top 10 caribbean cruise lines

The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Editor's Note

There is no shortage of choices for a cruise to the Caribbean — the most popular place in the world for cruising. More than 200 cruise ships spend at least part of every year in the region. Cruise-selling websites list thousands of individual Caribbean sailings.

This can be great news for would-be Caribbean cruisers, but it also can be overwhelming. With so many options, where do you even begin? Which one of these ships and sailings is the best?

I get the latter question a lot — and I always answer the same noncommittal way: It depends. The best ship and sailing in the Caribbean for whom? The best for me? The best for you? The best for your kids?

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When picking the best cruise in the Caribbean, as with choosing the best cruise anywhere, a lot comes down to tastes and preferences. Some people love the big-resort feel of the biggest-of-big ships . Others are horrified by the very idea of them. Some people demand (and are willing to pay for) the highest levels of luxury . Others are on tight budgets. The best cruise for a family with kids isn't necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance.

What kind of cruiser are you? It's important to think that through before narrowing down your choices.

The bottom line is that the best Caribbean cruise for you depends a lot on your travel style. Below, we'll help you narrow down the choices by looking at Caribbean cruises by broad category type. The good news is that in the Caribbean, at least, there really is something for everyone.

Best Caribbean cruise for megaresort fans: Royal Caribbean

If your idea of a great vacation is a week at a big, bustling resort filled with every sort of amusement known to humans, you'll probably want to start your Caribbean cruise search with a look at the biggest vessels from lines like Royal Caribbean.

If "more is better" is your mantra, skip the search and look up Icon of the Seas . At 250,800 gross tons, the new, 20-deck-high vessel is the biggest cruise ship in the world. No ship in the Caribbean is quite like it.

Some of Icon of the Seas' wow factors include an incomparably massive water park with six waterslides, a cantilevered infinity pool, a huge glass dome encompassing an indoor AquaTheater for acrobatic and diving shows, and innovative new cabin and suite layouts for families.

Royal Caribbean offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings departing from Miami aboard Icon of the Seas through April 2026.

Eastern Caribbean itineraries vary but include stops at St. Maarten; St. Thomas; Nassau, Bahamas; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas. At the time of publication, prices for the seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise started from $1,731 per person.

Western Caribbean ports of call include Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel; Roatan, Honduras; Nassau; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Prices start from $1,651 per person.

With at least two sea days per sailing, passengers will have ample opportunity to explore all the attractions the ship has to offer.

Related: Why you shouldn't 'freak out' about Royal Caribbean's giant new Icon of the Seas

Best Caribbean cruise for families: Disney Cruise Line

In the family cruise arena , it's hard to top Disney Cruise Line. As you might expect, the line caters heavily to families in every aspect of the cruise experience — from onboard attractions to family-friendly cabin configurations.

Disney's attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. Kids receive the royal treatment with high-quality kids clubs and onboard attractions like the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster. Plus, they have plenty of opportunities for photo ops with their favorite Disney characters.

Parents will find opportunities to unwind at adults-only sun decks and pool areas that are closed to kids; there are also bars and clubs that are off-limits to anyone younger than 18.

Additionally, many cabins on Disney's ships feature extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas that will allow four or even five people to stay in a single cabin. Most cabins have two bathrooms — one with a sink and a toilet, and one with a sink and a shower or tub. This is rare in the cruise world, and it's designed to make it easier for families sharing a room to get ready.

For family fun on the high seas, try a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Fantasy. Departing from Port Canaveral, the ship stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.

Also, depending on the time of year you sail, you can enjoy special onboard activities and events for Halloween or Christmas. Some itineraries also include a "Pixar Day at Sea," which features a day of playing, dancing, swimming and dining with your favorite Pixar characters. Prices start from $2,959, double occupancy, and include taxes, fees and port expenses.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney ships and itineraries

Best budget Caribbean cruise: Carnival Cruise Line

The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival Cruise Line . Not only does Carnival offer lower fares than you'll find at most rival lines, but it also purposely deploys its Caribbean-focused vessels to a wider variety of U.S. "home ports." The idea is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach a Caribbean-bound Carnival ship by car, saving the cost of flights.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival ships and itineraries

Carnival ships are packed with fun-focused attractions, including multiple pool areas, water parks with waterslides, basketball courts, miniature golf courses and even roller coasters on select ships .

The cruise line is known for its multitude of included-in-the-fare dining spots. Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery. Most ships feature two of the best quick-serve poolside dining venues you'll find on mass-market ships at sea: BlueIguana Cantina for burritos and tacos as well as Guy's Burger Joint.

Carnival ships sail to the Caribbean from all the major Florida cruise hubs but also from ports as far-flung as New York City; Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Galveston, Texas.

The line's 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York City on Carnival Venezia is a solid choice for budget-minded travelers seeking an affordable Caribbean escape. Passengers can swim with graceful stingrays in Gibbs Cay or tour historic Cockburn Town during a port call in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. In Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, you can take an exciting ATV tour through the lush backcountry.

Year-round sailings in 2024 offer ample itineraries to fit your schedule and budget. Rates start from $529 per person, based on double occupancy. Price does not include taxes, fees and port expenses.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Best Caribbean cruise for solo travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to catering to solo cruisers, the king of the hill in the Caribbean is Norwegian Cruise Line — at least among the big-ship lines. The Miami-based cruise operator in 2010 began adding entire zones for solo travelers to the center of every new ship it deployed to the region.

You'll now find these zones on Caribbean-focused vessels like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima. Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Known as Studio cabins, the tiny solo rooms in these complexes measure just 100 square feet. But they're superbly designed to maximize storage space. I sailed solo in one of the cabins on Norwegian Epic, and I was smitten. I particularly loved its futuristic "Jetsons"-like design and the multicolored mood lighting.

Related: These cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

One big caveat with Norwegian's solo cabins: They're all "inside" rooms without an ocean view. That said, most have a window that looks out onto a corridor. Another downside is that these solo cabins are so popular they often sell out far in advance at prices not much better than booking a cabin for two.

Single cruisers seeking some extensive rest and relaxation should consider the "10-day Bermuda & Caribbean: Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic" cruise out of New York City on Norwegian Getaway.

The 3,963-passenger ship is chock-full of restaurants, bars, nightlife spots and fantastic entertainment, including Broadway shows. With Norwegian's laid-back dining plan, solo travelers aren't locked into set dining times and table mates, so they can invite newly made friends to dinner at a time convenient to everyone.

Bermuda is the first stop on this six-port sailing. From there, the ship visits St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Rates for a Studio cabin start from $1,499, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Caribbean cruise for luxury lovers: Windstar Cruises

For those who wouldn't be caught dead on a vessel that doesn't have butler service and free-flowing caviar, the Caribbean can be a tough spot. Many of the world's most luxurious cruise ships spend a lot of time in Europe and Asia or gallivanting around the globe on exotic world cruises . For some luxury lines, the Caribbean is almost an afterthought.

Also, you'll usually only see luxury sailings in the Caribbean during the winter months — from December through March. For luxury cruises in the Caribbean, the period between April and October is pretty much a dead zone.

However, if an upscale cruise experience is what you seek, Windstar Cruises can deliver. The line's seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary aboard Wind Surf should be on your radar.

Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. The line calls them yachts, but the ships are structured more like tiny cruise ships with indoor lounges and communal dining rooms.

The 342-passenger Wind Surf features six decks, five masts and four types of cabins (all with windows only, no balconies). Accommodations range from 188-square-foot regular cabins to 376-square-foot suites.

Windstar Cruises ships also include a water sports platform. On select days when the ship is anchored (not docked at a pier) — and the weather, government regulations and planets align — passengers can enjoy varied water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming right off the back of the ship. You can also lounge on a float or admire the glittering, yacht-dotted harbor from a large foam flotation island.

Wind Surf is also home to multiple dining venues, a pool and hot tubs, a boutique, a spa and a fitness center.

The seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary begins and ends in St. Maarten. It features sun-kissed beaches, secret coves and gin-clear waters in idyllic ports of call like St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia.

All-inclusive rates start from $2,622 and include Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails. Cruise-only rates start from $1,999 (and exclude taxes, fees and port expenses).

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Best adults-only Caribbean cruise: Virgin Voyages

The brainchild of unconventional business mogul Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages appeals to vacationers averse to the traditional cruising experience who crave a hip, party atmosphere. Ships are blissfully void of children — cruisers must be over 18 — making it a prime choice for an adults-only cruise.

Virgin boasts unique onboard offerings like the first tattoo parlor at sea , lots of included dining options, free exercise classes and an app that lets you simply shake your phone to order Champagne (which is delivered to you just about anywhere onboard). Also, fares include all meals, soda, basic Wi-Fi and crew gratuities.

Virgin's first vessel, Scarlet Lady, launched in late 2021. The line added Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The debut of the line's fourth ship in the fleet, Brilliant Lady, has been delayed but could take place in 2024.

Ships are filled with stylish, adult-oriented bars promising a hopping scene late into the night as well as hipster venues like a colorful karaoke lounge. Onboard entertainment is inventive and often edgier than what you might see on traditional-style cruises.

Cabins sport a minimalist look with futuristic touches, and suites exude a rock 'n' roll vibe with in-room turntables and peekaboo showers.

The line's Dominican Haze five-night itinerary to Bimini, Bahamas and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, sails out of Miami on the 2,700-passenger Scarlet Lady. With two sea days, the sailing offers a good mix of onboard shenanigans and port-of-call exploration. Party by the pool or swim with stingrays during your day at Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club . Chill out on a powder-white beach or go waterfall hunting in the jungle in the Dominican Republic.

Rates start from $913.75 per person, based on double occupancy (excluding taxes and fees).

Related: Virgin Voyages cruise cabins and suites: Everything you want to know

Best Caribbean cruise for couples: Holland America

Holland America offers spacious midsize vessels that carry no more than 2,700 passengers, providing a relaxed and intimate cruising experience ideal for pairs seeking quality time at sea.

Caribbean-craving couples will be sated with the nine-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise sailing out of Fort Lauderdale aboard Rotterdam. The 2,650-passenger ship, which debuted in 2021, is Holland America's newest.

In addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, Rotterdam features five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery to an upscale steakhouse. Extensive onboard entertainment includes clubs featuring blues and classic rock as well as various musical performances in the main theater. Cultural programming, pickleball lessons, and food and wine tastings are among the complimentary activities available.

