Turn up the Calypso and cruise on over to the Caribbean to soak up the vitamin sea with some of our favorite cruise partners! With crystal clear waters, sugar-white sand and year-round beautiful weather, escape to the Caribbean and explore so many of the destination ports that these tropical islands have to offer. Whether you’re looking to lounge amongst the miles of beautiful beaches, go on an adventure beneath the sea with your snorkel gear, or go back hundreds of years to explore the history of the Mayan ruins in Cozumel, these Caribbean islands have it all. Here - nature is your playground. Between mountains, jungles, waterfalls and volcanoes there are so many different landscapes to trek on beyond the ship. You'll also find horseback riding, diving and golfing amongst other activities to engage in during your off-shore excursions. With so many islands to explore, you'll find unique characteristics to each one. From bustling towns to relaxed beaches you'll have a chance to see it all with a Caribbean cruise. Even our foodies and shoppers have plenty of surprises that await them!
Featured ports
Philipsburg, St. Marteen/Saint Martin
With so much to see and do, St. Marteen/Saint Martin offers a twist to your Caribbean port destinations. Divided by two European powers the island is divided into two sides: the southern Dutch side - Philipsburg and the northern French side - Marigot. Between these two distinct nations, you'll get to see historic landmarks like Fort Amsterdam, shop locally at the Marigot Market, relax on Maho Beach, indulge in fresh seafood and sip on delicious Caribbean rums.
Castries, St. Lucia
As a beautiful addition to the Caribbean, St. Lucia offers jaw-dropping landscapes that you'll have the chance to see on your cruise. From luscious green landscapes to glistening blue beaches you're in for a treat. Dive into adventure at Pigeon Island National Park for some deep-sea and island fun or Sulphur Spring Park to take a dip in sulfuric pools and mud baths. If you're looking to stay close to shore, you'll love lounging on Sugar Beach and Reduit Beach or hit the town at Derek Walcott Square. One of our favorite things to do is climbing the Pitons, St. Lucia's most famous landmark. These two mountains share incredible views and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
George Town, Grand Cayman
Internationally recognized for its Seven Mile Beach that boasts translucent blue waters and pink-hued sand, Grand Cayman is magical to say the least. On your cruise, you'll be able to swim with stingrays in Stingray City, and explore the Cayman Crystal Caves on the north end of the island where you'll find three naturally formed underground caves. Also known for being a buzzing financial district and international banking center, you'll get both the vibrant city and laid-back island life you're looking for. And of course, with your visit, enjoy the local cuisine consisting of shellfish served marinated or in fritters.
Tortola, B.V.I.
As the largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is home to coastal beaches and expansive mountainsides making it a perfect addition to the Caribbean islands. Due to its compact size, touring this little island is a breeze and lets you do so much in just one day. Check out Brandywine Beach with its calm bay or Smuggler's Cove where you can snorkel over coral reefs. Some more beaches worth exploring are Apple Bay, Lambert Beach and Norman Island. There is even Sage Mountain National park for any nature enthusiasts and if you're trying to escape the shore, take a tour of Road Town and admire the vibrant architecture that comprises this little city.
St. Johns, Antigua
With its year-long selection of beaches (365 beaches to be exact), Antigua is the ideal destination to dive, snorkel and relax along the shore. Some of our favorite beaches in Antigua are Galley Bay, Jumby Bay, Half Moon Bay and St. John's. If you're looking to learn a little more about the island's culture and history, you'll likely find yourself wandering off to the St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. If you're looking for some hiking and panoramic views, make sure to check out Fort James and Fort Barrington. However you choose to spend your time in Antigua, we're sure you'll love this Caribbean paradise.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel Mexico is the perfect mix of popular and authentic. With its pristine beaches and great weather, you'll find so much to see and do while traveling to this island. With the cruise port's proximity to some of the best things to do, you'll have easy access to shopping and local dining, diving and snorkeling along mesmerizing coral reefs and the ability to take a step back in time and learn about some of the historic landmarks in Cozumel like the Mayan Ruins. Some of our favorite things to do include adventuring out to San Gervasio, going on an excursion to Xel-Hal Lagoon, lounging or playing at the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park and exploring downtown San Miguel. Plus, swimming with dolphins!
Destination highlights
Tradition and culture
With so many different Caribbean islands to choose from and explore, you'll find the Caribbean to be rich in culture and local traditions. From different religions and heritages, the Caribbean offers a diverse history and way of life. One of its most renowned cultural aspects is its music. Like most cultures, the Caribbean expresses itself in song and dance carried down from many generations. Some of its most popular genres include Reggae, Calypso and Merengue all of which are still celebrated today, including in the United States. You'll even recognize some of the artists that originated from these islands like Rihanna (Barbados) and Bob Marley (Jamaica). In addition to its diverse culture, parts of the Caribbean were also previously touched by Europeans and Africans all adding to its history from colonial architecture like the Mayan ruins to the celebration of street festivals like those in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and even Curaçao. You can also find a story behind the brightly colored buildings that make up some of the towns in Puerto Rico.
Food and cuisine
If you're ready to indulge your palate with some fresh seafood catch, you're in the right place. With grouper, mahi-mahi, snapper and conch specialties to choose from the opportunities are endless. Add in some garden-fresh ingredients, plantains, jerk seasoning and tropical fruits like mangoes and guava and you'll be on board to discover incredible new flavors, unique to the Caribbean. Not only do our cruise partners develop their menus with the utmost flavor and creativity, but you can find all sorts of local tasty treats on each of these islands. You'll even be able to tour coffee farms and distilleries, all local to the Caribbean. Cruise like a local and make sure you try your dishes with Jerk, the signature flavor of Jamaica that is also famous to the Caribbean for being one of its most popular spices added to chicken and other poultry to add a kick and burst of flavor. As for most of the islands, each one offers unique foods like Mofongo in Puerto Rico, Creole Bread in St. Lucia and Coucou and Flying Fish in Barbados.
Caribbean Cruise FAQs
What are the best Caribbean cruise destinations for kids?
Barbados is one of the safest and most family-friendly Caribbean cruise destinations.
When is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?
Lucky for you, the Caribbean almost always has sunny, beautiful weather year-round. Some of the more popular times to travel are during the summer so if you're looking to avoid larger crowds, look before late May or after early August.
Do I need a passport for a cruise to the Caribbean?
If you're cruising to the Caribbean, you'll need a U.S. passport with at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates. Some cruise lines may accept an original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID for U.S. citizens on closed-loop sailings. However, certain destinations may have additional entry requirements or require a visa depending on your cruise itinerary. Having a passport provides added peace of mind and flexibility in case your travel plans change. Cruise experts can help you confirm what’s required for your specific itinerary.
