{"contentlets":[{"hubLiveInProduction":false,"useDestinationHub":false,"publishDate":"2025-06-16 11:16:38.199","headerImageDesktopMetaData":{"modDate":1602130455000,"sha256":"1f2b084ecdc9d7caa148dbfa40a14522a31b8733f5e61efc2779fecb2f9f450c","length":98295,"title":"caribbean_header_desktop.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":98295,"name":"caribbean_header_desktop.jpg","width":1440,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":260},"metaDescription":"Our Caribbean luxury travel guide includes the best hotels in Caribbean, Caribbean tours, Caribbean cruises, Virtuoso travel advisors that specialize in the Caribbean, and more.","headerImageDesktop":"/dA/31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/headerImageDesktop/caribbean_header_desktop.jpg","inode":"085d3bd1-c24f-4c1e-ba30-b4904230baa0","showDestinationHubProductMap":false,"headerImage":"/dA/31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/headerImage/caribbean_header_mobile.jpg","gridImageVersion":"/dA/085d3bd1-c24f-4c1e-ba30-b4904230baa0/gridImage/caribbean.jpg","randomizeHubSections":false,"host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","headerImageCropFocus":"center","locked":false,"gridImageContentAsset":"31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/gridImage","stInode":"9deffa26-bd18-4ed9-bfa8-d8cb250a7aae","contentType":"Destination","headerImageMetaData":{"modDate":1602130448000,"sha256":"e201b2e915569cbb70a840cd5b44ebea190313a3b5d48b79bcd58d0a69b21d24","length":61637,"title":"caribbean_header_mobile.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":61637,"name":"caribbean_header_mobile.jpg","width":768,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":300},"showDestinationHubChildDestinations":true,"identifier":"31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67","publishUserName":"system user system user","publishUser":"system","headerImageDesktopContentAsset":"31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/headerImageDesktop","gridImage":"/dA/31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/gridImage/caribbean.jpg","creationDate":"2020-10-05 16:22:19.13","headerImageDesktopVersion":"/dA/085d3bd1-c24f-4c1e-ba30-b4904230baa0/headerImageDesktop/caribbean_header_desktop.jpg","headerImageVersion":"/dA/085d3bd1-c24f-4c1e-ba30-b4904230baa0/headerImage/caribbean_header_mobile.jpg","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"gridImageMetaData":{"modDate":1601940969000,"sha256":"14cd82dc212d68fae3a9766abcf4a68e901c76c4db4269b91eb2504b722f9349","length":50804,"title":"caribbean.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":50804,"name":"caribbean.jpg","width":224,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":336},"tagline":"Pristine beaches, sleek resorts, and laid-back restaurants \u2013 the islands are calling.","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","modDate":"2025-06-16 11:16:37.792","destinationTag":"|caribbean","title":"Caribbean","baseType":"CONTENT","archived":false,"metaKeywords":"Virtuoso travel, Caribbean travel, Caribbean hotels, Caribbean tours, Caribbean cruises, luxury travel, travel advisors, why travel to the Caribbean","ownerUserName":"Adam Lyon","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"alyon@virtuoso.com","isArbitraryDestination":false,"languageId":1,"shortyId":"31437fbbe8","url":"/content.cc80e49c-1b7e-4044-af58-50aa1f883fb5","titleImage":"gridImage","modUserName":"system user system user","hasLiveVersion":true,"headerImageDesktopCropFocus":"center","modUser":"system","headerImageContentAsset":"31437fbb-e814-48cf-9d1b-fb7533b46c67/headerImage","__icon__":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT","featuredArticles":[{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/heroImage1/seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","publishDate":"2025-05-16 09:14:42.177","useWideHeroImage":false,"inode":"6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558","heroImage1Caption":"

Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach, one of the world’s best shorelines, is home to breezy bars, restaurants, water-sports rentals, and more.<\/p>","useTopAdZone":false,"articleImage3ContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage3","identifier":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb","publishUserName":"system user system user","articleImage2ContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage2","publishUser":"system","articleImage4ContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage4","tags":"|caribbean|jamaica|montego-bay,music,nature & wildlife,beach & water,active,sailing & boating,watersports,national parks,restaurants & bars,art museums,museums,art galleries","articleImage4MetaData":{"modDate":1747321238927,"sha256":"2d7cf87a33af4b2a77e3f30a0ca8b58d5a297d9aa5ab6c73e46603f822c2c44e","length":197941,"title":"Montego-Bay-Cultural-Centre-body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":197941,"name":"Montego-Bay-Cultural-Centre-body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"isSponsoredContent":"1","articleImage1":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage1/PortAntonio_Rafting_Rio_Grande-body.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage2/Adventure_OchoRios_body.