The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Experience lesser-known Caribbean coastlines, ports, and destinations with Oceania Cruises. Adventure lives around every corner. A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Want more? On a Royal Caribbean Caribbean cruise, you can see towering mountains like Petit Piton in St. Lucia, explore Belizes lush rainforests, and admire Jamaican waterfalls and the coral reefs of Bonaire. Snorkel coral reefs and explore historic Mayan ruins in the Western Caribbean. 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. Cue the calypso music, the Caribbean is calling! Relax with a tropical cocktail in your hand, swim with stingrays and sea turtles, or just take in the calming ocean air. Learn more about Caribbean Shore Excursions. They also have a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Caribbean is in the name after all! One of the best parts of a Caribbean cruise is the freedom to spend your days however you like. Havana Bar serves up fabulous mojitos and ocean views. Let the soft sands and warm winds melt all your worries away. Hopscotching from island to island on the Royal Clipper, in particular, is an electrifying experience. From the ancient ruins of the once-great Mayan Empire to the colorful Dutch colonial city of Willemstad, there is something to enthrall you. Its imperative to feel comfortable and safe while traveling. The insides of the ships are filled with more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine, plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway shows. The lines 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey spends its winters sailing one-way voyages between Barbados and St. Martin with stops at several lesser-visited Caribbean ports. Mayreau is home to fewer than 300 people. Star Clippers sends two vessels to the Caribbean each winter that sail out of St. Martin and Barbados. Those on a budget, who don't want to sacrifice fun. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). For a true bucket list experience, climb the mast or bowsprit netting to feel like you're flying over the ocean. In the family cruise arena, the big players in the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Each of these luxury purveyors typically sends at least two vessels to the Caribbean for part of the year. The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. Families who can take advantage of MSC's kids-sail-free policy. Ashore that can mean relaxing on popular beaches, diving into the local culture or exploring the islands many natural wonders. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate. The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival. Whether youre 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. Walk the docks that once harbored the greatest fleet in the world at Nelson's Dockyard, taste and hear the deep West African influences in everyday Caribbean life, and experience the uniqueness of each island. Main theater puts on production of Broadway's "Mamma Mia!". Hate to wait when boarding or disembarking in port? This travel-lover's favorite destinations include Italy, the Greek isles, and Kentucky Lake. But it isnt for everyone. Our readers third-favorite Caribbean cruise line is known for its immersive destination experiences and award-winning shore excursions. Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. For us, every day is a celebration. Sailing to the region out of the major cruise hubs in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and, soon, Galveston, Texas, the massive ships offer everything from multiple outdoor pool zones and giant waterslides to surfing simulators, rock climbing walls and zip lines. Plus these are the first ships designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass. Sailing from: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami and New York. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. These three lines dominate the world of megaresorts at sea with 21 of the planets 25 biggest and most-amenity-filled vessels (more than a dozen of which are deployed at least part of the year in the Caribbean). Sailing to the Caribbean out of Miami, the 3,998-passenger vessel isnt quite as big and activity-packed as the Oasis Class ships. Several small-ship cruise operators including Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises and Ponant have made the off-the-beaten-path corners of the Caribbean something of a focus. Take in unparalleled sights with an umbrella drink in your hand from a floating resort. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Others are horrified by the very idea of them. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary. Explore destinations easily on a MedallionClass vacation. Soak up some vitamin D on Princess Cays, Princess Private Island resort, and enjoy watersports or an encounter with stingrays in brilliant turquoise waters. Theres no better way tocruise the Caribbean than on one of the bold, new additions to our fleet. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. Multigenerational groups who don't need all the "mainstream gimmicks". Learn more about Western Caribbean Cruises. Even if you know the kind of ship you want, theres also the issue of destination. And you can post your experiences with ease, thanks to Princess MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea now on land! One of the ways that the company keeps its fares low is by jamming a lot of people onto its ships. Almost all specialty restaurants are free of charge. The best for your kids? Learn more about Southern Caribbean Cruises. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. These are cruises where its really all about the ship. With the first onboard go-karts track, laser tag, and expansive aqua parks, its also a great cruise line for families. The latter is the obvious choice if youre a Disney lover. For some luxury lines, the Caribbean is almost an afterthought. The lines Caribbean itineraries include such lesser-visited places as Little Bay, Montserrat; Gustavia, St. Barts; and Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines. Just be prepared to pay up big time for the privilege of sailing with Captain Mickey. There is no shortage of choice for a cruise to the Caribbean the most popular place in the world for cruising. Wherever you visit, youll find delicious local flavors and some Caribbean rum! Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. And thats just on their outer decks. This five-masted sailing ship conjures up images of another era -- and is perfect for anyone who's turned off by the idea of a big ship. 6294). Another thing cruisers appreciate about Princess is the More Ashore program, which lets passengers experience ports after dark with late-night departures and overnight stays in ports such as Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas, and Cozumel. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together. Learn more about Caribbean Getaways Cruises. The line also has offered rare-in-the-industry sailings out of Puerto Morelos, Mexico (near Cancun), that feature calls along the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. With so many options, where do you even begin? Here are the results! Word on the Street: Disney Fantasy Reviews, Word on the Street: Regal Princess Reviews, 7 Reasons Why You Should Take a Koningsdam Cruise, 8 Reasons Oceania Is the Cruise Line for You, Word on the Street: Oceania Riviera Reviews, 10 Reasons Why Star Clippers is the Cruise Line for You, 10 Reasons Why Star Clippers Is the Cruise Line for You, Climbing the Mast: We Try It on Star Clippers, Word on the Street: Royal Clipper Reviews. There are some cruisers who like to spend every minute they can off the ship. In addition to writing for Quillt sites such as SeniorsMatter.com and Oola.com, shes also written for Zumper.com and served as Oola's editor before becoming a Content Strategist for TravelAwaits. Spring is the perfect time for renewal and relaxation. Prefer to explore historic Mayan ruins? Caribbean cruise ports include St. Kitts, Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Honduras, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico. The District, for example, is a hub of multiple bars and lounges that enforces an "18 to enter, 21 to drink" policy after 9 p.m. Regal Princess is prime for those who seek a more refined atmosphere but don't want to sacrifice fun. Foodies, thanks to quality restaurants and cooking classes. The Eastern Caribbean's world famous beaches await. When it comes to megaships, theres nothing in the Caribbean quite like the four vessels of the groundbreaking Royal Caribbean series. Bridge has an open-door policy for marine navigation geeks. Related: The 12 best cruise ships for childlike fun. If more is better is your mantra, many cruise aficionados (myself included) will tell you to narrow things even further by just typing these two words into your search engine: Oasis Class. Families who want a nice balance of action and relaxation. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Each ship is over 20% bigger than any other cruise ship afloat and, hands down, the ultimate seaworthy resort experience. White sand beaches and coral reefs await on Caribbean Getaway cruises. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. But keep in mind that the biggest megaresorts on land are even bigger. This can be great news for would-be Caribbean cruisers. Mayan ruins, exciting eco adventures and the friendly spirit of Jamaica await in the Western Caribbean. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. Keep in mind, this is just a beginners guide. The 2,850-passenger ship is bold, chic and sophisticated -- from its decor, such as a live tree adorning the atrium, to its features, which include some of the best dining in mainstream cruising as well as a wide variety of suites. Note that Disney die-hards will tell you there is no other line for families than Disney. Broadway entertainment includes Tony Award-winning musical "After Midnight.". See, The best credit cards for booking cruises, using points and miles to fly to the Caribbean, The 12 best cruise ships for childlike fun, The ultimate guide to Disney ships and itineraries, pay significantly more for a family cruise with Disney, deploys its Caribbean-focused vessels to a wider variety of U.S. home ports, The ultimate guide to Carnival ships and itineraries, How to plan a cruise with points and miles, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Spruce Goose getting ready for the 75th anniversary of its only flight, Airport combats staffing challenges with new virtual food hall concept, Look again: Monitors at Pittsburgh Airport offer mental health messages, not ads, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets, Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels, Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases, 80,000 Points