With several dozen distinct tropical islands to choose from, a cruise to the Caribbean is the best way to pack in a handful of islands across one trip. Perfectly spaced, guests are able to arrive at and explore a new island each day, with the promise of tropical sunshine throughout their voyage.
Whether you're travelling with young children or sailing solo, there are plenty of Caribbean cruise deals on offer from all the major cruise lines, including Marella Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.
Before you get as far as choosing your preferred itinerary, it's worth considering what you're looking for from your cruise. A smaller ship may offer more intimacy but if constant onboard entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere are top of your list, a larger vessel boasting non-stop activities may be more suited. The length of your voyage and departure port will also determine much of your itinerary. You'll find everything from long weekend breaks departing from Florida to 28 nights with a fly-and-cruise deal from the UK.
Finally, your budget will play an important part of the decision process. With so many enticing last minute deals and luxury liners offering All Inclusive packages however, you're certain to find your ideal cruise.
With its white sand beaches, delicious local cuisine and laid-back culture, it's as if the the Caribbean was designed specifically for romantic getaways. Whether you're a couple who prefer to laze on the sand under a coconut tree or zip line across the rainforest in Dominica, the Caribbean is certain to steal your heart. Create lasting memories together as you hike to waterfalls in St. Lucia or explore the Virgin Islands National Park, surrounded by swaying palm trees.
The fleet from Marella Cruises knows how to dial up the love in all the right ways. Marella Celebration offers the Oceans Beauty Salon and Spa, a two-storey suite where couples can pop in for a little dose of luxury. Once you're finished, head down to the Sun Lounge for lazy afternoons on the daybeds and six-course evening meals at Mistral's. Marella Celebration might be a little on the smaller side, but that just means she's geared up for an intimate cruise with plenty of cabin space for two.
Cunard is renowned far and wide for its opulence, taking cruisers back to the golden age of transatlantic travel. Onboard Queen Mary 2 and The Caribbean voyage, cruisers can drift between couples' spa treatments at the industry favourite Canyon Ranch SpaClub or take a twirl around the dance floor in ballroom dance classes. Meanwhile, you'll be docking at Caribbean highlights like Antigua and Barbados – some of the top Caribbean islands for cruises. Here postcard-pretty beaches are non-negotiable.
Cunard's Queen Victoria takes the chicness up a notch with her Royal Theatre, which comes equipped with special box seats designed in a classic opera house style. Everything here exudes luxury, from the live music-laden cocktail bars to the casino, whose quiet elegance feels as though it's come straight from Monte Carlo. With Queen Victoria, you can overload on the luxury with transatlantic voyages that pause in the Caribbean, hitting destinations like St. Maarten and Barbados along the way.
Marella Cruises is the line to beat in terms of cruise-born activities, especially when you consider that they operate on an All Inclusive basis. That means food, most drinks and activities onboard are all rolled into the overhead price, which makes enjoying your cruise that much easier.
Marella Discovery 2 was launched in 2017, which means it's at the height of its game in terms of features. Onboard, cruisers will find everything from outdoor films on deck to Broadway-style live shows, a rock climbing wall, casino and even an escape room that lets you race against the clock with brainteasing puzzles. What's more, the Marella line offers an incredible range of Caribbean cruises, hitting ports in St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Antigua, the Dominican Republic and everything in between.
With idyllic temperatures, gentle beaches and a diverse terrain, the Caribbean is an ideal destination for a family break. Watch your little ones marvel as they snorkel for the first time in the transparent sea, or sip water from a freshly-sliced coconut while you soak up the rays. You'll find plenty of opportunities to zipline across a number of islands boasting rainforests, but if your kids aren't old enough, try an excursion to Mystic Mountain in Jamaica and take a chairlift over the canopy instead. Jeep safaris are a thrilling way to explore the lakes and waterfalls of Dominica and young swashbucklers will revel in a pirate cruise around St. Maarten.
Princess Cruises' ships are kitted out for families, featuring a range of kids' clubs specially targeted towards age groups from three to 17. They're sure to keep the little ones occupied when you aren't enjoying port excursions in the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Panama and Princess Cays; the line's exclusive island.
With Princess Cruises, little ones will find art and cooking classes, kid-friendly parties, games rooms and dance lessons, plus outdoor cinemas for the whole family. There's even a special club known as Club 1820, geared specifically toward young adults aged yes, you guessed it, between 18 and 20.
The Caribbean remains a constant favourite in the world of cruising and for good reason. Take a look at some of our fabulous Caribbean cruise deals to find your perfect itinerary.
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