Can't Stop Thinking About a Caribbean Cruise?

From lush green islands encircled by white beaches and azure waters to desert isles wrapped in vibrant coral reefs, the Caribbean is truly one of the world’s most stunning cruise regions. The diversity of natural beauty and the wealth of history, architecture, and culture in this melting pot makes it one of the most popular cruise destinations for all cruise lines and cruisers alike. 

Before you set sail on your dream Caribbean cruise, dive into our guide on how to make the most of your vacation! Here you can discover which cruise lines to take, where and when to visit, and some of our best tips to prepare for your cruise!

Best Caribbean Cruise Lines

Picking the cruise line that matches your cruise style, expectations, and budget is key to ensuring you have the best time possible. These cruise lines consistently receive high marks for service, dining and entertainment, and value, which is why they’re our top picks for the Caribbean.

• Book your next Disney Caribbean Cruise
• Caribbean Cruises with Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn Cruises to the Caribbean

Best Time to Take a Caribbean Cruise

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations in part because of its sunny reputation, and also because of the abundance of cruises of all shapes and sizes regularly sailing there, meaning that low fares are relatively easy to find. However, finding a cheap Caribbean cruise that also delivers sunshine and beach vibes can be tough to do. Here’s what you should keep in mind when booking your Caribbean vacation.

Go in the winter or spring (Dec - Apr) for great weather

While it may seem counterintuitive, the coldest months are actually the best time to visit the Caribbean if you’re seeking sun, warmth, and beachy relaxation. 

• Pros: Excellent weather, plentiful shore excursion options, fewer cancellations

• Cons: Higher costs, more crowds

Go in the summer or fall (May - Nov) for low fares

The summer months bring rain to the Caribbean, soaking the islands and archipelagos in life-sustaining water - but can also dampen the mood if you’re looking forward to soaking up some rays or diving in calm, clear coves. 

• Pros: Great deals, fewer crowds, low airfare

• Cons: Poor weather, unpredictable itineraries due to storms or hurricanes, rough seas

Hurricane season

While hurricane season in the Caribbean technically runs from June through November, the riskiest time to travel is from August to October. While you can find super low fares and unbelievable deals during this time, bear in mind that itineraries are apt to change without notice, seas are likely to be much rougher, and some excursions or onboard activities may be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Cruisers are constantly wowed by the Caribbean’s gorgeous beaches, superb diving, and excellent walking and hiking tours, but if you’re looking for something extra special, you may want to include these ports of call on your next cruise.

King’s Wharf, Bermuda

• Where: West end of Bermuda

• What cruises go there: Most cruises, as it is an extremely popular Caribbean cruise destination, but particularly Eastern Caribbean cruises

• What to see and do: Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach for lounging and snorkeling, or explore the many attractions further inland, including museums and golfing

Havana, Cuba

• Where: Capital city of Cuba, 90 miles south of Florida

• Which cruises go there: Western Caribbean and Riviera Maya cruises typically call at Havana

• What to see and do: Visit the famed Tropicana Cabaret or tour the colorful streets of the old town - this port is rich in history, art, music, and culture

Curacao

• Where: 42 miles east of Aruba in the southern Caribbean

• Which cruises go there: Southern Caribbean cruises typically call at Curacao, along with Aruba and Bonaire, which together make up the “ABC” chain islands

• What to see and do: Visit one of the island’s 35 beaches or experience the beauty of Hato Caves

Your Caribbean Cruise Is Closer Than You Think!

If dipping your toes in white sand beaches and exploring coral reefs rich with life sounds like the vacation of a lifetime, we want to help! Use our free tools to find and book the right Caribbean cruise for you at the right time for the right price. You can activate free price alerts that will notify you as soon as prices change, get matched with your perfect sailing using our Cruise-Finder, or even see price predictions that give you a clear recommendation of whether you should book now or wait for lower fares.