Caribbean Cruise Ships for Families
Discover top Caribbean family cruise ships with practical tips on cabins, kids’ clubs, dining and ideal sailing times for a perfect family getaway.
5 Best Caribbean Cruise Lines
The short answer
The best Caribbean cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian.
The Caribbean is a popular destination for cruises, with many islands and ports to explore, and several cruise lines offer itineraries in the region, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, with prices for a 7-night sailing ranging from $800 to $2,000 per person, depending on the time of year and cabin category.
In this article, we will explore the best Caribbean cruise lines, including their ship features, itineraries, and prices, to help you choose the right one for your next vacation, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach break or an action-packed adventure, with many onboard activities and shore excursions to choose from.
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Compare prices →Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the Caribbean, with a range of ships and itineraries to choose from, including the Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, which offer a wide range of onboard activities and amenities, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and robot bartenders, with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $1,000 per person.
The cruise line offers a variety of Caribbean itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit ports such as St. Maarten, San Juan, and Cozumel, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, including shows, casinos, and spas.
- Oasis-class ships have a robot bartender
- Quantum-class ships have an indoor skydiving simulator
- Royal Caribbean offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is another popular cruise line in the Caribbean, with a fleet of ships that offer a fun and lively atmosphere, with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, such as water parks, comedy clubs, and live music venues, and with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $800 per person.
The cruise line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries, including short cruises to the Bahamas and longer cruises to the Southern Caribbean, which visit ports such as Grand Turk, La Romana, and Aruba, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard amenities, such as spas, fitness centers, and restaurants.
- Carnival ships have a water park with slides and a splash zone
- Carnival offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
- Carnival has a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian is a popular cruise line in the Caribbean, with a fleet of ships that offer a freestyle cruising experience, with no set dining times or formal nights, and with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $1,200 per person.
The cruise line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit ports such as St. Thomas, Nassau, and Jamaica, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, such as shows, casinos, and spas.
- Norwegian ships have a wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants
- Norwegian offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
- Norwegian has a private island in the Bahamas, called Great Stirrup Cay
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Holland America Line
Holland America is a premium cruise line that offers a more laid-back and sophisticated experience, with a focus on fine dining, enrichment programs, and destination immersion, and with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $1,500 per person.
The cruise line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit ports such as Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, and Puerto Rico, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, such as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live music performances.
- Holland America ships have a culinary arts center with cooking demonstrations
- Holland America offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
- Holland America has a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity is a premium cruise line that offers a modern and stylish experience, with a focus on fine dining, entertainment, and destination immersion, and with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $1,200 per person.
The cruise line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit ports such as St. Maarten, San Juan, and Barbados, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, such as shows, casinos, and spas.
- Celebrity ships have a rooftop terrace with live music and cocktails
- Celebrity offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
- Celebrity has a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers
Princess Cruises
Princess is a premium cruise line that offers a classic and traditional experience, with a focus on fine dining, entertainment, and destination immersion, and with prices for a 7-night sailing starting from around $1,000 per person.
The cruise line offers a range of Caribbean itineraries, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit ports such as Grand Turk, La Romana, and Martinique, with shore excursions available to explore the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each island, and with many onboard activities and entertainment options to choose from, such as shows, casinos, and spas.
- Princess ships have a piazza with live music and entertainment
- Princess offers a range of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, and balcony
- Princess has a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers
Key takeaways
- Royal Caribbean has a wide range of onboard activities
- Carnival offers a fun and lively atmosphere
- Norwegian has a freestyle cruising experience
- Holland America offers a premium and sophisticated experience
Where to book this cruise
When booking a Caribbean cruise, it's a good idea to consider the time of year and the itinerary, as well as the onboard amenities and activities, to ensure that you get the best value for your money, and to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, to find the best deal for your needs and budget, and to consider working with a travel agent who specializes in cruises to get personalized recommendations and advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to take a Caribbean cruise?
The best time to take a Caribbean cruise is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and drier, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s, and with fewer crowds and lower prices than during the peak summer months.
What are the most popular Caribbean cruise ports?
The most popular Caribbean cruise ports include St. Maarten, San Juan, and Cozumel, which offer a range of shore excursions and activities, such as beach breaks, cultural tours, and water sports.
What is the average cost of a Caribbean cruise?
The average cost of a Caribbean cruise can range from $800 to $2,000 per person for a 7-night sailing, depending on the cruise line, ship, and cabin category, as well as the time of year and itinerary.
What are the different types of Caribbean cruises?
There are several types of Caribbean cruises, including Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, which visit different ports and offer different experiences, such as beach breaks, cultural tours, and water sports.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
Yes, you will need a passport for a Caribbean cruise, as well as any required visas or travel documents, depending on your nationality and the ports you will be visiting.
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