Cruising to The Caribbean

Life's Better on the Beach

The Caribbean is by far the world's most popular cruise destination. In fact, Caribbean cruises are SO popular, that Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, estimates that the Caribbean holds nearly a 35% share of the global cruise market. And for anyone who's ever been to the Caribbean, CLIA's findings make sense. After all, countless cruise itineraries ranging from short getaways to longer sailings are regularly available in the Caribbean, not to mention that the region is home to some of the best beaches, snorkeling, and nightlife.

But the variety in the Caribbean can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Which islands should you visit? Would you prefer a longer itinerary or shorter? Which cruise line is right for you and your traveling companions? While these are all important questions that must be answered before you book, it's also a good sign, serving as proof that the Caribbean truly has something that will appeal to every traveler.

Caribbean Cruising: What to Know Before You Go

It's always important to plan ahead before any vacation, and the Caribbean is definitely no exception. Some might say that it's best to start a mental checklist before you start packing for a vacation, but especially in the case of a cruise, we'd argue that's best to start that mental checklist before you actually book.

Here are some things you'll want to keep in mind when planning, booking, and packing for your next Caribbean cruise:

• Every major cruise line is active in the Caribbean, so consider your travel companions before booking
  • For a family cruise, or for a good all-around cruise at a good price, consider Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian
  • For a bit of a more refined experience (often with fewer kids on board), Celebrity, Princess, or Holland America might be your best bet
• Consider the time of year when you book, as it has the potential to impact the price and your overall experience
  • Peak season for Caribbean cruising is mid-December through April
  • The Caribbean's hurricane season runs from June to November, with September and October the likeliest months for major storms (and the cheapest to cruise) — you are unlikely to be caught in a major storm, but your itinerary may be disrupted
• Just looking for a weekend escape? Most cruise lines offer quick 3- to 5-night sailings, many of which sail to the Bahamas and/or the Caribbean
• Traveling on a budget? Many of our cheap cruise options are Caribbean sailings
• There's also no need to plan super far in advance — if you need to get away NOW, you can often find incredible deals and deep discounts on last-minute cruises
• While many islands accept the United States dollar, some do not — familiarize yourself with the ports of call on your itinerary, plan ahead, and if you have to, exchange money prior to your trip
• Be sure to pack your passport and any other necessary international travel documents
• Skip the line on board — book your shore excursions in advance and guarantee yourself the best possible availability
• Pack swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen in your carry-on bag — your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom after you board, but it's best to be prepared for a swim right away!
• Bring a power strip for your stateroom — each cabin will have a few outlets, but with a power strip, everyone in your party will be able to charge and use their devices at the same time
• If you're traveling to your departure port, leave plenty of time for unexpected delays — your ship will not wait for you
• Once you arrive at the cruise terminal, drop off your luggage, go through customs, and get on board as early as you can — start exploring your ship, go for a dip in the pool, grab a drink, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!

Which Region of the Caribbean is Right for You?

When most people think of a Caribbean cruise, they're probably thinking of many of the same things: white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, beautiful weather. And if those are the first things that come to mind, they wouldn't be wrong. However, while those are all definitely characteristics of most Caribbean islands, there's so much more to the Caribbean than sun, sand, and surf.

Consisting of more than 700 islands, islets, cays, and reefs, the Caribbean is broken up into three different regions: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. And while there are common threads that stretch across all three, each is also quite unique. So before booking your Caribbean cruise, it's important to consider what's most important to you in a vacation…from the exciting adventure of the Western Caribbean to the laid-back luxury of the Eastern Caribbean to the tropical seclusion of the Southern Caribbean, each region is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Western Caribbean

Looking for a mix of sun-soaked leisure and heart-pounding adventure? Then a Western Caribbean cruise might be just what the doctor ordered. Bordered by Mexico's east coast to the west, Central America to the south, and Jamaica to the east, the Western Caribbean is home to many iconic Mayan ruins sites, and offers a wide array of exciting shore excursion options for travelers of any age.

Popular Western Caribbean Ports

• Cozumel, Mexico

  Situated in the Caribbean Sea off the east coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel is one of the Western Caribbean's most popular ports of call. Due to its location, it's easily accessible from many east- and gulf-coast departure ports in the United States, and is included in cruise itineraries of any length, including short 3- to 5-night sailings. Known for its vibrant tourism industry, Cozumel is home to world-class diving and fishing, as well as some of the most iconic Mayan ruins in the world

• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

  The Cayman Islands is an autonomous British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean Sea. One of the Caribbean's most popular resort destinations, the Cayman Islands features a great deal of tourist attractions, including Stingray City and Seven Mile Beach. Like many destinations in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is known for incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, and two shipwrecks off the coast of Grand Cayman make for some of the best diving you'll ever find.

