When it comes to luxury vacations and truly exciting travel, there’s nothing quite like a Caribbean cruise.
From Cuba to Trinidad, the Caribbean offers a stunning array of gorgeous paradise islands, each one with its own unique culture, flavors, sights, and traditions. Not to mention the Caribbean coasts of Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela.
There is a genuinely staggering amount to see and do in the Caribbean, from shimmering bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico and swimming with stingrays in the Cayman Islands to the magic and mystery of Mayan temples and cenotes in Mexico.
If the idea of sailing from gorgeous paradise island to gorgeous paradise island in luxury and style appeals, then a Caribbean cruise is the perfect vacation for you. The first step is to check for special offers and see if you can bag a bargain. Next up, take a look at the guide to planning a Caribbean cruise adventure below, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
The best Caribbean islands to visit
Aruba
If your perfect vacation involves lying on a beach doing almost nothing beyond soaking up the sun, occasionally paddling in azure-blue warm water, and drinking cocktails as the sun goes down, then Aruba will be paradise. Aruba has very little to offer beyond a strip of incomprehensibly beautiful beaches backed by luxury resorts, making it the best place in the Caribbean to really dedicate yourself to relaxation.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for scuba diving, with its shallow, pristine reefs and exquisite coral gardens easily accessible from the shore and teeming with vibrant marine life. Made up of over 700 islands there is a glorious variety of choice, and thanks to its proximity to the US it is the perfect option for a quick escape.
St Kitts and Nevis
The dramatic, mountainous landscapes of St Kitts and Nevis make it one of the best places to visit for travelers who love adventure and the great outdoors. The peak of Mount Liamuiga is over 4,000 feet above sea level, making a hike to the top an exhilarating, adrenaline-fueled adventure, with some of the best views in the Caribbean. As two of the first Caribbean islands to be colonized there is also a wealth of hugely significant, if sometimes disturbing history to explore
Jamaica
Jamaica is the classic Caribbean experience, and a must for anyone looking for laid-back vibes, a vibrant, colorful cultural life, amazing music, and mouthwatering cuisine. But it’s not all Red Stripe, jerk chicken, and Bob Marley. Jamaica boasts stunning natural beauty, including the Green Grotto Caves, as well as a wealth of fascinating cultural traditions showcased in places like Falmouth.
What to pack for a Caribbean cruise
Packing for a Caribbean cruise involves more than just throwing a few swimming costumes and flip-flops in a bag. While you’ll want to look your best on the beach, it is also worth packing for jungle hikes in the island interiors, as well as some fancier clothes for urban explorations in Jamaica or dining out in the best restaurants in the Bahamas.
When to go on a Caribbean cruise
The joy of a Caribbean cruise is that you can really go any time at all. The experience is excellent year round, even during hurricane season! However, for the ultimate Caribbean vacation, the best time of year to sail is from December to April. In these winter months, the weather is warm, sunny, and dry and the seas are calm, giving you the best possible conditions for a truly memorable