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Cruises to the Caribbean

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ENJOY THIS BAHAMIAN PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE

• Ports of Call

We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water. And with more than 5,000 islands and cays spread across this amazing region, there’s a lot of paradise to see. So how do you choose where to visit on a Caribbean cruise? We recommend you just go and see for yourself! Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn’t even matter what time of year you go. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot.

• Snorkel great natural reefs in crystal-clear waters.
• Enjoy year-round tropical weather.
• Take in the beach view on horseback… or beach chair.

YOU WANT WHERE? WE GO THERE.

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Grand Cayman

Progreso, Yucatán

St. Maarten

Montego Bay

Curaçao

Santa Marta

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

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Manhattan, New York City

Celebration Key

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THINKING ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN?

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Caribbean Cruises

About Caribbean Cruises

Experience ultimate relaxation in the Caribbean, an idyllic destination that offers something for everyone. From the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico to the lush rainforests and mountain trails, each island boasts its own unique charm. The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for cruisers who can compare hundreds of cruise itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean in addition to other itineraries from popular departure ports across the United States on the Cruise Critic site today.

Indulge in regional delicacies like conch fritters while enjoying thrilling activities such as snorkeling and sailing. Discover the diverse ports of the Caribbean, from the charming Amber Cove with its vibrant local markets, to the picturesque island of Aruba known for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife. Sail to Barbados , home to breathtaking coral reefs and historical landmarks, or explore the cultural melting pot of Curacao with its colorful architecture and Dutch influence.

And if you're looking to save money on your next cruise, be sure to visit our Caribbean cruise deals page . We offer exclusive pricing for Cruise Critic members and visitors, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Escape to the Caribbean and let the beauty of the islands, the warmth of the waters, and the rich culture of the people transport you to a world of pure bliss. Book your Caribbean cruise today and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

More about the Caribbean

What is the best time to cruise to the caribbean, which cruise lines go to the caribbean.

We found you 2,663 cruises

Southern Caribbean - Miami

Port: Miami • Puerto Plata • Barbados • Antigua • San Juan • Great Stirrup Cay • Miami

Caribbean - Southern Cruise

Port: Miami • Aruba • Curacao • Bonaire • Grenada • St. Lucia • St. Barts • Tortola • Miami

Western Caribbean Cruise

Port: Port Canaveral • Costa Maya • Cozumel • Port Canaveral

Caribbean - Western Cruise

Port: Miami • Ocho Rios • Aruba • Cartagena • Colon • Puerto Limon • Roatan • Miami • St. Maarten • +6 more

Viking's Fly Free Sale Is Now On.

• We’ve taken care of everything, so you can explore and rejuvenate.
• 8-23 day itineraries available in Europe, Vietnam, Egypt & The USA.
• *T&C'S APPLY | NO KIDS | SCANDINAVIAN COMFORT | VOTED WORLD’S BEST

Caribbean Cruise

Port: Fort Lauderdale • St. Maarten • St. Kitts • Martinique • St. Lucia • Barbados • +4 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • Santander • Aruba • St. Barts • St. Thomas • Hamilton • New York

Port: Fort Lauderdale • San Juan • St. John • St. Kitts • Deshaies • Martinique • St. Lucia • +3 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • Cozumel • Roatan • Belize City • Costa Maya • Fort Lauderdale • +4 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • Princess Cays • Amber Cove • Grand Turk • Fort Lauderdale • Cozumel • +3 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • St. Maarten • St. Kitts • St. Lucia • Barbados • Port of Spain • Grenada • +3 more

An Extended Journey From To Mayan Mysteries & Isla...

