Why choose a Caribbean cruise?
Cultural and historical diversity of the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers an unrivalled wealth of culture and history, the result of a unique fusion of African, European and Amerindian traditions. As you sail from island to island, you'll discover preserved historic sites, colorful festivals and warm hospitality. Each port of call is an opportunity to explore vibrant cultures, savor typical dishes and immerse yourself in the history of these islands.
Ideal climate and beaches
Caribbean cruises immerse you in a pleasant tropical climate, bathed in sunshine all year round. The beaches, with their turquoise waters and fine sand, invite you to relax and explore the colorful seabed. A paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean offers the opportunity to swim among coral reefs populated by diverse and fascinating marine life. And the water activities don't stop there: sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are also on the program.
Which Caribbean cruise to choose?
The West Indies are famous for their culture, turquoise beaches and lush landscapes. Enchanting locations such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic promise a mosaic of panoramas and varied experiences such as relaxing on sandy beaches, diving, snorkeling and hiking in tropical landscapes.
Cruises departing from Miami often call at cruise lines' private islands in the Bahamas. These include Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay. These destinations offer numerous attractions for the whole family, including water parks, beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, various water sports activities, as well as the possibility of renting private cabanas for relaxation.
The Riviera Maya, with its Mayan ruins, pristine beaches and cenotes, famous natural pools filled with pure water, guarantees a cruise rich in discoveries.
What are the most popular departure ports for a Caribbean cruise?
Many Caribbean cruises depart from the French West Indies, from Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Fort-de-France in Martinique, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of these French-speaking islands. It's also possible to visit the Caribbean from Florida (USA), with three major ports: the Port of Miami, offering numerous itineraries including stopovers on the private islands of shipowners in the Bahamas, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. Each of these U.S. cities offers a unique experience before or after your Caribbean cruise. In Port Canaveral, near Orlando, you can visit Disney World. In Miami, explore Little Havana. In Fort Lauderdale, stroll along Las Olas beach or visit the Museum of Art.
Popular ports of call on a Caribbean cruise
Discover the Lesser Antilles on a cruise to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin or Saint Lucia. Explore the Greater Antilles with the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The Bahamas are famous for their white-sand beaches, and Mexico's Riviera Maya is famous for its Mayan culture and spectacular diving spots.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, dominated by the Pitons, two volcanic mountains rising from the sea. A cruise to Saint Lucia offers adventure and relaxation. Natural parks, tropical forests and idyllic beaches, ideal for snorkeling, diving and sailing.
Bahamas
The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and white-sand beaches. A Bahamas cruise is ideal for diving and relaxation on almost deserted beaches. Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have their own private islands in the Bahamas, with facilities that combine relaxation and entertainment in an idyllic setting. Many cruises departing from Miami include a stopover in the Bahamas.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya, on Mexico's Caribbean coast, is famous for its beaches, cenotes and Mayan archaeological sites. A cruise in the Riviera Maya offers an immersion in Mexico's pre-Columbian history. The island of Cozumel is a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is famous for its diverse landscapes, from heavenly beaches to lush mountains. With its seaside resorts, merengue culture and world-class golf courses, a cruise to the Dominican Republic offers a complete vacation experience, where relaxation and discovery go hand in hand. La Romana, its main cruise port, offers direct access to the island of Saona, a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts thanks to its preserved coral reefs.
Puerto Rico
A cruise to Puerto Rico, a territory attached to the United States, offers a variety of experiences, from discovering old San Juan, with its Spanish forts and cobblestone streets steeped in history, to hiking through the El Yunque rainforest. Puerto Rico is a cultural crossroads, with magnificent beaches and a vibrant nightlife.
Jamaica
Jamaica, with its sprawling beaches and verdant mountains, offers immersion in a rich and vibrant culture. Kingston, the cultural heart, invites you to discover the history and soul of the island. A cruise to Jamaica is synonymous with spicy cuisine, reggae music and outdoor activities such as hiking and rafting.
Saint-Barthélemy
A cruise to Saint-Barthélemy (St-Barth)is an invitation to discover a jewel of luxury in the heart of the Caribbean. This small French island boasts white sandy beaches, azure waters and a glamorous ambience. Its capital, Gustavia, is famous for its Swedish historical heritage, its many restaurants and its upmarket boutiques.
Saint-Martin
Saint-Martin, an island shared by France and the Netherlands, is famous for its cultural diversity, beaches and lively nightlife. A cruise to Saint-Martin allows you to discover two distinct cultures, with a varied gastronomy, colorful markets and water sports activities to suit all tastes. Marigot, the capital of the French part of the island, has a charming European feel and lively markets. Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch part (Sint Maarten), is renowned for its duty-free stores and lively waterfront.
Guadeloupe
In the heart of the Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory, fascinates with its natural diversity, from its black volcanic beaches to its lush forests. Diving in crystal-clear waters, discovering Creole flavors in Pointe-à-Pitre and climbing La Soufrière are all must-dos on a cruise to Guadeloupe. The Guadeloupe National Park is a haven for hikers wishing to explore the island's exceptional biodiversity.