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","articleImage3":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage3/Frenchman's-Cove-Beach_Port_Antonio-body.jpg","articleImage4":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage4/Montego-Bay-Cultural-Centre-body.jpg","articleUrl":"our-guide-to-jamaica-for-every-type-of-traveler","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-family":"Family"},{"category-travel-tips":"Travel Tips"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/articleImage1","headline":"Our Guide to Jamaica, for Every Type of Traveler","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Visit Jamaica\"}","url":"/content.6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/previewImage/seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1747321049991,"sha256":"1fefe49cee7c23de63065c631ee4698016e2862183b910a6ab4680c2ceb20eea","length":214694,"title":"PortAntonio_Rafting_Rio_Grande-body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":214694,"name":"PortAntonio_Rafting_Rio_Grande-body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"articleDate":"May 16, 2025","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","articleImage3Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Visit Jamaica\"}","heroImage1":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/heroImage1/seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Visit Jamaica","heroImage1AltText":"An aerial photo of chairs lined up on the shore of Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/heroImage1","articleImage1Version":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/articleImage1/PortAntonio_Rafting_Rio_Grande-body.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/articleImage2/Adventure_OchoRios_body.jpg","subhead":"Where to find thrills, authentic flavors, and family fun in this tropical haven.","articleText5":"

For Culture Enthusiasts<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Jamaica is a centerpiece of Caribbean tradition and creativity. Among the island’s must-sees is <\/span>Appleton Estate<\/span><\/a>, a rum distillery in Santa Cruz that dates to 1749. Visits to the facility, which is adjacent to the sugarcane fields and karst hills that give the spirit its unique sense of terroir – culminate in guided tastings of three estate rums.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
Ask your Virtuoso travel advisor to book a farm-to-table dinner at <\/span>Stush in the Bush<\/span><\/a>, a family-owned organic farm a 40-minute drive southwest of Ocho Rios. Before guests dig into plates of locally grown fruits and vegetables, owner Lisa Binns divulges some of the secrets behind her homemade vinaigrettes and marmalades. Elsewhere, Martin Ian Maginley, a chef at Montego Bay’s 132-room <\/span>Round Hill Hotel & Villas<\/span><\/a>, champions Jamaican flavors by sourcing 80 percent of the property’s food from within 35 miles. His sustainable cuisine spans beach barbecues to dinners with notable guest chefs.<\/span><\/p>\n
In Kingston, set aside time to browse the exhibits, archives, and Jamaican art at the <\/span>National Museum Jamaica<\/span><\/a> and the National Gallery of Jamaica. (Both institutions also operate satellite branches at the <\/span>Montego Bay Cultural Centre<\/span><\/a> for a one-stop overview of Jamaican history, archaeology, and art.) Finally, it’s not a trip to Jamaica unless you’ve heard “Three Little Birds” in the song’s birthplace. Music lovers should head to Kingston to learn about reggae from the source at the <\/span>Trench Town and Culture Yard Museum<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> in the former public housing development that launched superstar Bob Marley.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","metaDescription":"Find all-ages activities, Jamaican cuisine, and cultural attractions to explore in this island nation, home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.","articleText3":"
For Multigenerational Families<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\nJamaica is a playground for families, who can challenge each other to “I Spy” showdowns on rainforest adventures or build sandcastles on the <\/span>Half Moon<\/span><\/a> resort’s two-mile stretch of beach. The 237-room escape near Montego Bay recently debuted a collection of renovated five- to seven-bedroom villas, each with its own infinity-edge pool, personal chef, and butler. They’re a great home base for embarking on horseback rides along the beach, rounds of golf on the resort’s 18-hole course, or play dates in the interactive Children’s Village.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
For an adrenaline rush, head to the Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope, a 40-minute drive southeast from Half Moon. The 2,000-acre eco-park features ATVs, river tubes, a bird aviary, a 300-foot slide, and a zip line above the forest canopy, offering glimpses of an eighteenth-century plantation house below. For a more heart-racing zip-line experience, Ocho Rios’ Mystic Mountain<\/a>, a 90-minute drive east, includes seven 300-foot-long routes, a 30-foot vertical rappel descent, and a suspension bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n
