There are thousands of islands waiting for you in this heavenly paradise. The best way to make the most out of your vacation is definitely on a cruise, where you can visit a new treasure every day.

Itineraries

The weather in the Caribbean is pleasant all year round. It is at its best (driest with low humidity and cool nights) between December and April. The later part of the year is the hurricane season, but that does mean that cruising activity is stopped. Technology allows cruise lines to work their way around the weather and change itinerary if necessary, visiting other ports and islands to ensure a pleasant and safe cruise holiday.

Cruise lines usually divide the Caribbean into three regions, Western-, Eastern- and Southern-Caribbean and offer a wide range of 3 to 14 night cruises throughout the year.

Western Caribbean cruises mainly depart from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral in Florida; Houston and Galveston in Texas and from New Orleans in Louisiana. One these cruises, you can explore the jungles, beaches, lagoons and ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico; get amused by the exotic marine life, coral formations and turtles in the Grand Cayman, visit the Dolphin Cove or climb for a spectacular view at Dunn’ s River Falls in Jamaica! Great shopping, amazing food, that typical Caribbean rhythm in the air and much more.

Eastern Caribbean cruises mainly depart from Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral in Florida and call into amazing destinations like the Bahamas, Haiti, Grand Turk, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Kayak on saltwater lagoons, discover the undersea world of coral reefs or get stunned by the amazing colours of hundreds of butterflies on a butterfly farm. If shopping is your thing, the shop-lined streets of Charlotte Amelie are a must see. After all St. Thomas is called the ‘duty-free shopping capital of the world’.

Southern Caribbean cruises mainly depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico and take you to exotic destinations such as St. Kitts, St. Croix, St. Lucia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, Antigua and Grenada. Lush rainforests, dormant volcanos, striking waterfalls, banana plantations and crystal clear turquoise water are the backdrop to your Southern Caribbean adventure.

Cruise Lines

Popular cruise lines sailing in the Caribbean are Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises , Costa Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Windstar Cruises.

Ports in the Caribbean

St. John’s, Antigua

St. John’s, Antigua is one of the oldest trading ports in the Caribbean Sea. It is a mixture of restored buildings that date back to the 1600s and modern buildings built in the past few decades. One of the great things about St. John’s is that most of the sights are within walking distance. So you can explore the town as soon as you disembark from the ship. As you take a stroll along the streets lining the wharf, you will notice vendors hawking everything from clothing to local crafts, artwork, and jewellery. The Public Market is arrayed with an assortment of tropical fruits that you may not recognize.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau, the capital of New Providence Island in the Bahamas, is a majestic, scenic adventure that you do not want to miss. New Providence Island, Nassau has an attractive harbour, a colourful blend of old world and colonial architecture and a busy port. The tropical climate and natural beauty of the Bahamas has made Nassau a popular tourist destination, with a reputation for relaxing days and an exciting nightlife. The world famous Atlantis resort on nearby Paradise Island accounts for more tourist arrivals to the city than any other hotel.

Miami, Florida

Discover the cosmopolitan beauty of Miami along Florida’s fabled Gold Coast. Stroll through carefully preserved Art Deco neighborhoods and witness the trendy lifestyle that is South Beach. Enjoy open-air shopping in the Bayside Marketplace and shop for a bite to eat in Coconut Grove, with its harbor side cafes and quaint, artistic settings.

Key West, Florida

Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental United States and home of “Papa” Hemingway’s noted hangout, Sloppy Joe’s. Tour President Truman’s “Little White House” or bask on a beach that’s just 90 miles from Cuba.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

With its swaying palms, glistening white beaches and sophisticated resorts, Ocho Rios is a favorite vacationing spot for many. For a splendid view, visit Shaw Park Gardens, overflowing with fragrant flora and refreshing waterfalls or enjoy a refreshing trek through Dunn’s River Falls-one of the most celebrated attractions in the Caribbean.

Cozumel, Mexico

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayans, who settled in the Island. Residents still speak Mayan, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. The great pyramids and temples of their ancestors still stand near the city.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the wonderful Caribbean atmosphere.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie is the Danish-flavored capital where it’s fun to stroll and shop. Hop a ferry to the nearby island of St. John, to snorkel or walk the nature trails, or head over to Magens Bay resort, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

There are more Caribbean ports waiting to amuse you. Check out our Caribbean cruises for more information on these explorers and beach lovers destinations.