The Ultimate ‘Create-Your-Own-Adventure’ Getaway: 4 Ways to Experience an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

I was unsure what to anticipate from my inaugural cruise journey. I recognized that the cruise would attract various people from across the nation, but I wasn’t certain how I would handle being on a ship that felt like a floating island.

It turns out this floating paradise is much more than just a secluded beach (although we did visit a few of those). Aboard the Dinogo Vista, it felt more like a trip where you can do anything you wish. And when I say anything, I truly mean anything.

The reality is, this ship has it all.

Do you recall those adventure stories we enjoyed as children, where you could shape your own fate? It’s similar, except instead of deciding whether to chase a thief or linger to snatch the jewels, you’re choosing between tackling the ropes course on board or unwinding by a serene pool with a cocktail in hand.

It turns out that one of the greatest perks of taking a cruise is the ability to tailor your experience to your preferences. If you’re in the mood to mingle and celebrate, there are more than enough options for that! Alternatively, if you prefer tranquility and solitude, there are numerous spots to find your peaceful moments, too.

You can pursue thrills and excitement, party all night long, unwind and de-stress, or explore cultural experiences both on and off the ship. Or, you could blend it all together and treat yourself to a margarita.

I knew I wanted a little bit of everything. I was excited for some relaxation, but I was also eager for a touch of adventure. As you all know, I never shy away from high-risk, borderline foolish activities (just a note: everything on board is completely safe!), so I was thrilled to find a variety of options available.

Once I boarded, I realized how genuinely you can craft your own adventure. There is so much happening that you can decide precisely what kind of journey you want to embark on.

Cruise Itinerary for the Thrill Seeker

You thrive on excitement and have no plans to take it easy just because you’re on a cruise. Fortunately, there are ample options to keep your adrenaline pumping.

On your first day at sea, dive into the heart-pounding activities available on board. The most thrilling option? The SkyRide! These bikes are suspended on an aerial track above the ship—pedal your way around while flying through the air, enjoying a stunning bird’s eye view as you navigate the corners.

That’s a perspective you won’t encounter every day.

Next, tackle the ropes course. Navigate your way across wobbly ladders and balance on the tightrope. Cap off your afternoon with exhilarating rides down the three waterslides—yes, WATERSLIDES—available on board.

And when it’s time for shore excursions, each port offers a variety of adventure options to explore.

In Grand Turk, take on the high wire ropes course and zip line over the beach. The views from above Grand Turk are breathtaking, and this spot is the highest point on the island. You might even catch a glimpse of whales and sharks from this vantage point.

In San Juan, try your hand at surfing. Puerto Rico is an excellent location for surfing. Enroll in surf lessons, or if you’re already experienced, grab your board and hit the waves for some fun!

In St. Kitts, embark on an ATV adventure. Ride around the island on an ATV, bouncing over boulders and getting muddy. If you aren’t covered in dirt by the end, you’re not doing it right!

And in St. Maarten, embark on an excursion to Maho Beach, renowned for being just a few meters from the airport runway. Massive airplanes fly in so close overhead that you can nearly reach out and touch the landing gear from below!

However, the real thrill comes during takeoff when the planes head in the opposite direction, away from the beach. You’ll be hit with the hot air from the jet engines, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 mph, which is similar to the speed of freefall if you’ve ever gone skydiving.

Warning: you may lose your hat and end up with sand in every unmentionable nook and cranny of your body.

Cruise Itinerary for the Social Butterfly

Whether you’re a born extrovert or simply in vacation mode, you thrive on being the life of the party—or at least being involved in it. Cruises are a vibrant blend of American culture, and you’ll encounter people from all corners of the country—you’re sure to make some great connections on board!

During your days at sea, relax by the pools and hot tubs. I discovered that some of the best conversations take place while lounging poolside.

And don’t forget to join in on the nightly festivities! Whether you’re salsa dancing at the Cuban-themed Havana Bar, belting out tunes at karaoke in the lounge, or grooving to an 80’s party on the main deck, there’s always something happening for every age group. Also, make sure to check out the comedy clubs, nightclubs, and even the craft cocktail bar.

When it comes to shore excursions, you’ll have plenty of choices. My tip? If you’re looking for a good time, opt for those labeled “open bar”—or any of the following options.

In Grand Turk, take a catamaran cruise. Choosing this shore excursion was likely the best decision I made on my cruise. It offered everything: stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, snorkeling, endless rum punch, and fantastic company.