Of course, relaxing by the pool and indulging in a restorative spa treatment are also options.

On the Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise, couples can visit Curacao, Aruba and Half Moon Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas. An overnight stay in Curacao allows cruisers to dive deeper into the island's history, culture and natural lures. Aruba offers diversions below and above the water, from submarine tours and snorkeling to hikes and four-wheeling adventures. The stop at pristine Half Moon Cay provides an easy and relaxing beach day.

Rates start from $799 per person, based on double occupancy (excluding taxes and fees).

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The Best Caribbean Cruises 2023—With Stops at Rugged Volcanic Islands, Tropical Forests, and Serene Beaches

By Scott Laird

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Caribbean cruises have long been a favorite with travelers for their picture-postcard attributes. White sand beaches front turquoise waters. But these tropical itineraries have something for every type of traveler. Activities abound—perhaps it’s shopping on one island, hiking through nature reserves and snorkeling among coral reefs on another, or having a beach day on a cruise company’s private retreat. Many Caribbean itineraries skew toward tried-and-true standards, but a number of cruise lines will have a handful of unique sailings put together for particular tastes or the seasoned cruiser who has already tried them all.

Some of these sailings visit offbeat destinations like volcanic Montserrat, while others take a non-traditional southern track from Panama along the northern coast of South America. Others visit sleepier, less-frequented destinations like St. Croix, St. Barts, and Mayreau, in addition to stopping at banner spots like St. Lucia and Aruba for dramatic vistas and spectacular beaches.

Here are some of the best Caribbean cruises to book for 2023.

Seven Seas Splendor ventures to some of the Caribbean's most iconic isles.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Itinerary: Sunny Beaches & Emerald Forests

Departure: March 11, 2023

Experience: This 10-night sailing from Miami embarks on Regent Seven Seas' newest ship, Seven Seas Splendor , for a leisurely sail through the Caribbean’s windward isles. Hike to waterfalls in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, explore Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest, or relax on a sailboat excursion off minute St. Barts , which Splendor is right-sized to visit. Take an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy on St. Lucia or snorkel Champagne Reef on Dominica, watching bubbles and warmth rise from geothermal activity beneath the ocean floor. Excursions are included in the cruise fare with Regent—as are beverages, gratuities, transfers, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and laundry service.

Itinerary: Panama, Colombia, & Caribbean Islands

Departure: March 9 and 17, 2023

Experience: Voyage from the gates of the Panama Canal to the French West Indies, with a wealth of diversity in between. Experience Afro-Caribbean heritage in Portobelo, Panama, and Indigenous Kuna fishing communities in the San Blas Islands. Next, it’s on to Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and then the coral reefs of Bonaire for diving. The spices of Grenada and St. Lucia’s volcanic pitons round out the itinerary before the intimately appointed ship Le Bellot (with fewer than 92 staterooms and suites) anchors in the turquoise waters of Fort-de-France for a fond farewell.

Celebrity Beyond 's Luminae Restaurant

Celebrity Cruises

Itinerary: Southern Caribbean

Departure: December 11, 2023

Experience: Offering a little of everything, this 11-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale includes calls at cobblestoned Cartagena, Colombia, the white-sand beaches of Aruba, and the famous colonial houses and swinging drawbridge of Curaçao. As an added bonus, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica, also appear as ports to help break up the long journey south from Florida. The sailing takes place onboard the brand-new Celebrity Beyond , packed full of original art, Infinite Veranda staterooms—so-named for the floor-to-ceiling windows that open into a private balcony at the push of a button—and ocean-going gastronomy at Le Voyage, Chef Daniel Boulud’s first signature restaurant at sea.

Windstar Cruises

Itinerary: Windward Ways & Tobago Cays

Departure: January, February, November, and December 2023

Experience: Almost purpose-designed for cruisers who prefer their shore excursions to be on or in the water, this seven-day sailing onboard Windstar's Star Legend starts in the Dutch islands, offering up serene Aruba’s white-sand beaches and tranquil Bonaire’s 50 species of coral. “Isle of Spice” Grenada is next (nutmeg ice cream is a must-try), followed by spectacular vistas of the Grand Pitons on “seven times French; seven times British” St. Lucia. Mayreau is the smallest of the Grenadines—here cruisers can enter the water directly from Star Legend’s water-sports platform, then wind up the day with a private beach barbecue.

Valiant Lady will operate Caribbean cruises in spring and winter 2023.

Virgin Voyages

Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean Antilles

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Departure: January, February, March, November, and December 2023

Experience: St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a less-trafficked port of call known as the “Garden of the Antilles” and Valiant Lady drops in during her Eastern Caribbean sailings, in addition to San Juan , Puerto Plata, and a day at Virgin’s lounge-y Beach Club at Bimini private island. Onboard, Wi-Fi and “essential” non-alcoholic drinks and gratuities are included on the adults-only ship, which touts over 20 eateries and a number of inventive ways to find a glass of champagne.

Holland America Line

Itinerary: 11 Day Panama Canal Sunfarer

Departure: March 14, 2023

Experience: Part Caribbean surf, part jungle excursion, this 11-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale onboard Eurodam calls first at Aruba and Curaçao for a taste of Holland America Line’s namesake Dutch culture before skirting the coast of South America for several days of scenic cruising the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, taking in the maximum biodiversity (over 500 species of birds) of the Canal Zone, juxtaposed with the engineering wonders of the lock system.

A Signature Suite on board Evrima

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Itinerary: Bridgetown Roundtrip 7 Nights

Departure: March 19 and November 19, 2023

Experience: Ritz-Carlton has drawn on their vaunted properties to design everything from onboard dining to shore excursions on board the all-suite Evrima . Guests can visit Grenada’s Tower Estate to sample their famous blue tea, made from estate-grown butterfly peaflower, with cucumber sandwiches, cupcakes, and fresh fruit picked onsite. On Bequia, in the Grenadines, it might be a windjammer excursion to nearby Mustique for a seaside lunch, or a private car and driver arranged at one of the ports.

Silversea Cruises

Itinerary: 9 Day Bridgetown to San Juan

Departure: February 18, 2023

Experience: When not luxuriating onboard Silversea’s newest ship, the all-suite Silver Dawn , passengers might explore this itinerary’s most unique destination: Montserrat. Once a favored haunt of the jet-set, volcanic activity that earned it the nickname “The Pompeii of the Caribbean” has kept tourism development low-key, and visitors few, but cruisers on this itinerary will discover an Emerald Isle reminiscent of Ireland, and some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, secluded beaches. Unspoiled Deshaies, on Guadeloupe, is another under-the-radar call for this spectacular ship boasting butler service in every suite and a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly one-to-one.

A suite onboard Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Cruise Line

Itinerary: Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel, & Roatan from Galeveston

Departure: December 15, 22, and 29, 2023

Experience: In December 2023, the new Norwegian Prima begins sailing the Riviera Maya from Galveston, also including port calls at resort-like Harvest Caye in Belize , where guests can rent private cabanas, and Roatan, in Honduras’s Bay Islands, home to a large Gumbalimba eco-preserve and animal sanctuary. Onboard, Norwegian has enhanced The Haven, the VIP suite area on this ship, with some the largest suite accommodations in the fleet, and all public areas in the suite enclave now have ocean views.

Princess Cruises

Itinerary: 5 Day Caribbean Getaway with Grand Turk

Departure: October 31, 2023

Experience: Not all Caribbean cruises need to be a week or two in duration. Princess Cruises offers a Halloween weekend getaway onboard Caribbean Princess that’s just five nights in duration, with two unbeatable ports—Grand Turk, and Princess Cays, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. A highlight of this seasonal sailing can be sitting in the ship’s piazza, watching festive passengers promenade their inventive costumes for spooky onboard revelry—a Princess tradition dating back to the days of the original “Love Boat” series.

Booking tips for Caribbean cruises

What are the best months to take a caribbean cruise.

Although some cruise lines operate in the Caribbean year-round, the widest selection of sailing dates and itineraries can be found between November and March.

What part of the Caribbean is best for a cruise?

The best Caribbean cruise is a matter of personal taste. Many cruises focus on a region, like the Southern, Eastern, or Western Caribbean, and itineraries, regardless of destination, often feature stops at cruise line operated private islands in the Bahamas.

What are the cheapest months to cruise in the Caribbean?

Generally, the beginning and end of the November-to-March season can be affordable—any time when North American schools are widely in session are also good times to cruise for lower fares.

Do you need a passport to go to on a Caribbean cruise?

Check with the cruise line before booking. U.S. citizens traveling on cruises calling at most Caribbean countries can do so with both an enhanced state ID and an original birth certificate in lieu of a passport, but a passport is by far the easiest form of identification (and most strongly recommended by both the U.S. State Department and most cruise lines) for U.S. citizens outside the country. It’s also important to note that documentation requirements can change, and passengers are ultimately responsible for having the required documents at embarkation or they may be denied boarding.

7 Caribbean Cruises We Love

These luxurious, intimate ships and itineraries are afar’s top picks for exploring the region..

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Some of the best Caribbean sailings will take you off the beaten cruise path to unspoiled gems like Grenada.

Courtesy of Hugh Whyte/Unsplash

The Caribbean is by far the world’s most popular cruise region—some 11.9 million passengers sailed in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda in 2022, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), compared to 3.2 million in the western and central Mediterranean, the next biggest market. Travelers board ships headed to the region year-round for sunny skies, sugary white sands, and the crystal blue sea. While it’s not exactly an under-the-radar destination, the best Caribbean cruises will bring you to multiple islands, including some lesser-frequented gems, and away from the larger cruise ship crowds.

On these cruises, you can explore the fascinating and diverse cultures and traditions throughout the Caribbean, and free your mind while hiking tropical landscapes or diving with colorful sea creatures. Small and medium-size ships get you to both known ports and off-the-beaten path places for more intimate beach and island experiences.

Jamaica is a popular stop on western Caribbean sailings.

Photo by Shutterstock

Where Caribbean cruises sail

The standard cruise routes in the Caribbean that the big ships visit, often on sailings from ports in Florida, are designed for a joyous and carefree vacation escape, at a price that many people can afford.

