Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

best caribbean cruise line

Harmony of the Seas is your ship if you have a "bigger is better" mentality when it comes to cruise ships. It’s fully loaded with waterslides and top deck attractions, but it’s not one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest, which tends to make it more affordable than the biggest, newest ships. Let’s look at why it’s ranked as one of the best cruise ships in the Caribbean. Many cruises focus on a region, like the Southern, Eastern, or Western Caribbean, and itineraries, regardless of destination, often feature stops at cruise line operated private islands in the Bahamas.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

Beach, beach and more beach — Aruba is definitely a port to be in, on or near the water. It's one of the southernmost Caribbean islands, found just off the coast of Venezuela, and its location protects it from the summer and fall hurricanes that can hammer the islands to its north and east. Animal lovers might want to check out its ostrich farm — not something you usually find in a Caribbean cruise port. Luxury lovers should look at the smaller ships of the Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas fleets for opulent accommodations and fine dining while sailing the tropics. Oceania, Azamara and Windstar Cruises are less inclusive, but still high end. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a two-week island-hopping adventure, Celebrity Cruises has the Caribbean cruise for you with departure ports in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa.

When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?

They often stay longer at a port than other cruise lines, even offering overnight stays in some areas. This makes them one of the best cruise lines for those who really like to explore multiple destinations. SeaDream Yacht Club’s pair of yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, cruise to dreamy Caribbean destinations in relaxed luxury.

Features and Coolest Things to Do on MSC Meraviglia in the Caribbean

best caribbean cruise line

Cruise-selling websites list thousands of individual Caribbean sailings. Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft. Celebrity Cruises' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Get on island time and unwind on some of the best beaches in the world, venture deep into the rainforests, and snorkel the most vibrant reefs on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise getaway with the whole family.

While children are allowed on Oceania cruises, there aren’t any kids’ clubs or child-oriented activities, so this line is probably best for families with older children. You can visit multiple islands without having to deal with the hassle of packing and transportation. Plus, you can enjoy all the fun activities and amenities on board your ship. Holland America offers two complementary shore excursions up to $116 per tour to all their guests. Explore the Caribbean’s lush islands and get to mingle with the locals.

If you're retired and can drive to a port, you can likely find an inside cabin to book just a few weeks prior to sailing. Cruisers can swim, snorkel and scuba dive, of course, but they can also kayak, snuba, Jet Ski, sail and parasail. Sometimes you can do these things right from whatever beach is your destination for the day. Or, book a leisurely sunset sail or high-octane party cruise to get on the water, not necessarily in it.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship. - Yahoo News Canada

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship..

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Holland America offers spacious midsize vessels that carry no more than 2,700 passengers, providing a relaxed and intimate cruising experience ideal for pairs seeking quality time at sea. The line's 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailing from New York City on Carnival Venezia is a solid choice for budget-minded travelers seeking an affordable Caribbean escape. Passengers can swim with graceful stingrays in Gibbs Cay or tour historic Cockburn Town during a port call in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. In Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, you can take an exciting ATV tour through the lush backcountry. Carnival ships sail to the Caribbean from all the major Florida cruise hubs but also from ports as far-flung as New York City; Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Galveston, Texas.

Scarlet Lady Turns Cruising in The Bahamas and Caribbean Upside Down

You can choose between a smaller cruise ship that accommodates 48 passengers only or the newly refurbished Celebrity Equinox that can house 2,850 passengers. If you’re looking for a family cruise that will keep your children entertained for hours (or days rather), look no further than the Disney Caribbean Cruise. The cruise line has ensured that they cater to adults, while your children have the time of their lives. I also recommend that all passengers bring a passport on their Caribbean sailing.

The cruise line lists shore excursions that cater to everyone’s tastes. The activities range from guided island tours to racing through the waves on a two-person jet ski. Life is expensive, and it’s so important that we break away from our normal day-to-day lives to reboot. Nothing like a good package deal or budget-friendly cruise gets you into the holiday mood. A cruise lasts two to sixteen days, with stops in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Bahamas. A basic package like the Carnival Conquest costs around $139 per person.

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Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship to Feature an Epic '80s Music Spectacular.

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Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife. The best Caribbean cruise line if you’re on a tight budget, Carnival offers affordable pricing as well as more options for departure ports than most other cruise lines. This makes it likely that you’ll be able to drive to a nearby port rather than have to fly. You can choose from a huge variety of Carnival cruise itineraries throughout the Caribbean.

Here’s our list of the 10 best cruise ships in The Bahamas and the Caribbean to kickstart your beach dreaming. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.

This culinary- and destination-focused cruise line offers expertly curated travel experiences. Find out why Grenada is dubbed the “Spice Isle,” try some authentic Caribe dishes at the lively and colorful Castries open-air market in Saint Lucia, and learn how to make real rum punch in Barbados. Featuring Broadway-quality live performances, deck parties, exciting shore excursions, fun onboard activities, character experiences, and themed dining, Disney Caribbean cruises range from 4 to 10 nights. Ports of call include Cozumel, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Progreso in the Western Caribbean; the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic in the Eastern Caribbean; and St. Kitts, Barbados, and Aruba in the Southern Caribbean.

The vessel also has multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on its top deck. It also has one of Royal Caribbean's signature Royal Promenades in its interior — a mall-like space filled with eateries, bars and shops. If you enjoy the finer things in life, then Seabourn Cruises will not disappoint. Their cruise liner fleet has beautiful modern accommodation, excellent customer service, and an almost 1-to-1 ratio of guest to crew staff (that’s a lot of individual attention). Imagine your children’s faces when they step onto a ship filled with all their favorite Disney characters. I can’t help imagining seeing Captain Jack Sparrow running along the Caribbean beaches.

One of the best cruise lines for those who like to set their own schedule, Norwegian is popular because of their “freestyle dining,” which lets you choose when and were you want to eat. While not as jam-packed with activities and amenities as some of the other ships on this list, Norwegian ships offer lots to do including waterslides, rock climbing walls, bowling alleys, casinos, and live shows. Princess Cruises are known for their award-winning excursions and experiences at the various ports of call.

Disney Cruise Line also has its own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. One side of the island, the aptly named Serenity Bay, is for grown-ups only. It also has myriad activities for all ages, including a waterfall grotto, ropes course and some of the fastest water slides at sea.

On these cruises, you can explore the fascinating and diverse cultures and traditions throughout the Caribbean, and free your mind while hiking tropical landscapes or diving with colorful sea creatures. Small and medium-size ships get you to both known ports and off-the-beaten path places for more intimate beach and island experiences. However, some ships sail a Western Caribbean itinerary that's more focused on Central America, with stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras. These itineraries are great for travelers who are interested in Mayan or Mexican culture in addition to beaches and water sports. Historic towns, ancient ruins, modern cities, secluded beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals offer something for everyone. The diverse languages and cultures add to the fascination with the Caribbean, and cruises that visit a series of destinations highlight the distinctions among the islands.

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