Don’t leave Jamaica without spending time in <\/span>Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park<\/span><\/a>, an hour’s drive from Kingston. One of the Caribbean’s largest migratory sites, the park is home to more than 120 species of birds, including the doctor bird, a hummingbird with a streamerlike tail, and forest-friendly butterflies such as the Jamaican swallowtail – the largest species in the Western Hemisphere. In Kingston, the <\/span>Hope Zoo<\/span><\/a> provides habitat for over 1,000 animals, including endangered Jamaican iguanas, rescued crocodiles, and playful Nubian goats.<\/span><\/p>","metaHeadline":"Jamaica Travel: Vacation Ideas for Families, Food Lovers, and More","articleText4":"
For the Lounge-All-Day Crowd<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Calm, active, or surf-centric: Jamaica’s beaches serve up a collector’s choice of mood-matching strands. In the northeastern parish of Portland, a crescent of blonde sand embraced by greenery-covered headlands forms Frenchman’s Cove – it’s a weekend hot spot for Kingstonians, but on weekdays, only a few share this mesmerizing spot.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
In Negril, beachcombers flock to Seven Mile, arguably one of the world’s best shorelines and a popular west coast spot for festive sunset viewing. An hour’s drive east along the coast, white sands and turquoise shallows attract visitors to Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, a family-friendly destination with rental chairs and breezy beach bars.<\/span><\/p>\n
On the island’s south shore, mellow Treasure Beach attracts locals and travelers to its six miles of rocky coast, fishing enclaves, and swimming coves. It’s dotted with roadside stands serving Jamaican jerk meats and cold Red Stripe beers. Join Kingston residents at Hellshire Beach for fresh seafood – try some fried fish with Jamaican festival (fried dough) – and a post-lunch dip in the Caribbean.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
In Ocho Rios, it’s hard to top the sunset views from Teddy’s Beach Grill at the <\/span>Jamaica Inn<\/span><\/a>. The 52-room hotel has its own pristine private beach with thatched-roof cabanas, complimentary cocktails, and a westward vantage point framing the setting sun.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","articleText1":"
Lined with inviting beaches, buffered by offshore reefs, and resounding in the one-love vibes of reggae music, <\/span>Jamaica<\/span><\/a> stands distinctly among its <\/span>Caribbean<\/span><\/a> neighbors. From Kingston’s British colonial architecture to inland tropical jungles that climb into the clouds on verdant mountainsides, diversity defines Jamaica’s attractions. And the island’s rich cultural roots add a special flair, from the local patois to the zesty cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n
Whether for a weekend break or a weeks-long vacation, Jamaica appeals to a broad range of travelers, including adventure enthusiasts, extended families, beach lovers, and culture mavens. In hurry-up-to-slow-down style, Jamaica offers nonstop flights from Montego Bay<\/a>’s Sangster International Airport\u202fand Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport to major North American cities including Dallas, Miami, Montréal, New York, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and – coming in December 2025 – Québec City.<\/span><\/p>\n
While prime time in Jamaica is during dry season (December through April), the island nation is ready to welcome travelers all year long, especially during the Calabash<\/span> International Literary Festival in May, AfroJam in June, and Reggae SumFest in July. There’s no wrong way to explore Jamaica, but these varied itinerary ideas will help get you started.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"
Beach time in Jamaica means endless sunshine and family fun.<\/p>","articleText2":"
For Thrill Seekers<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Flying into Jamaica presents an aerial introduction to the island’s tropical topography of forested mountains, cut by more than 100 rivers that descend to the turquoise sea via a series of waterfalls. While the beaches can’t be beat, treks and excursions through Jamaica’s jungles offer a closer chance to appreciate the island’s vibrant flora and fauna.<\/span><\/p>\n
Outdoor lovers will find highland hikes of varying difficulty, from the 1.4-mile Oatley Mountain Trail – an easy jaunt through a fern- and flower-filled cloud forest near Kingston that leads to several lookout platforms – to a challenging 5.8-mile uphill trek through lush Jamaican woodland to Blue Mountain Peak’s 7,400-foot summit, Jamaica’s highest point.<\/span><\/p>\n
For more inland adventures, ask your Virtuoso travel advisor to arrange a guided kayaking excursion down the Rio Grande or Black rivers. Or scout for endemic birds and learn about the history of Jamaica’s major waterways while drifting down the Great or Martha Brae rivers aboard a traditional bamboo raft – they were originally used to transport sugar during British colonization in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n
