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Family vacations with kids should be hassle-free, and going on a cruise to the Caribbean is the best way to fuel everyone’s wanderlust without having to worry.
Besides enjoying award-winning service on deck, you can book exciting shore excursions in advance, especially if you are traveling with teens, as they love destinations that combine freedom, adventure and memorable experiences, and only a cruise can deliver all these.
For instance, on a cruise you can go snorkeling, jet-skiing, enjoy beach days and explore the vibrant ports of call that offer the perfect balance of independence and guided adventure.
Here are some of the incredible experiences you can have on an eastern Caribbean cruise vacation.
#1. Go hiking in Tortola
Ask the kids to lace up their hiking boots for a trekking adventure of a lifetime inside the lush 86-acre Sage Mountain National Park in Tortola island.
Here you will find undisturbed mountain trails providing panoramic views of the sea. Follow up the hike with a refreshing swim on the secluded Cane Garden Beach.
#2. Take a ride on a RIB
With an expert captain at the helm, take the kids on a ride on a RIB(rigid inflatable boat) along the turquoise coastline of Tortola.
Explore the mangrove forests as you speed past the Beef Island Bridge, with the towering cliffs of the British Virgin Islands in the background.
#3. Explore sea life on a semi-submarine
Discover a wealth of marine life through the glass windows of your submarine in Philipsburg among the corals at Creole Rock.
Back on land, take a guided tour of the French capital of St Maarten and enjoy scenic views from the Orient Bay Lookout.
#4. See San Juan on two wheels
Your kids will love exploring the Puerto Rican capital on a bike instead of on two foot while admiring the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pedal to Escambron Beach Park and stop at the Santruce market for some great shopping and a bite to eat.
#5. Go on a safari to Pelican Peak
One of the most thrilling family adventure is situated barely steps away from the St Maarten cruise port through a safari ride to Pelican Peak.
At the top, take a zip-line leap down 1500 feet at high speed over the lush greenery of Philipsburg, spotting exotic flora and fauna on the way.
#6. Wonder at the wildlife
The wildlife of the eastern Caribbean is quite different from anywhere else and there are plenty of family-friendly excursions that give you an opportunity to interact with them.
From spotting unique wildlife at El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico to hiking through dense jungle trails like La Coca, families will enjoy their time here.
#7. Soak up in history
The captivating history of the eastern Caribbean can be experienced at Fortaleza San Felipe in Puerto Plata and on the cobbled streets of the Old Town in San Juan.
Tour the UNESCO listed Spanish citadel of El Morro which towers over the capital city.
#8. Spend quality time in St Thomas
Go for a swim at Sapphire Beach in St Thomas and take a thrilling boat ride on half-moon shaped Magens Bay.
Snorkel with sea turtles or explore shipwrecks on an unforgettable scuba diving excursion.
#9. Practice dance moves at Great Bay Beach
The kids will love a salsa session at the famous Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg to hone their dancing skills.
With no rush at all, this is a wonderful day outing for the family in St Maarten.
#10. Dart down a lagoon
Hop on a powerful rafting boat and dart down the waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon in St Maarten while zooming past Fort Louis and Marigot.
Snorkel past sea grass on a guided snorkeling tour among the bright corals.
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