10 Best Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruises for 2025-2026

Name: Caribbean Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (380 reviews)

Dock going out into the crystal blue ocean

Top 10 Small Ships that Cruise Virgin Islands for 2025-2026

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
Sea Cloud	64	$6995	With occupancy for just 64 guests, the Sea Cloud is a modern and elegant windjammer outfitted with modern amenities and uniquely decorated cabins. … 0
Emerald Azzurra	100	$6340	As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, … 0
Sea Cloud Spirit	136	$7500	Sea Cloud Spirit is a modern and elegant windjammer with occupancy for 136 guests and a crew of 85. It gives you an amazing opportunity of traveling … 0
Sea Cloud II	94	$10995	The Sea Cloud II is a legendary windjammer comparable to her sister ship, the Sea Cloud. Featuring her own unique character, the Sea Cloud II … 0
Royal Clipper	227	$1700	The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, carrying just 227 privileged guests aboard. She offers the ultimate tall ship … 0
Star Flyer	170	$1640	The Star Flyer is a stylish vessel designed to accommodate 170 passengers in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This true clipper ship reflects … 0
Star Clipper	170	$2720	Star Clipper is a 170-passenger vessel designed to provide a unique traveling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. Step aboard and discover a … 0
Sea Cloud	58	$9658	The Sea Cloud is a glorious and gracious luxury sailing yacht, a four-masted bark, custom built in 1931 by the business magnate E.F. Hutton for his … 0
Le Bellot	188	$5200	Experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an … 0
Emerald Sakara	100	$7590	Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our … 0

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Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Virgin Islands Environment

The Virgin Islands have an extremely diverse environment that includes mountains to hike, coral reefs to explore, beaches, and coastal grasslands. With all these differing environments, there's something that everyone can enjoy.

What Is the Difference Between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands?

It is important to note that the two island groups are distinct in terms of culture and customs, with the British Virgin Islands being a British Overseas Territory with four larger islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke), while the US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States with three larger islands (St. John, St. Thomas, and Croix,).

In comparison to the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered more family-friendly.

How many islands are included in the Virgin Islands?

The Virgin Islands consist of approximately 90 tiny islands, bays, coasts, and cliffs located east of Puerto Rico in the West Indies of the Caribbean Sea. They are controlled as two separate groups: British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands.

Wildside of the Virgin Islands

A trip to the Caribbean has so much more to offer travelers than beaches and sunbathing. It might come as a surprise that this destination could excite wildlife enthusiasts! The Caribbean islands have an unexpected variety of wildlife to observe. Besides marine life, there are exotic plants, frogs, iguana lizards, bats, and an array of bird species.

U.S. Virgin Islands Politics

A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands has very tricky and confusing politics surrounding it. For example, The U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated U.S. territory which means they have a say in Congress, but only in committees. It's both important and enlightening to understand the politics around the U.S. Islands, especially if you're from the U.S.

Cuisine of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands have an unusual cuisine, that's been influenced by Europeans, Indians, Americans, and traditional African recipes.

A Geographical look at the Virgin Islands

It's important to understand the geography of where the islands are located and where the British and U.S. Islands are in relation to each other so you can work with Adventure Life to find you the perfect cruise that includes all the destinations on your bucket list.

Best Time to Visit the British Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between March and early August. This is because temperatures are extremely comfortable and there's a heavy dip in tourism during this time, usually resulting in less expensive air fare, better hotel deals, and better deals on activities. Do be aware that hurricane season does begin in June, so it's possible that could put a damper on your trip but it's unlikely as hurricane season lasts until November and generally the rains peak between late August and November.

Another good time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between December and February. This is because it's winter in many parts of the world but it's still sunny and warm in the Virgin Islands. With this season there's extremely high tourist traffic and the hotel and activity prices generally go up quite a bit.

Between September and November is an okay time to visit the islands with cheaper prices and warm temperatures, but be aware that it rains quite often during this season and this is the peak of the hurricane season.

Best Time to Visit the U.S Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is between April and June. This is because there's very little rainfall, the temperatures are comfortable in the mid-70s to '80s (Between 21-27 degrees Celsius), and it's not the peak tourism season resulting in less expensive lodging and activities along with fewer crowds.

Between December and March is also a good time to go but this is the peak tourism season so hotel and activity prices can raise as much as 50 percent.

Between July and November, you'll find unbelievable deals but these months are during hurricane season so it's not recommended that you go during this time.

The Virgin Islands' Hurricane Season

The Virgin Islands' hurricane season is between the beginning of June and lasts until the end of November with the peak period between late August and November.