In Puerto Rico, visit the Vivo Beach Club. While beach excursions can be found all over, the Vivo Beach Club stands out because they have their own brewery on site. Savor your beer while relaxing on the beach or by the pool, or get involved in some beach sports with your new friends for the day.

In St. Kitts, opt for the Sky Safari Zip lining. Engaging in adventure activities is a fantastic way to connect with your fellow passengers—the adrenaline truly unites you! Zip lining is a must-experience on a Caribbean getaway, and in St. Kitts, you’ll enjoy flying through the mountains.

In St. Maarten, give Sea Trek Helmet Diving a try. Remember the fifties when ocean explorers donned helmets connected to oxygen while strolling along the ocean floor? This is the contemporary version—complete with GoPros and underwater selfies!

A Cruise Itinerary for the Escape Artist

You put in a lot of effort and have a hectic schedule back home—so your cruise is a chance to unwind. If your goal for this cruise is to relax, take it easy, and spend your days lounging around, you’ve made the perfect choice.

The best mornings on a cruise begin with a cup of coffee on your balcony. Balcony rooms are definitely worth the investment if you seek quiet and solitude in the early hours. I cherished the privacy and was able to start each morning diving into one of my books.

Next, make your way to Serenity. Dinogo’s adults-only deck truly lives up to its name, providing a much more tranquil atmosphere compared to some of the other areas. Claim a dome-shaped daybed for yourself and enjoy a lazy afternoon, whether in the sun or shade.

Above all, don’t forget to pamper yourself at the Cloud 9 Spa. While you can certainly indulge in a massage, that’s just the beginning. Experience hot stones placed on your body, wrap yourself in a full body mask, or treat your skin to a well-deserved facial. They also have steam rooms and infrared saunas available!

While it might be tempting to spend all your shore excursions lounging on the beach, there are plenty of enjoyable options that still allow you to unwind.

In Grand Turk, experience a snuba excursion. What exactly is snuba? It’s a mix of snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing you to swim underwater while breathing through a snorkel connected to a long hose. This lets you dive deeper than traditional snorkeling—it’s like an entry-level scuba adventure.

In San Juan, embark on a horseback ride. If you’re used to navigating through traffic every morning, horseback riding through the rainforest is a refreshing change of pace. Inhale the fresh air, give your horse (and yourself) a gentle pat, and promise to make this a regular part of your routine.

In St. Kitts, enjoy a catamaran and Nevis beach break. Nevis, the smaller sibling of St. Kitts, boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the country. And there’s no better way to traverse the waters than on a catamaran, lying on the net and soaking up the sun.

In St. Maarten, go for a scenic coastal hike. When we docked in St. Maarten, I was amazed by its mountainous terrain. You won’t find a better view of this island than from the summit.

The Culture Enthusiast

Your choice of cruise was primarily influenced by the islands on the itinerary—you wouldn’t dream of visiting the same ones twice.

If you thrive on knowledge, here’s what you should consider doing:

In Grand Turk, take a tour of the island’s top ten attractions. If you have a passion for architecture or photography, you’ll adore exploring the colorful Bermudian-style pastel houses in Cockburn, along with the lighthouse and the historic prison.

In San Juan, enjoy an excursion that includes rum mixology and a salsa dancing lesson. If you weren’t already aware of rum’s significance to the island, the Puerto Ricans will make it clear! This is also a great opportunity to grab a bottle to bring back on board (and perhaps a few for home, too).

Plus, mastering the salsa will definitely come in handy when the live band plays at the Havana Bar on the ship!

In St. Kitts, embark on a rail and sail adventure. St. Kitts features a railway that encircles the entire island, making it an excellent way to delve into the history while taking in some of the most stunning views. Conclude your experience with a sailing tour along the island's southern coastline.

In St. Maarten, join the Flavors of Phillipsburg tour. St. Maarten is an excellent choice for a food tour, as it boasts a rich blend of culinary influences—Caribbean, Dutch, and French, to name a few. Savor the island's flavors and indulge in a little shopping in the downtown area afterward.

Ultimately, the choice is yours

Perhaps you don't identify with any of these archetypes—and that's perfectly fine! While I intended to spend most of my time unwinding, I still snapped countless photos in Grand Turk, explored World Heritage Sites in Puerto Rico and St. Kitts, and experienced both thrill and terror as I was buffeted by the wind from a jet engine in St. Maarten.

The beauty of cruising is that you can tailor your experience to suit your desires, whether that means staying comfortably within your limits or venturing far beyond them.

When you have the freedom to craft your own adventure, you create a vacation that leaves lasting memories. And mine certainly did!