Offshore, Jamaica’s numerous marine protected areas entice scuba divers to search Surprise Reef for sea turtles and parrotfish, or progress to more challenging dives such as Shark’s Reef, home to gentle nurse sharks and stingrays on its sandy floor, as well as shipwrecks and underwater caves. At the 89-room <\/span>Tryall Club<\/span><\/a> in Montego Bay, newcomers can get scuba-certified through the water-sports center or rent snorkel gear to explore a nearby coral reef.<\/span><\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
Bamboo rafting excursions<\/span> often <\/span>include tropical-fruit drinks<\/span>, lunch, and sometimes, a limestone foot massage. <\/p>","articleImage3Caption":"
Frenchman’s Cove is renowned for its turquoise waters, lush greenery, and crowd-free weekdays<\/span>.<\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","articleImage4Version":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/articleImage4/Montego-Bay-Cultural-Centre-body.jpg","articleImage3Version":"/dA/6eee1525-9fd4-4d6f-ba11-3d1fe5a7f558/articleImage3/Frenchman's-Cove-Beach_Port_Antonio-body.jpg","articleImage4Caption":"
Montego Bay Cultural Centre celebrates Jamaica’s history, art, and heritage.<\/p>","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Produced by Virtuoso with Visit Jamaica","creationDate":"2025-05-16 09:15:16.331","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1747321090240,"sha256":"6799058ee7c11b9f3191da4dd45ce098857262d8f0b32c0d760ceb2c29d3f2c6","length":146839,"title":"Adventure_OchoRios_body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":146839,"name":"Adventure_OchoRios_body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"useWideHeroHeadlineOverlay":false,"modDate":"2025-05-16 09:14:41.409","previewImageCropFocus":"center","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Visit Jamaica\"}","title":"Our Guide to Jamaica, for Every Type of Traveler","previewImageContentAsset":"9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1747320961450,"sha256":"9a25527c1407f8daded2c1510e6d5f670aacc668274e33e318089066f1d0c58d","length":303430,"title":"seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":303430,"name":"seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"ownerUserName":"N/A","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"arosenberg@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"9dc72b1de9","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"system user system user","articleImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1747321146600,"sha256":"71626664e8e08db7b2aab32ab0b8d4bd432d67c34c5b47961fc587cd69600b99","length":199779,"title":"Frenchman's-Cove-Beach_Port_Antonio-body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":199779,"name":"Frenchman's-Cove-Beach_Port_Antonio-body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"articleImage4Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","modUser":"system","publish":"2025-05-15 07:45:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1747320964793,"sha256":"9a25527c1407f8daded2c1510e6d5f670aacc668274e33e318089066f1d0c58d","length":303430,"title":"seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":303430,"name":"seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"previewImage":"/dA/9dc72b1de9b63affa13884d1fd2776fb/previewImage/seven-Mile-Beach_hero.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/heroImage1/norwegianaqua-aerial-vhero.jpg","publishDate":"2025-06-16 08:39:36.446","useWideHeroImage":false,"heroImage3Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/heroImage3/norwegina-aqua-spa-vhero.jpg","heroImage2Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/heroImage2/goddess-bowl-vhero.jpg","inode":"1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0","heroImage2Caption":"Fresh veg from Luna Planterie.","heroImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1749765456241,"sha256":"978f89c16f7232e96f3b54b8abc97da85162b8fc1fec88e4faad35514aabcef3","length":111155,"title":"norwegina-aqua-spa-vhero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":111155,"name":"norwegina-aqua-spa-vhero.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"heroImage1Caption":"
The Norwegian Aqua<\/em>.<\/p>","heroImage3Caption":"A rendering of the Mandara Spa.","useTopAdZone":false,"articleImage3ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage3","identifier":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039","publishUserName":"system user system user","articleImage2ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage2","publishUser":"system","tags":"ocean cruises,entertainment,restaurants & bars,watersports,spas,beer & spirits,music,|caribbean","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"isSponsoredContent":"0","articleImage1":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage1/slidecoaster-body.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage2/stateroom-bsot.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","articleImage3":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage3/celebration-of-prince-body.jpg","heroImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1749830591891,"sha256":"270c52997626506354fa5f4532c095e810cff5335981618b203e132bd99763e1","length":110330,"title":"goddess-bowl-vhero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":110330,"name":"goddess-bowl-vhero.