7 Caribbean Cruises We Adore

The Caribbean stands out as the most sought-after cruise destination worldwide, with approximately 11.9 million passengers embarking on journeys in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda in 2022, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). In contrast, the western and central Mediterranean welcomed only 3.2 million cruisers, making it the second-largest market. Travelers flock to the region year-round, drawn by its sunny weather, pristine white beaches, and turquoise waters. While it may not be an undiscovered paradise, the top Caribbean cruises will transport you to various islands, including some hidden gems, far from the throngs of larger cruise ships.

These cruises offer a chance to immerse yourself in the rich and varied cultures of the Caribbean, allowing you to relax while hiking through lush landscapes or snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life. Smaller and medium-sized vessels can access both popular ports and lesser-known locations, providing more personal beach and island experiences.

Where Caribbean Cruises Navigate

The typical cruise routes in the Caribbean, favored by larger ships departing from Florida ports, are crafted for a fun and carefree vacation experience at prices that are accessible to many travelers.

Eastern Caribbean cruises often stop at popular islands like the Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and occasionally Puerto Rico. In the Western Caribbean, itineraries may include destinations such as Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel, along with ports in Mexico, and sometimes Belize and Honduras. Southern Caribbean cruises might explore the Leeward Antilles, offering a glimpse into Dutch Caribbean culture and attractions like the stunning landscapes of Aruba’s Arikok National Park.

Other notable stops on the typical cruise itinerary include the Dominican Republic, home to the oldest street in the Americas located in the capital, Santo Domingo; and Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, known for its beautiful beaches and mountain hikes.

Ships accommodating fewer than 1,000 passengers, and often much less, offer greater flexibility with their itineraries, allowing visits to quieter havens like the smaller British Virgin Islands, the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Bart’s, as well as the pristine and untouched Grenadines and Grenada.

Smaller vessels often extend travel itineraries, allowing for late nights or overnight stays in port to savor the local nightlife. Departure locations for these cruises include vibrant places like Barbados, known for its culinary delights and rum culture.

Top Caribbean Cruises

Explora Journeys presents A Journey to the Arcadian Antilles Adventures.

• Ideal for: luxurious family cruising
• Booking info: 7-night Journey to the Arcadian Antilles Adventures, round-trip from Barbados, starting at $4,850 per person (children’s discounts available)
• Destinations: St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Bart’s (overnight), Dominica, Martinique, Grenada

Geneva's MSC Group, which also owns MSC Cruises, launched Explora Journeys this year, aiming to offer a laid-back luxury resort experience at sea. The inaugural ship, the 922-passenger Explora I (which we recently reviewed), is a lavish multi-generational retreat featuring four pools, pickleball, abundant live entertainment, 18 dining options, and family-friendly suites. A supervised kids’ program for ages 6 to 17 runs until midnight daily. The Nautilus Club boasts foosball and cutting-edge video games and VR, hosting activities like tech tournaments and ocean conservation talks. Kids receive matching bathrobes, slippers, and hangers, with up to 50 percent off fares for young travelers.

Island Windjammers offers a 6-night sailing adventure through the Caribbean.

• Ideal for: a relaxed island atmosphere
• Booking info: 6-night cruise aboard the 26-passenger Vela, starting at $2,825 per person
• Destinations: St. Bart’s and Anguilla

Island Windjammers offers a delightful hidden gem experience that you’ll want to keep to yourself. This boutique cruise line honors the heritage of casual windjammer sailing in the Caribbean with its 26-passenger classic clipper ship, Vela, and the 10-passenger schooner, Diamant. Established in 2009, it has built a devoted following, making early bookings essential. Keep your packing light; the vibe is informal, with T-shirts and shorts being the norm. The focus here is on savoring time at various islands or lounging on deck, enjoying the sight of sails billowing, sipping complimentary rum punch, and dining outdoors. Guests can also enjoy the exhilarating chance to leap into the sea from a rope swing or explore the water with paddleboards and kayaks.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Saba, the Grenadines and Beyond cruise

• Ideal for: an intimate ship experience
• Booking info: 7-night Caribbean cruise, starting at $3,899 per person
• Destinations: Antigua, Nevis, Saba, St. Bart’s (overnight), Guadeloupe (Îles des Saintes), Bequia, Mayreau (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Barbados

SeaDream Yacht Club’s duo of yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, offer luxurious and laid-back cruises to enchanting Caribbean locations. One standout itinerary travels from St. John’s, Antigua, to Bridgetown, Barbados, featuring the lesser-known Grenadines, while voyages that take their time in the British Virgin Islands are also excellent. Recently updated with a modern touch, these 112-passenger yachts provide exquisite experiences like romantic open-air overnight stays under a cozy duvet on a Balinese Dream Bed at the bow. There are also new designer hammocks and parasols on deck, along with two Jacuzzis for couples. Most dining occurs alfresco, enhancing the sea-bound romance.