are redeemable for $800 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com, No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card. 19952022, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Whether youre a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess. Norwegian features spacious, modern staterooms as well as award-winning dining and entertainment. (Don't worry: It's still got Carnival favorites like Guy's Burger Joint, the Alchemy Bar and adults-only Serenity deck.) Piazza atrium offers restaurants, bars and entertainment. Immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean culture and life on islands that blend their colonial influence with native charms. The money-is-no-object crowd will have better luck finding Caribbean itineraries from luxury lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line. Disney takes the cake when it comes to family cruising. The ship visits more ports in a single week than the average mainstream cruise ship -- and offers a robust, unique selection of shore excursions -- so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the Caribbean's hidden gems. Order drinks that find you. Are we surprised? Or explore Cozumels ancient Mayan ruins and exciting national parks. Traverse the Panama Canal, snorkel with sea turtles and parrotfish in St. Lucia, and ride horses on Half Moon Cay, the cruise lines exclusive private island in the Bahamas. Once you have a rough idea of the type of cruise for which youre looking, youll want to do a deeper dive into specific ships, their itineraries and home ports, and their comparable costs (either on your own or with the help of a travel agent who specializes in cruises). Even on rainy days, the fun continues with indoor attractions like a Caribbean-themed brewery and IMAX theater. Compare everything from onboard activities to price tags in our breakdown of the 10 best cruise ships in the Caribbean. The two Star Clippers vessels (the 170-passenger Star Flyer and 227-passenger Royal Clipper) are, notably, sailing ships. Dont miss our new guide to the best points hotels in the Caribbean and our guide to using points and miles to fly to the Caribbean. Another line thats shaping up to be a leader in the solo cruise market in the Caribbean is Virgin Voyages. Norwegian boasts not one, but two private islands: Harvest Caye And Great Stirrup Cay. Family-friendly fun. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean. Several nearly-as-big Norwegian vessels filled with family-friendly amusements, including Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Escape, also sail regularly to the Caribbean. Silversea also has a handful of voyages out of Barbados, which is something of a hub for small upscale vessels sailing in the Caribbean. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. But theyre superbly designed to maximize storage space. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. It also has myriad activities for all ages, including a waterfall grotto, ropes course and some of the fastest water slides at sea. The best ship and sailing in the Caribbean for whom? Our cruise holidays are ATOL protected (No. The 4,248-passenger floating resort has two Buffett franchises onboard, 28 restaurants and 21 bars, so you'll never have to wait for it to be 5 o'clock somewhere. Beautiful, two-tiered pool deck for daytime lounging and nighttime movies. The former is a top choice for budget-constrained families as fares for Carnival itineraries, on a like-for-like basis, often are significantly lower than fares for itineraries at other lines. For those who wouldnt be caught dead on a vessel that doesnt have butler service and free-flowing caviar, the Caribbean can be a tough spot. Couples who want to relax by day and let loose at night. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. Seabourn and Silversea arent the only lines that offer sailings to the Caribbeans less-popular ports. Entertainment at times is as lowbrow as the line is low cost. Adults-only pool offers soothing views from the back of the ship. Art lovers, thanks to a studio and professional-led classes. Learn more. AquaClass cabins offer perks like thermal suite access and a healthier room service menu. Active solo travelers, who like Escape's Studio cabins for one. Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the regions best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. But kids aren't the ship's only focus. No other ships boast as many activities that will get a teen or tweens heart racing. But theyre still packed with a lot of fun-focused attractions, including multiple pool areas, waterparks with waterslides and, on the newest Carnival ships, the lines signature, deck-top SportSquare areas with ropes courses, basketball courts, miniature golf courses and other outdoor amusements. It's all about tradition on Holland America's Koningsdam. If your idea of a great vacation is a week at a big, bustling resort filled with every sort of amusement known to humans, youll probably want to start your Caribbean cruise search with a look at the biggest vessels from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Plus, earn 3 ThankYou points per $1 at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets and on air travel and hotels. The best for you? More than 200 cruise ships spend at least part of every year in the region. Cruisers with disabilities who need large accessible cabins and wide decks. or are simply in need of some vitamin D, we