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"articleUrl":"first-look-norwegian-aqua","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-cruises":"Cruises"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/articleImage1","headline":"First Look: Norwegian Aqua<\/i>","url":"/content.791e8a11-52c8-42da-b62b-cebeab00da6f","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/previewImage/norwegianaqua-aerial-preview.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1749765496571,"sha256":"fbd45d743686bd9e39d288d02e7295a2b8809ec0434b22d9ec6131d6930b8549","length":267908,"title":"slidecoaster-body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":267908,"name":"slidecoaster-body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"articleDate":"June 13, 2025","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","heroImage3":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage3/norwegina-aqua-spa-vhero.jpg","heroImage1":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage1/norwegianaqua-aerial-vhero.jpg","heroImage2":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage2/goddess-bowl-vhero.jpg","heroImage1AltText":"A rendering of Norwegian Aqua from the front.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage1","heroImage2ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage2","articleImage1Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/articleImage1/slidecoaster-body.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/articleImage2/stateroom-bsot.jpg","heroImage3ContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/heroImage3","subhead":"Amusement is the name of the game on Norwegian Cruise Line\u2019s newest ship.","articleText5":"
The venue can transform from nightclub seating with a dance floor (you know where to find me) to a traditional stage setup, and the next night, any quibbles I had with the Prince show were more than overcome by the endearing and unpretentious tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s <\/span>Rumours<\/span><\/i>. Track by track, a band performs the entire record and shares the drama behind the studio sessions that led to one of the best-selling albums of all time.<\/span><\/p>\n
Truth be told, I’d go for an encore of both shows – but first, how about another spin on the Slidecoaster?<\/span><\/p>\n
Norwegian Aqua<\/span><\/i> embarks on seven-night Caribbean itineraries<\/a> round-trip from Miami this fall, calling on the Dominican Republic, Saint Thomas, Tortola, and the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. <\/span>Departures: Multiple dates, October 12, 2025, through April 5, 2026.<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>","heroImage2AltText":"A \"goddess bowl,\" full of cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and other vegetables.","heroImage3AltText":"A rendering of the Mandara Spa pool in a dark, wood-lined room.","metaDescription":"Norwegian Cruise Line\u2019s 2025 debut features live entertainment, plenty of dining spots, waterslides, mini golf, and more.","articleText3":"
Cabins look modern in subdued brown and gray tones with (natch!) aqua accents.<\/span> A collection of 73 compact Studios with a dedicated lounge offers the best neighborhood for solo travelers.<\/span> L<\/span>iving large is easy in <\/span>The Haven, <\/span>Aqua<\/span><\/i>’s 123-suite enclave accessed by separate elevators, with an exclusive restaurant and lounge, private sundeck and pool, and complimentary room service. <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Norwegian Aqua<\/span><\/span><\/em> has a surfeit of dining options.<\/span> <\/span><\/span>Hudson’s<\/span> is the standout <\/span>of the two main <\/span>dining rooms – the <\/span>best tables <\/span>provide<\/span> a 270-degree <\/span>ocean <\/span>view<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>If <\/span>you’re<\/span> <\/span>dining at <\/span>T<\/span>he Commodore Room on Deck 6, check out the cozy Swirl Wine Bar or the moody Whiskey Bar for pre- or post-prandial tipples.<\/span> <\/span>There’s<\/span> a<\/span> traditional <\/span>poo<\/span>l<\/span>side buffet, but <\/span>I’d<\/span> opt <\/span>instead <\/span>for <\/span>Deck 8’s <\/span>Indulge Food Hall<\/span> and its<\/span> <\/span>tapas<\/span>-<\/span>size<\/span> portions<\/span>,<\/span> <\/span>rang<\/span>ing<\/span> from Indian<\/span> to <\/span>Spanish <\/span>and <\/span>plant-based<\/span> to <\/span>barbecue <\/span>–<\/span> <\/span>with <\/span>seconds delivered at the touch of a button<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>For specialty dining, Norwegian stalwarts <\/span>such as<\/span> Cagney<\/span>’<\/span>s Steakhouse and Le Bistro are joined by <\/span>Sukhothai<\/span> <\/span>(Norwegian’s first-ever Thai venue), the Italian <\/span>Onda by <\/span>Scarpetta, Palomar <\/span>for Mediterranean fare, <\/span>and Los Lobos for Mexican.<\/span> <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>","metaHeadline":"What It's Like to Sail on the New Norwegian Aqua Ship\u200b","articleText4":"
