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. The startup cruise operators first vessel, Scarlet Lady, has 46 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. Plus, earn 3 ThankYou points per $1 at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets and on air travel and hotels. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage. 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. 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. Youll find Carnival ships sailing 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; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Galveston, Texas. Start with these stories: Featured image courtesy of Royal Caribbean. Our cruise holidays are ATOL protected (No. Some people love the big-resort feel of the biggest-of-big ships. The St. Martin-to-Barbados itinerary features visits to Tortola, St. Barts, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and the Grenadines. Thats a big number for a ship with just 1,330 cabins overall. Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries, Year-round sailings. 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. With so many options, where do you even begin? There are others who never leave. Related: The 12 best cruise ships for childlike fun. Wine-making venue lets you blend and bottle your own creations. 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. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands. Extend your Caribbean cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. For some would-be cruisers, port stops are a big factor. Luckily, you can choose from a wide variety of ships and itineraries throughout the Eastern, Western and Southern regions. Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression. This is, after all, the brand that famously holds a Hairy Chest Contest around the pool deck on every voyage, to a standing-room-only, hooting and hollering crowd. 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. 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. Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. Sailing from: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Miami and New York. 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. 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. Winter is marked by festivals and other celebrations. If the above sounds downright insane to you, it is.

The Caribbean has been a land of adventure for hundreds of years, and there's excitement for every traveler, now more than ever. Choose your preferred arrival window and make gangway reservations. The best cruise for a family with kids isnt necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance. For those craving adventure in a natural wonderland, the Southern Caribbean is brimming with possibilities. Adults, even without kids in tow, have plenty of spaces to themselves. 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. The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival. Broadway entertainment includes Tony Award-winning musical "After Midnight.". 1 ThankYou point per $1 on all other purchases.

Those on a budget, who don't want to sacrifice fun. Some people demand (and are willing to pay for) the highest levels of luxury. 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. High-diving aerial performances at the AquaTheater. 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. Hate to wait when boarding or disembarking in port? Crystals 980-passenger Crystal Serenity is arriving in Miami in mid-November for the briefest of Caribbean seasons. Learn more. Wherever you visit, youll find delicious local flavors and some Caribbean rum! On a Princess Cruise Lines Caribbean cruise, you can travel through dense jungles to explore Cozumels ancient Mayan ruins and exciting national parks; enjoy watersports at its private island resort, Princess Caysin the Bahamas; go swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman; snorkel the worlds second-largest barrier reef in Belize; or go for a catamaran ride in Antigua. The beaches of the Caribbean are legendary for their natural beauty and tranquil turquoise waters. Sailing to the Caribbean out of Miami, the 3,998-passenger vessel isnt quite as big and activity-packed as the Oasis Class ships. Havana Bar serves up fabulous mojitos and ocean views. 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. Another line thats shaping up to be a leader in the solo cruise market in the Caribbean is Virgin Voyages. The typical Norwegian Cruise Line ship has a space ratio between 36 and 41. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. See all Caribbean cruise articles and videos. 2022 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. 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. Want to make the most of your time away? With one exception, Carnival ships arent as big as the biggest Royal Caribbean and Norwegian vessels. Relax on your very own beach playground, where 40 acres of white sands, bungalows, local crafts and a complimentary barbeque await. Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channels Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience. Soak up some vitamin D on Princess Cays, Princess Private Island resort, and enjoy watersports or an encounter with stingrays in brilliant turquoise waters. Meanwhile, passengers can still enjoy fun favorites like Movies Under the Stars on the pool deck (popcorn, blankets and ocean breezes included) and a bar-lined, high-energy atrium (known as the Piazza) that hosts activities, music and dancing. And, indeed, if Disney is your thing, nothing in cruising quite compares.

