As the world’s most popular cruise destination, the Caribbean attracts many travellers seeking endless sunshine and otherworldly beaches. With many cruise lines offering cruises to the Caribbean’s stunning shores, it’s more accessible than ever before. Opt for a fly cruise from one of Florida's bustling ports or sail directly from the UK on a no-fly cruise to discover some of the Caribbean’s most favoured destinations like the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba and more. Wherever you choose to sail, you can be certain that friendly locals, lively music and colourful carnivals await.
If there’s one thing the Caribbean is famous for, it’s its laid-back allure. And, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why. Boasting more than 7,000 islands and islets, each with its own unique charm, a Caribbean cruise is the perfect way to see as much of the region as possible. But it isn’t just the beautiful setting that puts the Caribbean on the map. With so much to see and do, including hiking through lush rainforests and dining on traditional local cuisine, a Caribbean cruise offers something for everyone.
Where do Caribbean cruises go?
With thousands of islets and islets, there are many destinations travellers can visit on a Caribbean cruise. Here are five popular Caribbean cruise destinations that our customers love:
The Bahamas
Situated between the North Atlantic and Florida's east coast (making it easily accessible on a fly cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Miami), the Bahamas is made up of 700 subtropical islands and 2,400 cays. Nassau, the bustling capital and main cruise port of the Bahamas, is a lively introduction to the country’s vibrant culture and history. Meanwhile, Bimini, a tiny gem, is famous for its association with Ernest Hemingway, who found inspiration in its turquoise waters and abundant marine life. The Bahamas is also home to CocoCay, Great Stirrup Cay and Half Moon Cay, which are private islands leased by major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line.
Barbados
Famed for its picturesque beaches, Barbados is an island that has it all. From brilliantly blue bays to vibrant nightlife, fine powdery sand and wild waves perfect for surfers, the island is rich in its offerings. Bridgetown, the beating heart of Barbados, provides an impressive welcome with its colourful streets lined with beautiful bright huts. As the capital and the largest city on the island, vibrancy awaits in Bridgetown. In quiet contrast, Codrington is a tranquil village that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Just a stone’s throw from Codrington’s port, travellers can experience the history, nature and vibrant spirit of Barbados.
The Cayman Islands
Home to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand, it’s understandable why 2.5 million travellers flock to the Cayman Islands each year. Many of these travellers are drawn by the one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with stingrays in the aptly named Stingray City. Comprising a series of shallow sandbars where southern stingrays gather, Stingray City is the opportune place for an up close and personal encounter with these gentle and graceful creatures. Elsewhere, the vibrant capital George Town is the epitome of Caribbean life, boasting a lively atmosphere, plenty of history and delicious local cuisine.
Guadeloupe
An archipelago of over a dozen sun-kissed islands, Guadeloupe is lush with multi-coloured shorelines, verdant vegetation and Franco-Caribbean culture. The two main islands, which are joined together by just a couple of bridges and a mangrove swamp, look like the wings of a butterfly. Because of this, Guadeloupe is affectionately known as Le Papillon by locals. Grande-Terre, the eastern of the two islands, has a string of beach towns that offer beautiful stretches of sand. Basse-Terre, the western island, is home to lush Parc National de la Guadeloupe. No wonder Guadeloupe is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
When you imagine the Caribbean, what do you envision? Is it white-sand beaches on deserted islands, sky-blue water gently lapping the shores and no other soul around? The 32 stunning islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are all of this and so much more. Known as the Island of the Clouds, Bequia, the largest of the Grenadines, is an idyllic haven that embraces visitors with its authentic Caribbean spirit and unspoiled beauty. Meanwhile, Mayreau offers a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With no airport, limited electricity and a small population, it’s like stepping back to a much simpler time.
Best things to do on a Caribbean cruise
Known for heavenly beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Caribbean is ideal for total relaxation. However, there’s more to do in the area than you may first assume. From scuba diving to trying local Caribbean cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And, with hundreds of Caribbean shore excursions to choose from, your time here is certain to be memorable.
World-famous for its traditional cuisine, you simply must try local Caribbean food when visiting. With its unique flavours, colours, textures and smells, Caribbean cuisine is delicious and plentiful. The combination of spices, herbs and seasonings makes for mouth-watering dishes and texture plays a big part. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, a delicacy that uses a range of fiery peppers and spices, and patties, which are usually stuffed with savoury fillings such as jerk beef, chicken or saltfish.