Port: Miami • Cozumel • Belize City • Cayman Brac • Key West • Miami • Puerto Plata • Lefkada • +4 more

Caribbean - Eastern Cruise

Port: Miami • Puerto Plata • San Juan • Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve • Miami • Nassau • +5 more

Port: Southampton • New York • St. Thomas • St. Kitts • Dominica • Barbados • St. Lucia • St. Maarten • +2 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • Grand Turk • Amber Cove • Bonaire • Curacao • Aruba • St. Kitts • +8 more

Port: Fort Lauderdale • Costa Maya • Roatan • Cozumel • Fort Lauderdale • Amber Cove • San Juan • +3 more

Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer / Western Explorer

Port: Fort Lauderdale • St. Maarten • Antigua • St. Lucia • Dominica • St. Kitts • St. Thomas • +9 more

The Caribbean is arguably the most popular cruise destination, and therefore nearly every cruise line has itineraries across the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean -- from the world's largest ships to small sailing yachts. Examples of cruise lines that go to the Caribbean include MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Viking Ocean, Princess and Windstar. To help you decide: Compare Top Cruise Ships in the Caribbean .

What are some things to do in the Caribbean?

Apart from beaches and bars, the Caribbean contains endless islands with unique identities that offer historical and cultural attractions as well as active pursuits. Hike the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, USVI; snorkel an underwater sculpture park in Grenada or zip line in an eco park in St. Maarten. For just a sample of what to do, check out: Best Western Caribbean Shore Excursions .

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the Caribbean?

You can visit the Caribbean without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port). Examples include cruises that depart and return to Galveston, Tampa, Baltimore or Orlando. Some Caribbean ports, including Martinique and Guadeloupe, will not allow cruisers to get off the ship and enter the country without a passport, so check your itinerary and cruise line instructions.

What should I pack for a cruise to the Caribbean?

In addition to your lightweight clothes, pack sun protection while visiting the Caribbean -- and consider reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray. Sun showers can happen, so a thin waterproof layer or umbrella might keep you dry during a surprise thunderstorm.

Related Cruises

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Banana Coast (Trujillo)

Belize City

Castaway Cay

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

Great Stirrup Cay

Half Moon Cay

Harvest Caye

Iles des Saintes

Isla Culebra

Isla de La Juventud

Jost Van Dyke

La Romana (Casa de Campo)

Montego Bay

Norman Island

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Pigeon Island

Playa del Carmen

Princess Cays

Samana and Cayo Levantado

Santiago de Cuba

Santo Domingo

St. John (U.S.V.I.)

St. Kitts (Port Zante)

St. Maarten

St. Vincent

Tobago Cays

Virgin Gorda

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Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

When choosing to cruise to the Caribbean, images of white sand beaches, cerulean water and plenty of sun often come to

When choosing to cruise to the Caribbean, images of white sand beaches, cerulean water and plenty of sun often come to mind. But how do you know which cruise line offers the best Caribbean experience? To find out, U.S. News used a methodology that factors in each cruise line's variety, number and percentage of Caribbean itineraries, along with approval ratings among experts and travelers, to compile this list of the best cruise lines sailing in the Caribbean. In addition to offering a great Caribbean cruising experience, these cruise lines offer plenty of  deals on their voyages that can be found year-round.

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney's ships sail to ports across the Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Most of Disney's Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay – the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. In addition to offering character greetings and waterslides, the island boasts less-congested beaches and prime snorkeling.

• 4.46 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's diverse Caribbean itineraries make it a star in the eyes of many cruisers. You can sail to spots like the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, or boat around St. Lucia and other islands. Wherever you choose, you'll find a bevy of exciting shore excursions, ranging from swimming with stingrays to rum tasting adventures.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a well-designed, adults-only cruise line. Ships feature upscale dining, wellness activities and plenty of live entertainment, plus free Wi-Fi access. Caribbean itineraries make stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. Virgin also boasts a private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 3 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is known for its varied island itineraries – stops include Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. What's more, shore activities arranged through the cruise line cater to all types of travelers. Cruisers can zip line through the jungle, strap on scuba equipment and scour the deep-blue sea or just relax on the beach.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Holland America Line

Sailing to destinations like Bonaire, the Bahamas and Honduras, Holland America's ships offer a host of onboard amenities and activities to keep you entertained at sea. Once you dock, you'll be able to participate in fun excursions like sea trek helmet diving, catamaran sailing adventures and rainforest drives.

