Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean Cruising

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Recommended Caribbean Cruises

Featured Caribbean Cruises

  • MSC Seascape
    4.1 rating out of 5  (363 reviews)

    7 Night Western Caribbean

    MSC Seascape

    Departing from: Galveston, Texas
    Ports of Call:
    • Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico
    • Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    Sailing Dates:
    • November 2026
    • December 2026
    • January 2027
    • February 2027
    • March 2027
    • April 2027
    • May 2027
    • June 2027
    • July 2027
    • August 2027
    • September 2027
    • October 2027
    interior from
    $467
    $67pernight
    oceanview from
    $591
    $84pernight
    balcony from
    $687
    $98pernight
    suite from
    $1,271
    $182pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • New Year's Sale: Drinks & Wi-Fi + Up to $250 FREE Spending
    • The MSC Cruise Experience: Click to Learn More
     
    Interior from $467
    ($67pernight)
    4.1 rating out of 5  (363 reviews)
  • Norwegian Jewel
    3.7 rating out of 5  (2,478 reviews)

    6 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Grand Cayman

    Norwegian Jewel - OPEN BAR!

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Great Stirrup Cay (Cruiseline Private Island), Bahamas
    • Ocho Rios, Jamaica
    • George Town, Grand Cayman
    Sailing Dates:
    • March 2026
    interior from
    $559
    $93pernight
    oceanview from
    $679
    $113pernight
    balcony from
    $1,089
    $182pernight
    suite from
    $1,139
    $190pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • New Year's Sale: 50% Off All Cruises, Kids Sail Free + Free at Sea
    • Cruise now, pay later with as low as 0% APR
    • Upgrade to Free at Sea Plus
     
    Interior from $559
    ($93pernight)
    3.7 rating out of 5  (2,478 reviews)
  • Grandeur of the Seas
    4 rating out of 5  (2,583 reviews)

    7 Night Western Caribbean

    Grandeur of the Seas

    Departing from: Tampa, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico
    • Belize City, Belize
    • Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • February 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $763
    $109pernight
    oceanview from
    $903
    $129pernight
    balcony from
    $1,375
    $196pernight
    suite from
    $1,567
    $224pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Exclusive: Free Specialty Dinner for 2
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Flash Sale: Up to $800 Instant Savings
    • 60% Off Second Guest
    • Kids Sail Free!
    • Call for rates too low to show!
     
    Interior from $763
    ($109pernight)
    4 rating out of 5  (2,583 reviews)

Western Caribbean Cruises

Explore mysterious Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, Mexico. Snorkel through some of the world's most breathtaking reefs off the coast of Belize. Climb up Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A Western Caribbean cruise is perfect for the adventurous at heart.
  • Sun Princess
    4.1 rating out of 5  (101 reviews)

    4 Night Caribbean Getaway With Cozumel

    Sun Princess

    Departing from: Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    Sailing Dates:
    • March 2026
    interior from
    $379
    $95pernight
    oceanview from
    $449
    $112pernight
    balcony from
    $499
    $125pernight
    suite from
    $899
    $225pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Drop & Go Sale: Limited Time Reduced Rates!
     
    Interior from $379
    ($95pernight)
    4.1 rating out of 5  (101 reviews)
  • Rhapsody of the Seas
    4.1 rating out of 5  (1,398 reviews)

    7 Night Western Caribbean

    Rhapsody of the Seas

    Departing from: Tampa, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    • Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico
    • Belize City, Belize
    Sailing Dates:
    • February 2026
    interior from
    $743
    $106pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,069
    $153pernight
    balcony from
    $1,355
    $194pernight
    suite from
    $1,887
    $270pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Exclusive: Free Specialty Dinner for 2
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Flash Sale: Up to $800 Instant Savings
    • 60% Off Second Guest
    • Kids Sail Free!
     
