Caribbean Cruises

The Caribbean is the world’s most popular cruise region: a warm, island-studded sea between the Americas where most itineraries sail year-round from Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and Barbados. Cruises are usually split into three routes. The Eastern Caribbean takes in the Bahamas, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten; the Western Caribbean calls at Cozumel, Belize, Honduras and the Cayman Islands; and the Southern Caribbean reaches further to Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados and St. Lucia.

Days ashore range from beaches and snorkelling over coral reefs to rainforest walks, Mayan ruins on the Yucatán coast and colourful colonial towns such as Old San Juan. Many lines also stop at their own private islands in the Bahamas, which are built for an easy beach day.

Short three- to five-night sailings make the Caribbean an easy first cruise, while seven-night and longer itineraries suit families and couples who want more islands and more time ashore. The main season runs from December to April; the Atlantic hurricane season, from June to November, can bring changes to itineraries.