Eastern Caribbean cruises sail to tried-and-true islands such as the Bahamas , St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and sometimes Puerto Rico . Western Caribbean itineraries visit islands such as Grand Cayman, Jamaica , and Cozumel, or other ports in Mexico, and sometimes Belize and Honduras. Southern Caribbean cruises might venture to the Leeward Antilles for a taste of Dutch Caribbean culture, and attractions such as the otherworldly landscape of Aruba’s Arikok National Park .

Other popular places on the standard cruise map include the Dominican Republic , where you will find the oldest street in the Americas in the capital city of Santo Domingo; and Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, with access to beaches and mountain treks.

Ships that carry fewer than 1,000 people, and sometimes much less than that, have more flexibility in terms of ports, and sail on itineraries that venture to more low-key patches of paradise, such as the smaller British Virgin Islands; French Caribbean islands that include Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Bart’s ; and south to the glorious, unspoiled Grenadines and Grenada .

Smaller ships also tend to slow down itineraries, with late nights or overnights in port, so that you can enjoy the local nightlife. The departure points for these cruises are places you may want to linger before or after your sailing, such as lively Barbados , both a culinary and rum capital.

Best Caribbean cruises

On the Explora I , there’s a dedicated kids club, ensuring that all members of the family have fun.

Courtesy of Ivan Sarfatti/Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys’ A Journey to an Arcadian Antilles Adventures

• Best for: luxury family sailing
• To book: 7-night Journey to an Arcadian Antilles Adventures, round-trip from Barbados, from $4,850 per person (with discounted rates for children)
• Islands: St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Bart’s (overnight), Dominica, Martinique, Grenada

Geneva-based MSC Group , which also owns European cruise line MSC Cruises, launched Explora Journeys this year in an effort to bring the casual luxury resort experience to the high seas. The new line’s recently debuted first ship, the 922-passenger Explora I (which we recently reviewed ), is a posh multi-generational playground with four pools, pickleball, ample live entertainment, 18 restaurants and lounges, suites that connect to accommodate family groups and, key for those with youngsters, a supervised program for kids age 6 to 17 that’s open until midnight each day. The cushy Nautilus Club is equipped with foosball and the latest generations of video games and VR consoles, with activities such as technology tournaments, plus discussions on ocean conservation. Children’s bathrobes, slippers, and hangers match adult amenities. The luxe line has kids’ pricing too—up to 50 percent off fares.

Embrace the chill island vibes on the 26-passenger Vela , operated by Island Windjammers.

Courtesy of Island Windjammers

Island Windjammers’ 6-night Caribbean sailing

• Best for: laid-back island vibe
• To book: 6-night sailing on the 26-passenger Vela , from $2,825 per person
• Islands: St. Bart’s and Anguilla

Island Windjammers is the kind of under-the-radar experience you want to keep a secret. Fans love this tiny cruise line that keeps alive the long tradition of casual windjammer cruising in the Caribbean—with a 26-passenger classic clipper ship, Vela , and a 10-passenger schooner, Diamant . The company has been around since 2009 and has an amazing track record with its loyal customer base; so, if you want to book a cruise, you’d best do so well in advance. And don’t overpack; these sailings are very casual—T-shirts and shorts are the standard dress code. This experience is about lingering on islands or hanging out on deck, watching the sails catch the breeze, relaxing with a complimentary rum punch and dining alfresco. There’s also the thrilling opportunity to jump into the water from the rope swing, or to get out onto the sea on a selection of water toys, such as paddleboards and kayaks.

On the recently renovated SeaDream Yacht Club ships, passengers will truly feel the romance of traveling by sea.

Courtesy of Greg Ceo/SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Saba, the Grenadines and Beyond cruise

• Best for: small ship experience
• To book: 7-night Caribbean itinerary , from $3,899 per person
• Islands: Antigua, Nevis, Saba, St. Bart’s (overnight), Guadeloupe (Îles des Saintes), Bequia and Mayreau (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Barbados

SeaDream Yacht Club’s pair of yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II , cruise to dreamy Caribbean destinations in relaxed luxury. My favorite of the line’s Caribbean itineraries sails between St. John’s, Antigua, and Bridgetown, Barbados, and includes the less-visited Grenadines, though you also can’t go wrong with sailings that linger, for instance, in the British Virgin Islands. Recently renovated with a more contemporary vibe, the 112-passenger yachts deliver such luxuries as a romantic open-air overnight under a cozy duvet in a Balinese Dream Bed, isolated on the bow. There are new designer hammocks and parasols out on deck, too, as well as a pair of Jacuzzis for two. Dining is mostly alfresco, adding to the romance of being at sea.

Embrace your inner chef by enrolling in some S.A.L.T. culinary experiences on Silversea’s Silver Nova .

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea’s Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida cruise

• Best for: eco-conscious luxury ship
• To book: 7-night Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale cruise , from $4,950 person
• Islands: Barbados, Bequia, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Virgin Gorda, Puerto Rico (San Juan)

On ultraluxury line Silversea’s new Silver Nova , guests linger on a reimagined resort deck with the pool not in the center, as on most cruise ships, but off to the side for optimal sea views. Relaxing on a cushy lounge chair on the Euro-centric ship (headquartered in Monaco, Silversea vessels feature contemporary Italian furnishings and a European feel onboard), you might imagine you are at a fancy resort in, say, St. Tropez. New outdoor dining and imbibing spaces add to the elevated beach club vibe. The 728-passenger ship is both the largest and most eco-friendly ship in the fleet, equipped with a large-scale hybrid power source, which combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and dual engines that run on liquified natural gas. For foodies, the S.A.L.T. program focuses on local food and drink culture, both on and off the ship. In Bequia, you might splurge on a bespoke excursion about sea salt that includes a six-course lunch at Grenadine Wild Sea Salt (a company that produces artisanal sea salt from the waters off Bequia). Most excursions (though not this one) are complimentary.

This Viking sailing kicks off with an overnight in San Juan, Puerto Rico—for some extra time to explore the colorful old section

Viking Cruises’ West Indies Explorer itinerary

• Best for: value
• To book: 10-night West Indies Explorer cruise , from $3,299 per person
• Islands: San Juan, Puerto Rico (overnight), Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Thomas

For those seeking more than just a beach scene, Viking Cruises offers a broad selection of daily tours focused on cultural and natural attractions in its all-inclusive pricing. Onboard the 930-passenger Viking Sea , sailing from San Juan on a 10-night West Indies Explorer itinerary , passengers visit nine countries with the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s British, French, Dutch, and African history. Learn about the rich tradition of batiking (an ancient cloth dying method) with a hands-on class in St. Kitts, and explore the role of women in agriculture at an organic farm in St. Lucia. The cruise starts with an overnight in San Juan , offering some time to better understand the rhythm of that city before sailing away. Among things we love about this ship is the Nordic Spa, where after a full day of active exploration you can heal your body with a warm soak then wake yourself up at the freezing snow grotto, before more warm water surrendering.

The Pink Agave restaurant on the adults-only Virgin Voyages, where it’s all about the fun drinking, dining, and social atmosphere.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles

• Best for: great dining, dancing, and entertainment for grown-ups
• To book: 7-night Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles cruise , round-trip from San Juan, from $2,550 for two
• Islands: Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, Martinique, Curaçao, and Aruba

The only cruise line on this list with vessels that accommodate more than 1,000 passengers, Virgin Voyage’s 2,770-passenger ships are restricted to adults ages 18 and up and operate with more cheekiness than formality . Adults on a Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean cruise can expect an anything goes attitude, where you can dance outdoors under the stars alongside mermaids and mermen during a themed party, when not attending beach bashes on shore. By day, work up a sweat in an ’80s-style dance aerobics class or get a tattoo or piercing from one of the visiting artists in the onboard parlor. At night, play drinking games while eating at the Korean barbecue venue or enjoy a first-rate molecular dining experience with items that pop or smoke (all meals are complimentary). Embrace the detox/retox ethos onboard with time spent in the gym and spa when not partying. Big spenders might opt for a RockStar suite, where they can entertain guests when not taking a peek-a-boo shower with wide-open views of the sea. There’s a do-good aspect, too—with sustainable products such as upcycled ocean plastic sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen available in the shops.

Ahoy there! Windstar Cruises sailing ships make passengers feel like they are traveling back to a simpler era on the seas.

Courtesy of Jeff Zaruba/Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s Beach Fun & Sun cruise

• Best for: sailing ship experience
• To book: 7-night Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway cruise from St. Maarten, from $3,222 per person
• Islands: In the BVI, Tortola (Soper’s Hole), Jost Van Dyke (overnight) and Virgin Gorda; Anguilla, St. Bart’s, Antigua

For an under-the-billowing-sails experience, it’s hard to top the 342-passenger Wind Surf , the largest sailing ship in the world, with sails that unfurl with the push of a computerized button (or two). You might feel like a pirate navigating the high seas on this Windstar vessel, but you can also hit the top-flight spa for an extravagant massage (indoors or open-air) and dine on excellent cuisine including fresh fish and Caribbean-influenced fare, from the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. There are kayaks and other water sports toys to borrow from the marina and the opportunity to walk barefoot in the sand at laid-back ports. Some of the main perks include a pampering crew and a convivial yacht club atmosphere, with live music and dancing out on deck, which are just icing on the cake.

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17 of the best Caribbean cruises

One of the most popular cruise destinations, the caribbean provides guaranteed sunshine, incredible beaches and plenty of diverse islands to explore.

T he very mention of the Caribbean is enough to conjure up images of white sand beaches, turquoise waters that are made for swimming, diving and snorkelling and jugs full of cocktails. The welcome on the islands is as warm as the sunshine and each one has its own characteristics and heritage. One day you can be discovering the secrets of rum-making, the next hiking to spectacular waterfalls and lookout points. Here are the cruise lines to bookmark for the ultimate Caribbean getaway.

Main photo: the Razzle Dazzle restaurant is a feature on Virgin ships (Virgin Voyages)

1. Silversea

Setting sail in summer 2023, Silver Nova is the first ship in the luxury Silversea fleet on which every cabin has a balcony. Sailing on a variety of all-inclusive Caribbean voyages from New York, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan and Bridgetown, the ship carries 728 passengers. The eight dining venues include SALT — the Sea and Land Taste programme that showcases dishes from the destinations the ship visits. Each port of call brings a wide selection of shore excursions; 13 alone in St Lucia , such as zip-lining through the rainforest and a chocolate-making workshop. On San Juan, rum tasting reaches a new level with a private mixology class.

