Caribbean cruise itineraries & cruise vacation planning
Compare Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean routes, pick the right length and ship, and add pre- or post-cruise stays.
A cruise lets you see several destinations while unpacking once. Whether it's your first sailing or your fifteenth, the itinerary is the most important choice. Here's a quick overview; our first Caribbean cruise guide goes deeper.
Popular Caribbean cruise itineraries
| Route | Typical ports | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Western Caribbean | Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica | Snorkeling, reefs, Mayan sites |
| Eastern Caribbean | St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, the Bahamas | Beaches, shopping, island hopping |
| Southern Caribbean | Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua | Longer sailings, varied islands |
| Bahamas short cruise | Nassau, private cruise-line islands | First-timers, long weekends |
Plan a land stay before or after
Fly in a day early to avoid missing the ship, or extend your trip with a resort stay in Cancún or Punta Cana.
Cruise FAQ
What's the best Caribbean cruise for first-timers?
A 3- to 5-night Bahamas or Mexico sailing is a low-commitment way to try cruising. Seven nights is the classic length, with several ports and a couple of sea days.
Eastern or Western Caribbean?
Western itineraries focus on Mexico, Belize, Honduras and the Cayman Islands, great for reefs and Mayan sites. Eastern itineraries visit islands such as St. Thomas and St. Maarten, known for beaches and shopping.
Do I need a passport for a cruise?
Some closed-loop cruises from US ports accept other documents, but a valid passport is strongly recommended in case you need to fly home from a foreign port. Check your cruise line's requirements.
When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?
December through April has the most reliable weather. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, when itineraries can change.
Request cruise options
Tell us your preferred dates, departure port or city, cabin type and the islands you'd like to see.