St. Maarten is one of my TOP islands to promote for travelers wanting a different Caribbean vibe. 

Built for variety and excitement. 

• Endless Entertainment: You’ll find everything from full-scale theater productions and casinos to rock-climbing walls and multiple pools.

• Dining Variety: Large ships often feature dozens of dining options, ranging from casual buffets to high-end specialty restaurants.

• Kids & Families: Most ocean lines have extensive kids' clubs and activities specifically designed for families.

• The Journey is the Destination: With "sea days," the focus is often as much on enjoying the ship’s features as it is on the ports of call.
  
  
  

River cruises are designed for travelers who want to be "in" the destination. The ships are small enough to dock right in the center of historic cities.

• Port Intensive: You often visit a new city every day—sometimes two—with very little time spent "at sea."

• Scenic Sailing: You are almost always within sight of land, passing castles, vineyards, and villages as you sail.

• All-Inclusive Value: Many river cruise lines include shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and wine or beer with meals in the base fare.

• No Crowds: With fewer than 200 passengers, there are no long lines for boarding, dining, or getting off the ship.

Focuses on a specific niche, interest, or type of travel While a typical large cruise ship is like a floating mega-resort, a specialty ship is more like a boutique hotel or a focused educational retreat.

• Smaller Ship Size: Most specialty lines operate smaller vessels (100 to 500 guests), allowing them to dock in tiny, remote ports that massive ships cannot reach.

• Specific Themes: Itineraries are often built around a subject like history, gastronomy, wellness, or wildlife.

• In-Depth Learning: Instead of Broadway shows, you might find onboard historians, naturalists, or guest lecturers who provide deep context for each destination.

• Intimate Service: Because there are fewer passengers, the crew-to-guest ratio is much higher, leading to highly personalized service.