Best suited to 30+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

2. Star Clippers

For a Pirates of the Caribbean experience, albeit without real buccaneers, Star Clippers recreates the golden age of sailing with its tall ships, propelled by wind power wherever possible. Set sail on the 227-passenger five-masted flagship Royal Clipper — the 42 creamy sails billowing in the breeze are a sight to behold. Traditional shining brass and wood interiors incorporate modern comforts and amenities including swimming pools. Ports of call include St Lucia, with the chance to explore the Pitons, the landmark pair of volcanic cones that rise up from the sea.

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Best suited to 21+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian’s award-winning ships sail to dozens of Caribbean islands and offer a raft of different experiences. On Saint Kitts, history buffs can head to Basseterre, the oldest town in the eastern Caribbean, where highlights include the grand 18th-century Fairview Great House. For an underwater adventure, there’s a submarine experience in Barbados. The latest ship, Norwegian Prima, has begun sailing in the Caribbean and will be joined by brand new sister ship Norwegian Viva in the winter. Both ships have expansive deck space to soak up the sun, and thrill-seekers can try out the first three-level race tracks at sea.

Best suited to 6 months+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

4. Princess Cruises

Catering for every type of cruiser, including families, couples and solo travellers, Princess has its own private island. The 40-acre Princess Cays, on the southern tip of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, features a free beach barbecue and a host of bookable options — energetic water sports, leisurely glass-bottomed boat trips, or simply chilling out at private beach bungalow with a gourmet picnic lunch. Princess has a wide range of sailings covering the whole of the Caribbean, from short three-night breaks that can be added to a land-stay holiday to 20-night itineraries taking in 12 islands and Princess Cays.

5. P&O Cruises

Sip rum punches or G&Ts on this line that is aimed squarely at British travellers. P&O’s newest ship, the 5,200-passenger Arvia, has an onboard rum and gin distillery and sails the Caribbean with fly-cruises from Barbados or the new departure point of Antigua . Alternatively, take a leisurely round-trip sailing from Southampton with American and Caribbean itineraries of up to 65 nights. Caribbean sailings are also available on P&O’s adult-only ship Aurora.

6. Marella Cruises

The cruise line owned by holiday company Tui will welcomes the fifth ship to its fleet in June 2023. Built for Celebrity Cruises in 1997, the 1,912-passenger, family-friendly Marella Voyager has been transformed with a bow to stern refurbishment. There will be popular venues found on other Marella vessels, such as the Squid & Anchor pub and Nonna’s Italian restaurant, plus all-new features including Silver Fork, serving British cuisine with a twist. For winter 2023/24 Marella Voyager will sail out of Bridgetown, Barbados on Caribbean cruises calling at Tortola, St Maarten, St Kitts, Antigua and Dominica.

Best suited to 6 months+ Price £ Family-friendly Y

7. Holland America Line

Currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, Holland America Line offers week-long sailings along with shorter taster cruises and longer voyages departing from Fort Lauderdale. There are cruises the length and breadth of the Caribbean, including sailings on the line’s new flagship, the 2,668-passenger Rotterdam. All itineraries include a day at Half Moon Cay, the line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas . From here, passengers can enjoy all manner of four-legged and two-legged activities, from riding in the surf to cycling and hiking around the island. The Caribbean is renowned for its world-class diving and on the island of Aruba newcomers can sign up for a beginner’s class.

Best suited to 16+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

8. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean explores every corner of the region, with eastern, western and southern Caribbean itineraries on its fun-loving ships. Its fleet will soon include the 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas, which will pip Wonder of the Seas as the world’s largest cruise ship when it starts exploring Caribbean shores on sailings from Miami. The excitement continues on dry land with Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, where you’ll find Thrill Waterpark, with the region’s biggest wave pool and tallest slide in North America.

9. MSC Cruises

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is a standout private island visited by a number of the line’s vessels, including the new 5,877-passenger flagship MSC Seascape, which has been designed for warm climates with an expansive outside deck space. In 2015 the island, 65 miles off Miami, was an abandoned sand mine strewn with scrap metal. A four-year, £134 million regeneration project saw MSC Cruises transform it into an eco-friendly destination for Caribbean passengers, who can spend a day there or stay overnight on the island, where attractions include a lively Bahamian Junkanoo parade and an LED light show from the lighthouse. Well known for a family-friendly welcome, MSC Seascape has one of the biggest kids’ clubs in the fleet and the swashbuckling Pirate’s Cove waterpark.

10. Oceania Cruises

Oceania’s Caribbean cruises sail out of Miami and include less-travelled islands such as Saint Vincent, Bonaire, Guadeloupe and Dominica . The line is well known for its cuisine and this is reflected in a number of food-themed shore excursions. You can tour Grenada’s fragrant spice estates or join one of the chefs to visit markets bursting with tropical fruit and discover how to make a perfect rum punch. Other fun excursions include taking the soaring Skyride to Paradise Point, 213m (700ft) above the town of Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas.

11. Virgin Voyages

Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson turned traditional cruising on its head when he launched the head-turning Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady , which will be joined in May 2023 by the identical Resilient Lady. The adult-only ships have Insta-friendly backdrops, hammocks on the balcony, sexy shows, a tattoo parlour, and new takes on dining including the lab-like Test Kitchen and veggie-friendly Razzle Dazzle. Four- to seven-night itineraries out of Miami see the ships head to Bimini for lazy days in the sun and late-night dance parties at the Beach Club, which is a hip enclave for Virgin passengers — who are known as sailors.

Best suited to 18+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

12. Regent Seven Sea Cruises

An exhilarating sky ride above St Martin is just one of the many shore tours to choose from with this luxury line, with a selection of included excursions at every port. A chairlift transports visitors to reach the Crow’s Nest lookout point perched on Sentry Hill, one of the island’s tallest peaks. Foodies will want to check out a hands-on cookery class with leading Antiguan chef Nicole Arthurton Dennis. Regent Seven Seas has an extensive Caribbean programme which covers less visited islands such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, along with sailings featuring Panama Canal transits.

Best suited to 16+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

13. Disney Cruise Lines

Disney Wish has sprinkled some magical stardust at sea since it joined the four other ships in the fleet in 2022. It also raised the curtain on the first Disney attraction at sea: a water experience that twists around the ship before splashing down into a lazy river. Ships sail to the Caribbean from Galveston, New Orleans, San Juan, Miami and Port Canaveral, making it easy for families — and the young at heart — to add a fun-filled cruise to a US holiday. Look out for the Aladdin-themed Disney Treasure launching in 2024.

Best suited to 6 months+ Price £££ Family-friendly Y

disneycruise.disney.go.com

14. Seabourn

Luxury line Seabourn explores the “uncommon Caribbean” with its fleet of small ships, carrying 264 to 600 passengers, which can reach harbours inaccessible to larger vessels. Tenders are used to reach destinations such as the yacht haven of Frenchman’s Cay on Tortola, once an infamous haunt for pirates. Shore excursions are equally intimate. Head out to a local market with one of the chefs or get expert tips from the crew on the best snorkelling beaches; treats include a beach barbecue served in the warm, waist-deep surf.

Best suited to 21+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

15. Celebrity Cruises

Choose the Caribbean cruise that’s just right for you with Celebrity’s wide-ranging programme of sailings that range from three and four-night escapes to 12-night island-hopping itineraries. Popular five-night western Caribbean itineraries sail from Miami to Mexico and a featured stop is Costa Maya where the beautiful beach with the Banco Chinchorro coral reef is a magnet for divers and snorkellers, while history buffs can explore the lesser-known Mayan ruins Chacchoben and Kohunlich. A standout Celebrity venue is the “magic carpet”, a cantilevered bar and restaurant that moves up and down the outside of the vessel and can be found on the newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, in the Caribbean.

Best suited to 3+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

16. Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise the entire length and breadth of the region with family-friendly Carnival, which sails year-round to the southern, eastern and western Caribbean. The line also has a wide range of departure points including the islands of Puerto Rico and Barbados and mainland ports in Florida , which are ideal for linking to a land-based stay in the Sunshine State. The bright and colourful Carnival Celebration, Carnival’s newest ship — which features the BOLT rollercoaster — sails out of Miami to all parts of the Caribbean. Carnival Jubilee joins the fleet later in 2023 and will sail to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas.

17. Explora Journeys

The brand new line Explora Journeys, launching in July 2023 with the 922-passenger Explora I, marks the MSC Group’s move into the luxury cruise sector; albeit that’s not a word you’ll hear. The firm likens the brand to a top hotel that just happens to be at sea and sailings are called ocean journeys; cabins — each one with a balcony — are homes at sea; and shore excursions are destination experiences. The ship will sail in the Caribbean out of Miami, Bridgetown and San Juan to islands such as St Kitts, with the chance to take a cookery class, try your hand at making batik fabric or peer into a volcanic crater.

When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?

With perfect timing for sun-starved Brits, the dry season runs from mid-December to mid-April and temperatures average 22C to 31C. Unsurprisingly, this is the most popular time to visit. The islands are quieter, and prices are cheaper, during the June to August wet season. Despite the name, showers are brief and temperatures are balmy. The hurricane season runs from June until November, peaking in July and August when there are bargains to be had. Ships steer clear of the storms but sometimes itineraries change.

What are the best things to do in the Caribbean?

Calm, clear waters make the Caribbean a top spot for diving, with lines offering beginners’ lessons and sessions for experienced divers, and you can snorkel off the beach for close-up views of the underwater wonderland. Get an authentic taste of the islands by visiting a chocolate factory, rum distillery or sugar plantation and check out colourful markets for crafts, spices and handmade souvenirs. Then simply sit back on deck with your favourite cocktail and watch some of the most spectacular sunsets at sea.

What should I pack for a cruise to the Caribbean?

Loose, lightweight clothes made from cotton or natural fibres are best for excursions. Trainers or comfortable sandals are a must, along with flip-flops and water shoes. Pack several pieces of swimwear so one set is always dry, plus a cover-up for the beach or to walk on deck. Don’t forget sunglasses, a folding sunhat and reef-friendly sunscreen. A rash vest and waterproof phone or camera case are good for water sports. Evening clothes are usually informal, but check your line’s dress code.

