If you like the notion of a cruise, do consider one of the bigger, well-stabilized ships in early huricane season - both the ship and the island costs are much less then. And the trip can be more interesting.

On the other hand, cruises are very regimented enforced fun. They work hard to get every possible penny out of you and _very_ hard to steer you to controlled island vendors they get kickbacks from.

If they are a bit adventurous, they might have more fun flying to an island and just staying in any class of hotel they like. Private small (inexpensive) villas on up to whatever. They can island hop as they like. Any travel agent can lay this out. We did both - a cruise and then a stay. Liked the stay much better.

Also used both an agent and personal investigation. Most of the islands have excellent web pages that let you look at pictures, check accomodations & prices.

Just wander around the back streets to see the fun stuff.

On the other hand, if they're interested in collecting a few chanties, I might maybe be able to recommend a few ideas.