Silversea’s cruise from Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

• Ideal for: eco-friendly luxury cruising
• Booking info: 7-night cruise from Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale, starting at $4,950 per person
• Destinations: Barbados, Bequia, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Virgin Gorda, Puerto Rico (San Juan)

On the ultraluxury line Silversea’s latest vessel, the Silver Nova, passengers enjoy a reimagined resort deck where the pool is positioned to the side rather than centrally, offering spectacular sea views. While lounging in plush chairs on this Euro-inspired ship (based in Monaco, Silversea features contemporary Italian decor), you might feel as if you’re at a luxurious resort in St. Tropez. New outdoor dining and bar areas enhance the sophisticated beach club ambiance. As the largest and most environmentally friendly ship in the fleet, the 728-passenger vessel boasts a cutting-edge hybrid power system that utilizes hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and dual engines powered by liquefied natural gas. For culinary enthusiasts, the S.A.L.T. program delves into local food and drink traditions, both onboard and during excursions. For example, in Bequia, you could indulge in a custom sea salt tour that includes a six-course meal at Grenadine Wild Sea Salt, a producer of artisanal sea salt sourced from Bequia’s waters. Most excursions (excluding this one) are complimentary.

Viking Cruises’ West Indies Explorer itinerary.

• Ideal for: great value
• Booking info: 10-night West Indies Explorer cruise, starting at $3,299 per person
• Destinations: San Juan, Puerto Rico (overnight), Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St. Maarten, St. Thomas

For travelers looking for more than just beach time, Viking Cruises provides an extensive array of daily excursions highlighting cultural and natural attractions, all included in the price. Onboard the 930-passenger Viking Sea, guests embark from San Juan on a 10-night West Indies Explorer itinerary, visiting nine countries to explore the Caribbean’s rich British, French, Dutch, and African heritage. Participate in a hands-on batik workshop in St. Kitts and learn about women's contributions to agriculture at an organic farm in St. Lucia. The journey begins with an overnight stay in San Juan, allowing time to connect with the city's unique vibe before setting sail. Among our favorite features of this ship is the Nordic Spa, where you can unwind with a warm soak after a day of exploration and invigorate yourself in the icy snow grotto before retreating back to warm waters.

Virgin Voyages’ Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles itinerary.

• Ideal for: exceptional dining, dancing, and adult entertainment
• Booking info: 7-night Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles cruise, round-trip from San Juan, starting at $2,550 for two
• Destinations: Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, Martinique, Curaçao, and Aruba

As the only cruise line on this list with ships that can carry over 1,000 passengers, Virgin Voyages’ vessels accommodate 2,770 guests and are exclusively for adults aged 18 and older, showcasing a playful vibe over formality. Guests on a Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise can expect a laid-back atmosphere, where themed parties allow you to dance under the stars alongside mermaids and mermen, alongside lively beach parties. During the day, you can join an '80s-inspired dance aerobics class or get a tattoo or piercing from visiting artists at the onboard parlor. Evenings offer options like drinking games paired with Korean barbecue or a spectacular molecular dining experience featuring dishes that pop or smoke (all meals are included). Embrace the detox/retox philosophy with time at the gym and spa in between celebrations. For those looking to splurge, a RockStar suite offers entertainment space and a peek-a-boo shower with stunning sea views. Additionally, the ship promotes sustainability with products like upcycled ocean plastic sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen available in the boutiques.

Windstar’s Beach Fun & Sun cruise itinerary.

• Ideal for: sailing ship experience
• Booking info: 7-night Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway cruise departing from St. Maarten, starting at $3,222 per person
• Destinations: In the BVI, Tortola (Soper’s Hole), Jost Van Dyke (overnight), Virgin Gorda; Anguilla, St. Bart’s, Antigua

For an unparalleled experience beneath billowing sails, the 342-passenger Wind Surf, the largest sailing ship globally, is hard to beat, featuring sails that unfurl at the touch of a computerized button. You might feel like a pirate navigating the seas on this Windstar vessel, but you can also indulge in luxurious spa treatments (indoors or al fresco) and savor exceptional cuisine, including fresh fish and Caribbean-inspired dishes from the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Water sports equipment, including kayaks, is available from the marina, allowing you to explore laid-back ports with ease. Key highlights include a dedicated crew and a friendly yacht club atmosphere, complete with live music and dancing on deck—truly the icing on the cake.