The best cruise lines for Caribbean cruises

So, you know when to cruise to the Caribbean and which Caribbean cruise ports to visit, but do you know which cruise line to sail with? As the most popular cruise region (it’s estimated that 32 million set sail on a Caribbean cruise in 2023), a number of our cruise line partners offer itineraries to this part of the world. Whether you opt for a no-fly cruise for a more in-depth exploration of the Caribbean or would prefer a fly cruise for a whistle-stop tour of the region, you’re certain to find the perfect itinerary for you. Let’s take a look at the best cruise lines for Caribbean cruises…

Since 1989, Celebrity Cruises has been setting industry standards, from exploring the world’s best destinations to crafting impeccable ships. Nine of those ships, including the revolutionary Edge Series, sail the waters of the Caribbean on reimagined itineraries that visit more than 80 ports in over 32 countries. One of those ports is Perfect Day at CocoCay, an award-winning private island exclusive to guests of Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Back onboard, you’ll be surrounded by the cruise line's famous personalised service, exceptional culinary experiences and impressive entertainment. 

• Exclusive access to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebrity Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas
• A fleet of innovative award-winning cruise ships 
• Itineraries visiting more than 80 ports in over 32 Caribbean countries 

With an array of immersive Caribbean cruise itineraries, Emerald Yacht Cruises allows its guests to authentically dive into the region's culture, nature and flavours. The cruise line’s small luxury yachts, Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, can dock in the heart of ports across the Caribbean that larger vessels can’t reach. What’s more, EmeraldDISCOVERY is designed to take guests far beyond the standard tourist experience with an array of exciting shore excursions, allowing for a truly immersive experience. On board, a wealth of amenities and unique innovations await, like the Marina Platform, where guests can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. 

• Authentic immersion with EmeraldDISCOVERY
• Fun onboard amenities like the Marina Platform 
• Small-ship cruises to the heart of the Caribbean

Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises offers Caribbean cruises that invite you to discover uncommon gems of the region. Chart lesser-known coastlines to boutique ports and off-the-beaten-path areas to uncover blissful islands like St. Vincent, Bonaire, Guadeloupe and Dominica. With extended evenings in port, guests have even more time to soak in the vibrant culture of island life and discover the most enchanting elements of the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the cruise line's extensive list of shore excursions, from snorkelling to island safaris, chef-led market tours to sailing, allows for deeper immersion in the local area. 

• Explore the Caribbean in luxury 
• Discover hidden gems of the region with unique ports of call 
• Enjoy extended evening stays 

Britain’s favourite cruise line, P&O Cruises, offers voyages to over 200 incredible destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean. The cruise line’s two newest ships, Arvia and Iona, are built for the sunshine with their impressive SkyDomes, infinity pools, plethora of outdoor spaces and other spectacular features. Arvia predominantly offers Caribbean fly-cruises, departing from Bridgetown, Barbados, while her sister, Iona, sails directly from Southampton, UK, on epic four to five-week roundtrips. Enjoy wow-factor entertainment, like live music and West End-inspired theatre shows, onboard your chosen ship as you sail the Caribbean waters. 

• Set sail on one of two sunshine ships 
• Opt for shorter sailings with Arvia’s fly cruises or longer roundtrips with Iona’s no-fly cruises 
• Enjoy wow-factor entertainment onboard 

Voted ‘Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean’ by US News & World Report, Princess Cruises offers year-round sailings from five departure ports on eleven ships (which will include Star Princess when she makes her 2025 debut). What’s more, the cruise line sails to 23 islands and offers more cruises to the Caribbean than any other region. On board, guests can enjoy destination-themed activities that provide a deeper connection to the places visited, like street pan drum lessons in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, ashore, later stays, as part of the More Ashore program, on select itineraries in Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas let guests soak up the full Caribbean experience. 

• Choose from one of eleven cruise ships 
• Enjoy destination-themed activities onboard
• Stay for longer on select itineraries with the More Ashore program