Viking Ocean Cruises
West Indies Explorer
West Indies Explorer
Set sail on a roundtrip voyage from San Juan to explore the colorful Caribbean. Start deep in the heart of this tropical paradise and avoid the long sea days associated with most Caribbean cruises—allowing you to visit more ports and spend more time discovering rich island cultures. Immerse yourself in the British, French and Dutch cultures of the Lesser Antilles as you cruise azure waters from Tortola and St. Lucia to Dominica, St. Martin and St. Thomas.
| Day 1 |
From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate. A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest. Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain. Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms! |
| Day 2 |
From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate. A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest. Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain. Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms! |
| Day 3 |
Road Town, the vibrant capital of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), offers a charming blend of Caribbean culture, history, and natural beauty. Nestled around a horseshoe-shaped harbor and fringed by lush green hills, Road Town is the bustling heart of the BVI, where visitors can explore colorful markets, historical landmarks, and an inviting waterfront. The city's scenic Main Street is lined with colonial-style buildings, some dating back to the 18th century, now housing boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries. A stroll through this historic area reveals the character and charm of Tortola, with each turn offering a glimpse into its storied past. For those who love sailing, Road Town is a gateway to some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean. The city’s marinas, such as the popular Nanny Cay Marina, are buzzing with yachts and catamarans ready to embark on island-hopping adventures to nearby gems like Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. The BVI is renowned as the "Sailing Capital of the World," making it a paradise for both seasoned sailors and beginners looking to learn. Visitors can set sail for the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda, known for their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, or experience the vibrant nightlife on Jost Van Dyke, home to the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar. In Road Town, the botanical wonder of JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the lively streets. This four-acre garden showcases the island’s diverse flora, from fragrant frangipanis to towering palm trees. For a deeper dive into the island's culture and history, visit the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, a former sugar plantation turned museum that provides insight into the island’s colonial past and the history of sugar production in the Caribbean. Visitors can also explore the Virgin Islands Folk Museum, which houses artifacts that tell the story of the BVI, from its indigenous Arawak roots to its maritime heritage. Fun fact: The name "Road Town" derives from the nautical term "the roads," which refers to a place less sheltered than a harbor but where ships can anchor. This name reflects Road Town’s historical role as a vital trading port in the Caribbean, which today remains a lively and essential hub for visitors exploring the British Virgin Islands. |
| Day 4 |
St. Kitts and Nevis is a West Indies island country and the Western Hemisphere's smallest sovereign state. Major events include Carnival (December - January), June's St. Kitts Music Festival (June), and Culturama (one week from July - August). |
| Day 5 |
Castries, St. Lucia's capital and a busy port city, is an idyllic Caribbean wonderland. Tourists will find craft and fruit markets, photo-ready murals and a general cozy charm here. One must-do activity is getting to the top Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) to drink in the lovely panoramic views. Be sure to visit the museum at Derek Walcott Square, and soak up the sun on Vigie Beach! |
| Day 6 |
A former English colonial stronghold, Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, will entice you with its unique Bajan flair and centuries-old English style architecture. This Caribbean haven, a favorite for Caribbean cruise-goers, offers plenty of adventurous and tropical excursions that will surely entertain you! Beachside attractions are a must – hop on a catamaran to go snorkeling offshore, plunge the ocean depths in a local submarine, or unwind on the sands of Carlisle Bay. Explore the historical remnants of Bridgetown’s English occupation, including St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, Arlington House Museum, and Chamberlain Bridge. Better yet, sample the island’s best rums made from local sugarcane at St. Nicholas Abbey or Mount Gay Rum. Delight in Barbados’s natural wonders at Harrison’s Cave, the cavernous limestone grotto concealing striking calcite deposits and warm waters. Stroll the verdant walkways replete with hundreds of blooming flowers at Hunte’s Gardens or the Andromeda Botanic Gardens. Travel to Bridgetown and immerse yourself in this Bajan paradise! |
| Day 7 |
Roseau is the capital and largest city on Dominica, a small Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. This island getaway is renowned for its verdant rainforest landscape and natural wonders, including gorges, waterfalls, and geysers. |
| Day 8 |
Antigua and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles to the north. The population is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.
The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua has warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. These unique characteristics have made Antigua and Barbuda in one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for sailors to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda -- once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs -- is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries. |
| Day 9 |
The capital of Saint Maarten, the Dutch side of this two nation island, Philipsburg is located on the isthmus between Groot Baai (Great Bay) and the Salt Pond. Founded in 1733 as a free port, the city is now the home to outstanding shopping, casinos, and a variety of hotels and resorts, including nearby Mullet Bay Resort and Golf Club. |
| Day 10 |
This vibrant destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a Caribbean paradise and the perfect tropical getaway. Colonized in the 18th century by the Danish, who established massive sugarcane plantations there, St. Thomas was later purchased by the United States in the 20th century. A popular stop on Caribbean Cruises, the island boasts a number of exciting excursions sure to impress the adventurous traveler. Hop aboard a sky gondola to find breathtaking aerial views of the island, glide through lush rainforests on a zipline, or snorkel alongside sea turtles in the crystal clear waters. Explore downtown Charlotte Amalie, the island's biggest city, to immerse yourself in St. Thomas's colonial past at Fort Christian or Blackbeard's Castle. |
| Day 11 |
From spectacular beaches, to impressive monuments, to electrifying nightlife, San Juan, Puerto Rico is bursting with historical and cultural attractions that are sure to inspire and exhilarate. A former Spanish colony established by explorer Ponce de León, San Juan is replete with monuments dating back to the sixteenth century. Originally built to fortify the Spanish military against attacks from native Taíno peoples and rival European colonial powers, both the Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortresses are popular sites for educational tours detailing the island’s extensive colonial history. These expansive bastions sit on San Juan’s rocky seaside cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. San Juan’s many beaches beckon you! Relax with warm sands, snorkel in glittering turquoise waters, and marvel at vast lines of palm trees on Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Carolina Beach, and a host of other coastal havens. Better yet, go for a nighttime boat ride in one of Puerto Rico’s three bio-luminescent bays, Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates illuminate the water in hues of neon aqua. The city’s nearby natural parks and ecological wonders are equally worth a visit, including the limestone caves of Cueva Ventana and the lush tropical ecosystem of El Yunque National Rainforest. Your stay in San Juan won’t be complete without experiencing the city’s thrilling nightlife scene. San Juan boasts a number of bars, breweries, and dance clubs with delicious cocktails and mouthwatering (and authentically Puerto Rican!) culinary creations. Sip on the sweet coconut flavor of a classic piña colada, a Puerto Rico original, or sample some mofongo, a staple dish made of chicharrón and fried plantain. Unwind in this vibrant Caribbean capital and let San Juan regale you with its many charms! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/19/25 - 12/29/25 |
Starting At $4,999 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/19/25 - 12/29/25 |
Starting At $7,499 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/29/25 - 01/08/26 |
Starting At $4,649 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/29/25 - 01/08/26 |
Starting At $7,099 |
Get A Quote |