Martinique
Martinique, the French island of the Lesser Antilles, charms visitors with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Between sandy beaches, hikes to Mount Pelée, visits to rum distilleries and relaxation in the gardens of Balata in Fort-de-France, a cruise to Martinique offers an authentic experience.
Tips for booking a Caribbean cruise
When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?
From November to May, the Caribbean enjoys a perfect climate for cruising, with pleasant warmth and steady trade winds. The period from June to August, although it marks the start of the rainy season, is often punctuated by beautiful sunny spells, and allows you to take advantage of lower crowds and more attractive prices.
How to choose a Caribbean cruise line
Cruise lines offer a wide choice of Caribbean cruises. Cruises from Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are ideal for families, with a range of activities and facilities designed for all ages. From kids' and teens' clubs to adult relaxation zones, these cruises promise fun and relaxation for all. In addition, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have their own private islands in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Ocean Cay and Great Stirrup Cay respectively, with a variety of entertainments including zip-lining, water parks, snorkeling, glass-bottomed boat rides and bungalow rentals for relaxation.
Families with teenagers and couples will particularly appreciate Celebrity Cruises , known for it’s variety of shows, culinary workshops and wine tasting sessions. For an all-inclusive luxury experience in the Caribbean, Explora Journeys offers all-inclusive cruises in luxury suites with butler service, fine dining and excursions.
Tips for cheap Caribbean cruises
To find cheap Caribbean cruises, it's advisable to compare cruise line offers, choose standard cabins, favor the low season, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals. All-inclusive cruises are particularly advantageous, as they help to reduce additional costs during your stay.
Must-see experiences on a Caribbean cruise
Gastronomy and local specialities
Discover the unique flavors of the Caribbean by savoring traditional dishes such as Colombo in Guadeloupe, jerk in Jamaica, or Sancocho in the Dominican Republic. Each island offers a distinct culinary palette, blending African, Amerindian and European influences. Don't miss the local markets to sample the exotic fruits and spices that make this cuisine so distinctive.
Excursions and cultural visits
The Caribbean, renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, is above all seductive for its dream beaches. Stretches of fine sand such as the Baie des Flamands in Saint-Barthélemy, Playa Rincón in the Dominican Republic and the private islands of the Bahamas' shipowners offer backdrops worthy of the most beautiful postcards, where the white sand blends perfectly with the turquoise water. But the Caribbean's appeal is not limited to these coastal paradises.
Beyond these idyllic beaches, the region abounds in iconic sites enriching the experience of any visitor. In Cozumel, Mexico, the cenotes, famous underwater caves, offer an unforgettable diving experience. Martinique's rum distilleries invite visitors to discover the island's unique history and flavors, while Puerto Rico's San Felipe del Morro Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's military and colonial history. Visits to museums and art galleries offer an enriching insight into Caribbean history and identity.
Onboard activities and entertainment
Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are all family-friendly, offering a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages: vast pool decks with several pools, whirlpools, water parks, Formula 1 simulators, karaoke, mini-golf, bowling alleys, Broadway-style shows and live concerts.
Celebrity Cruises ships, perfect for couples or families traveling with teenagers, are distinguished by their Magic Carpet: a mobile platform offering breathtaking ocean views that, depending on its position on the ship, transforms into a new open-air dining area or becomes a concert stage.
Explora Journeys, on the other hand, focus on luxury, with conferences in sumptuous lounges and a variety of themed events on board, such as mixology or whisky distillation workshops, for customers in search of refinement and exclusive experiences.
Caribbean and West Indies cruise FAQs
How much does a Caribbean cruise cost?
The price of a Caribbean cruise varies according to several criteria: the line chosen, the type of cabin selected, the length of the trip and the time of year. For family cruises with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises or Costa, prices generally range from $300 to $1,500. High-end cruises with Celebrity Cruises and Explora Journeys range from $2,000 to $4,000.
What's included in a Caribbean cruise?
The price of your Caribbean cruise includes cabin accommodation, meals served in the main restaurants, a selection of beverages such as water and coffee, as well as access to a wide variety of entertainment and facilities on the ship. Specific beverage packages are available for soft drinks and spirits. Internet access, organized stopover excursions, spa treatments and meals in specialty restaurants are generally available at extra cost.
Boats for a Caribbean cruise
Sail the Caribbean on ships designed for fun and relaxation. The Icon of the Seas is a veritable temple of entertainment, featuring Category 6, one of the largest water parks at sea, as well as 7 pools, a climbing wall and a surf simulator. The MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview impress with wide outdoor promenades and a 120 m zip line. Costa Fortuna seduces travelers of all ages with its three pools, relaxing spa, arcade and lively disco. Celebrity Beyond offers a unique experience with its versatile Magic Carpet platform and the restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
What should you take with you on your Caribbean cruise?
For your Caribbean cruise, remember to pack light clothing and swimwear to enjoy the sun. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for protection, as well as comfortable shoes for excursions and a waterproof bag for water sports. You'll also want to pack some smart outfits for evenings on board, as well as a few warm clothes (vest, windbreaker) for the sometimes chilly nights at sea.