Hurricanes shouldn't be too much of a worry safety-wise because there's only a very slim chance that the hurricane hits the island or even creates a dramatic tropical storm. A hurricane can be a huge damper on your trip though because it's extremely likely that it will bring some kind of rain (whether it be light rain or a tropical storm) which can screw up your day on the beach. Hurricanes can also delay or force a cruise to cancel its itinerary, so make sure to be in touch regularly with the captain of the cruise.

If you choose to go to the Virgin Islands during hurricane season for the amazing deals, it's recommended that you buy hurricane travel insurance so you can protect yourself, your stuff, and if your flight gets delayed or canceled you can file a claim for that as well. Additionally, it's recommended that you keep track of hurricanes coming to this area and how powerful they're expected to be through the internet or the various apps that relay hurricane information to you..

Best Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2025-2026

Ponant transports you to the Virgin Island's stunning white-sand beaches in all-inclusive luxury. Le Champlain, a small-sized ship, combines respect for the environment, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. It features Blue Eye, a unique multi-sensory lounge, the only one of its kind in the world, located in the hull, below the waterline.
Silversea Cruises added door-to-door service from home to ship to its all-inclusive service. Along with daily complimentary shore excursions, Silver Wind guests enjoy 24-hour gourmet dining and butler service, as well as award-winning entertainment. Take a "flightseeing" tour for an outstanding view of Roadtown, Tortola, a British Virgin Islands territory.
Star Clippers Americas. A contemporary cruise line inspired by the golden age of tall sailing ships cruises to the stunning Virgin Islands. One of three sailing ships in the Star Clippers fleet, Royal Clipper, one of three sailing ships in the Star Clippers fleet, is the world's largest and only full-rigged five-mast sailing ship. The maximum passenger capacity is 227.
Sea Cloud Cruises has preserved the authentic value of windjammers, where sails are still set by hand. Seeing the sailors climb the rigging, unfasten the thick fabric, and fiercely tighten the deck lines on the ship is always a spectacular scene. Sail the BVI aboard Sea Cloud II, perfectly combining spaciousness for up to 94 passengers with the lifestyle of a private yacht.

Virgin Islands Cruise Guide

What are the most popular U.S. Virgin Islands?
St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island.

What are the most popular British Virgin Islands?
Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, and Pelican Island.

If you're a U.S. citizen, do you need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No, you will need a photo ID to travel but you do not need a passport, will not have to go through customs, and don't need to have a visa. But it's still recommended that you bring a passport as you will need a passport to travel to other Caribbean islands and the British Virgin Islands and you may be asked to prove your residency to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands - which is most easily done with a passport.

If you're a UK citizen, do you need a passport to go to the British Virgin Islands?
Yes, you do need a valid passport and you don't need a visa regardless of where you're coming from.

Are the Virgin Islands safe?
There aren't any vaccination requirements on the islands but you should still consult your doctor to see what they say (everyone is different). In terms of the population, the Virgin Islands are a fairly safe destination - the people are usually pretty welcoming as they understand that you're bringing tourism, and therefore wealth into their country. But in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix and St. Thomas are bigger cities that have had quite a few crimes, so be sure to be extra vigilant in these cities at night. But to put this in context, the U.S. Virgin Islands only have a small fraction of crime that you would find in most-any big city. All of the British Virgin Islands are relatively extremely safe.

What is the drinking age on the Virgin Islands?
18 is the legal drinking age but if you're under 21 you cannot legally transport alcohol outside of the Virgin Islands.

Can I use my cellphone on the Virgin Islands?
If you have a U.S. phone plan on the U.S. Virgin Islands you won't have trouble with using your phone without additional roaming charges. If you're from outside the U.S. or going to the British Virgin Islands (even if you're from the UK) then you will be charged roaming charges if you choose not to get a SIM card from the respective island you're in.

Is the tap water safe?
Yes, on both islands many foreigners drink the tap water without any harmful effects.

What language do they speak on the Virgin Islands?
On both Virgin Islands the primary language is English, sometimes with a Caribbean twist.

Will I need power converters or adapters on the Virgin Islands?
If you're from the US you will not need a power converter or adapter, but if you're not you need to get a two prong 120 Watt power converter for the outlets along the island.

What currency do the Virgin Islands use?
Both islands use the US dollar as currency.

Are there ATMs on the Virgin Islands?
There's no shortage of ATMs on either island.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! It's important to be prepared for the worst - just in case. One small investment can save you thousands of dollars. Additionally, if you're traveling during hurricane season it's even more highly recommended that you buy travel insurance as hurricanes can sometimes force your plane ride to be canceled. Adventure Life's once you're booked page has more details on this, including some deals with our partner companies.

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10 Best Virgin Islands Small Ship Cruises for 2025-2026

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Top 10 Small Ships that Cruise Virgin Islands for 2025-2026

Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Virgin Islands Environment

Wildside of the Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands Politics

Cuisine of the Virgin Islands

A Geographical look at the Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Cruise Guide

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