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). The two Star Clippers vessels (the 170-passenger Star Flyer and 227-passenger Royal Clipper) are, notably, sailing ships. Disney Cruise Line also has its own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles. Take in unparalleled sights with an umbrella drink in your hand from a floating resort. 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. Those who want a taste of the high life without paying luxury cruise price tags. In fact, if you've sailed on a Carnival ship before, you might not even recognize it as part of the fleet. Many of the worlds most luxurious cruise ships spend a lot of time in Europe and Asia, or gallivanting around the globe on exotic world cruises. Compare everything from onboard activities to price tags in our breakdown of the 10 best cruise ships in the Caribbean. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. 19952022, The Independent Traveler, Inc. The two trips can be combined back to back to create a 14-day Caribbean adventure. One of the best parts of a Caribbean cruise is the freedom to spend your days however you like. The ships Barbados-to-St. Martin run brings calls at St. Vincent, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Nevis, Antigua and St. Kitts. Get away to the Bahamas for just a few days or during a week-long Caribbean cruise and youre sure to relax and recharge. Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess take travel to the next level with Sky Suites that feature unrivaled service and the largest balcony at sea, the brand-new jazz theater Take Five and the technologically advanced Phantom Bridge Escape Room. Our readers third-favorite Caribbean cruise line is known for its immersive destination experiences and award-winning shore excursions. Current performances include Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, and Footloose. Keep in mind, this is just a beginners guide. (Don't worry: It's still got Carnival favorites like Guy's Burger Joint, the Alchemy Bar and adults-only Serenity deck.) By contrast, most Royal Caribbean ships have space ratios above 40. They also have a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. The 2,500-passenger Disney Fantasy wows little ones with character meet-and-greets, a watercoaster, action-packed kids' clubs and magical nighttime shows. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. With award-winning onboard programs, regional cuisine from world-class chefs andcelebrations of Caribbean life, Princess makes your ship a destination all its own. Long to dive into turquoise waters? 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.

Celebrity touts itself as a "modern luxury" cruise line, and Celebrity Equinox is a shining example. 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. Cruise options for the Southern Caribbean take you from the lush paradise of Dominica to the remote isles of Aruba, Curaao and Bonaire.

This can be great news for would-be Caribbean cruisers. Do it all in just a few days on a short Caribbean cruise. But it isnt for everyone. Social media stars the Holderness Family recently set sail on a Caribbean cruise. The best for your kids? It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. 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.

Caribbean is in the name after all! The Eastern Caribbean's world famous beaches await. Forget cooking and cleaning! One of TravelAwaits writer Peggy Clevelands favorite cruise lines, Holland America Line is also a favorite of our readers. Snorkel in sparkling turquoise waters. The latter is the obvious choice if youre a Disney lover. I sailed solo in one of the cabins on Norwegian Epic, and I was smitten. Wide variety of dining, including Asian venue by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi. Cleveland recently got to sample the world-class dining on Holland Americas new ship, Rotterdam. 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. Cruise the Caribbeanthroughout the year, and youll encounter a different side of the Caribbean each time, unified by the distinctive experiences Princess offers. For more information please see www.abta.com. The vessels also offer plenty for the littlest ones, including dedicated, no-extra-charge kids clubs. These are cruises where its really all about the ship. RedFrog Pub & Brewery offers tours and tastings of Carnival's own beer. In Jamaicas Ocho Rios, you can swim with dolphins or climb a waterfall. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. Couples who want to relax by day and let loose at night. 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. When she isn't clacking around on the keyboard (cat in lap), you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or playing the ukulele. 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. There are supervised activities for kids as young as 3 years old. Each of these luxury purveyors typically sends at least two vessels to the Caribbean for part of the year. Design each perfect day with our interactive activity planner. Art lovers, thanks to a studio and professional-led classes. For a true bucket list experience, climb the mast or bowsprit netting to feel like you're flying over the ocean. Explore destinations easily on a MedallionClass vacation. Find the best Caribbean cruise to suit your vacation desires. Couples who prefer a slower-paced vacation schedule. 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. Each voyage illuminates the heart of Caribbean life, so come see what makes these islands legendary. Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Disney takes the cake when it comes to family cruising. Seabourn and Silversea arent the only lines that offer sailings to the Caribbeans less-popular ports. 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. Mayan ruins, exciting eco adventures and the friendly spirit of Jamaica await in the Western Caribbean. With gorgeous white sand and warm, crystal clear azure waters, the Eastern Caribbean is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as many of the regions most popular islands. The best for me? This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. That said, most have a window that looks out onto a corridor. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Whether youre a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess. Cruise-selling websites list thousands of individual Caribbean sailings. From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. Bridge has an open-door policy for marine navigation geeks. Size matters, and if you have a "bigger is better" mentality when it comes to cruise ships, .css-1wvg3nf{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-1wvg3nf:hover,.css-1wvg3nf[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}.css-1wvg3nf:focus-visible,.css-1wvg3nf[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Allure of the Seas is a perfect choice. Foodies in need of a tropical getaway should look no further than Oceania Cruises' Riviera.