    Was $1,196 – Save up to 38%
    Interior from $743
    ($106pernight)
    4.1 rating out of 5  (1,398 reviews)
  • Norwegian Viva
    4.3 rating out of 5  (152 reviews)

    7 Night Caribbean: Harvest Caye Cozumel & Roatan

    Norwegian Viva - OPEN BAR!*

    Departing from: Galveston, Texas
    Ports of Call:
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    • Harvest Caye, Belize
    • Roatan (Isla Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras
    • Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico
    Sailing Dates:
    • February 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $739
    $106pernight
    oceanview from
    $849
    $121pernight
    balcony from
    $989
    $141pernight
    suite from
    $1,339
    $191pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free!
    • New Year's Sale: 50% Off All Cruises, Kids Sail Free + Free at Sea
    • Cruise now, pay later with as low as 0% APR
    • Upgrade to Free at Sea Plus
     
    Interior from $739
    ($106pernight)
    4.3 rating out of 5  (152 reviews)
  • Resilient Lady
    4.5 rating out of 5  (69 reviews)

    7 Night Cayman Coves & Jamaican Waterfalls

    Resilient Lady

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Ocho Rios, Jamaica
    • George Town, Grand Cayman
    • The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • February 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $763
    $109pernight
    oceanview from
    $743
    $106pernight
    balcony from
    $903
    $129pernight
    suite from
    $3,143
    $449pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Important: Valid Passport Required
    • Bonus: Up to $300 to Spend on Board
    • 80% off 2nd Guest + up to a $400 Bar Tab
    • Included Wi-Fi, Lowest Available Fares and more
    • Florida or Georgia Residents: Up to 15% Extra Savings
     
    Oceanview from $743
    ($106pernight)
    4.5 rating out of 5  (69 reviews)
  • MSC Seaside
    4 rating out of 5  (1,091 reviews)

    7 Night Caribbean & Bahamas

    MSC Seaside

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Cruise Line Private Island)
    • San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
    Sailing Dates:
    • December 2026
    interior from
    $897
    $128pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,058
    $151pernight
    balcony from
    $1,186
    $169pernight
    suite from
    $1,821
    $260pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • New Year's Sale: Drinks & Wi-Fi + Up to $250 FREE Spending
    • The MSC Cruise Experience: Click to Learn More
     
    Interior from $897
    ($128pernight)
    4 rating out of 5  (1,091 reviews)
  • Celebrity Xcel
    4.6 rating out of 5  (16 reviews)

    7 Night Bahamas Mexico & Cayman

    Celebrity Xcel - New Ship!

    Departing from: Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Bimini, Bahamas
    • Cozumel, Mexico
    • George Town, Grand Cayman
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • February 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $962
    $137pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,139
    $163pernight
    balcony from
    $1,279
    $183pernight
    suite from
    $3,703
    $529pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • All-Included: Drinks & Wi-Fi
    • Semi-Annual Sale: 75% Off 2nd Guest + Up to $700 in Savings!
     
    Was $3,707 – Save up to 74%
    Interior from $962
    ($137pernight)
    4.6 rating out of 5  (16 reviews)

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

With most itineraries featuring stops at the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Turks & Caicos, and more, refined luxury, world-class shopping, and white-sand beaches await on an Eastern Caribbean cruise.
  • Carnival Celebration
    4.3 rating out of 5  (577 reviews)

    7 Night Eastern Caribbean

    Carnival Celebration

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
    • San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Celebration Key, Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • February 2026
    • May 2026
    • August 2026
    • September 2026
    • November 2026
    • December 2026
    • January 2027
    • February 2027
    • May 2027
    • September 2027
    • November 2027
    • January 2028
    interior from
    $519
    $74pernight
    oceanview from
    $669
    $96pernight
    balcony from
    $784
    $112pernight
    suite from
    $1,474
    $211pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • VIFP Members: Unlock big savings!
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • Great Rates + Up to $50 to Spend on Board
    • Great Rates Sale: Up to 40% Off + Free Upgrades!
    • Early Saver Sale: Free Upgrades
    • Up to 2-Category Upgrade!
     
    Interior from $519
    ($74pernight)
    4.3 rating out of 5  (577 reviews)
  • Norwegian Joy
    4.2 rating out of 5  (1,104 reviews)

    7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic

    Norwegian Joy - OPEN BAR!

