Cruise Ships in The British Virgin Islands : The Moorings 514 Power Catamaran

With more than 50 islands to explore within the British Virgin Islands, the 514 Power Catamaran gives you the freedom to flit between them as you wish. Your skipper, an experienced Caribbean sailor, will advise you on the best routes, which can be tailored to your specific interests. Each evening you have the luxury of choosing where you drop anchor, whether you want to savour some traditional Caribbean cuisine in a marina bistro, or stargaze in a secluded bay.

With no sails, the fly bridge is more spacious than on sailboats of this size, complete with a comfortable seating area and 360 views of the ocean. There’s also a grill and wet bar so you can enjoy grilled snacks and cocktails as you cruise along. There’s further outdoor space below on the bow of the main deck, which leads into the air-conditioned saloon and lounge. There’s also an outdoor dining space at the stern.

The main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke are grouped together, making it simple to hop between the array of beach bars, restaurants and marinas. The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a highlight, where you can swim through a maze of caves and pools which have been created by huge volcanic boulders that litter the beach. With your own vessel you can visit in the quiet of the early morning or at sunset when the day-trippers have left.

The fourth main island, Anegada, lies 22 km (14 miles) north, where life passes at a much sleepier pace. There are small coastal villages and windswept beaches to explore, as well as opportunities to sample freshly-caught Anegada lobster; a British Virgin Isles speciality. A scattering of tiny islands and sandbanks make up the rest of the archipelago: your skipper will be able to suggest a secluded anchorage spot.

Cabins

There are three air-conditioned double cabins below the main deck, as well as a separate crew cabin. Each cabin has its own en suite with a shower, toilet and wash basin. The cabins are crisp and modern, with a hull window and skylight. Carefully designed to create a sense of space, there’s storage under the bed and on a set of open shelves running along one wall.

Dining

• Whether its cocktails on the fly bridge or a moonlit dinner, your cook is on hand to prepare your meals, snacks and beverages
• Prior to boarding you’ll be contacted so that the boat can be stocked with your preferred food and drinks, as well as catering for any dietary requirements
• Separate children’s meals can also be provided
• While your time on board is an all-inclusive experience, we suggest sampling some of the local fare too
• The British Virgin Islands are home to a range of restaurants, bars and cafés — some only accessible by boat
• You can dine at a candlelit table on the sand, marina-side bistro or local oil-drum barbecue

Routes

You’ll board your vessel in Road Town’s marina on Tortola, the largest island. From there: it’s up to you. You can beach-hop between the quiet outer lying islands, dropping anchor in secluded coves to snorkel, walk along the sand or kayak through some of the grotto-like sea caves. Your skipper can recommend places that you might not find in the guidebooks.

There’s a lively yachting community in the British Virgin Islands, with plenty of marinas to moor up at, including the peaceful Marina Cay which is nestled behind a protective reef, or Soper’s Hole which was once the base for Blackbeard’s fleet of pirate ships.