As we packed up our fourth bathing suit and second bottle of SPF 50 in preparation for the tropical Caribbean sunshine, we wondered which cruise we had made a mistake booking. Don’t get us wrong – the dazzling turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and promise of umbrella drinks were calling our names louder than our mother-in-law. But with enough cruise ships to cause a traffic jam out there, how’s a landlubber to decide?
Would we find ourselves sulking around a kid-filled geriatric zone without enough towel animals to sop up our tears? Or trapped aboard the S.S. Seasick as Captain Tightpants serves gruel and forces us into macramé classes? We had Caribbean fever – but could just as easily catch a nasty case of Caribbean freeze-out if we chose the wrong cruise line.
That’s why we’re here to help prevent any scrappy misadventures as you shop for your own slice of paradise at sea. We’ll serve up insider info on the best cruise lines for any type of traveler – whether you seek nonstop conga lines or snooze-worthy serenity, 5-star eats or cheap refills of Carib beer, small yacht adventures or towering Vegas-style ships.
The 8 Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
Consider us your life preserver, keeping your expectations afloat as you sail off into that azure blue horizon in style. Grab some sunscreen and a snorkel mask – adventure awaits aboard these dream cruises of the Caribbean!
Disney Cruise Line
For eight consecutive years, the Disney Cruise Line has won the Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean category. Its private island in the Bahamas and its many ports of call were among the reasons why the cruise line was named the best choice in the region. And with the recent addition of the Disney Wish, the Disney fleet will be even bigger.
The Disney Cruise Line ships are kid-friendly, featuring whimsical amenities and large staterooms. There is also one crew member per three guests. The cruise line also has a variety of itineraries from ports in the Caribbean and Mexico. Other destinations include the U.S. and Europe. The Disney Cruise Line also makes regular visits to the Bahamas.
The Disney Cruise Line is also the best cruise line for families with children, according to U.S. News and World Report. The magazine evaluated 162 ships from 17 top cruise lines and ranked them accordingly. The rankings help travelers choose the best cruise for their needs, whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway. The Disney Cruise Line was named Best Cruise Line for Families and the Best Cruise Line for Families for the eighth consecutive year.
Celebrity Cruises
If you are looking for a cruise that has everything you could possibly want, Celebrity Cruises is the cruise line for you. Its ships are large, comfortable, and designed to be kid-friendly. They are filled with creative and educational activities. The entertainment is also first-class, and the staterooms are outstanding. They also include a range of salons and spas.
The Celebrity Edge class ships have a fusion of modern design and outdoor spaces. They have a rooftop garden with real greenery and outdoor dining space. They also have new stateroom amenities like martini glass-styled hot tubs, two-story verandas, and 24-hour room service.
Celebrity Cruises also has a significant presence in Europe. From spring to fall, over half of its 12 big ships are deployed to the continent. This allows it to offer a varied list of European itineraries. Its ships include seven-, eight-, and 14-night cruises that visit the Baltic and Mediterranean.
Seabourn Cruise Line
The Seabourn Cruise Line is a cruise line that is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The cruise line is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Its mission is to provide guests with a luxurious experience. Currently, there are four Seabourn ships that offer a wide variety of itineraries.
The ships on the Seabourn fleet are the latest in luxury cruising, featuring 450 and 600 guests. In addition to providing spacious accommodations, Seabourn cruises offer to stimulate onboard activities and excursions. The company sails to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, including the Arctic, Australia, and Asia. Its cruises range from seven to 65 days.
Seabourn has won numerous awards for its service and accommodations. It offers an intimate cruising experience, with nearly one staff member per guest. Its staff is hand-picked and trained to anticipate guest needs. The Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Infinity are both small ships, which offer intimate accommodations for up to two dozen passengers. The interiors of each cabin feature a large picture window and a French balcony.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is one of the best cruise companies in the Caribbean. The company has won several awards, including Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean and Best Cruise Line Overall. They also own two private islands in the Caribbean: CoCo Cay and Labadee. The ship can visit these islands, which offer snorkeling and other water activities.