The Caribbean isn’t just famed for its tasty food, however. Most Caribbean islands produce their own spirits (mostly rum), which are used to create much-loved drinks. Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum and the Bajan rum punch, with its heady mix of freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar syrup, dark rum, soda water, Angostura bitters and freshly grated nutmeg, ticks all the boxes. We mustn’t forget piña coladas, which originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The drink, whose name translates as “strained pineapple,” combines pineapple juice, rum and coconut milk.
From scuba diving through mysterious shipwrecks to swimming with pigs, the Caribbean is one of the best places for water sports. Bonaire is hailed as one of the top diving destinations in the region. The waters surrounding this Dutch Caribbean island are home to more than 470 species of fish. Dive deep enough and you’ll also find Hilma Hooker, a 72-metre shipwreck. Meeting the swimming pigs of the Bahamas is at the top of many traveller’s Caribbean bucket lists. Pig Island attracts many tourists each year and, as the only place in the world to offer this unique experience, it’s easy to see why.
With lush rainforests, plentiful waterfalls and stunning panoramas, hiking is a popular pastime in the Caribbean. Trails for all types of hikers, experienced or otherwise, are bountiful. Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Caribbean. Located close to Ocho Rios, a popular Caribbean cruise port, Dunn’s River Falls is a natural waterfall that can be discovered via many walking trails. Elsewhere, Gros Piton, which stands tall over St. Lucia, is home to some of the best hiking in the Caribbean. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of the island, Gros Piton is a work of art.
But really, what could be better than relaxing on the white-sand beaches and dipping your toes into the sun-kissed turquoise seas of the Caribbean? After all, a Caribbean cruise is one of the most calming ways to explore the region.
When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?
The best time to cruise to the Caribbean depends on you and your preferences. Whether you want to escape the UK during the summer or the winter, the Caribbean offers year-round sunshine.
The Caribbean has two seasons; the high season and the low season. The high season runs from mid-December to mid-April and is generally considered the best time to cruise to the Caribbean. The low season runs from May to November and although heat and humidity soar, this time of year overlaps with hurricane season and tropical rain showers are common.
Which cruise lines sail to the Caribbean?
Many of our cruise line partners offer Caribbean cruises. Among the most popular are; Ambassador Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and P&O Cruises, all of which offer no-fly cruises. No-fly cruises are a great way to see the world - your holiday begins closer to home and you have no restrictions.
The majority of Caribbean islands do not require visas for European cruise ship passengers. However, most Caribbean cruises embark or disembark in the USA, for which an ESTA is required. Make sure to check your itinerary to see which countries you’ll visit on your Caribbean cruise.
Do Caribbean cruises require a passport?
Yes, all guests, including children, must be in possession of a passport.
Do I need vaccinations for a Caribbean cruise?
Though not essential, Hepatitis B and Tetanus are recommended. You may also be required to hold a Yellow Fever certificate at specific Caribbean ports of call.
Which Caribbean cruises are all-inclusive?
Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Saga Ocean Cruises, Scenic Ocean Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea all offer all-inclusive cruises to the Caribbean.
What do I need to pack for a Caribbean cruise?
What to pack for your Caribbean cruise will depend on what time of year you sail and what you plan to do while away. As a guide, we’d recommend packing swimsuits, comfortable, casual clothing for the day, a sweater or scarf for the chillier weather, activewear, a raincoat, smarter clothing for the evening, sandals, trainers or hiking boots, evening shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, suncream, insect repellant, a backpack, technology accessories, toiletries, medication and a water bottle.
Onboard dress codes vary from cruise line to cruise line, so make sure to check our guide to cruise ship dress codes before you sail.
What is the best Caribbean cruise to go on?
The best Caribbean cruise to go on will depend on your preferences. For a luxury experience, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea are great options. For a family-friendly Caribbean cruise consider Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean International. Other popular cruise lines include Ambassador Cruise Line, Azamara, Emerald Yacht Cruises and Scenic Ocean Cruises.
Can you cruise from the UK to the Caribbean?
Yes, a number of cruise lines offer no-fly cruises from the UK to the Caribbean. From Portsmouth, travellers can embark on a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines or Saga Ocean Cruises voyage to the Caribbean. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also offers Caribbean cruises from Liverpool, meanwhile Ambassador Cruise Line sails from London Tilbury.
And, as the most popular UK departure port, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International operate cruises from Southampton.