Daytime playtime on the upper decks includes the usual pool and infinity hot tubs, plus a mini-golf course; an arcade room; The Glow Court, <\/span>an interactive sports court with an LED floor and walls (it doubles as a dance floor at night);<\/span> a kids’ Aqua Park, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club. At night, The Aqua Theater<\/span> & Club hosts concerts and Cirque-style performances. I managed to keep my expectations in check for <\/span>Revolution: A Celebration of Prince<\/span><\/i>, a high-energy stage show created in partnership with the late singer’s estate. It takes four different performers and a large backing band to embody the Purple One’s amazing range on stage, and the revue throws in a few surprise selections from his early career as it prompts the crowd to their feet.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","articleText1":"
I thought the marquee lure for Norwegian Cruise Line<\/a>’s latest ship, <\/span>Norwegian Aqua<\/span><\/i><\/a>, would be a stage show built around the aura of Prince, the legendary performer I happen to idolize. What I didn’t plan for was the top-deck thriller called the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid roller coaster/waterslide that left me craving a replay.<\/span><\/p>\n
Settling into the Slidecoaster’s snug, inflatable raft, my first thought was, Where’s the seat belt? The second, as a mechanical arm maneuvered behind the raft and made contact with a slight jolt: What have I gotten myself into? The next thing I knew, the arm had vaulted my raft up a watery trough at 30 mph and into a tunnel, where we settled into a gentle coast back down to Deck 18.<\/span><\/p>\n
It had been a few years since my last Norwegian sailing, but a quick jaunt aboard the <\/span>Aqua<\/span><\/i> for its official April 2025 launch left me appreciating the ship’s sophisticated trimmings alongside its straightforward family fun.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"
A rendering of a Haven suite.<\/span><\/p>","articleText2":"
But wait, Deck 18? Yes, the <\/span>Norwegian Aqua<\/span><\/i> is a megaship – though a slightly smaller one than the line’s other recent ships, with room for up to 3,571 passengers. Some creative rearranging means traffic flows more smoothly, and public spaces should feel less crowded when sailing at full capacity. Still, guest-room corridors feel spacious, and, like the golden age ocean liners,<\/span> Aqua<\/span><\/i> has a broad Ocean Boulevard circling the entire vessel, offering casual food options, loungers, and a pair of infinity pools.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
A rendering of Norwegian Aqua<\/em>’s Slidecoaster, which twists and loops around the ship’s top deck.<\/p>","articleImage3Caption":"
Prepare for 80s vibes all night at Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.<\/span><\/i><\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","articleImage3Version":"/dA/1f991225-f626-45fe-9c29-0bd67585b2d0/articleImage3/celebration-of-prince-body.jpg","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"David Swanson","creationDate":"2025-06-13 09:04:45.859","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1749765503705,"sha256":"bad87337a6f40efeb29b1fe2acd44de2809f2633e2a309211d580ae12b1a8284","length":142805,"title":"stateroom-bsot.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":142805,"name":"stateroom-bsot.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"useWideHeroHeadlineOverlay":false,"modDate":"2025-06-16 08:39:35.497","previewImageCropFocus":"center","title":"First Look: Norwegian Aqua<\/i>","previewImageContentAsset":"c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1749765049880,"sha256":"445dbad98524c92568a6f42557d09453cec3e6acb6b2fd0eef42075a9ce1c0b4","length":250910,"title":"norwegianaqua-aerial-preview.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":250910,"name":"norwegianaqua-aerial-preview.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"ownerUserName":"N/A","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"arosenberg@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"c0a8ed6d0a","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"system user system user","articleImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1749765069503,"sha256":"2189077954bd2120bf3132def0fb82c1c52d0d768d04865be5ca21da50f13eff","length":162411,"title":"celebration-of-prince-body.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":162411,"name":"celebration-of-prince-body.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":500},"modUser":"system","publish":"2025-06-12 14:30:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1749830586958,"sha256":"dc37feee1efdf693abcd50b43fffe1848a026329a0c799583730860cb71b9f89","length":87857,"title":"norwegianaqua-aerial-vhero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":87857,"name":"norwegianaqua-aerial-vhero.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"previewImage":"/dA/c0a8ed6d0ac5e5ee0b9deda258f33039/previewImage/norwegianaqua-aerial-preview.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/heroImage1/1-The-Baths-Virgin-Gorda.jpg","publishDate":"2025-06-05 12:32:21.881","useWideHeroImage":false,"heroImage3Version":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/heroImage3/3-Moorings-Catamaran.jpg","heroImage2Version":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/heroImage2/2-Anegada-flamingos.jpg","inode":"35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7","heroImage2Caption":"Preening Caribbean flamingos.","heroImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1748991205713,"sha256":"a871f128710f6cc323e1e427131229683dc89cbfd3f2321138a336cfb3fe3435","length":76348,"title":"3-Moorings-Catamaran.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":76348,"name":"3-Moorings-Catamaran.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"heroImage1Caption":"
