For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. And our newest ships. Just be prepared to pay up big time for the privilege of sailing with Captain Mickey. (Don't worry: It's still got Carnival favorites like Guy's Burger Joint, the Alchemy Bar and adults-only Serenity deck.) Luckily, you can choose from a wide variety of ships and itineraries throughout the Eastern, Western and Southern regions. 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. 2022 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. Do it all in just a few days on a short Caribbean cruise. Some of the most interesting luxury itineraries in the Caribbean come from Seabourn. These are vessels that can carry as many as 6,780 passengers when every berth is filled. Multigenerational groups who don't need all the "mainstream gimmicks". Youll likely pay significantly more for a family cruise with Disney than for one with either Royal Caribbean or Carnival. On sunny days, head to the Lawn Club for a game of bocce or a picnic with wine and cheese. These are cruises where its really all about the ship. Sailing from: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami and New York. The current title holder for worlds largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International, is also our Best of Travel Awards winner for Best Caribbean Cruise Line 2022. Sing your way through the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaao), marvel at natural wonders, and immerse yourself in a cacophony of Caribbean culture in the Southern Caribbean. Top 5 Cruise Line Private Islands (Princess Cays). But it also can be overwhelming. Snorkel coral reefs and explore historic Mayan ruins in the Western Caribbean. And thats just on their outer decks. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean. One side of the island, the aptly named Serenity Bay, is for grown-ups only. In the family cruise arena, the big players in the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. Havana Bar serves up fabulous mojitos and ocean views. Enjoy the lush wildernesses of southern Mexico, unspoiled coral reefs of Belize and Roatan, underground caves on the Island of Cozumel and so much more.
The typical Norwegian Cruise Line ship has a space ratio between 36 and 41. Learn more about Eastern Caribbean Cruises. Many of the lines vessels have a space ratio a measure of the amount of interior space available per passenger in the low 30s. Learn more about Caribbean Getaways Cruises. Let the soft sands and warm winds melt all your worries away. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises. 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. 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.
The biggest resort in the U.S., The Venetian in Las Vegas, has 7,092 rooms. 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. Yacht Club offers more exclusive suites and secluded pool deck. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. There's also the occasional pool game; just don't expect any belly flop contests. They operate with around 2,200 crew. Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel on board your Caribbean cruise!
Whether you're keen on visiting a particular port (scuba diving in Grenada, anyone?) Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. Grass-covered sun deck, great for sunbathing, grilling and picnics. They also have a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. Those who want a more upscale feel without breaking the bank. Adults, even without kids in tow, have plenty of spaces to themselves.
The line that many longtime industry watchers (including me) consider the epitome of high-end cruising, Crystal Cruises, only has six sailings in the Caribbean planned for 2021. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program.
More than 400 feet long with five masts and 42 sails, its one of the largest square-rigged sailing vessels in the world. Even on rainy days, the fun continues with indoor attractions like a Caribbean-themed brewery and IMAX theater. For us, every day is a celebration. AquaClass cabins offer perks like thermal suite access and a healthier room service menu. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences, and savor the journey.
Go swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, travel through dense jungles to hidden Mayan ruins on Cozumel, snorkel the worlds second largest barrier reef in Belize or sail on a thrilling catamaran in Antigua. There is no shortage of choice for a cruise to the Caribbean the most popular place in the world for cruising.
Those on a budget, who don't want to sacrifice fun. Plus, earn 3 ThankYou points per $1 at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets and on air travel and hotels. 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. Wherever you visit, youll find delicious local flavors and some Caribbean rum!
The 2,500-passenger Disney Fantasy wows little ones with character meet-and-greets, a watercoaster, action-packed kids' clubs and magical nighttime shows. 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). See the Caribbean through our guests' eyes. The typical big-ship itinerary in the Caribbean revolves around such oft-visited cruise destinations as St. Thomas, St. Martin and Cozumel, Mexico. 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. Plus these are the first ships designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass. Note that Disney die-hards will tell you there is no other line for families than Disney. 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. I sailed solo in one of the cabins on Norwegian Epic, and I was smitten. Foodies in need of a tropical getaway should look no further than Oceania Cruises' Riviera.
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. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.
If your tastes are refined and you're content with peaceful sea days and far-from-wild nights, Koningsdam is a fitting choice. 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. Start with these stories: Featured image courtesy of Royal Caribbean. The idea is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach a Caribbean-bound Carnival ship by car, saving the cost of flights. Each season has a personality all its own. 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. From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess. The culture and history of the Caribbean is rich, varied and deep. 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. This culinary- and destination-focused cruise line offers expertly curated travel experiences. 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. Caribbean is in the name after all! Still, youll usually only see them in the Caribbean during the winter months. That means it can hold more than 14,000 guests, assuming two people per room. Take in unparalleled sights with an umbrella drink in your hand from a floating resort. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. The latter is the obvious choice if youre a Disney lover. The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Soak up some vitamin D on Princess Cays, Princess Private Island resort, and enjoy watersports or an encounter with stingrays in brilliant turquoise waters. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. Bridge has an open-door policy for marine navigation geeks. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. 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. Caribbean cruise ports include St. Kitts, Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Honduras, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico.
