Caribbean cruises have long been a favorite among leisure travelers for their picture-perfect views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. But these tropical itineraries also have activities abound—from hiking through nature reserves and snorkeling among coral reefs to shopping for local trinkets and goodies. Many Caribbean itineraries skew toward tried-and-true island destinations, but a number of cruise lines have curated unique sailings that will undoubtedly impress the most seasoned Caribbean cruisers.
Some of the best cruise itineraries of 2025 take a non-traditional southern track from Panama along the northern coast of South America. Others visit quieter, less-frequented destinations like Saint Croix and Saint Barts in addition to banner ports like Saint Lucia and Aruba for dramatic vistas and spectacular beaches. Below, the nine best Caribbean cruises to book in 2025.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
FAQs
What are the best months to take a Caribbean cruise?
Although some cruise lines operate in the Caribbean year-round, the widest selection of sailing dates and itineraries can be found between November and March.
What part of the Caribbean is best for a cruise?
The best Caribbean cruise destinations are a matter of personal taste. Many cruises focus on a specific region, like the Southern, Eastern, or Western Caribbean. Many big-ship itineraries often stop at cruise line operated private islands in the Bahamas.
What are the cheapest months to cruise in the Caribbean?
Generally, the beginning or end of the November-to-March season can be the most affordable time for a Caribbean cruise. Any time when North American schools are widely in session are also good times to find lower fares.
Do you need a passport to go on a Caribbean cruise?
Check with the cruise line before booking. US citizens traveling on cruises calling at most Caribbean countries can do so with both an enhanced state ID and an original birth certificate in lieu of a passport, but a passport is by far the easiest form of identification (and most strongly recommended by both the US State Department and most cruise lines). It’s also important to note that documentation requirements can change, and passengers are ultimately responsible for having the required documents at embarkation or they may be denied boarding.
What countries are part of the Caribbean?
The Caribbean is made up of 13 independent countries and three US and British territories. Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago operate as independent countries. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories while The British Virgin Islands is a British overseas territory.
Cunard
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean 14 Nights
Departure: March 15, 2025
Experience: Departing from New York City, cruise-goers have a chance to experience all the delight the Big Apple has to offer before heading to the Eastern Caribbean. Port of calls include Saint Marten, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Kitts, and Tortola before heading back to New York. With so many sea days, its imperative that the boat is just as exciting as the destinations—Queen Mary 2 boasts remarkable golden age style and elegance in every corner. From a luxury spa experience to black-tie parties, you’ll feel like a high roller on and off the ship.
MSC Cruises
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean 7 Nights
Departure: April through October 2025
Experience: Calling at the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, this seven-night round-trip from Miami is a perfect way to spend the off season in the Caribbean. Guests will set sail on MSC America—featuring a mix of European design and American comfort—complete with over 30 bars, lounges, and restaurants. The itinerary includes a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where travelers can enjoy scuba diving, beach-side spa treatments, and indulge in authentic Bahamian delicacies.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Itinerary: Yucatan Gems and Serene Isles
Departure: November 24, 2025
Experience: This 17-night sailing from Miami aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur is the perfect itinerary for a leisurely sail through the Caribbean’s windward isles. Walk the white sand beaches of the Bay Islands, cruise Gustavia harbor in a semi-submersible vessel in Gustavia, or enjoy a relaxing bike ride around Saint Croix. A stand-out on the itinerary is the Iguabonita Cave expedition in Punta Cana, during which travelers can explore the eco-theme park and follow a naturalist guide as they describe the rare and unusual flora. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has two cruise fare options when booking, the all-inclusive cruise fare and the ultimate all-inclusive. The all-inclusive cruise fare allows travelers more flexibility by including all the luxuries of the sailing but give them the chance to book air travel themselves. Meanwhile, the ultimate all-inclusive fare includes flight booked in their preferred air class where available, coach transfers between airport and ship, and a private chauffeur service.
Ponant
Itinerary: The Essential of the Caribbean
Departure: January 2025
Experience: On this 13-day cruise, travelers will sail to the heart of the West Indies by way of the Caribbean Sea. Each port of call will include an excursion specially curated by Ponant: Enjoy snorkeling in the waters near Port Elizabeth, sail on a catamaran around Bequia, opt for retail therapy in the the town of Soufriere, or island hop towards Saint Lucia and catch of glimpse of its two majestic rocky peaks, a unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
Celebrity Cruises
Itinerary: Ultimate Southern Caribbean
Departure: March 2025
Experience: Offering a little of everything, this 10-night roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale includes calls at from Saint Marten, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and Antigua. Guest can expect to walk along the Great Bay boardwalk during their visit in Philipsburg, rest on palm-lined Vigie Beach in Castries, or take in the panoramic views of the Saint George Bay. The sailing takes place on board Celebrity Beyond, a fan-favorite ship known for its beautiful Infinite Veranda staterooms—so-named for the floor-to-ceiling windows that open into a private balcony at the push of a button—and ocean-going gastronomy at Le Voyage, Chef Daniel Boulud’s first signature restaurant at sea.
Virgin Voyages
Itinerary: Western Caribbean Charm
Departure: January, February, March, and April 2025
Experience: Cruise through the Caribbean on a six-night sailing aboard the Scarlet Lady. Travelers will leave out of the exclusive Virgin port facility, Terminal V in Miami. During the sailing, guests will revel in two full days in Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras where they can spend time zip-lining across the island and off-roading in a Jeep before spending the remaining port day at Virgin’s lounge-y Beach Club Bimini private island. On board, Wi-Fi and “essential” non-alcoholic drinks and gratuities are included on the adults-only ship, which touts over 20 eateries and a number of inventive ways to find a glass of Champagne.
Holland America Line
Itinerary: 9 Day Souther Caribbean Seafarer
Departure: March 7, 2025
Experience: Part Caribbean surf, part jungle excursion, this nine-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale onboard Eurodam calls first at Bonaire for a taste of Holland America Line’s namesake Dutch culture before skirting off to Aruba and the Bahamas to take some time to enjoy the region’s renowned tropical wonders.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Itinerary: Harvest Caye, Cozumel, and Roatan
Departure: January, February, March, and April 2025
Experience: In January 2025, the new Norwegian Getaway will begin sailing from one of our readers’ favorite cities, New Orleans. Before setting sail, it’s imperative that travelers spend some time in wandering the French Quarter, catch a jazz concert, and get their fill of beignets. In addition to the Crescent City, guests can look forward visiting Costa Maya, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Roatan, Hounduras. Guests have the opportunity to snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef—the second largest reef in the world—and take a moment to journey back in time while visiting the Tulum Mayan ruins just outside of Cozumel.
Princess Cruises
Itinerary: 4 Day Caribbean Getaway
Departure: October 29, 2025
Experience: Not all Caribbean cruises need to be a week or two in duration. Princess Cruises offers a Halloween weekend getaway onboard Regal Princess that’s just four nights in duration and stops in Cozumel for a day. The two days spent at sea will fly by with Princess Cruises’ exciting onboard experience—a movie theater, casino, original musical performances, a handful of nightclubs, and two luxury spas. A highlight of this seasonal sailing is sitting in the ship’s piazza, watching festive passengers promenade their inventive costumes for spooky onboard revelry—a Princess tradition dating back to the days of the original Love Boat series.
