25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

The Caribbean islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Ships from ocean liners and yachts to small expedition vessels and sailboats carry cruisers who enjoy the time at sea as well as the islands' beauty, colorful marine life, and tropical weather.

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.

Caribbean cruises depart from many port cities, so for some travelers, a few days in a new place before or after the cruise adds to the experience. Cruises can be family-focused or adults-only, and many accommodate all ages with activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, a cruise can fit into your plans. Here are some of the best Caribbean cruises to inspire your island vacation.

Ponant's Panama, Colombia, and Caribbean Islands

Duration: 12 nights

Dates: March 17, 2023; March 9, 2024

What to expect: This voyage aboard the 184-passenger Le Dumont D'Urville begins in Panama’s second-largest city of Colón, which sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The first stop is the San Blas Islands, where guests can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and learn about the traditional fishing techniques of the Kuna people. Next is Cartagena, Colombia, home to a colorful and lively UNESCO-listed historical center, and Santa Marta, a gateway to the lush Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal chain of mountains in the world. After a day at sea, the ship arrives at the diving hotspot of Bonaire. Highlights after that include Grenada's capital city of St. George’s, the tranquil beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the lush rainforest of St. Lucia. The second-last port is Les Saintes, a pristine and mostly-uninhabited archipelago of nine islands in Guadeloupe. After swimming, snorkeling, and reflecting on the journey, guests disembark the next day in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Disney Cruise Line's 6-night Western Caribbean Cruise From New Orleans

Duration: Six nights

Dates: March 17, 2023

What to expect: There's much to do in New Orleans before boarding the 875-room Disney Magic for the cruise, so a day at sea on the way to Cozumel might be the perfect time to relax. For young cruisers, there are clubs, games, pools, and Disney character encounters. Adults might enjoy the spa, nightclubs, restaurants, and evening entertainment. In Cozumel, there's scuba diving or a catamaran cruise. The next day in Grand Cayman, options include a glass-bottom boat adventure or beach getaway. The following day is spent at sea with time to enjoy Disney Magic's amenities before returning to New Orleans.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 18, 2023; March 25, 2023; April 1, 2023; April 8, 2023; Nov. 25, 2023; Dec. 9, 2023; Dec. 23, 2023; Jan. 6, 2024

What to expect: This cruise departs from Port Canaveral and spends the next day at sea aboard Norwegian Escape, which has 2,174 staterooms, 19 dining options, a spa, a water slide, and a casino. The first port is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, with time to enjoy the city views or explore on a hike. The ship visits Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where guests can enjoy duty-free shopping, beaches, and an optional catamaran cruise. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, where guests can snorkel, drive a Jeep on the beach, or tour the forest canopy before heading out to sea for a day. Next is Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, a private island for NCL guests to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, WaveRunner adventures, or relaxing in a beachfront cabana.

Princess Cruises' 7-day Eastern Caribbean With St. Kitts

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 19, 2023

What to expect: Guests board the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess in Fort Lauderdale and cruise to Princess Cays on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A beach barbecue, a local craft market, and water activities from snorkeling to fishing are available on the private island resort. The next day at sea on the way to St. Thomas offers time to enjoy onboard activities including the pool, spa, sports court, and casino, as well as programs for young cruisers. In St. Thomas, there's a sunset catamaran cruise, snorkeling, and diving. The next day in St. Kitts offers a day at the beach, a hike, and a scenic drive. With the next two days at sea, guests can enjoy the ship's restaurants and Discovery at Sea programs before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Bridgetown to Bridgetown

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 19, 2023

What to expect: This cruise aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 149-suite Evrima ship starts in Bridgetown, Barbados, and heads to Tobago’s settlement of Charlotteville, where cruisers can snorkel, explore hidden coves, and head to the secluded beach of Pirate’s Bay. A stop in Grenada’s pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George’s gives guests a perfect opportunity to stretch their legs while viewing 18th-century architecture. The next few days are dedicated to the pristine palm-lined beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, before a stop in bustling Fort-de-France, Martinique, provides a change of scenery. The final destination before returning to Bridgetown, Barbados, is Soufrière, St. Lucia, a gateway to natural wonders like the steaming volcanic crater of Sulphur Springs, the organic gardens of the Tet Paul Nature Trail, and lush rainforest that can be explored via guided hikes.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Western Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel, and Roatan