    Departing from: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
    • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
    • Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.
    • Great Stirrup Cay (Cruiseline Private Island), Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    interior from
    $619
    $88pernight
    oceanview from
    $629
    $90pernight
    balcony from
    Call for availability
    suite from
    $2,979
    $426pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • New Year's Sale: 50% Off All Cruises, Kids Sail Free + Free at Sea
    • 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free!
    • Cruise now, pay later with as low as 0% APR
     
    Interior from $619
    ($88pernight)
    4.2 rating out of 5  (1,104 reviews)
  • Vision of the Seas
    4 rating out of 5  (1,705 reviews)

    8 Night Southeast Coast & Bahamas

    Vision of the Seas

    Departing from: Baltimore, Maryland
    Ports of Call:
    • Charleston, South Carolina
    • Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
    • Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
    • Nassau, Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $785
    $98pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,210
    $151pernight
    balcony from
    $2,082
    $260pernight
    suite from
    $2,690
    $336pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Exclusive: Free Specialty Dinner for 2
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • Flash Sale: Up to $800 Instant Savings
    • 60% Off Second Guest
    • Kids Sail Free!
     
    Was $1,336 – Save up to 41%
    Interior from $785
    ($98pernight)
    4 rating out of 5  (1,705 reviews)
  • Celebrity Apex
    4.5 rating out of 5  (401 reviews)

    7 Night St. Kitts San Juan & Puerto Plata

    Celebrity Apex

    Departing from: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
    • San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Basseterre, St. Kitts
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • February 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $958
    $137pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,049
    $150pernight
    balcony from
    $1,248
    $178pernight
    suite from
    $2,925
    $418pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • All-Included: Drinks & Wi-Fi
    • 3rd, 4th & 5th Guests Sail Free
    • Semi-Annual Sale: 75% Off 2nd Guest + Up to $700 in Savings!
     
    Interior from $958
    ($137pernight)
    4.5 rating out of 5  (401 reviews)
  • Celebrity Xcel
    4.6 rating out of 5  (16 reviews)

    7 Night Eastern Caribbean

    Celebrity Xcel - New Ship!

    Departing from: Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
    • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
    • Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    • February 2026
    • March 2026
    • April 2026
    interior from
    $1,026
    $147pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,199
    $171pernight
    balcony from
    $1,499
    $214pernight
    suite from
    $4,134
    $591pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Get an extra $25-$1,500 just for booking with us!
    • Lock in your cruise for just $25 per room!
    • All-Included: Drinks & Wi-Fi
    • Semi-Annual Sale: 75% Off 2nd Guest + Up to $700 in Savings!
     
    Was $3,697 – Save up to 72%
    Interior from $1,026
    ($147pernight)
    4.6 rating out of 5  (16 reviews)
  • Brilliant Lady
    4.6 rating out of 5  (10 reviews)

    10 Night St. Isles & Sun-soaked Seas

    Brilliant Lady - New Ship! Adults-Only!

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    • Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.
    • Basseterre, St. Kitts
    • St. Johns, Antigua
    • The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • November 2026
    • January 2027
    • February 2027
    interior from
    $1,190
    $119pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,590
    $159pernight
    balcony from
    $1,890
    $189pernight
    suite from
    $5,750
    $575pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Important: Valid Passport Required
    • Exclusive: up to $200 to Spend Onboard
    • Bonus: Up to $300 to Spend on Board
    • 80% off 2nd Guest + up to a $400 Bar Tab
    • Included Wi-Fi, Lowest Available Fares and more
     
    Interior from $1,190
    ($119pernight)
    4.6 rating out of 5  (10 reviews)
  • Brilliant Lady
    4.6 rating out of 5  (10 reviews)

    10 Night St. Maarten Tortola San Juan & more

    Brilliant Lady - New Ship! Adults-Only!

    Departing from: Miami, Florida
    Ports of Call:
    • Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    • Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.
    • Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
    • San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
    • The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas
    Sailing Dates:
    • November 2026
    • January 2027
    • March 2027
    interior from
    $1,190
    $119pernight
    oceanview from
    $1,590
    $159pernight
    balcony from
    $1,890
    $189pernight
    suite from
    $5,750
    $575pernight
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Important: Valid Passport Required
    • Exclusive: up to $200 to Spend Onboard
    • Bonus: Up to $300 to Spend on Board
    • 80% off 2nd Guest + up to a $400 Bar Tab
    • Included Wi-Fi, Lowest Available Fares and more
     
    Interior from $1,190
    ($119pernight)
    4.6 rating out of 5  (10 reviews)

