Caribbean Cruises
Caribbean cruises let you visit several islands in one trip without constant flights or hotel changes. Most sailings depart from Florida and other major ports and operate throughout the year. Typical itineraries include well known islands, private beach stops and short sea days, making them popular with first time cruisers, families, couples and travelers who want variety without complex planning. Routes usually sail through the Caribbean Sea and nearby Atlantic waters, with options ranging from short weekend cruises to longer voyages focused on island time.
Caribbean cruise ships in port near tropical islands
Best Caribbean cruises for different travel styles
Family Caribbean cruises
Family focused Caribbean cruises usually sail on large ships with kids clubs, pools and short port days. Routes often include private islands and easy beach stops, keeping travel days simple.
Couples and relaxed Caribbean cruises
Couples often prefer quieter ships, longer port stays and fewer sea day activities. Southern and Eastern Caribbean routes work well for travelers who want scenic islands and a slower pace.
Luxury Caribbean cruises
Luxury Caribbean cruises focus on service, space and unique ports with fewer passengers onboard. These sailings often visit smaller islands that larger ships skip.
Budget Caribbean cruises
Budget friendly Caribbean cruises are usually shorter sailings with inside cabins and popular ports. These are common on Western Caribbean routes and during off peak months.
Best cruise lines for Caribbean routes
Different cruise lines focus on different Caribbean routes, ship sizes and onboard styles. These are some of the most common options travelers compare when planning a Caribbean cruise.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean operates a wide range of Caribbean routes on large modern ships. Itineraries often include private island stops and well known ports across the Eastern and Western Caribbean, making this line popular with first time cruisers and families.
Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers frequent Caribbean departures with shorter itineraries and competitive pricing. Many routes focus on the Bahamas, Mexico and Jamaica, appealing to budget travelers and casual cruisers.
Carnival Victory, Carnival Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises brings a European influenced onboard style to Caribbean cruising with newer ships and strong value fares. Routes often include the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean, with sailings from Florida and select Caribbean ports.
MSC Seaside, MSC Cruises. Photo: Gilles Messian. CC.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line runs flexible Caribbean itineraries with a more relaxed onboard schedule. Routes sail across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, often offering longer port stays for travelers who value time ashore.
Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises focuses on comfort, service and thoughtfully planned Caribbean routes. Many itineraries visit Southern and Eastern Caribbean islands and attract couples and travelers looking for a calmer onboard atmosphere.
Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises. Photo: Jakez Bo. CC.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line specializes in family friendly Caribbean cruises with private island stops and shorter sailing options. These itineraries are especially popular with families traveling with younger children.
Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line. Photo: Chad Sparkes. CC.
Top Caribbean cruise destinations
- Bahamas: Close to Florida with clear water, shallow beaches and frequent short cruise stops.
- Mexico: Ports like Cozumel are known for snorkeling, beaches and Mayan history.
- Puerto Rico: A mix of historic streets, rainforest excursions and port close to Old San Juan.
- Jamaica: Beaches, waterfalls and culture with ports such as Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
- Dominican Republic: Mountain scenery, beach resorts and nature focused excursions from ports like Amber Cove.
- Curaçao: Colorful architecture, calm bays and a relaxed port experience.
- Barbados: Beaches, local food and a centrally located cruise port near Bridgetown.
- St. Marteen: Dual culture, beach clubs and easy island exploration.
- St. Lucia: Dramatic landscapes, green peaks and scenic coastal stops.
- U.S. Virgin Islands: Clear water, soft sand and simple logistics for U.S. based travelers.
Nassau, Bahamas
Popular Caribbean cruise routes
Caribbean cruise routes are commonly grouped into three regions: Eastern, Western and Southern. Each offers a different balance of islands, travel time and onboard pace.
Eastern Caribbean cruises
Eastern Caribbean cruises focus on easy island hopping and calmer sailing conditions. This region is popular with first time cruisers and travelers who prefer shorter sea days and frequent port stops.
Typical stops: Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Rico
Typical length: 5 to 7 nights
Common departure ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral
Western Caribbean cruises
Western Caribbean cruises combine beaches with activities and cultural stops. These routes appeal to travelers interested in snorkeling, ruins and lively ports with a more active shore experience.
Typical stops: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Belize
Typical length: 6 to 8 nights
Common departure ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Galveston
Southern Caribbean cruises
Southern Caribbean cruises feel more tropical and less crowded than other routes. They are often chosen by travelers who have cruised before and want longer itineraries with more unique islands.
Typical stops: Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada
Typical length: 7 to 10 nights
Common departure ports: San Juan and Bridgetown
Best time to cruise the Caribbean
You can cruise the Caribbean throughout the year, but weather, prices and crowds vary by season. For most travelers, the best time to cruise the Caribbean is from December to April, though other months offer better prices and fewer crowds.
- December to April: Peak cruise season with warm weather, calmer seas and the most itinerary options. Prices are higher and ships are often full.
- May to August: Hotter weather, fewer crowds and more availability. This period works well for families traveling during school holidays.
- September to November: The quietest months with the lowest prices on many routes. Fewer ships sail and itineraries may be limited, but deals are common.
For a deeper weather breakdown by month, see our Caribbean weather guide.
How much does a Caribbean cruise cost
Caribbean cruise prices vary by season, cruise line, ship size and cabin type. Most travelers pay a daily rate that includes accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment, with extras charged separately. Prices below reflect typical Caribbean cruise costs per person per day and exclude flights, gratuities and optional shore excursions.
Prices are general estimates based on recent Caribbean cruises. Actual costs vary by ship, cabin, route and season.
How to find cheap Caribbean cruises
Finding lower prices often comes down to timing, flexibility and knowing where savings appear.
- Be flexible with dates and cabin type: Prices vary widely by sailing date and demand. Midweek departures, off season weeks and inside cabins are usually cheaper.
- Cruise outside peak season: Lower fares are common from May through November when demand is lower.
- Compare what is included: A low base fare may cost more once drinks, Wi Fi, gratuities and shore excursions are added.
- Book early or very close to departure: Early bookings offer more choice while last minute sailings can be discounted if space remains.
- Check departure ports: Cruises leaving from Florida or nearby ports often cost less due to competition and shorter routes.
Cruise ship departing port in the Caribbean
Caribbean cruise planning checklist
Use this checklist to make sure your cruise plans match your budget, travel style and itinerary before booking.
☐ Choose your departure port
Cruises sail from several ports. Pick one that fits your plans and keeps flight or driving costs low.
☐ Set your budget early
Decide what you want to spend per day including the cruise fare and onboard extras.
☐ Decide your cruise length
Short cruises suit quick getaways, while longer sailings allow more island time.
☐ Check what is included
Some cruises include drinks, Wi Fi or gratuities while others charge separately.
☐ Review the route carefully
Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean cruises offer different island mixes and travel rhythm.
☐ Select the right cabin type
Inside cabins cost less while balcony cabins add space and ocean views.
☐ Plan shore days ahead
Popular excursions can sell out early, especially on busy Caribbean islands.