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 19, 2023; March 26, 2023; April 2, 2023; April 9, 2023; Dec. 17, 2023; Dec. 24, 2023; Dec. 31, 2023; Jan. 7, 2024; Jan 21, 2024

What to expect: This cruise leaves from New Orleans, so the celebration can start even before guests board the 3,959-passenger Norwegian Breakaway for a day at sea with nightly entertainment, a casino, a spa, and a water park. There's the Splash Academy for young cruisers and the Entourage games and activities lounge for teens. The ship arrives at Costa Maya, Mexico, home to Mayan ruins, beaches, fly fishing, and river tubing. Belize is the next port, with river rafting through the jungle and relaxing on the beach. The next day is spent on Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras, for snorkeling or a beach day. In Cozumel, off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, there's snorkeling, trolley tours, and tequila tasting. After another day at sea, Norwegian Breakaway returns to New Orleans.

Royal Caribbean's 7-night Southern Caribbean

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 19, 2023; March 26, 2023; April 9, 2023; April 16, 2023

What to expect: This cruise boards the 2,416-guest Rhapsody of the Seas in Bridgetown, Barbados. The next port is the island of Tobago, with secluded coves and snorkeling. From there, the ship goes to Trinidad, home of botanical gardens, a historic fortress, and beaches. The next port is Grenada, "Spice Island," where guests can hike, snorkel, shop, or explore on the Grenada Discovery Train. Kingstown, St. Vincent, features white-sand beaches, coral reefs, hiking trails, and lush jungles. In Dominica, guests will find waterfalls, rainforests, and thermal springs. St. Lucia is next, with stunning views of the mountainous Pitons from a coastal catamaran cruise. Guests can hike to the peaks, explore rainforests, or visit fishing villages. The next day, the ship returns to Bridgetown, Barbados, for disembarkation.

Virgin Voyages' Eastern Caribbean Antilles

Duration: Eight nights

Dates: March 25, 2023; April 8, 2023; Nov. 18, 2023; Dec. 2, 2023; Dec. 30, 2023; Jan. 13, 2024; Jan. 27, 2024; Feb. 10, 2024; Feb. 24, 2024; March 9, 2024; March 23, 2024; April 6, 2024

What to expect: This adults-only cruise from Miami features a mix of adventure-filled days, nightlife, and experiences that are exclusive to Virgin Voyages guests. After boarding the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady, the first stop is the Dominican port of Puerto Plata, where excursions include an off-road adventure through villages, rivers, and waterfalls, a cable car ride up to the mountains, and a rum-tasting tour. The next stop in San Juan includes a late-night stay, giving guests extra time to experience Puerto Rico’s capital city in the evening. After a stop in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, cruisers can enjoy the ship's many bars and restaurants before arriving at The Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini, where they can indulge in a private beach club experience, or set out to explore the Bahamas' reefs, culture, and history on guided excursions.

Royal Caribbean's 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise

Duration: Four nights

Dates: Several sailings between March and October 2023

What to expect: This cruise on the 4,370-passenger Independence of the Seas boards in Port Canaveral and heads to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day. Options there include Atlantis Resort and its waterpark, aquariums, and waterslides, as well as shopping and lounging on the beach. A day at sea provides time to enjoy the ship's water sports, nightlife, and restaurants. The ship arrives at CocoCay, Bahamas, for a day of fun in the freshwater pool, water park, Oasis Lagoon, and Coco Beach Club. The ship then returns to Port Canaveral for disembarkation.

Windstar Cruises' Classic Caribbean

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: March 25, 2023; Dec. 9, 2023; Dec. 23, 2023; Jan. 6, 2024; Jan. 20, 2024; Feb. 3, 2024; Feb. 17, 2024; March 2, 2024; March 16, 2024

What to expect: The cruise begins in St. Maarten aboard Wind Surf, a majestic 342-guest sailing ship with 150 luxurious staterooms. From there, the ship sails to Nevis for hiking, biking, deep-sea fishing, or visiting the botanical gardens. The next ports are Roseau and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, where guests can explore rainforests and waterfalls. You can even hop aboard an aerial tram for a ride over the rainforest. In Guadeloupe, the Les Saintes archipelago offers snorkeling and rum sampling. The cruise then heads to St. Barts for a catamaran sail. In Basseterre, St. Kitts, there's an island tour, scenic railway, and zip line adventure before the ship returns to St. Maarten.