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Leave all your worries behind and take the route less traveled aboard a Southern Caribbean cruise — explore the iconic forts of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, visit the Mount Gay Rum distillery in Barbados, hike through the unspoilt wilderness in St. Lucia, or tempt fate at one of Aruba's many luxurious casinos.
  • Grand Princess
    4 rating out of 5  (1,157 reviews)

    7 Night Southern Caribbean with Barbados

    Grand Princess

    Departing from: San Juan, Puerto Rico
    Ports of Call:
    • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
    • Philipsburg, St. Maarten
    • St. Johns, Antigua
    • Roseau, Dominica
    • Bridgetown, Barbados
    Sailing Dates:
    • January 2026
    interior from
    $399
    $57pernight
    oceanview from
    $530
    $76pernight
    balcony from
    $799
    $114pernight
    suite from
    Call for availability
    Rewards & Bonus Offers:
    • Exclusive: Up to $100 to Spend on Board - Call
    • Drop & Go Sale: Limited Time Reduced Rates!
    • Call for rates too low to show!
     
    Interior from $399
    ($57pernight)
    4 rating out of 5  (1,157 reviews)

Caribbean Cruise & Port Information

Everything you need to know about cruising the Caribbean!

The Caribbean has long been synonymous with cruising, and it isn't hard to see why. For starters, there's all that choice: over 7,000 islands, spread across more than two-dozen countries, each with its own unique culture and collection of experiences. And since all of these islands are located within close proximity of one another, you'll rarely go a day without calling upon a new port of call (and whenever you do, you'll find yourself with more options than you can shake a palm frond at, from duty-free shopping to daredevil adventures like snorkeling with stingrays).

Chart a course for beautiful beaches, colorful coral reefs, and warm tropical waters on a Caribbean cruise. You'll visit multiple islands in a single voyage, relaxing along sun-kissed shorelines, enjoying a wide range of exciting watersports, and soaking up the region's rich assortment of colonial-era influences!

All of the world's leading cruise lines set sail for the Caribbean including:
 
A majority of the world's top luxury lines cruise the Caribbean, too:
 

Popular Caribbean Cruise Ports


The Caribbean's bevy of blissful islands cover a lot of terrain (literally). You'll find many of the planet's most picturesque beaches here – from pink sands to white sands, and all of them sugary-soft – alongside lush jungle rainforests and rugged, mountainous landscapes. There are also an enormous number of attractions to explore, many of which reflect the British, Dutch, French, and/or Spanish traditions that are an important part of the Caribbean's colonial history.

As a rule, your Caribbean cruise will fall into one of three major categories/regions – an Eastern Caribbean cruise, a Western Caribbean cruise, or a Southern Caribbean cruise. Here's a look at the most popular ports of call and the activities/attractions in each.

Which Ports are in the Eastern Caribbean?

 
  • The capital city and one of the Caribbean's busiest and most popular ports of call. Passengers can choose from an astonishing array of beaches, including world-famous Cable Beach, but it's Atlantis Paradise Island – with its enormous waterpark, marine habitat, eleven pools, and more – that remains the Bahamas' biggest draw (consider purchasing a day pass in advance of travel). Additional highlights include traditional Bahamian dining at the Conch Fritters Bar & Grill and a visit to the Ardastra Zoo, Gardens & Conservation Centre (the only zoo in the Bahamas, it's a great option for families).
  • The Dominican Republic's newest cruise port (it opened in 2015), Amber Cove is your gateway to an almost endless selection of exciting activities. Guests can opt for an exhilarating ATV ride through the rugged Dominican countryside, a deluxe catamaran sail with snorkeling, horseback riding along the beach, and more. Laid-back outings include a visit to a nearby chocolate-making cooperative, where guests can participate in the cultivation of the cacao plant and help produce/package chocolate bars, and the chance to swim among dolphins and sea lions at Ocean World.
  • An exotic mixture of European, African, and indigenous influences, this colorful port of call blends the best of the past and the present. Old San Juan is the undisputed highlight: portions of the district remain encircled by massive and ancient walls, and the city's eclectic jumble of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture is truly something to behold. San Juan is also home to a vibrant restaurant and nightclub scene; sample the mofongo (a classic Puerto Rican dish), then swing by Barrachina for a piña colada or two (the restaurant, legend has it, is the birthplace of the now-iconic cocktail).
  • Two ports in one! This beautiful island is shared by both the Dutch and the French (St. Maarten being the Dutch side, while St. Martin belongs to the French), but you can easily move between both halves during your time in port. You'll find some of the Caribbean's very best shopping on offer here, especially along Philipsburg's bustling Front Street, home to great deals on gems and jewelry, designer watches, perfumes, and more. The Dutch side of the island is also the site of some of the Caribbean's prettiest beaches including Little Bay and Maho (famous for its low-flying airliners)
  • Virtually every Eastern Caribbean itinerary will include a stop in St. Thomas, making it one of the region's busiest cruise ports. One of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands (St.Croix and St. John are the others), St. Thomas is home to Magens Bay, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in all of the Caribbean. Additional attractions include Blackbeard's Castle (a National Historical Landmark) and the panoramic SkyRide to Paradise Point (once you've arrived, be sure to swing by the Point's Restaurant & Bar for a world-famous Bushwacker).

