The Caribbean is awash with giant cruise ships that can crowd island ports and overwhelm small destinations with thousands of passengers. For those who like to cruise, but don't like crowds and are more interested in seeing a less-travelled side of the Caribbean, a better option is a small ship.

One of the newest entrants into this specialized market is the Arabella, a 50-metre luxury schooner, with capacity for 49 passengers. It will begin offering seven-day sailing adventures in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands in January.

The Arabella's voyages promise to combine the islands' finest sailing, swimming and snorkelling with sightseeing excursions and unique dining experiences. It will embark from St. Thomas and set sail for the bays of St. John, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Guano Island, Virgin Gorda, Peter Island, Colebra and Vieques.

And the passengers will sail in style. The schooner is filled with the high-tech amenities of a modern mega-yacht. There are 22 air-conditioned, en-suite staterooms, each with satellite TV, viewing portholes and state-of-the-art communications capabilities that will allow guests to conduct business from anywhere on the sea. The vessel has an on-deck hot water spa, a traditional salon and bar, and watersports equipment available for use during stops at tropical lagoons.

At the end of each day's sail, Arabella's guests will arrive at a beach or island village and each evening promises a unique dining experience, ranging from a visit to the well-known Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda to Caribbean-style cookouts.

Depending on cabin type, costs will range from $1,495 to $1,995 (U.S.) a person, based on double occupancy. Price includes all daytime meals, four dinners ashore, and optional excursions.

At the end of its Caribbean season, Newport-based Arabella will return to New England in June and begin three-, five- and seven-night cruises that will include stops in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown.

Arabella is part of the Newport-based Atlantic Stars Hospitality. For more information phone (401) 849-3033 or visit http://www.cruisenewport.com.
lbuhasz@globeandmail.ca