Its imperative to feel comfortable and safe while traveling. Active solo travelers, who like Escape's Studio cabins for one. 6294). Fall invites the adventurous to immerse themselves in the islands. From its culinary-focused shore excursions to its cooking classes, the luxurious 1,250-passenger ship satisfies every craving. Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival ships and itineraries. Those who don't want to feel like they're on a cruise ship. or are simply in need of some vitamin D, we make it easy to decide which option is best for you. 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. The self-described fun ship line is all about fun in a very loud sort of way. Which one of these ships and sailings is the best? Norwegian boasts not one, but two private islands: Harvest Caye And Great Stirrup Cay. 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. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The Western Caribbean's ancient wonders are calling. 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. Enjoy more time to connect with the places you sail. Prefer to explore historic Mayan ruins? 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. Cruisers with disabilities who need large accessible cabins and wide decks. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. In this category, too, Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships often are touted as the vessels to beat. Learn more about Eastern Caribbean Cruises. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation and the services of the representative. See the kids vlog of their experiences in Camp Discovery and adventures ashore, and watch the parents tackle cruise myths in their vacation recap.

AquaClass cabins offer perks like thermal suite access and a healthier room service menu. Relax with a tropical cocktail in your hand, swim with stingrays and sea turtles, or just take in the calming ocean air. Couples who prefer trendy bars, with microbrews and crafted cocktails. 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. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars! Check out the music video to see why a Caribbean vacation with Princess Cruises is more than just a trip! Grass-covered sun deck, great for sunbathing, grilling and picnics. The sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean are calling. Planning a cruise? Yacht Club offers more exclusive suites and secluded pool deck. Ashore that can mean relaxing on popular beaches, diving into the local culture or exploring the islands many natural wonders. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Youll likely pay significantly more for a family cruise with Disney than for one with either Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program.

Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. For luxury cruises in the Caribbean, the period between April and October is pretty much a dead zone. One big caveat with Norwegians solo cabins: Theyre all inside rooms without an ocean view. Even on rainy days, the fun continues with indoor attractions like a Caribbean-themed brewery and IMAX theater. The biggest resort in the U.S., The Venetian in Las Vegas, has 7,092 rooms. Also offering Caribbean voyages on sailing ships as well as small motor ships is Windstar. For a true taste of the Caribbean, tour rum distilleries and cocoa and coffee farms. Adults-only pool offers soothing views from the back of the ship. 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 typical big-ship itinerary in the Caribbean revolves around such oft-visited cruise destinations as St. Thomas, St. Martin and Cozumel, Mexico. Feed stingrays or paddle through the lagoon in a clear-bottom kayak. Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discoverys Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Laura Ray has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Austin. More than 400 feet long with five masts and 42 sails, its one of the largest square-rigged sailing vessels in the world. Classic touches like a vintage navy-blue hull and afternoon tea comingle with high-tech features such as a 270-degree LED screen that projects optical illusions in the main theater. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. And thats just on their outer decks. The culture and history of the Caribbean is rich, varied and deep. It accounts for nearly 1 out of every 5 cruises taken worldwide. But theyre superbly designed to maximize storage space. 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. 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. Luxury lines such as Seabourn have some ships with space ratios above 70. Foodies, thanks to quality restaurants and cooking classes. The bottom line is: The best Caribbean cruise for you depends a lot on your travel style. That means you could be sharing your Caribbean vacation with nearly 9,000 people. This travel-lover's favorite destinations include Italy, the Greek isles, and Kentucky Lake. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences, and savor the journey. Here are the results! 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. They make for a wonderfully different and alluring cruise experience as compared to what youll find on the vessels of most lines. Families who can take advantage of MSC's kids-sail-free policy. 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. 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. Others are horrified by the very idea of them. This card offers a 80,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. And our newest ships. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate. But kids aren't the ship's only focus. Menus accommodate various diets, including vegan. Multigenerational groups willing to splurge. Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other. 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. Immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean culture and life on islands that blend their colonial influence with native charms. Carnival ships also can feel a bit cramped at times. 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. 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.

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