Best Island Cruises 2012

These three pure island cruises will surprise you as much as they surprised us, on top cruise ships with itineraries from the Caribbean to Europe to Tahiti and more.

See more of our editors' Best lists at ISLANDS.com/best.

Ancient Ruins in Ephesus
Greece & Turkey on Southern Cross Timer An Ephesus visit preceded the cruise. See article Total Culture Cruise: Greece & Turkey " | Jon Whittle
A Kalimnos Local
Greece & Turkey on Southern Cross Timer On Kalimnos, an outdoor table, a cup of wine, and a local with stories awaited. See article Total Culture Cruise: Greece & Turkey " | Jon Whittle
Paul Gaugin Ship
The Tahitian Islands on M/S Paul Gauguin The Gauguin cruise brought the experience of the real Tahiti's people and food to the traveler. See article Live-Your-Fantasy Cruise: Tahiti " | Tim Mckenna
Moorea
The Tahitian Islands on M/S Paul Gauguin The ships anthropologist leads the passengers along the trail of the ancients on Moorea. See article Live-Your-Fantasy Cruise: Tahiti " | Tim Mckenna
Spinner Dolphins
The Tahitian Islands on M/S Paul Gauguin Marine biologist Michael Poole shows passengers a rare view of wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. See article Live-Your-Fantasy Cruise: Tahiti " | Tim Mckenna
Iles Des Saintes
The Remote Caribbean on Star Clipper Arriving on a tall ship and exploring on a scooter gave an inside path to Iles des Saintes. See article Remote Caribbean Luxury Cruise: Leeward Islands " | Jon Whittle
Nevis Local
The Remote Caribbean on Star Clipper 1st Stop: Nevis. Make like a local and head to Sunshine's beach bar. See article Remote Caribbean Luxury Cruise: Leeward Islands " | Jon Whittle
Waterfall in Dominica
The Remote Caribbean on Star Clipper **2nd Stop: Dominica. **Check out Jaco parrots and beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican rainforest. See article Remote Caribbean Luxury Cruise: Leeward Islands " | Jon Whittle