Which Ports are in the Western Caribbean?

 
  • This tiny Central American nation may be small, but its spectacular and uninterrupted series of cays and reefs make it one of the region's foremost diving and snorkeling spots. Situated along the Caribbean Sea, Belize is also home to two must-see Mayan archaeological sites, Altun Ha and Xunantunich, both of which are accessible via shore excursion. Additional attractions include Jaguar Paw (cave tubing, a jungle zipline, and more), San Pedro Town (beach bars, terrific seafood restaurants, etc.), and the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center, home to a large collection of exotic species that are native to the country.
  • Grand Cayman truly offers something for everybody. Stingray City, the island's top attraction, offers visitors the chance to mingle with friendly stingrays as they congregate by the shoreline. Bloody Bay Wall is another highlight (no less an authority than Jacques Cousteau called it the planet's single-best diving/snorkeling site), as is Seven Mile Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and its crescent of coral sands. Families will want to pay a visit to the award-winning and interactive Cayman Turtle Centre, and every visitor should make time for at least one sit-down meal while in port (the island, home to a slew of spectacular restaurants, is now rightfully regarded as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean”).
  • Montego Bay is the perfect port of call for active cruisers. Once your ship's docked, you're just a short drive away from a slew of exciting outdoor options including off-road safari adventures, extreme ziplining, bamboo rafting, river tubing, and more (there are also five championship-caliber golf courses located within a few miles of port). Mystic Mountain and Dunn's River Falls, both located in nearby Ocho Rios, are must-see attractions: Sky Explorer, a state-of-the-art chairlift, will transport you to the summit of the former; once you've reached the mountain's peak, you'll have an opportunity to take part in an unforgettable Bobsled Ride (inspired by the legendary 1988 Jamaican Olympic squad).
  • The biggest Mexican island in the Caribbean welcomes over one million cruise passengers per year, but it remains largely unspoiled. One of the world's premier scuba-diving destinations, Cozumel is also the home of several ancient and historically important Mayan ruins including San Gervaiso, the largest collection of ruins on the island. Visitors will also find an exceptionally authentic selection of Mexican restaurants to choose from, many of which are located just minutes from the dock; examples include the family-run Comidas Caseras Toñita and Casa Denis, Cozumel's most venerable dining venue.
  • This charming, low-key port serves as your gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula's more famous attractions. Visitors looking to stick close to their ship can relax on Progreso's gorgeous beach or go for a stroll along the town's impressive Malecón, but to hit all the highlights you'll need to venture inland. A trip to the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itza is essential; en route, passengers with time to spare can also call upon Mérida, Yucatán's dynamic capital and its cultural epicenter, home to the oldest surviving cathedral in the Americas and some of Mexico's very best shopping.

Which Ports are in the Southern Caribbean?

