop Garden Grill, or sink into a sofa with your favorite cocktail on the Magic Carpet, with ocean views on three sides. Choose The Retreat for the ultimate in luxury, with access to a suite, a private sundeck, an exclusive lounge, and a fine dining restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat.
Let Celebrity show you the finest of the Virgin Islands, from pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs. Discover the landscape on a guided hike or a thrilling ATV tour, or fly above the rainforest on a zipline. Explore the historical heart of Charlotte Amalie, or the tropical trails and white sands of laid-back St. John.