Hurtigruten's Expedition Cruise to the Southern Caribbean

Duration: Nine nights

Dates: April 16, 2023

What to expect: Guests board the 250-passenger MS Fram expedition ship in Colón, Panama, before sailing eastward along the Caribbean coast. Stops along the way include scenic destinations like Panama’s sandy San Blas islands and Colombia’s historic town of Santa Marta. After exploring the desert landscapes of the Guajira Peninsula in Colombia, the ship visits five different islands: Bonaire, Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada. Unlike traditional cruises, Hurtigruten engages guests with citizen science programs, in-depth lectures from its expedition team, and purpose-driven excursions centered around mindfully exploring nature and the local cultures. Options include guided visits to Indigenous communities, hikes along rugged trails, and opportunities to learn about wildlife like Bonaire’s famous pink flamingos. The ship is equipped with its own science center, as well as elegant Nordic-inspired lounges and restaurants, so guests can choose to either dive into research or rest and relaxation.

Windstar Cruises' Boston Sights, Warm Caribbean Nights

Duration: 10 nights

Dates: Oct. 26, 2023; Oct. 23, 2024

What to expect: Sailing from Boston aboard the all-suite Star Pride, which accommodates a maximum of 312 guests, cruisers can enjoy the spa, dining venues, and infinity pool during two days at sea on their way to Bermuda. In Hamilton, shopping, kayaking, and fresh seafood restaurants await, and in St. George's, guests can tour natural grottos or a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two more days at sea take cruisers to St. Barts, where options include a sunset cruise and semi-submersible adventure. St. Maarten is the final port, and guests can explore on an island tour and watch sailboat racing after disembarkation.

Celebrity Cruises' 5-night Bahamas and Mexico

Duration: Five nights

Dates: Nov. 4, 2023; Nov. 18, 2023; Dec. 2, 2023; Dec. 16, 2023; Jan. 13, 2024; Feb. 24, 2024; March 9, 2024; April 6, 2024

What to expect: This cruise boards the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit in Miami and heads to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day of relaxing beaches, duty-free shopping, and dining on the local specialty, conch fritters. A day at sea is next, with time to enjoy the ship's amenities, casino, and a rooftop terrace with a bar, restaurant, and al fresco movie theater. The ship arrives in Cozumel for snorkeling, diving, or exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum. After another day of cruising the Caribbean, the ship returns to Miami.

Ponant's Pearls of the Caribbean Cruise

Duration: Eight nights

Dates: Nov. 5, 2023; Nov. 13, 2023; Jan. 20, 2024; Feb. 5, 2024

What to expect: From Martinique's capital of Fort-de-France, the 184-passenger Le Bellot sails to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bequia Island with lively Port Elizabeth, beaches, and the tropical rainforest. Mayreau Island offers peaceful, sandy beaches and snorkeling before guests head to Grenada the following day for Zodiac tours. The ship then stops at Bridgetown, the UNESCO-recognized capital of Barbados, and Southern Grenadines' Tobago Cays, five small islands set in lagoons teeming with marine life including green sea turtles. Pigeon Island, a national park in St. Lucia, is home to sandy beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. A stop in Soufrière gives passengers a closer look at the volcanic spires, then after a stop in Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, the ship sails back to Martinique. Along the way, there's ample time to enjoy the ship's swimming pool, underwater lounge, and elegant decor.

Azamara's 9-night Atlantic Quest Voyage

Duration: Nine nights

Dates: Nov. 9, 2023

What to expect: Guests board the Azamara Quest in Lisbon, Portugal, for an ocean crossing to Bridgetown, Barbados. Funchal, Madeira, is the first port after a day at sea enjoying the ship's entertainment, activities, and restaurant options that range from fine dining to casual. The ship, which can carry about 700 passengers, spends five days crossing the Atlantic. During that time, the luxurious ship's spa, fitness center, boutiques, enrichment programs, cocktail lounges, and performances keep guests entertained as they choose. In Bridgetown, Barbados, the historic streets, restaurants, duty-free shops, Mount Gay Rum distillery, and tropical atmosphere welcome cruisers to the tropical island.