Are we surprised? Adventure lives around every corner. In this category, too, Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships often are touted as the vessels to beat. Die-hard foodies with an appetite for enrichment. The best cruise for a family with kids isnt necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance. Those who want a taste of the high life without paying luxury cruise price tags. A private beach party. Sailing to the Caribbean out of Miami, the 3,998-passenger vessel isnt quite as big and activity-packed as the Oasis Class ships. This card offers a 80,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. 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). But we expect to see its unusual Caribbean itineraries return in the coming years. Summer is a time for family fun in the sun. 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. If the above sounds downright insane to you, it is.
I particularly loved its futuristic, Jetsons-like design, and the multicolored mood lighting. Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives.
Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences.
Spring is the perfect time for renewal and relaxation.
Prefer to explore historic Mayan ruins? Carnival Vista (along with sister ship Carnival Horizon) offers an innovative twist on the line's popular "Fun Ship" concept. 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. Later stays in ports such as Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas and Cozumel let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. Cue the calypso music, the Caribbean is calling! 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. Silversea also has a handful of voyages out of Barbados, which is something of a hub for small upscale vessels sailing in the Caribbean. or are simply in need of some vitamin D, we make it easy to decide which option is best for you. My 7 Favorite Restaurants To Experience In Half Moon Bay, California, Ive Visited Nearly 100 Countries, And This Ancient City Took My Breath Away, 14 Amazing Things To Do In Door County, Wisconsin, 11 Fantastic Experiences Onboard Vikings New Expedition Ship, 6 Fabulous Shore Excursions On A Viking Rhine River Cruise, The Amazing Antarctica Cruise Experience That Is Worth The Cost, My 8 Favorite Experiences Onboard A Windstar Cruise In Tahiti And The Tuamotu Islands, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Our 7 Favorite All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean 2022, 11 Reasons To Put A Mediterranean Cruise On Your Bucket List, How You Can Spend Retirement Living On A Cruise Ship, And How Much It Will Cost, My 6 All-Time Favorite Cruises From A Self-Proclaimed Cruise Fanatic, I Took My First Cruise At 50 Years Old, And Wish I Had Done It Sooner.
Others are horrified by the very idea of them.
Relax on your very own beach playground, where 40 acres of white sands, bungalows, local crafts and a complimentary barbeque await. This is, again, because of the incredible array of attractions their size allows. One big caveat with Norwegians solo cabins: Theyre all inside rooms without an ocean view. The question isnt. Experience the authentic Caribbean with award-winning shore excursions. It also has myriad activities for all ages, including a waterfall grotto, ropes course and some of the fastest water slides at sea. Learn more about Caribbean Shore Excursions.
Couples who prefer trendy bars, with microbrews and crafted cocktails. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles.
Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage. Cleveland recently got to sample the world-class dining on Holland Americas new ship, Rotterdam. With so many options, where do you even begin? This can be great news for would-be Caribbean cruisers. Oceanfront promenade offers alfresco dining and bars. 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. Discover Bonaires salt flats and flamingoes, climb up waterfalls and down into caves, tee off on a lush green golf course, and shop for everything from Mexican silver to Cuban cigars. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Compare: 10 Best Cruise Ships in the Caribbean, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match, Word on the Street: Allure of the Seas Reviews, 7 Things You Can Only Do on Carnival Vista, Word on the Street: Carnival Vista Reviews, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami and New York, 10 Things You Can Only Do on Norwegian Escape, Word on the Street: Norwegian Escape Reviews, 6 Ships With Over-the-Top Cruise Ship Decor, 5 Things You Can Only Find on MSC Seaside, Word on the Street: Celebrity Equinox Reviews. Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. When it comes to catering to solo cruisers, the king of the hill in the Caribbean is Norwegian at least among the big-ship lines. Winter is marked by festivals and other celebrations. Extend your Caribbean cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. Related: The ultimate guide to Disney ships and itineraries. Here are the results! Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet Internet, 2022 - 2023 Caribbean New Cruise Itineraries. TravelAwaits 2022 Best Of Travel Awards, presented by. Check out the music video to see why a Caribbean vacation with Princess Cruises is more than just a trip! Solo travelers also will find that some small-ship lines and luxury lines such as Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises cater heavily to solo travelers, with fare specials and dedicated onboard programming. See the kids vlog of their experiences in Camp Discovery and adventures ashore, and watch the parents tackle cruise myths in their vacation recap. Even if you know the kind of ship you want, theres also the issue of destination. Mayan ruins, exciting eco adventures and the friendly spirit of Jamaica await in the Western Caribbean. Editorial Note: 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. Holland Americas Caribbean cruises last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks with ports of call in the Cayman Islands, Key West, Cozumel, Aruba, and more. For more information please see www.abta.com.
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. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.