 
  • The Southern Caribbean's most popular port of call, blessed with dry and sunny weather year-round. The island's golden beaches – Eagle Beach and resort-laden Palm Beach, especially – are huge draws, as is all-inclusive De Palm Island, home to a waterpark, banana-boat rides, air-jumpers, and more (consider purchasing a full-day pass that includes transportation to and from port). Aruba's unusual desert-like landscapes, including its enormous Arikok National Park, are also well worth exploring; guests can traverse the island's rugged terrain aboard an ATV or view it from above via a helicopter tour.
  • Antigua's spectacular beaches (365 of them, supposedly, or one for every day of the year) are the island's main claim to fame. Sun-soaked and secluded, they're a great place for both relaxation and recreation during your time in port; popular examples include Carlisle Bay Beach (a great spot for snorkeling), Dickenson Bay (home to a wide selection of watersport rentals), and Half Moon Bay (widely considered Antigua's most beautiful seashore). Additional attractions include BeachLimerZ, a bistro bar located along historic Fort James Beach, and Redcliffe Quay, St. John's stylish waterfront promenade.
  • This friendly island, with its white-sand beaches and its British-colonial traditions, is a favorite among cruisers. Harrison's Cave – Barbados' leading attraction, an amazing subterranean environment accessible by tramway – is not to be missed; a guided tour, including lunch, of the Mount Gay Rum Distillery is another excellent choice for first-timers. Downtown, you'll find a number of historic landmarks that you can explore (including the George Washington House and the Garrison) and several of the island's leading beaches (e.g. Accra Beach and Paynes Beach) are located within a few miles of the pier.
  • Colorful Curaçao, with its pastel-colored houses and its famous floating pedestrian bridge, is one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. The island's eastern side, where you'll dock, is surprisingly cosmopolitan, home to top-shelf attractions like the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Rif Fort Village. Venture south and west, however, and you'll encounter some of the Southern Caribbean's most rugged and exciting landscapes including the incredible Hato Caves and the cliffs at Playa Forti. Additional highlights include Cas Abao Beach, Playa PortoMari, and a guided tour of the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery.
  • One of the Southern Caribbean's largest islands and an overseas territory of the French. Passengers will find a number of excellent attractions within close proximity to port including Jardin de Balata and Habitation Clément. Martinique's many natural wonders – majestic Mount Pelée, the island's primeval rainforest, Plage des Salines, and others – help make it a prime destination for active cruisers, too. Guests with time to spare will want to pay a visit to the historic remains of Saint-Pierre, the island's original settlement, once considered “the Paris of the Caribbean” and laid waste to by volcanic Pelée back in 1902.

Where are the Departure Ports for a Caribbean Cruise?

Caribbean cruisers can choose from a wide selection of convenient U.S. departure ports (five in the state of Florida alone) including:

When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

Unlike many other destinations, you can sail the Caribbean year-round. Peak season runs from mid-December to April, when the region's weather is at its very best: warm, sunny, and dry during the daytime (with virtually no humidity), and comfortably cool/crisp in the evening. But this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year, so if you're looking to avoid the biggest crowds you'll want to steer clear of sailings that depart during the summer months and other periods of time when children are out of school and families cruise (e.g. late December/early January and mid-March through mid-April).

The Caribbean's hurricane season begins in June and runs through November; if storms do occur, they're most likely to appear between mid-August and late October. Generally speaking, you'll find the best prices on offer for cruises that depart during this timeframe, and if you're looking for a bargain then it's well worth it: the chances of your cruise ship getting caught up in a storm are incredibly slim, and today's cruise lines can reroute any itinerary at the drop of a hat.

Will I have to Exchange Currency in the Caribbean?

Not necessarily. On many Caribbean islands, the Eastern Caribbean dollar is the legal tender, while others recognize the euro or some form of local money (e.g. the Barbados dollar, the Jamaican dollar, the Netherlands Antillean guilder) as their official currency. That said, the U.S. dollar remains the most widely accepted currency in the Caribbean, and it will be recognized virtually everywhere you go (it's also the official currency of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands); even those establishments that display pricing in a local currency will be happy to take your U.S. dollars (just keep in mind that you may receive your change in the form of a local currency).

It's always best to plan ahead, though. You may ultimately save some money by converting to a local currency in place of U.S. dollars. If you're unable to exchange currency prior to travel, you may be able to do so while you're aboard your ship or upon arrival in a port of call. Contact your bank, a local currency exchange, or your Caribbean cruise expert for more information/assistance.

Cruises To The Eastern Caribbean

Cruises To The Southern Caribbean

Cruises To The Western Caribbean