Viking Ocean Cruises' West Indies Explorer

Duration: 10 nights

Dates: Nov. 16, 2023; Dec. 20, 2023; Dec. 30, 2023; Jan. 9, 2024; Feb. 12, 2024; Feb. 22, 2024

What to expect: Guests board the 930-passenger Viking Sea in San Juan before enjoying a day of kayaking, exploring the town, or horseback riding. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, with time for snorkeling and the beach before heading to St. Kitts and Nevis. A rainforest safari and scenic railway trip are options there. In St. Lucia the next day, there's an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy and a catamaran tour. Bridgetown, Barbados, is the next port, and then Dominica the following day. Antigua and Barbuda offer a beach retreat or Segway city tour. In St. Maarten, sailing fans can participate in a simulated America's Cup race aboard a yacht. St. Thomas is the final stop before returning to San Juan.

Seabourn Cruises' 14-day Leeward Island Jewels

Duration: 12 nights

Dates: Nov. 17, 2023

What to expect: The cruise begins in Miami, where guests board Seabourn Sojourn for a day at sea on the way to San Juan. The ship offers 229 suites and an observation lounge and bar for enjoying the sea views. A city tour, El Yunque rainforest drive, and culinary adventure are options. The next port is St. Martin, and then the ship continues to Guadeloupe for a day of touring or hiking. In Martinique, guests can explore the historical architecture and boutiques before heading to Barbados' UNESCO-listed capital city of Bridgetown. Rodney Bay offers a less-crowded access point to St. Lucia's natural wonders, while zip lining, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling, and kayaking await in Antigua and Barbuda. Next, Carambola Beach in St. Kitts and Nevis is home to the island's most luxurious beach clubs and restaurants. Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is the last port before the ship returns to Miami.

Viking Ocean Cruises' Amazon and Caribbean Adventure

Duration: 12 nights

Dates: Nov. 26, 2023; Dec. 8, 2023; Jan. 19, 2024; Jan. 31, 2024; March 3, 2024; March 15, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard the 930-guest Viking Sea begins in San Juan with time to explore historic Old San Juan and the island's white-sand beaches. Antigua and Barbuda are the next ports, where guests have a day to explore on land or via a catamaran cruise. In St. Lucia the next day, there's an aerial tram to the rainforest canopy and a hands-on cooking class. The ship arrives at Bridgetown, Barbados, for a day and then heads out to sea for a day on the way to French Guiana. The next day is at sea, with time to enjoy the ship's activities before arriving at the Amazon River. The ship cruises the Amazon to the town of Santarém for some time at the local market. The next port in Brazil is Parintins, for a colorful folk performance, and then on to Manaus, 1,000 miles upriver from the Atlantic. Guests disembark in Manaus, Brazil, to travel home or explore the city.

Silversea's San Juan to Bridgetown

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: Nov. 27, 2023

What to expect: This activity-packed voyage on the 728-passenger Silver Nova ship — one of the most spacious and environmentally friendly vessels in Silversea’s fleet — begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The first stop is St. Thomas, where a mountaintop rum-tasting tour or kayaking adventure awaits. The next ports are St. Barts and St. Maarten, where cruisers can take it slow with an island art tour or join a yacht race. The following two days include stops in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Fort-de-France, Martinique, with shore excursions ranging from hikes to cooking classes. On the seventh day, the ship arrives in Castries, St. Lucia, where guests have the option to appreciate the capital city from above on a flightseeing helicopter tour or an aerial tram and zip-lining adventure, before ending the voyage in Bridgetown, Barbados. 