• Belize City, Belize

  Featuring countless rivers, lush jungles, exotic wildlife reserves, and breathtaking natural beauty, Belize is one of the world's premier ecotourism destinations. The Belize Barrier Reef — part of the world's second-largest coral reef system — is situated just offshore, and the largest cave system in Central America is located in Belize, as well. But Belize is known for more than its ecotourism — it's also home to many Mayan sites.

• Roatán, Honduras

  Once serving as a safe-haven for real-life pirates of the Caribbean, Roatán is the largest of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. The entire economy of Roatán is built on tourism, with countless land and water activities for visitors to choose from. Play 18 holes on one of the Caribbean's finest golf courses, visit one of the island's exciting nature preserves and get up close and personal with the local wildlife, spend the day lounging on the beach before enjoying some of the best snorkeling in the world — the possibilities are endless.

Popular Western Caribbean Shore Excursions

• Stingray City Snorkel, Grand Cayman

  One of the biggest draws on Grand Cayman, you'll never experience anything like Stingray City. Once in George Town, you'll transfer to the boat that will take you to this once-in-a-lifetime nautical experience. After arriving, you'll hop in the shallow water of Grand Cayman's North Sound, where you'll feed, interact, swim, and take selfies with countless beautiful and gentle stingrays before your tour guide returns you to the dock in time for your ship's departure. Plus, depending on the excursion you book, you may be able to add more experiences around your Stingray City swim, like a barrier reef snorkel, exhilarating jet ski ride, and more.

• Mayan Ruins of Tulum Day Tour, Cozumel

  
  

  Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Cozumel
  Arguably the most iconic Mayan ruins site, the city of Tulum just begs to be explored. After a scenic ferry ride to Playa del Carmen and an air-conditioned bus ride to the site, your Mayan adventure will truly begin. Under the watchful eye of a professional and knowledgeable guide who will tell you all you need to know about Mayan civilization and the site itself, you'll enter the city of Tulum through one of many massive doorways and start exploring. Be ready to take plenty of pictures, as you may never again see anything more breathtaking than ancient Mayan ruins set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

Eastern Caribbean

When the unseasoned cruiser thinks about a Caribbean cruise, chances are what they're imagining most closely resembles an Eastern Caribbean cruise — pristine white-sand beaches, exciting nightlife, world-class shopping, fine dining, and more. Stretching from Puerto Rico in the west to Saint Martin/Sint Maarten in the east, the islands of the Eastern Caribbean are grouped closely together, allowing Eastern Caribbean cruises to visit several islands in a short amount of time.

Popular Eastern Caribbean Ports

• Nassau, Bahamas

  While TECHNICALLY located in the Atlantic Ocean just north of the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas maintains close ties with the Caribbean community as a member of the Association of Caribbean States. Located less than 200 miles off the southeast coast of Florida, this island nation, made up of over 700 islands, islets, and cays, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason — it's the perfect place to unplug and relax, or to enjoy vibrant nightlife. The Bahamas is an ideal destination for any group, from romantic getaways to family vacations. And whatever you do, don't miss the adorable swimming pigs! Curious? You'll just have to visit Pig Beach and see for yourself.

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

  The most populous of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and has been a stop on Eastern Caribbean cruises for quite some time. While it's small in size at only 32 square miles, St. Thomas boasts no shortage of attractions for her countless annual visitors. Equal parts cosmopolitan and secluded, St. Thomas is paradise for shoppers, sailors, snorkelers, divers, golfers, foodies, and more.

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

  Both tropical paradise and rich historical hub, San Juan serves as a springboard of sorts for the rest of the Caribbean, with many Southern Caribbean cruises in particular departing from the city. But Puerto Rico is far from just a jumping-off point — the island is one of the most popular ports of call on many Eastern Caribbean cruises, too. A unique destination where old world meets new, Old San Juan is on of Puerto Rico's most popular tourist attractions.

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten

  
  

  Philipsburg, St. Maarten
  Featuring a French half and a Dutch half, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is one of the most unique destinations in the world. Each side of the island has its own distinct vibe, but the island as a whole is known for some of the best beaches, restaurants, and nightlife in the Caribbean. Plus, with the islands of Anguilla and Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) just a short ferry ride away, the possibilities for exploration are endless.