make it easy to decide which option is best for you. Wine-making venue lets you blend and bottle your own creations. Sun lovers will enjoy features like a chic pool surrounded by daybeds, a boardwalk that wraps around the ship, glass-bottom bridges and lots of deck space. In a region so full of new experiences, unique culinary delights and deep history, why trust anyone but the experts? Zipline above the lush jungle, snorkel through a coral reef teeming with life, take an off-road vehicle deep into the rainforest or sail a catamaran out to explore a shipwreck. Adults, even without kids in tow, have plenty of spaces to themselves. Wide variety of dining, including Asian venue by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi. Onboard marina offers kayaks, paddleboards and other water toys. High-diving aerial performances at the AquaTheater. Other top picks for families include the many Caribbean-focused vessels of cruise giant Carnival (which carries more children than any other line) and the Caribbean-bound ships of Disney. Those who want a more upscale feel without breaking the bank. Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. The self-described fun ship line is all about fun in a very loud sort of way. Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel on board your Caribbean cruise! Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. This culinary- and destination-focused cruise line offers expertly curated travel experiences. Couples who prefer a slower-paced vacation schedule. Couples who prefer trendy bars, with microbrews and crafted cocktails. This is, again, because of the incredible array of attractions their size allows. Below, well help you narrow down the choices by looking at Caribbean cruises by broad category type. The Caribbean has been a land of adventure for hundreds of years, and there's excitement for every traveler, now more than ever. The good news is that, in the Caribbean at least, there really is something for everyone and not just when it comes to cruising. Check out ancient forts, museums, old churchyards, and UNESCO World Heritage sites in ports of call like St. Kitts and Nevis, Curacao, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Based on early images of the rooms released by Virgin Voyages, they might just become the coolest solo cabins around. Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival ships and itineraries. Those who want to take a trip back in time. As part of our 2022 Best of Travel Awards, we asked our readers what their favorite Caribbean cruise lines are. When it comes to picking the best cruise in the Caribbean, as with picking the best cruise anywhere, a lot comes down to tastes and preferences. The startup cruise operators first vessel, Scarlet Lady, has 46 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles. The two trips can be combined back to back to create a 14-day Caribbean adventure. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet Internet, 2022 - 2023 Caribbean New Cruise Itineraries. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands. Known for world-famous beaches, stingrays and limitless water activities, this is the perfect option for a sunny Caribbean cruise vacation, reconnecting with loved ones. The Bahamas, a series of islands with sparkling waters and pristine beaches, is a top Caribbean cruise destination. Each voyage illuminates the heart of Caribbean life, so come see what makes these islands legendary. It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean, hopping between tropical islands and white-sand beaches from the comfortable luxury of your ship. Some people love the big-resort feel of the biggest-of-big ships. Take in vibrant island nightlife with seafood dinners, live music, and street fair shopping. Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Which kind of cruiser are you? Foodies especially will enjoy the chef-curated island flavors from jerk seasoning to curries; fresh fruit like mango, papaya, guava, and coconut; and fresh seafood such as mahi-mahi, grouper, kingfish, red and yellowtail snapper, and conch. What you wont find on the Oasis Class ships, which include the new queen bee of the cruise world, the 18-deck-high, 1,188-foot-long Symphony of the Seas, is intimacy. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife. 2022 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. For some would-be cruisers, port stops are a big factor. One day per cruise is dedicated to a beach barbecue. Oceanfront promenade offers alfresco dining and bars. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. In past years, Ponant also has offered a handful of Caribbean sailings out of Fort-de-France, Martinique, that include stops in Mayreau, Tobago Cays and several other secret Caribbean spots. When sunshine, frozen pina coladas and steel drums call, you know it's time for a Caribbean cruise. The biggest resort in the U.S., The Venetian in Las Vegas, has 7,092 rooms. As someone who writes full time about cruising, I get the latter question a lot and I always answer the same noncommittal way: It depends. The 5,400-passenger behemoth (along with island-hopping sister ships Oasis, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas) feels more like a floating resort than a ship, thanks to its Coney Island-style boardwalk; array of restaurants, bars and activities; and double the fun with two rock climbing walls and surf simulators.
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