Take me there

Inspired to cruise the Caribbean but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options from Six Star Cruises and Mundy Cruising . Alternatively, try a cruise with one of our preferred partners here .

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Caribbean Cruises

Plan your best caribbean cruise vacation, favorite caribbean cruise line.

Travel Awaits Best of Travel 2022 (Top 10)

The sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean are calling. Relax on gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, discover the ancient treasures of the Mayans, or let your cares melt away while relaxing to steel drum melodies. Find the best Caribbean cruises sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston or New York to suit your vacation desires.

Find Caribbean Cruises

Eastern caribbean cruises, top-rated beaches and water play.

The laid-back Eastern Caribbean is home to many of the region’s most popular islands — gems like St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk. Known for world-famous beaches, stingrays and limitless water activities, this is the perfect option for a sunny Caribbean cruise vacation, reconnecting with loved ones.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Historic spots and natural wonders.

Mayan ruins, exciting eco adventures and the friendly spirit of Jamaica await in the Western Caribbean. Enjoy the lush wildernesses of southern Mexico, unspoiled coral reefs of Belize and Roatan, underground caves on the Island of Cozumel and so much more.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Local culture and colonial past.

Cruise options for the Southern Caribbean take you from the lush paradise of Dominica to the remote isles of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean culture and life on islands that blend their colonial influence with native charms.

Bahamas Cruises

Exclusive Island experience

The Bahamas, a series of islands with sparkling waters and pristine beaches, is a top Caribbean cruise destination. Princess Cays, our Private Island resort, calls the Bahamas its home, and our guests get exclusive access to this tropical oasis on almost all Caribbean itineraries. Get away to the Bahamas for just a few days or during a week-long Caribbean cruise and you’re sure to relax and recharge.

Caribbean Getaways

Sun, sand and a short escape

White sand beaches and coral reefs await on Caribbean Getaway cruises. Soak up some vitamin D on Princess Cays, Princess' Private Island resort, and enjoy watersports or an encounter with stingrays in brilliant turquoise waters. Or explore the colorful buildings and exciting historical sites of Grand Turk. Do it all in just a few days on a short Caribbean cruise.

Featured Ports on Cruises to the Caribbean

One of the best parts of a Caribbean cruise is the freedom to spend your days however you like. Ashore that can mean relaxing on popular beaches, diving into the local culture or exploring the islands’ many natural wonders.

8 Top Cruise Line Private Islands

US News & World Reports

Long to dive into turquoise waters? The Eastern Caribbean's world famous beaches await. Prefer to explore historic Mayan ruins? The Western Caribbean's ancient wonders are calling. For those craving adventure in a natural wonderland, the Southern Caribbean is brimming with possibilities. Each voyage illuminates the heart of Caribbean life, so come see what makes these islands legendary.

Beaches & Sunshine

Lazy days beneath swaying palms

Let the soft sands and warm winds melt all your worries away. The beaches of the Caribbean are legendary for their natural beauty and tranquil turquoise waters. Relax with a tropical cocktail in your hand, swim with stingrays and sea turtles, or just take in the calming ocean air.

Culture & History

A diverse heritage

The culture and history of the Caribbean is rich, varied and deep. Walk the docks that once harbored the greatest fleet in the world at Nelson's Dockyard, taste and hear the deep West African influences in everyday Caribbean life, and experience the uniqueness of each island.

Exploration

Mother nature's playground

The Caribbean has been a land of adventure for hundreds of years, and there's excitement for every traveler, now more than ever. Zipline above the lush jungle, snorkel through a coral reef teeming with life, take an off-road vehicle deep into the rainforest or sail a catamaran out to explore a shipwreck. Adventure lives around every corner.

Island shore excursions

Experience the authentic Caribbean with award-winning shore excursions. In a region so full of new experiences, unique culinary delights and deep history, why trust anyone but the experts? Go swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, travel through dense jungles to hidden Mayan ruins on Cozumel, snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize or sail on a thrilling catamaran in Antigua.

Late night departures

The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays on select itineraries in Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Thomas let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.

Why Cruise the Caribbean with Princess

Year-round sailings. Family-friendly fun. A private beach party. And our newest ships. The question isn’t “why choose Princess?” but “why not?”

We sail the caribbean year-round

Each season has a personality all its own. Summer is a time for family fun in the sun. Fall invites the adventurous to immerse themselves in the islands. Winter is marked by festivals and other celebrations. Spring is the perfect time for renewal and relaxation. Cruise the Caribbean throughout the year, and you’ll encounter a different side of the Caribbean each time, unified by the distinctive experiences Princess offers.

See why families love the islands

Social media stars the Holderness Family recently set sail on a Caribbean cruise. Check out the music video to see why a Caribbean vacation with Princess Cruises is more than just a trip!

Want more? See the kids’ vlog of their experiences in Camp Discovery and adventures ashore, and watch the parents tackle cruise myths in their vacation recap.

Princess Cays®, private island resort

Relax on your very own beach playground, where 40 acres of white sands, bungalows, local crafts and a complimentary barbeque await. Snorkel in sparkling turquoise waters. Find serenity fishing from the rocky coastline. Feed stingrays or paddle through the lagoon in a clear-bottom kayak. And you can post your experiences with ease, thanks to Princess’ MedallionNet™, the best Wi-Fi at sea — now on land!

Our newest ships enjoy the islands

There’s no better way to cruise the Caribbean than on one of the bold, new additions to our fleet. We take travel to the next level: the exceptional features of Sky Suites and the unrivaled service, the glass-enclosed dome and balconies taking in the Caribbean sun and sights of beautiful islands and crystal clear waters. Cruise to the Caribbean in luxury with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Onboard Experience & Featured Program

With award-winning onboard programs, regional cuisine from world-class chefs and celebrations of Caribbean life, Princess makes your ship a destination all its own.

Comfortable accommodations

Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and specially created SLEEP program by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.

Bringing local life aboard

Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.

Never miss a beat

Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands.

Deeper experiences of the islands

Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage.

Discovery at Sea

Sharks, pirates and stars — oh my!

Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise! Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channel’s™ Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience.

Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean

Recharging your batteries.

Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa® with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate.

Celebrations

The perfect place to celebrate

Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. For us, every day is a celebration.

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean, hopping between tropical islands and white-sand beaches from the comfortable luxury of your ship. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Food & Drinks

The flavors of the islands

The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Movies Under the Stars®

Outdoor cinema at its best

Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars!

Sailing with your crew

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.

Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.

2024-2025 Caribbean Cruises

There’s no better way to truly experience the laid-back Caribbean than with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Whether you’re a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess.

Best Caribbean Cruises

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman

From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections

See the Caribbean through our guests' eyes.

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10 Best Caribbean Cruise Line Choices

Cruising is a relaxing and stress-free way to explore the Caribbean. You can visit multiple islands without having to deal with the hassle of packing and transportation. Plus, you can enjoy all the fun activities and amenities on board your ship.

But which is the best Caribbean cruise company? There are so many Caribbean cruise lines that it’s hard to answer that question definitively. A lot will depend on your personal taste and the type of experience you want to have.

The best Caribbean cruise lines for adults, for example, will be very different from the best Caribbean cruise lines for families.

In this article we’ll talk about the 10 top choices for best Caribbean cruise line so you can decide which one is right for you.

Virgin Voyages

One of our personal favorites, Virgin Voyages is a newer company that is fast becoming known as one of the best Caribbean cruise lines for adults. With an 18-and-up requirement plus a relaxed and upscale vibe, Virgin does things differently from other Caribbean cruise lines.

It’s almost completely all-inclusive (except for alcoholic drinks , which are reasonably priced), has incredible service, and features more than 20 cool dining options that serve amazingly good food. Passengers also love the wellness-focused amenities like workout areas, group fitness classes, and a luxe spa. There’s plenty of entertainment, including nightclubs, music venues, live shows, and a casino (as well as a tattoo parlor!).

Widely considered to be top of the list of the best Caribbean cruise lines for families, Disney can also be a fun choice for adults. Not only will you find the expected incredible offerings for families like amazing kids’ activities and amenities, huge family-friendly staterooms, character interactions, and that magical Disney touch, but you’ll also find adult-only pools, deck areas, and bars.

Even the Disney private island features family and adult-only sections. Choose from a range of itineraries throughout the Caribbean, including special themed trips during the holidays, with cruises lasting between 4 and 10 nights.

This luxurious cruise line is known for its smaller ships, elegant staterooms, personal service, and gourmet restaurants. They also sail to lesser-known Caribbean destinations and offer unique excursions that really get you involved in the local culture and cuisine. Many itineraries offer overnight stays in the ports .

Onboard, you’ll find a range of interesting activities like art classes, cooking demonstrations, educational presentations, and wine tastings, as well as nighttime entertainment. Amenities also include casinos, spas, and libraries. While children are allowed on Oceania cruises, there aren’t any kids’ clubs or child-oriented activities, so this line is probably best for families with older children.

Celebrity Cruises

This upscale cruise line focuses on providing a luxury experience for all and offers a variety of amenities for adults and children. These include pickleball and other sports, kids’ camps, multiple pools and whirlpools, spas, casinos, outdoor movies, classes, wine tastings, and nightly entertainment.

Celebrity Cruises feature award-winning cuisine in a range of elegant gourmet restaurants (it has been voted the best cruise line for food and dining) plus sophisticated staterooms and public areas, all designed to make you feel like a celebrity.

Royal Caribbean

This company has some of the best Caribbean cruise ships for couples, families, and groups who crave nonstop activity and excitement. Featuring some of the largest ships ever, Royal Caribbean cruises have tons of fun amenities like bumper cars, skydiving simulators, surfing simulators, ice-skating rinks, enormous waterparks, and more plus top-notch entertainment options like Broadway shows, comedy and music shows, dance performances, casinos, and nightclubs.

They also offer unique “virtual balconies” in their inside staterooms, which give you the feeling of a window by providing real-time exterior views. Royal Caribbean has a variety of itineraries in the eastern and western Caribbean; many include stops at a private island in The Bahamas .

Holland America

This cruise line offers some of the best Caribbean cruise ships for couples who want a more intimate experience, since they hold fewer passengers than the mega-ships other cruise lines have. Staterooms are larger than on many other cruise ships, and swanky restaurants serve gourmet cuisine.