Popular Eastern Caribbean Shore Excursions

• Dolphin Encounter, Nassau

  Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well now's your chance —upon disembarkation, your tour guide will whisk you away to a private island, where, after filling out all the necessary paperwork, you'll have the option to explore this island paradise freely. But before long, the real fun begins — along with your instructor, you'll wade out into waist-deep water, where you'll be greeted by a dolphin! Your guide will explain to you everything you need to know about dolphin behavior and answer any questions you might have, and you'll get a kiss from your new dolphin friend and pose for a photo before heading back to your ship.

• Rum & Reggae Beach Break, St. Maarten

  Reggae is as Caribbean as apple pie is American, and no Caribbean getaway would be complete without the sweet sounds of reggae music. And on this excursion, that's exactly what you'll get — once your guide escorts you to the city of Philipsburg, you'll head for Great Bay Beach, where you'll be greeted by rhythmic reggae grooves as you approach. After checking in and receiving two drink tickets, you'll have the option to relax in a lounge chair, go for a dip, or walk along the bustling boardwalk before being returned to your ship.

Southern Caribbean

This region is home to the majority of the islands in the Caribbean. However, the Southern Caribbean is also the least-traveled of the three regions, due in part to the fact that many of the Southern Caribbean islands are smaller and less developed, and that they're not as readily accessible as the destinations in the Western and Eastern Caribbean. And believe it or not, this "off the beaten path" aesthetic is a huge draw — many cruisers, particularly those who have cruised much in the past, may be more likely to opt for a Southern Caribbean cruise. Due to the proximity of the islands, many Southern Caribbean cruises tend to be longer, with most including destinations in the Eastern Caribbean as well, offering travelers a true "best of both worlds" experience.

Popular Southern Caribbean Ports

• Oranjestad, Aruba

  Known for world-class beaches, nightlife, and more, Aruba is one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the world. The island boasts some of the most pristine beaches you'll find anywhere, as well as exciting nightlife, and world-class entertainment options. Feeling lucky? Aruba is also home to some of the biggest and best casinos in all of the Caribbean.

• Bridgetown, Barbados

  Widely regarded as the "birthplace of rum," the Barbadian economy has long been dependent on the cultivation of sugarcane. However, within the last 40 years, Barbados has emerged as one of the world's premier tourist destinations. A former British colony, achieving independence on November 30, 1966, Barbadian culture is still heavily influenced by Great Britain, almost to the point that Barbados sometimes feels like a miniature England in the heart of the Caribbean. However, Barbados has its own rich culture, and the island's most popular tourist attractions are the Mount Gay Rum Distillery (the oldest rum distillery in the world), Harrison's Cave, Welchman Hall Gully, and more.

• Castries, St. Lucia

  
  

  Soufriere and The Pitons, St. Lucia
  The image of The Pitons — St. Lucia's twin volcanic peaks — rising into the sky above the crystal-clear water below has long been synonymous with the Caribbean. In fact, St. Lucia's natural beauty is her most precious commodity, with visitors to the island frequenting several unique tourist attractions, including a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, the Botanical Gardens, lush rain forests, Pigeon Island National Park, and so much more.

• Willemstad, Curaçao

  Named the "Top Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean" by Cruise Critic in 2017, Curaçao is just coming into its own as a world-class tourist destination. Scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world flock to the island for its optimal diving conditions, including awe-inspiring snorkeling and scuba diving sites that can be reached without a boat. Diving not your thing? No problem — cruise passengers have rated the downtown area of the capital city Willemstad as "amazing" and the city's food and shopping as "excellent."

Popular Southern Caribbean Shore Excursions

• ATV Island Adventure, Aruba

  There's no better way to explore Aruba than by ATV, and on this excursion, that's just what you'll do. After donning your helmet and listening to a quick safety briefing, you'll set off through the Aruban countryside, twisting and turning along the path behind your guide. From the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins to the Bay Bridge — a natural bridge formed out of coral limestone — you'll get up close and personal with Aruba in a way you never thought possible. After a stop at Arashi Beach for a dip in the Caribbean Sea, you'll make your way back to your cruise ship and on to your next destination.

• Ultimate Shipwreck Snorkel, Barbados

  Nothing can possibly prepare you for snorkeling or diving at a shipwreck site. But luckily for you, on this excursion, you'll have the opportunity to experience it for yourself. After transferring from the cruise pier to downtown Bridgetown, you'll fill out all the necessary paperwork, board your boat, and head out. Your skilled and knowledgeable captain will choose the ideal dive sites based on the day's weather. When you arrive, you'll spend about 25 minutes snorkeling over one of five awe-inspiring shipwrecks just off the Barbadian coast before boarding the boat and making your way back to Bridgetown. Once back on land, you'll have some time to relax and shop before returning to your ship.