Oceania Cruises' Tropical Retreats

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: Dec. 11, 2023; Feb. 11, 2024; March 9, 2024

What to expect: Passengers board in Miami for a day at sea on Oceania Cruises' Vista, with a pool bar, casino, spa, shops, 10 restaurants, and entertainment. The ship carries 1,200 passengers and features a wide variety of cabins including Oceania's first solo cabins. The first port is Costa Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast where guests can snorkel, kayak, relax on the beach, or explore nearby Mayan ruins. The next port is Harvest Caye, Belize, with beachfront villas and poolside cabanas that can be rented for the day and a lagoon for kayaks and pedal boats. Roatán, Honduras, is next, a remote island with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Cozumel, Mexico's largest Caribbean island, offers shopping for local handicrafts and duty-free deals as well as snorkeling, river tubing, and boating. After a day at sea to relax and enjoy Vista's amenities, the ship arrives back in Miami.

Celebrity Cruises' Southern Caribbean

Duration: 11 nights

Dates: Dec. 11, 2023, Jan. 8, 2024, Feb. 19, 2024; April 1, 2024

What to expect: After leaving Fort Lauderdale, this cruise begins with a day at sea, providing guests with ample time to enjoy the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond's expansive top deck, restaurants, and bars. After some beach time in Grand Cayman, another day at sea is followed by a stop in vibrant Cartagena, Colombia, before cruising over to the Dutch Caribbean islands, with stops in Aruba and Curacao. Another day at sea allows guests to relax before disembarking for the day in Jamaica, where activity options range from riding a 30-foot bamboo raft along the lazy Martha Brae River to visiting Rose Hall Great House, the former home of Jamaica's White Witch, Annie Palmer, whose spirit is said to still haunt the grounds. After another day at sea, the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale. 

Holland America Line's 7-day Tropical Caribbean

Duration: 7 nights

Dates: Dec. 29, 2023

What to expect: Boarding in Fort Lauderdale, this voyage invites cruisers to ring in the new year in the Caribbean. After a night at sea, the ship arrives at Half Moon Bay, Bahamas, Holland America Line's private island with boating, snorkeling, biking, hiking, or horseback riding excursions. Then a day is spent on-board the cruise while heading towards the next stop in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the shore. The next port is Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, to swim and snorkel or visit a rum distillery or cigar factory. After another day at sea, the elegant 2,668-passenger Rotterdam arrives in Key West, Florida, for a chance to visit the bars and restaurants of Duval Street and enjoy the historic architecture.

Disney Cruise Line's 4-night Western Caribbean Cruise From Galveston

Duration: Four nights

Dates: Jan. 8, 2024; Jan. 17, 2024; Jan. 26, 2024; March 6, 2024; March 10, 2024; March 14, 2024; March 31, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard the 2,500-guest Disney Magic leaves from Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast. Before boarding, guests can spend a day at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier or visit the downtown district. After a day at sea enjoying the ship's freshwater pool, musical entertainment, kids' clubs, and restaurants, the ship arrives in Cozumel, Mexico, for a day of snorkeling, swimming, exploring the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization, or browsing for handmade souvenirs at local markets. The next day cruising back through the Gulf of Mexico is more time to experience the spa, games, Disney characters, and dining spots on the ship until it returns to Galveston.

Lindblad Expeditions' Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud

Duration: Seven nights

Dates: Jan. 26, 2024; Feb. 2, 2024; Feb. 9, 2024; Feb. 16, 2024

What to expect: This cruise aboard Sea Cloud, a historic square-rigger ship that can accommodate 64 passengers, begins in Bridgetown, Barbados, for a true sailing adventure. The next day at sea provides time to relax on deck, observe the rigging crew as they hand-set the ship's 30 sails, or learn about the planned destinations. The next day is spent swimming and snorkeling in Dominica before sailing on to Guadeloupe. The island of Bequia in the Grenadines is the next destination, where there's a model boat museum, a charming waterfront town, and local shops. Sea Cloud then sails on to Grenada and St. Lucia, home to a volcanic crater, waterfalls, sulfur springs, and mountains, then ends back in Barbados.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Magic in the Caribbean

Duration: 10 nights

Dates: March 5, 2024

What to expect: Passengers board the 750-guest Seven Seas Grandeur in Miami and cruise to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas before spending the next day at sea, enjoying the ship's amenities, including the fitness center, spa, bocce court, cooking classes, infinity pool, and much more. Then it's five days of island hopping to Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Dominica, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands. Two more days at sea provide plenty of time to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer before returning to Miami to disembark.