Delivering a more laidback experience, Holland America ships feature pools, spas, clubs with live music, and theaters in addition to adult-friendly activities like food and wine tastings and cultural programs. Their elegant interior design even includes antiques!

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises are known for their award-winning excursions and experiences at the various ports of call. They often stay longer at a port than other cruise lines, even offering overnight stays in some areas. This makes them one of the best cruise lines for those who really like to explore multiple destinations.

They’re also famous as the inspiration for “The Love Boat,” which makes them some of the best Caribbean cruise ships for couples who want that romantic experience, which includes high-end cabins and upscale dining. Another aspect of Princess that many cruisers like is the “Dine My Way” program, which lets you choose when and where you want to eat—you can even have food delivered to you.

Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the best cruise lines for those who like to set their own schedule, Norwegian is popular because of their “freestyle dining,” which lets you choose when and were you want to eat. They also don’t have strict dress codes for the restaurants. While not as jam-packed with activities and amenities as some of the other ships on this list, Norwegian ships offer lots to do including waterslides, rock climbing walls, bowling alleys, casinos, and live shows.

Couples love the swanky and spacious Haven suites, which have large balconies plus spa-like bathrooms with separate tubs, as well as butler service and access to a private pool, restaurant and lounge. Solo travelers love the “studio cabins” designed especially for them, which are found in a special zone for solo travelers on several Norwegian ships.

Although a European-based cruise line, MSC also offers a selection of cruises in the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean. Many include a stop at the private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas.

These cruises are pretty upscale and laidback but still feature plenty of activities like live shows, a Formula 1 racetrack simulator, casinos, video arcades, and 4D movie theaters. There’s also an elegant bar and library for a more serene, adult experience. Families love that the kids’ club and babysitting services are included in your rate.

Carnival Cruise Lines

The best Caribbean cruise line if you’re on a tight budget, Carnival offers affordable pricing as well as more options for departure ports than most other cruise lines. This makes it likely that you’ll be able to drive to a nearby port rather than have to fly. You can choose from a huge variety of Carnival cruise itineraries throughout the Caribbean.

There’s plenty to do on a Carnival cruise—they do call them the “fun ships,” after all—including waterparks, giant waterslides, cool rollercoasters, and the unique “SkyRide” in addition to casinos, adult-only areas, live shows, nightclubs, and more.

Now that you’ve read our picks for the best Caribbean cruise line, which one appeals to you most? Let us know in the comments!

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U.S. News Announces the 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Virgin Voyages earns its first No. 1 ranking in the Best for the Money category.

U.S. News 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines .

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that’s right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families . The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance ; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers. U.S. News also offers additional cruise tips and recommendations, such as what to pack on a cruise , the top river cruise lines , fun adults-only cruises and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here .

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Carnival Cruise Line 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For more information on the Best Cruise Lines , explore Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Michelle Day, [email protected] , 202-955-2212

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water. And with more than 5,000 islands and cays spread across this amazing region, there’s a lot of paradise to see. So how do you choose where to visit on a Caribbean cruise? We recommend you just go and see for yourself! Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn’t even matter what time of year you go. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot.

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Best Cruise Lines for the Money

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a land-based getaway – if you choose wisely. To help you make the most of your travel budget, U.S. News ranked the following cruise lines based on a methodology that factors in itinerary affordability, amenities included in the base fare, health ratings and reputation among experts and travelers. Read on to learn more about this year's best cruise lines for the money, and be sure to check our latest cruise deals for an even more affordable vacation experience. 

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Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages may not seem like the most affordable offering at a glance, but it presents cruisers with supreme value. Base fares include all onboard dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, group fitness classes and more. Add those benefits to Virgin's ongoing sales, and you're looking at a top-notch experience for less. 

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 3 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' vessels offer the endless amenities and buffets of its competitors' megaships but maintain the service standard of smaller lines. Rates on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries run less than $200 per person, and all-inclusive add-on packages are available.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises targets more adult travelers (especially on longer voyages) than family-oriented lines like Royal Caribbean International, but at similar prices. Along with lodging and select dining, fares cover activities like cooking demonstrations and educational lectures.

• 4.02 Overall Rating
• 15 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

With more than 25 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest lines sailing the ocean today. Having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows the company to keep rates low. In fact, travelers may find itineraries in popular destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Pacific Coast for around $250 per person.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Holland America Line

Cruisers will find this premium cruise line to be a pretty good bargain, with four-day Caribbean sailings often starting at less than $300 per person, and short voyages along the Pacific Coast coming in around $100 per person. But cutting costs doesn't mean skimping on service; Holland America ships offer individualized attention, free room service and all-inclusive package options.

• 4.14 Overall Rating
• 11 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC offers sailings from North American ports like Miami, New York City and Orlando, Florida, though the majority of its voyages depart from international locales. But even if you have to fly to a foreign port, you'll save money over a typical land vacation abroad. Mediterranean sailings can start at around $100 per person, and the line offers several deals and money-saving packages.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival specializes in budget-friendly fun, offering frequent, significant discounts on already low prices. In fact, itineraries for around $200 per person are the norm. Access to most of the ships' activities won't cost a penny, but keep in mind that some extras (like specialty restaurants, beverages and certain attractions) aren't covered in fares.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its popular, frequently running Free at Sea program, Norwegian offers travelers discounts on Wi-Fi, excursions, alcohol, airfare and more on top of its already low prices. And, similar to luxury lines, Norwegian ditches steadfast rules like assigned dining times, but costs a fraction of the price.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

Cunard Line

While you may not expect to find a more opulent line like Cunard on this list, the cruise provider has a surprising number of relatively reasonable fares for upcoming sailings. Travelers can fully enjoy the line's old-world elegance knowing that room service, onboard activities and most dining options are included in the base price.

• 4.07 Overall Rating

Costa Cruises

A member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers lower rates than its competitors, particularly for its Mediterranean itineraries (think: fares starting at less than $100 per person). Although it offers family-friendly amenities, Costa's ships are also well-suited to adults, with various entertainment options like theater shows and casinos.

• 3.50 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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10 Best Cruise Lines in The Caribbean

• Published : October 4, 2021
• Author : Kristin Templin

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

The Caribbean is home to hundreds of islands, thousands of miles of sparkling white beaches, and countless colorful cities. Not all places are connected by flights or ferries so one of the best ways to explore multiple Caribbean destinations is on a Caribbean cruise. A cruise allows you to see some of the region’s most famous beaches, landscapes, and cities without having to deal with the logistical nightmare of getting from one place to another, and having to pack up your luggage each time you move between destinations. 

However, not all cruises are created equal and while some specialize in family-friendly vacations, others are more suited for couples looking for a fun-filled, romantic journey. It is important to choose the right cruise for your needs and travel style to ensure that you have the vacation that you dreamed of. 

Choosing the Correct Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

When you first start looking for a cruise, it can be pretty overwhelming. There are so many destinations to choose from, different cruise lengths, and their departure dates. If you are really flexible on when you go and how you stay aboard, that is awesome. You may be able to score some amazing deals on both short cruises doing quick hops from Florida to the Bahamas and long cruises that are visiting many destinations across the Caribbean.. 

However, if you are a bit more constrained by departure dates, length of time, and budget, you need to start off by deciding what is the most important thing to you. Is there a place that you are dying to see? Do you want to visit as many Caribbean destinations as possible to check them off your travel wish-list? Or would you prefer to simply stay on the ship and enjoy all the amenities and attractions that it has to offer? Or maybe something in between? 

Any of these factors will already start to limit your options and make it easier to choose one. Most of the shorter cruises (2-5 days) on all cruise lines leave from ports in Florida and will head to the Bahamas or Mexico. Once the cruises start getting a bit longer (6-9 days) , you will start seeing destinations across the Western and Eastern Caribbean like the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti . Then, you have the really long cruises that make their way from American ports down to the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and St. Thomas.  

If you are short on time but still want to visit the Southern Caribbean, you can first fly to ports in Barbados, or San Juan and board the cruise from there.

Choosing the Correct Amenities 

Over the past few decades, cruise ships have evolved from simply being a way to travel easily from place to place to being hotels, theme parks, and entertainment complexes all in one and you can now do anything from go-karting to ice skating while at sea. The kind of vacation that you have can be greatly impacted by the ship that you are on and conversely, the ship that you choose should be based on the vacation that you want.

While you are checking out the amenities available, keep in mind the ship’s route and how much time you want to stay on the ship vs. on land. While it is really cool to say that you were on a ship with the world’s tallest water slide, if you aren’t going to use it then there may be better options for you. The amenities, and how you plan on using them, can make a big difference in the ship that you choose and the price tag that comes with it. 

The Best Caribbean Cruise Lines

Since the wide array of options can seem a bit confusing at first, we have put together this handy guide to help you pick the best Caribbean cruise for your next vacation.

1. Carnival

Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash

Carnival is the world’s largest cruise line and offers cruises all over the globe. They specialize in family-friendly cruises, often with an unbeatable price. On their website, they offer 174 different Caribbean cruises with varying lengths and destinations. 119 of these are for 6-9 nights while 46 of them are for 2-5 nights. 

Their cruises leave from ten ports in the United States and two in the Caribbean.

• Port Canaveral
• Mobile (AL)
• New Orleans
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

2. Royal Caribbean

As the second largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean has many different cruise options to suit different budgets, needs, and routing preferences. They have some of the biggest ships in the world (think the megaresorts that you find in places like in Orlando, Cancun, Vegas, or Dubai and you have the general idea) making them great for family-vacations but perhaps not so perfect if you are looking for something a bit more intimate. On their website, they offer 159 different Caribbean cruises with 35 lasting from 2-5 nights, and 97 from 6-8 nights.  

Their cruises leave from seven ports in the United States and three in the Caribbean.

• Cape Liberty (NJ)
• Fort Lauderdale
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Nassau, Bahamas

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian offers more than 83 cruises to choose from on their website . Norwegian doesn’t offer any cruises less than 5 days and 53 of their cruises last from 5-8 days while 30 last from 9-14 days so there is a high chance that the clientele will be slightly different than what you would find on Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises. Interestingly, they offer one-way trips which allows you to explore at your own pace and saves you the cost of a round trip plane ticket.

Their cruises leave from six ports in the United States and three in the Caribbean.