The Baths National Park.<\/p>","heroImage3Caption":"A Moorings catamaran.","useTopAdZone":false,"identifier":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5","heroImage3PhotoCredit":"The Moorings","publishUserName":"system user system user","articleImage2ContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/articleImage2","publishUser":"system","tags":"|caribbean|british-virgin-islands|anegada,|caribbean|british-virgin-islands|jost-van-dyke,|caribbean|british-virgin-islands|virgin-gorda,yacht cruises,sailing & boating,snorkeling,hiking,local food,restaurants & bars,nature & wildlife","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"heroImage2PhotoCredit":"Getty Images","isSponsoredContent":"0","articleImage1":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/articleImage1/Blue-Tang-Caribbean.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/articleImage2/Jost-Van-Dyke-Moorage.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","heroImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1748991166755,"sha256":"955586e0d0a4cab3bca8f6e44e5ff4bbc8201714ddf3a7b8baee5c589d68b05a","length":62003,"title":"2-Anegada-flamingos.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":62003,"name":"2-Anegada-flamingos.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"articleUrl":"heres-why-a-private-catamaran-is-the-best-way-to-see-the-british-virgin-islands","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-adventure":"Adventure"},{"category-cruises":"Cruises"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/articleImage1","headline":"Here\u2019s Why a Private Catamaran Is the Best Way to See the British Virgin Islands","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","url":"/content.0ae7fe49-ac6f-428e-8835-04fd24baca1e","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/previewImage/Hero-Moorings-CAtamaran.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1748991571086,"sha256":"a7239ff1ed3b3b0513175d0b9505d0344b66e4f00b9d08aa90321325d245953a","length":102114,"title":"Blue-Tang-Caribbean.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":102114,"name":"Blue-Tang-Caribbean.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":507},"articleDate":"June 3, 2025","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","heroImage3":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage3/3-Moorings-Catamaran.jpg","heroImage1":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage1/1-The-Baths-Virgin-Gorda.jpg","heroImage2":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage2/2-Anegada-flamingos.jpg","heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Getty Images","heroImage1AltText":"A sandy beach surrounded by giant boulders at The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage1","heroImage2ContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage2","articleImage1Version":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/articleImage1/Blue-Tang-Caribbean.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/35fa388c-59fd-4e32-a834-fb71b0f071c7/articleImage2/Jost-Van-Dyke-Moorage.jpg","heroImage3ContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/heroImage3","subhead":"Island-by-island hot takes from a sailing novice.","heroImage2AltText":"Two flamingos tend to their feathers on a turquoise beach in the Caribbean.","heroImage3AltText":"A catamaran sails on bright blue water near a tropical island.","metaDescription":"Island-hopping by private catamaran has its perks. Plus: The must-do activities on Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.","articleText3":"
Best for Stretching Out in the Sand: Anegada<\/strong><\/h3>\nFlat, eight-square-mile Anegada is four hours northeast of Virgin Gorda and too small for most cruise ships to visit. Our captain, Francesco, convinced us to add it to our itinerary with promises of the BVI’s best lobster. We hopped on a Mini Moke to traverse the island, following quiet roads to wooden platforms with telescopes overlooking flamingo stands, then to easygoing beach bars – favorites included piña coladas at The Big Bamboo Bar<\/a> and Tipsy by Ann<\/a>, and self-serve sips at Cow Wreck. We’d passed lobster traps on our way to shore, and dinner at Wonky Dog<\/a> was heaping plates of the day’s crustacean catch. With no call times to accommodate, we lingered on the beach as music started up and a bonfire sparked to life.<\/p>\n
