Which Caribbean cruise is right for me?

It seems like everyone is setting sail on a cruise these days, and it’s easy to see why. The allure of a vacation where your itinerary is all arranged is undeniable; you only need to unpack once and wake up in a new, exciting destination each day.

Moreover, new ships are debuting amazing features that redefine fun at sea—think indoor skydiving, roller coasters, and go-karts. Simultaneously, the cruise industry is embracing sustainability, which has become a core aspect of modern cruising.

Recent data from CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) indicates an increase of almost two million passengers in 2023, bringing the total to 31.7 million, compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2019.

No cruising destination is more popular than the Caribbean, home to over 37 cruise lines and 154 ships exploring this idyllic island paradise. With so many choices available, figuring out the best ship and itinerary for you can be quite the challenge.

Here’s a useful guide to help you figure out which cruises suit you best, along with tips and insights for a seamless journey.

Which Caribbean cruise is right for me?

Embarking on an adventure at sea

Whether you enjoy ziplining through lush rainforests, scuba diving in one of the world’s largest coral reefs, or swimming beneath a waterfall, Caribbean cruises offer fantastic adventure opportunities.

Ports renowned for thrilling activities include St. Martin (famous for exceptional scuba diving), Belize (cave tubing and ziplining above rainforest treetops), and St. Lucia (the scenic Sapphire Falls hike).

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America frequently visit these exciting ports.

Top ships for families

Opt for larger ships equipped with kid-friendly pools, spacious kids' clubs, and entertainment suitable for families. Royal Caribbean’s fleet boasts action-packed decks perfect for families, featuring water slides, laser tag, and mini golf.

Disney Cruise Line’s fleet extensively explores the Caribbean, visiting ports from Cozumel, Mexico, to Willemstad, Curaçao. Their most popular offerings are shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries, ideal for families seeking a quick getaway.

Cruise lines with private islands primarily operate in the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These destinations are perfect for families, offering safe, enclosed areas with kids' activities and the convenience of charging everything to your sea pass card.

Singles at sea

Cruises provide a fantastic opportunity for singles to socialize. Typically, a standard cruise stateroom rate is calculated based on a minimum of two adults. Singles looking to book a standard room usually incur a single supplement fee ranging from 50% to 100% of the base fare.

With the rising demand for single cruise accommodations, newer ships are being designed with solo staterooms, both interior and balcony options. Consider Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Lines for some of the top choices for solo travelers.

Ultimate relaxing getaways

The most tranquil cruises in the Caribbean are typically offered by smaller ships that emphasize a “resort at sea” atmosphere. Higher-end vessels with all-inclusive pricing provide the luxury of hassle-free vacations. Windstar, Seabourn, and Viking are the top choices for a serene cruise experience.

On these ships, daily activities focus on wellness rather than typical dance parties and pool games, featuring options like yoga, strength training classes, informative lectures about upcoming ports, and plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing by the pool.

From the moment you step onboard, all meals and drinks (with some exceptions for certain vintage wines and spirits), activities, and occasionally even port excursions are included in your fare.

Itineraries such as the Viking Ocean Cruises’ West Indies Explorer offer a 10-day roundtrip journey from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stopping at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts in Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Roseau in Dominica. Rates for Viking Ocean Cruises include one shore excursion for each port.

Best parties at sea

As the traditional image of cruising fades—farewell to white glove service, shuffleboard, and Baked Alaska—a new era of excitement sets sail.

Large ships are designed to maximize enjoyment, whether you’re joining lively pool parties, dancing the night away at vibrant nightclubs, or rallying with friends at energetic sports bars. Special interest cruises also provide a unique way to experience immersive fun at sea, from full ship charters for rock concerts like the Rock Legends Cruise to trips dedicated to fans of Golden Girls or LGBTQ+ charters such as VACAYA.

Popular cruise lines known for a lively party atmosphere include Margaritaville at Sea (especially on their new Islander), Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

A quick escape

Cruise lines are increasingly offering shorter itineraries that provide weekend getaways to nearby Caribbean ports. Most of these voyages are roundtrips from Florida’s top cruise hubs: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando (Port Canaveral). These typically include 3- and 4-night sailings with stops in The Bahamas or Bermuda.

The atmosphere onboard is often vibrant and festive, as guests aim to make the most of their limited time at sea.