• Panama City (Colon & Fuerte Amador)

4. Disney Cruise Line

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Although Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than other family-friendly cruise lines, they are able to offer some of the best kid-friendly activities and amenities of any of the major cruise lines in the industry (which, to be fair, you would kind of expect from Disney). They focus heavily on short cruises to the Bahamas with more than 193 options available on their website. If you want to venture a bit further out to sea, there are 126 cruises in the Caribbean. Most of them last between 5-7 nights and many of these include a stop at Disney Castaway Bay, their very own private island in the Bahamas. 

• San Juan, Puerto Rico 

5. Celebrity Cruises

Photo by Akinori UEMURA on Unsplash

Celebrity Cruises offers 140 different options for Caribbean cruises on their website and more than 75% of these are for six days with a large amount being 10 days or more. These longer itineraries are particularly great if you want to explore further south in the Caribbean and can be much less expensive than you would expect thanks to the great deals that they have on their website. 

Their cruises leave from four ports in the United States and one in the Caribbean.

• Cape Liberty, NJ

6. Princess

Princess offers a much smaller selection of Caribbean cruises than any of the “big players” with only 48 options available on their website. 31 of these are for nine days or longer. This could be the perfect choice if you are a retired traveler with lots of time to explore. Cruises leave from just two ports including Fort Lauderdale and New York.

7. Seabourn

Seabourn Cruises are pretty much the creme de la creme of cruises. These high-end ships are much smaller than your standard cruises with the highest space per guests ratios of the industry and feature some of the most luxurious amenities at sea. Since the ships are significantly smaller than the bigger carriers, they are able to go into some areas that the larger ships can not. There are 52 different Caribbean cruises to choose from on their website and they focus heavily on longer cruises. The shortest itinerary is for six days and leaves from Barbados rather than a US port.

Their cruises leave from two ports in North America, two ports in the Caribbean, and one in Europe. 

• St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
• St. Maarten

8. Holland America

With more than 183 cruise itineraries available on their website, Holland America is another big player in the industry. All Holland America cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale and the cruises focus heavily on longer itineraries with more than 34 cruises lasting 17 or more days and covering pretty much the whole width and breadth of the Caribbean. 

9. Oceania 

Oceania is another small, luxury player with just 70 different cruises to choose from. The short itinerary they offer is seven days and they offer trips up to 73 days. Many of their itineraries include transatlantic crossings which pass through the Caribbean stopping at different ports along the way. Their ships hold anywhere from 600 to 1200 guests making them a fraction of the size of the size of some of the other cruise liners and the vibe is definitely feels more “country club” than “dance club”

10. Silversea

With just 52 different cruises of the Caribbean and South America, Silversea focuses on quality instead of quantity. They offer many one-way voyages to the below ports as well as San Francisco, Lisbon,and Halifax which is great if you want to incorporate a cruise with a longer trip to the Caribbean or Latin America. These cruises are some of the most luxurious available and the price tags are pretty hefty to match. 

Silversea cruises leave from two ports in North America, two ports in the Caribbean, and one in Europe . 

The Best Cruises for Families 

When trying to find the perfect cruise for your family vacation one thing to keep in mind is that most of the newer ships have been especially designed with families in mind. They generally have more space for family attractions such as movie theaters, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and climbing walls along with swimming pools, water slides, and more . 

They also try to one up each other with the most exciting attractions and the best amenities. There are usually dedicated spaces for children including kids clubs where they offer babysitting services so parents can have a fun night out knowing that their kids are being well taken care of.

Below are our favorite cruise lines for families. 

Disney has been one of the most popular cruise lines for families for decades. With different Disney-themed events and activities, Disney cruises kill two birds with one stone – a mini trip into the magical land of Disney and a Caribbean vacation all in one. Disney has thoughtfully-designed their kid’s programming for wide age-ranges to accommodate siblings as well as designated areas for teens and tweens and nearly every corner of their ships have been designed with families in mind. 

Royal Caribbean Cruises 

Since Royal Caribbean has some of the biggest ships of all the cruise lines, they are able to offer a slew of family-friendly activities and attractions. Their Oasis Class ships cater to everyone from the toddlers to teenagers with more things on offer than you can possibly fit in during one vacation. 

The Best Cruises for Couples

A romantic Caribbean cruise has been on many honeymooning couples’ wish-lists for years and it is no surprise why. It is the one of the most low stress ways to travel allowing couples to pay attention to what is most important – their partner. Whether you are celebrating your one year anniversary or your 20th, Caribbean cruises are the perfect way to spend quality time with your one and only. 

Below are our favorite cruise lines for couples. 

These ultra luxury cruises are perfect for special occasions like anniversaries, and honeymoons. The ships are small and offer more options for privacy and the exclusive clientele means that the ship maintains a sophisticated atmosphere. Since they are able to visit more areas that than larger ships, it is easy to escape from the cruise ship crowds when you are ashore and get a more authentic feel of the destination. 

Norwegian is a great mid-priced alternative if you would love to go on a Caribbean cruise as a couple but want to still be able to make new friends and join in on a wide variety of activities. The entertainment selection is generally very good but not over the top and there are fun deck parties where you can let your hair down a bit and maybe meet some other couples. 

The Best Cruises for Friends

One of the easiest ways to travel with friends is on a cruise. With tons of different activities to do, you can spend your days together as a group or doing your own thing while still being able to meet up easily at the end and talk about what a great time you are having!

Below are our favorite cruise lines for friends. 

Carnival Cruises are a great option if you are looking for a fun-filled vacation with friends. Although Carnival is known for being family-friendly, there are still plenty of adult-only spaces where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation with your besties! Best of all, Carnival Cruises leave from a variety of ports so you have more options to choose from which can increase the likelihood of larger groups all being able to get to one single departure point. 

If you are traveling with a friend but don’t quite feel like bunking up with them, Norwegian offers cabins especially for solo travelers. Although they are small, they have everything you need and to be fair, how much time do you really spend in the room anyway? Some boats also offer special areas for solo travelers that are designed to make it easier to meet other people. Even if you are traveling with a friend, this offers a great opportunity to socialize with other travelers who are looking for some company. 

The Best Cruises for Seniors

Many seniors choose to cruise because of the convenience of being able to explore the world without the hassle of getting from point A to point B. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends, spouse, or solo, cruises are always a great option.

Below are our favorite cruise lines for seniors. 

With many long duration voyages available, Oceania is a great line for seniors who have a bit more flexibility timewise. The restaurants onboard serve gourmet meals and there is a heavy emphasis on holistic health and wellness. 

Like Oceania, Celebrity has many longer voyages which allow you to get further south in the Caribbean and visit some of the quieter ports. However, they also offer high-quality service and have a much lower price tag thanks to some surprisingly good deals available online. This makes it a great alternative to some of the more expensive cruises catering to seniors.

Author Details

Kristin templin.

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The best cruise lines in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton.

These are the best cruise lines in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards .

The best cruise lines in the world 2023

Mega ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

4. MSC Cruises. Score 83.42 3. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 85.35 2. Royal Caribbean International. Score 86.69 1. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.72.

Large ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)

10. MSC Cruises. Score 83.77 9. Royal Caribbean International. Score 84.31 8. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.41 7. Holland America Line. Score 87.79 6. Costa Cruises. Score 87.95 5. Celebrity Cruises. Score 88.57 4. Princess Cruises. Score 89.42 3. Cunard. Score 89.55 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.21 1. Virgin Voyages. Score 94.07

Medium ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

15. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 80.56 14. P&O Cruises. Score 83.29 13. Princess Cruises. Score 84.84 12. Marella Cruises. Score 85.60 11. Hurtigruten. Score 86.23 10. Cunard. Score 86.33 9. Holland America Line. Score 86.42 8. Celebrity Cruises. Score 86.68 7. Azamara. Score 87.50 6. Silversea Cruises. Score 87.74 5. Oceania Cruises. Score 87.99 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 91.07 3. Seabourn. Score 91.67 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.92 1. Viking. Score 94.98

Small ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)

10. Variety Cruises. Score 86.75 9. SeaDream Yacht Club. Score 89.66 8. Silversea. Score 89.93 7. Seabourn. Score 91.34 6. Ponant. Score 91.45 5. Windstar Cruises. Score 91.87 4. Sea Cloud Cruises. Score 91.94 3. American Cruise Lines. Score 92.88 2. Paul Gauguin Cruises. Score 92.94 1. Emerald Cruises. Score 95.27

10. AmaWaterways. Score 93.09 9. Sanctuary Retreats. Score 93.14 8. Uniworld River Cruises. Score 93.24 7. Pandaw. Score 95.28 6. Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 95.69 5. Les Bateaux Belmond. Score 95.90 4. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Score 95.91 3. Tauck. Score 96.14 2. American Cruise Lines. Score 96.66 1. Viking. Score 97.32

Expedition ships

15. Alaskan Dream Cruises. Score 80.77 14. Lindblad Expeditions. Score 91.23 13. Silversea Cruises. Score 91.81 12. Hurtigruten. Score 91.87 11. Ponant. Score 92.25 10. Quark Expeditions. Score 93.15 9. Seabourn. Score 93.37 8. Metropolitan Touring. Score 94.71 7. Quasar Expeditions. Score 94.91 6. Celebrity Cruises. Score 95.38 5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Score 95.80 4. Ecoventura. Score 95.82 3. Aqua Expeditions. Score 95.97 2. UnCruise Adventures. Score 96.41 1. Viking. Score 96.52

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The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Cruising is back — and you might even say it's better than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic. For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it's a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.

For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens."

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels."

Laureen Robert / Courtesy of Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings.

Seabourn cruises to all seven continents, and most recently launched Seabourn Venture , "marking the first time the Carnival Corporation–owned luxury cruise line will offer adventurous sailings on an expedition ship built for extreme environments," Brady reported. (The sibling ship to Venture , Seabourn Pursuit arrives later this year.) The World's Best Award-winning cruise line has all-suite ships and "is known for its onboard service and over-the-top food including complimentary caviar and Thomas Keller steakhouses on ships such as the  Seabourn Ovation, " Brady said.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. (You'll have to pay extra for alcohol, but all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue — a feast of whole suckling pig, shrimp brochette, and more — are included.) The cruise line is not only a T+L World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, it has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation ," Brady reported, and regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-focused sailings. Yes, chef.

Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II ) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.