Royal Caribbean also has many ports around the world. Its ships sail from several European ports, including Barcelona and Copenhagen. It also has a presence in Italy, where ships can depart from Civitavecchia, Italy. In 2021, Ravenna will replace Venice as a home port for Royal Caribbean cruises.
Royal Caribbean offers an amazing variety of accommodations. Some of its ships have as many as 34 different categories of cabins. From the cheapest “inside” cabin, which measures 149 square feet, to the largest suites that are 10 times larger than an inside cabin, the company caters to every budget and style. There are also luxury suites aimed at affluent travelers, like the Royal Loft Suites, which are two decks high with panoramic views.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas offers a wide variety of shore excursions, many of them free. The Caribbean is a great place to see and experience the local culture. On the ship’s ‘Welcome to Paradise’ itinerary, you’ll stop in Castries, the capital of St Lucia, and see grazing local animals. You’ll also get the chance to sample local cuisine and enjoy a gondola ride.
You can also choose to enjoy a formal night at sea, which is optional. Other dining venues on Regent Seven Seas cruises include Sette Mari, an Italian-inspired restaurant featuring pesto pasta and antipasti. Other ships, including Silversea and Seabourn, offer dining room menus in cabins.
Regent Seven Seas cruises offer a variety of destinations, from tranquil Caribbean cruising to rainforest excursions and guided tours. Onboard amenities include unlimited drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, laundry service, and unlimited shore excursions.
Holland America Line
Holland America has a great reputation for delivering quality service and amenities, and its cruises are also appealing to families. Families will find everything they need to feel comfortable on a Holland America cruise, including plush bedding and flat-screen TVs with DVD players in every cabin. The cruise line is also renowned for its understated professionalism, which helps travelers relax during the trip. Onboard activities for kids and teens include New York Times-branded libraries, “Dancing With the Stars” lessons, and more.
Cruisers can also opt to visit different countries and explore the island’s culture and history. HAL cruises visit 470 different ports around the world, including 98 countries. Celebrity Cruises visit about 300 ports in 79 countries. Both Holland America and Celebrity offer several excursions to various destinations on these continents.
Holland America has four different itineraries for its Caribbean cruises. One of these itineraries will take you to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, where you can enjoy a day on the beach or a trip to a cigar factory. Another exciting port on the itinerary is Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, where you can snorkel and dive or simply relax on the beach. The cruise will then visit Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, and Oranjestad, Aruba.
Carnival Cruise Line
If you’re looking for the most fun, you’ll love cruising with Carnival Cruise Line. It offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including poolside movies and waterparks. You can even find a roller coaster on their newest ship, Mardi Gras. You can also enjoy the fun nightlife onboard with live music, poolside movies, and nightclub-style parties.
Carnival offers a wide variety of Caribbean cruises from its homeports in the U.S., including Baltimore, New Orleans, and Mobile. These smaller ports make it possible for more people to enjoy cruising without having to worry about paying for an expensive plane ticket. There are more than a dozen ports of call for Carnival, including the southernmost one in Miami, which makes for a convenient vacation.
The ship’s size and amenities also make it an excellent choice for families. Carnival Vista has six themed zones and 180 staterooms and is the first ship to be powered by LNG, part of the cruise line’s green cruising program.
Norwegian Cruise Line
If you are looking for the best cruise line in the Caribbean, you have come to the right place. Norwegian is a company that has changed the way people experience cruising. They have eliminated shower curtains in favor of curved glass doors. They have also improved the amenities of their cabins by adding zen-inspired decor. Norwegian is also known for its studio cabins. They also don’t charge single supplement fees. They also have a ship within a shipping area called The Haven, which is perfect for families.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers Caribbean cruises throughout the year. Their ships depart from a variety of ports around the world, including Galveston, Texas. They visit a variety of islands in seven to 19 days. They also offer freestyle cruising, so you can decide what you want to do while you are on board. Onboard, you can spend time on various excursions and indulge in delicious food. You can also enjoy the many bars and pools onboard.
Another thing that makes Norwegian Cruise Line stand out is its extensive fleet of ships. They offer a variety of ships, which will appeal to different types of cruisers. You can choose the ship that best suits your needs, whether it’s for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing escape. The choice of the ship will greatly affect your overall experience.