Best for Day Drinking: Jost Van Dyke<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Soggy Dollar Bar<\/a> reigns supreme on Jost Van Dyke<\/a>, where the nutmeg-topped Painkiller (a blend of rum, orange and pineapple juices, and coconut cream) was first invented in the 1970s. It’s a well-known party spot about four hours southwest of Anegada, where friendly bartenders keep watch on beach partiers from the open-air bar (expect to see a few yachts moored out front). Follow the happy-hour crowd to Foxy’s<\/a> in Great Harbour later in the evening to keep the party going. If day drinking isn’t your thing, calm waters and healthy populations of coots and blue-winged teals keep snorkelers and birdwatchers busy near Sandy Spit and Diamond Cay National Park<\/a> to the island’s east.<\/p>\n
Departures: Any day through 2025.<\/em><\/p>","metaHeadline":"Here's Why Sailing with The Moorings in the British Virgin Islands Is the Best Way to Go","articleText1":"
My first visit to the British Virgin Islands<\/a> may have started amid 30-knot winds, but after a few hours the seas calmed, and the Caribbean<\/a> country known for the region’s best island-hopping came into focus. I’ve always been a hotel lover<\/a>, but I discovered the appeal of life on the water on a private, crewed charter with The Moorings<\/a>, which gives families and friend groups the space and flexibility to design trips around party spots, teeming reefs, and quiet beaches.<\/p>\n
My four-day trip was a meandering affair on an eight-passenger, 50-foot catamaran with a two-person crew. Between stops at moorages where cruise ships can’t fit, we sunbathed and dined on board – I’m still not over one afternoon’s grilled zucchini and orzo salad paired with rosé and turquoise water views. Each day, the expert crew followed our whims and the wind – whether we wanted to snorkel, hike, or sip Painkillers, they had a low-key spot cued up. Here, the route we traced for a crowd-free escape.<\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"
Catamarans moored at Jost Van Dyke.<\/p>","articleText2":"
Best for Snorkeling: Cooper Island<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Moorings’ charters depart from their home base on Tortola<\/a>, and ours made straight for Cooper Island<\/a>, part of the Little Sisters group scattered to the south. It wouldn’t be the Caribbean without rum, so naturally our first stop was the Cooper Island Beach Club’s Rum Bar, with its 400-bottle collection. The BVI’s own, Arundel<\/a>, was the natural choice to accompany the trip’s first sunset. The reef in nearby Manchioneel Bay attracts snorkelers hoping to spot blue tang, butterflyfish, and maybe an octopus or two. A waterproof phone pouch for snapping blurry fish pics might be the BVI’s hottest summer accessory.<\/p>\n
Best for Getting Your Steps In: Virgin Gorda<\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Cooper Island, we left early for Virgin Gorda<\/a> and The Baths National Park<\/a>. It was an hour-long sail, and morning arrivals avoid afternoon heat and cruisers seeking IG-worthy shots among the cavernous rocks. In the park, the flat Devil’s Bay Trail winds past scurrying anole lizards to a sandy beach, then on to the payoff: stone cathedrals hidden between clusters of giant boulders along the coast. Our echoing chatter as we tromped the flooded paths between the rocks (sandals are a must on this often-waterlogged trail) reminded me of the narrow halls in Arches National Park<\/a>. For post-hike refuels, The Moorings crew can arrange a taxi to Hog Heaven<\/a> restaurant for ribs and a view of Moskito and Necker islands<\/a>.<\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
Reef resident: A blue tang.<\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Emma Franke","creationDate":"2025-06-03 16:21:38.905","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1748991894117,"sha256":"b9e3d57302ef1c0997a45394e5ffde1efc567936eddb2a97f544f69c691ada0c","length":188550,"title":"Jost-Van-Dyke-Moorage.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":188550,"name":"Jost-Van-Dyke-Moorage.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":570},"useWideHeroHeadlineOverlay":false,"modDate":"2025-06-05 12:32:08.325","previewImageCropFocus":"center","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","title":"Here\u2019s Why a Private Catamaran Is the Best Way to See the British Virgin Islands","previewImageContentAsset":"ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1748991115995,"sha256":"538000f42292b136f0410e58885560b89bd7571dc4b1078c7619b8ebfeae5f4d","length":109527,"title":"Hero-Moorings-CAtamaran.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":109527,"name":"Hero-Moorings-CAtamaran.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":428},"ownerUserName":"N/A","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"efranke@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"ade368b7b5","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"system user system user","modUser":"system","publish":"2025-06-03 15:45:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1748991124071,"sha256":"e078b95a2063b1f93a021385d5562d977f735423ea449fddbd6f766fddc54332","length":129227,"title":"1-The-Baths-Virgin-Gorda.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":129227,"name":"1-The-Baths-Virgin-Gorda.jpg","width":390,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":546},"previewImage":"/dA/ade368b7b508d4f0281ddceaedfb1cc5/previewImage/Hero-Moorings-CAtamaran.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"}],"featuredDestinations":[]}]}

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