Some popular cruise lines for this type of travel include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (which is launching Utopia of the Seas this summer, its first large-scale ship dedicated to short getaways), and Disney Cruise Line.

An extended voyage through the Caribbean

Smaller cruise lines provide longer, in-depth itineraries throughout the Caribbean, allowing their vessels to dock at more remote and less-traveled destinations. For example, Seabourn’s “25-Day Captivating Antillean Treasures” visits lesser-known locales like Marigot in St. Martin, Carambola Beach in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Sopers Hole (Frenchmans Cay) in the BVI. Lines such as Silversea, Windstar Cruises, and Azamara are popular choices for these beautiful routes.

When is the best time to take my cruise?

Cruises sail throughout the Caribbean all year long, with the peak season occurring from November to April. This timeframe is characterized by ideal sailing conditions and pleasant weather.

You’ll find more affordable sailings during hurricane season, generally from July to September, but be aware that this may result in cancellations or changes in your itinerary to avoid severe weather.

Holiday cruises, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, are fantastic times to set sail, as cruise lines deck their ships with stunning decorations and offer festive activities.

How can I determine if my cruise line is environmentally sustainable?

Conservation initiatives have become essential for the future of cruising, with the industry aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2050. Current efforts include cleaner-running ship engines powered by alternative fuels, advanced wastewater treatment systems to purify sewage, and exhaust gas cleaning systems to enhance air quality both at sea and in port.

The Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card is an excellent resource for evaluating a cruise line’s sustainability practices.

Leading the way in sustainable cruising are lines like Ponant, Disney Cruise Line, and Hurtigruten. Ponant recently made history as the first maritime cruise line to earn Green Globe certification, acknowledging its commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. The line has transitioned away from heavy fuel oil and implemented catalytic systems to lower atmospheric emissions.

Disney Cruise Line is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, partly by transitioning to alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil.

Hurtigruten is in the process of developing a zero-emission propulsion ship, with plans to unveil it by 2030.

Many travelers continue to express opposition to cruise ships, citing concerns over their environmental impact as well as their effects on local economies. Organizations like Friends of the Earth, CLIA, and Oceana actively work to regulate the cruise industry.

Essential information before you set sail

Here are some useful tips to remember when planning your Caribbean cruise.

Book early...

Cruise lines typically offer better rates the further out you book, often allowing reservations more than a year in advance. The sooner you book, the greater the variety of staterooms available.

Or seize last-minute deals

Cruise Plum is our top choice for a detailed list of discounted options if you're looking for a last-minute escape.

Consider third-party travel insurance for hurricane season coverage

Travel insurance is the best way to ensure a hassle-free experience on your Caribbean cruise. Standard insurance rates typically range from 5 to 10% of your total trip cost.

Don’t just go with the cruise line’s recommended insurance; explore options on a site like Squaremouth to find the best deals.

Seek a plan tailored for cruise travel, offering coverage that includes compensation for delays, cancellations (especially useful during hurricane season), emergency medical assistance, and the premium option of canceling for any reason (CFAR).

Stay aware of hurricane season

The Caribbean’s hurricane season generally runs from July to September. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the forecast for the 2024 season indicates an 85% likelihood of an above-average year, predicting between 8 to 13 hurricanes with winds reaching at least 74 mph.

Cruise lines are quick to adapt, avoiding the paths of significant storms by often altering or shortening itineraries as needed. Major storms are infrequently encountered since ships can adjust their courses based on weather conditions.

If you do find yourself in a significant storm while at sea, move to the center of the ship where the movement is less pronounced, consider taking over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine, and focus on the horizon to maintain your balance.

A passport isn’t always necessary

Passports aren’t necessary for closed-loop cruises that start and end at a U.S. port. All you need is a boarding pass, a government-issued photo ID (for those 16 and older), and either a certified birth certificate or a certificate of U.S. naturalization.

However, be aware that you may not be allowed to disembark at certain ports, such as Barbados, Martinique, and St-Barthelemy.

Third-party excursions can offer better value

To make the most of your budget, consider booking with local tour operators before reaching each port. Morning-only activities tend to be the best options for third-party excursions.

The ship will not wait for you if you return late from a third-party excursion. For all-day excursions, it’s wise to choose the cruise line’s offerings since the ship will wait for you, and there’s nothing worse than missing it.