Cunard Line

Jonathan Atkin / Courtesy of Cunard Line

This British luxury cruise line is known for its transatlantic service, which also transports pets between its headquarters in Southampton, England, and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, though only the Queen Mary 2 sails the transatlantic route. It's a cruise line that takes formality seriously; white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux, the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Roger Paperno / Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.

Celebrity Cruises

Steve Dunlop / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. Celebrity's signature Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex offer panoramic views from above the ship's bridge; each suite boasts more than 2,500 square feet of space, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Celebrity Beyond , which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Beyond 's sibling ship, Ascent , will be delivered later this year.

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6 Best Cruises Out Of Port Canaveral

By Zachary Laks | Published on April 9, 2024

It's time to start planning your next big vacation. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or an extended voyage, you'll find cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida that tick all your boxes.

When considering one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral, plan extra time before and after your sailing to soak up all the fun that the area has to offer. There's so much to do in Orlando that you could stay for several days and never get bored — music to your ears if you're traveling with children. One of the best things about Orlando cruises is that you have your choice of theme parks to round out your vacation. They're expansive and immersive escapes into playful worlds, not unlike a great cruise. I love tacking on an extra day or two at an Orlando theme park, usually before my cruise departs. I always appreciate the days of racking up thousands of steps traversing a theme park before boarding a cruise, where I know I'll be able to lounge on a deck or relax in a hot tub.

Not far from Port Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great place to spend a day admiring the vast scope of NASA. The center offers one-of-a-kind immersion into space exploration, including the chance to strap into a rocket launch simulator for an adrenaline-pumping thrill.

For those seeking a more peaceful retreat before boarding their cruises out of Orlando, Port Canaveral is near the white sands of Cocoa Beach. Spend the day enjoying calm, low waves — great for year-round swimming, learning to surf and kayaking alongside manatees and dolphins. Or take a seat on an airboat ride through the wetlands for encounters with alligators and, depending on the season, bald eagles, herons and osprey.

Ready to book a cruise to Port Canaveral? Here are the six best cruises from Port Canaveral.

1. Best For A Long Weekend

Set to launch in the summer of 2024, Utopia of the Seas ℠ will be the sixth Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean's class of ships packed with adventure and entertainment. The new ship will focus on three- and four-night cruises from its year-round home port in Port Canaveral, with onboard upgrades that include reimagined pool decks, a Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen that spans two decks (try the osso buco!) and the new Pesky Parrot tiki bar, serving fruity cocktails on the Royal Promenade. This itinerary  to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas ℠ is the best for a long weekend exploring the highlights of The Bahamas, with a day in Nassau followed by a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island destination.

2. Best For Beach Lovers

This exquisite itinerary to the Southern Caribbean on Adventure of the Seas ® routes you to the farthest corner of the Caribbean for some of its best beaches. Sailing on the Adventure of the Seas ® for eight nights from Port Canaveral, you'll stop in ports such as Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; and Kralendijk, Bonaire. Each port will welcome you with easily accessible, powdery sand beaches primed for world-class swimming, snorkeling and diving. You'll have your pick of 86 dive sites at Bonaire National Marine Park with more than 350 recorded fish species known to frequent the waters.

3. Best For A European Adventure

Transatlantic sailings make for such a special vacation, and this 13-night Transatlantic Azores itinerary on Adventure of the Seas ® packs four remarkable ports into the crossing. You'll cruise the Atlantic for the first nine days, living it up on a ship that is packed with ways to play and relax. You'll arrive in idyllic Tenerife in the Canary Islands on the tenth day. Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture by spending part of your day exploring the Museum of Nature and Archaeology or the Basilica de Candelaria shrine. The cruise continues to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, where picture-perfect colonial mansions line cobblestone streets, then on to the adventurous mountain island of Madeira, Portugal before completing your journey in the charming streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

4. Best For Private Island Getaways

This unique Port Canaveral cruise itinerary  to Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Adventure of the Seas ® visits both of Royal Caribbean's private destinations, where paradise is just steps away from the ship. On an eight-night journey, this ship will first cruise to Labadee, the cruise line's private peninsula adventure park and beach. Soak up this private spot by relaxing on the beach, enjoy the destination's signature cocktail specialty, the Labadoozie (a fruity rum cocktail) or opt for a zip line ride that will send you soaring over the ocean. The next private island destination is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's oasis in The Bahamas. Here you'll port within short distance of pristine beaches, a thrilling water park and countless ways to unwind beneath the palm trees. There's also a stop in Bermuda, home to pink-sand beaches and rum swizzles.

5. Best For Foodies

Foodies will delight in fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes on this itinerary to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wonder of the Seas ® . In Cozumel, Mexico you'll find lunch specialties featuring locally caught seafood, often grouper and red snapper fried on a plate with rice and a vibrant salad. In Roatán, Honduras, ceviche is the local favorite, along with fried plantains and baleadas — tacos made with soft flour tortillas. The ship's final port is Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, a charming fishing village where the salbutes  (fried corn tortillas topped with shredded chicken) make a great appetizer to the catch of the day, served hot off the grill.

6. Best For Variety

This seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary  on Wonder of the Seas ® is a top choice if you want to change things up and go on a unique adventure in each port. Your first destination is Philipsburg, St. Maarten, where you can tour the island on an ATV, sample rum from a local distillery or end the day with a sunset horseback ride on the beach. When the ship arrives in the U.S. Virgin Islands at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, head straight to Magens Bay, often short-listed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Or dive into a snorkeling tour to get face time with some sea turtles and coral reefs. On your final stop, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, everyone in your group can enjoy a seemingly endless array of activities. If the beach is calling, grab a spot on one of the many cushy beach loungers close to a bar serving up island cocktails that go great with the ocean view. For the adventurous ones, Daredevil's Peak® waterslide is North America's tallest and promises an adrenaline rush.

Encompassing ports of paradise and incredible culture, Orlando cruises are the ideal vacation getaway. Start planning your island escape from Port Canaveral now .

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FinanceBuzz

Top 10 Cruise Lines for Those in Retirement (or Close to It)

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

One of the most popular goals for retirees is to travel more, and cruises can be great options to get away from home. However, most retirees would love to find a cruise that suits them. 

You may want to have a relaxing cruise with beaches and warm weather or you might be more into touring unique cities with exciting excursions. Regardless, finding the right cruise line is paramount.

Check out these 10 cruise lines, perfect for retirees wanting to relax, explore, or learn something new while traveling. Experiences with each might push you to find ways to travel more . 

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers freestyle cruising so you can enjoy it as you go without having to eat in a restaurant at a specific time with a particular dress code.

The cruise line offers retirees a variety of trips on six continents, so there are plenty of destinations to choose from.

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Viking Cruises

Viking has plenty of options if you want to cruise through Europe or travel oceans with stops in Iceland and Greenland or spots in the Caribbean.

Viking also offers unique expedition cruises that take guests to Antarctica and South America or through the Great Lakes in North America. 

You can even take Longitude cruises that start in Buenos Aires and end up in Milwaukee 69 days later.

You also have the option to try smaller ships or bigger cruise liners, depending on if you prefer a river cruise or an ocean cruise.

Oceania Cruises

Explore a variety of trips with Oceania Cruises through Europe, Africa, Asia, and more. Trips start around 10 days, so this may be a better option if you’re retired and have more time to travel.

The cruise line also includes special offers for guests like free excursions, complimentary wine and drinks on board, free unlimited Wi-Fi, or free airfare along with your trip. 

Check with Oceania Cruises to see which options could apply to your next trip.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean has plenty of options for cruises depending on how long you want to be on vacation, including three- and four-day trips that are perfect for a short vacation if you’re still working and can’t get much time off. 

You can also choose longer options like a 15-day cruise covering Iceland and Ireland, which may be perfect when you retire.

Royal Caribbean offers reduced senior prices for travelers at least 55 years old, but some restrictions may exist. Check with Royal Caribbean when booking your next trip to see what deals you qualify for.

Holland America Line

Pick several options depending on where you want to go, including a trip through the Panama Canal or a transatlantic vacation with plenty of stops on either side of the Atlantic.

And if you’re an AARP member, you can receive up to $200 of onboard credit for select vacations, so check to see if your membership can get you benefits when you cruise.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises doesn’t have specific senior discounts, but there are still plenty of things for retirees to do while traveling.

Explore Alaska or Scandinavia with luxury dinners aboard the cruise ship, or consider back-to-back cruises such as Canada to Hawaii and then taking a trip from Hawaii to Sydney. 

The cruises also have amenities like green outdoor spaces and a spa to help you relax between ports.

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Silversea Cruises

It can be frustrating to book airlines and transfers from the airport to the ship, but Silversea Cruises has you covered.

The cruise line includes a door-to-door all-inclusive option to ensure you enjoy your trip without stressing over the little details.

Silversea’s ships are also on the smaller side, with 51 to 364 suites per ship, which may be a benefit if you prefer a more intimate trip rather than being on a big ship with a large number of passengers. 

It also has a ship specifically designed for polar exploration if you want to travel to Antarctica.

Take a transatlantic trip with Cunard’s luxury cruise liners or longer vacations to Australia or Africa with some of the cruise line's queen-named ships like the Queen Elizabeth II or the Queen Victoria.

If you’re a retiree with some travel flexibility, you can save money with a Sailing Soon discount with trips that may set sail only a month or so from when you book them. 

It may be a good option if you don’t mind packing quickly or like the excitement of going somewhere on short notice.

Windstar Cruises

Try a unique and smaller way to travel with Windstar Cruises when planning your next trip as a retiree.

Windstar Cruises partially run on wind, as the ships have masts and sails that make them stand out compared to other cruise ships. 

The ships also only have around 150 to 350 guests, so you won’t have to deal with big crowds like on other ships.

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AmaWaterways Cruises

Another great option if you would prefer a smaller ship on a river cruise is AmaWaterways Cruises. The ships have the typical trips through rivers in Europe. 

Still, retirees can also explore more unusual cruise options like vacations on the Nile River in Egypt or the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Bottom line

Some cruise lines may not specifically offer senior discounts, but you can still save money if you want to travel when you’re retired.

Look for the  top travel credit cards  to earn additional perks and points for your next vacation to help you save money.

You should also consider sticking to a budget if you’re worried you could struggle financially to pay for a trip on a fixed income. A budget may be able to help you prioritize spending and save money.

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• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
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