• 4.14 Overall Rating
• 11 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival brings the party to the Caribbean with its "Fun Ships," cruising to a handful of hot spots like Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic. Families in particular enjoy Carnival's affordable and flexible itineraries: Caribbean cruises range from four to 14 days, and you can find trips for less than $300 per person.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Princess Cruises

Princess caters to all kinds of cruisers, from families to couples to solo travelers. The cruise line also entices passengers with its variety of itineraries, covering popular eastern, western and southern Caribbean destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, as well as smaller spots such as Dominica and Grenada.

• 4.02 Overall Rating
• 15 Ships in Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line

With 15 of Norwegian's ships sailing to dozens of popular isles in the Caribbean – from Aruba to Curacao to the Cayman Islands – the cruise line boasts a variety of itineraries to suit your fancy. Plus, Norwegian's extensive list of excursions includes offerings like parasailing, swimming with dolphins and snorkeling.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC doesn't tout as many Caribbean itineraries as other lines in this ranking; just seven of its 23 ships (Divina, Magnifica, Meraviglia, Seascape, Seashore, Seaside and Virtuosa) sail to the region in 2024. However, its routes stop in popular ports of call like Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Aruba.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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24 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation

Island hop in luxury.

The Caribbean islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the world thanks to the region's beautiful beaches, historic towns, ancient ruins, delicious food, and friendly locals. The diverse languages and cultures add to the appeal of the Caribbean, and cruises that visit a series of destinations highlight the distinctions among the islands. From ocean liners and yachts to small expedition vessels and sailboats, the best Caribbean cruises allow travelers to enjoy the time at sea and on land.

Caribbean cruises depart from many port cities, so for some travelers, spending a few days in a new place before or after the cruise adds to the experience. Cruises can be family-focused or adults-only, and many accommodate all ages with activities to keep everyone happy. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, a cruise can fit into your plans. Here are some of the best Caribbean cruises to inspire your island vacation.

Ponant's Panama, Colombia, and Caribbean Islands

Duration: 12 nights

What to expect: This voyage aboard the 184-passenger Le Bellot begins in Panama’s second-largest city of Colón, which sits at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. The first stop is the historic town of Portobello, home to UNESCO-listed fortifications and a colonial-era shipping port. Then, the cruise heads to the San Blas Islands, where guests can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and learn about the traditional fishing techniques of the Kuna people. Next is Cartagena, Colombia, home to a colorful and lively UNESCO-listed historical center, and Santa Marta, a gateway to the lush Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal chain of mountains in the world. After a day at sea, the ship arrives at the diving hot spot of Bonaire. Highlights after that include Grenada's capital city of St. George’s, the tranquil beaches of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the lush rain forest of St. Lucia. The penultimate port is Les Saintes, a pristine and mostly uninhabited archipelago of nine islands in Guadeloupe. After swimming, snorkeling, and reflecting on the journey, guests disembark the next day in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Frederic Michel/Courtesy of Studio PONANT

Disney Cruise Line's 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Duration: Six nights

What to expect: Disney Cruise Lines has been named one of the best large-ship ocean cruise lines by Travel + Leisure readers, and for good reason. This itinerary invites guests to board the 875-room Disney Magic , which offers plenty of entertainment to enjoy during the first two days at sea between Galveston and Grand Cayman. For young passengers, there are clubs, games, pools, and Disney character encounters. Adults might enjoy the spa, nightclubs, restaurants, and evening entertainment. In Grand Cayman, cruisers can relax on the famed Seven Mile Beach or learn about historical artifacts at the Cayman Islands National Museum. In Cozumel, Mexico, there's scuba diving, snorkeling, and more stunning beaches. The following day is spent at sea with time to enjoy Disney Magic 's amenities before returning to Galveston.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic

Duration: Seven nights What to expect: This cruise departs from Port Canaveral (Orlando) and spends the next day at sea aboard Norwegian Joy , which can carry 3,776 passengers, and has an adults-only relaxation area and beach club. The first port is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where travelers have time to enjoy the city views or explore on a hike. The ship visits the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, which offers duty-free shopping and beaches. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, where guests can snorkel or tour the forest canopy before heading out to sea for a day. Following that is Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, a private island for NCL guests to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, WaveRunner adventures, or relaxing in a beachfront cabana before returning to Port Canaveral the next day.

Princess Cruises' 7-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Thomas

Duration: Seven nights What to expect: Guests board the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess in Fort Lauderdale and cruise to Princess Cays on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A beach barbecue, a local craft market, and water activities from snorkeling to fishing are available on the private island resort. The next day at sea on the way to San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers time to enjoy onboard activities including the pool, spa, sports court, and casino, as well as programs for young cruisers. After that, travelers can tour Old San Juan, the El Yunque National Rainforest, and Fort San Cristobal. The next stop is St. Thomas, which offers snorkeling, hiking, and golfing. With the next two days at sea, guests can enjoy the ship's restaurants, spa, and family-friendly Camp Discovery centers before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Bridgetown to Bridgetown

Duration: Seven nights What to expect: This cruise aboard the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 's 149-suite ship, Evrima , starts in Bridgetown, Barbados, and heads to Saint-Pierre, Martinique, also known as "the Paris of the Caribbean." Here, cruisers can explore a charming seaside town, black-sand beaches, and dive sites with shipwrecks. The next stop is Soufrière, St. Lucia, a gateway to natural wonders like the steaming volcanic crater of Sulphur Springs, the organic gardens of the Tet Paul Nature Trail, and lush rain forest that can be explored via guided hikes. The next day is dedicated to the pristine palm-lined beaches of Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Grenada’s pedestrian-friendly capital of St. George’s gives guests a perfect opportunity to stretch their legs while viewing 18th-century architecture. The final destination before returning to Bridgetown, Barbados, is Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, home to colorful coral reefs, turtle nesting sites, and hiking trails up Mount Royal.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Western Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel, and Roatan

Duration: Seven nights

What to expect: This cruise leaves from New Orleans, so the celebration can start even before guests board the 3,903-passenger Norwegian Getaway for a day at sea with nightly entertainment, a casino, a spa, and a water park. There's the Splash Academy for young cruisers and the Entourage games and activities lounge for teens. The ship arrives at Costa Maya, Mexico, home to Mayan ruins, beaches, fly fishing, and river tubing. Belize is the next port, with river rafting through the jungle and relaxing on the beach. The next day is spent on Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras, for snorkeling or a beach day. In Cozumel, off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, there's snorkeling, trolley tours, and tequila tasting. After another day at sea, the ship returns to New Orleans.

Royal Caribbean's 7-night Southern Caribbean

What to expect: Passengers board the 2,416-guest Rhapsody of the Seas in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The next port is the island of St. Thomas, with world-famous beaches and snorkeling. From there, the ship goes to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Then, it's on to Philipsburg on St. Maarten, a culturally vibrant island governed by the Netherlands and France. On St. Lucia, cruisers can opt to relax at a resort or on the beach or hit the island's hiking trails. The last stop before the ship returns to San Juan is Barbados, where guests can marvel at pink-sand beaches, go spelunking, or visit historic plantations.

Virgin Voyages' Eastern Caribbean Antilles

Duration: Eight nights

What to expect: One of the best adults-only cruises , this trip from Miami features a mix of adventure-filled days, nightlife, and experiences that are exclusive to Virgin Voyages guests. After boarding the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , the first stop is the Dominican port of Puerto Plata, where excursions include an off-road adventure through villages, rivers, and waterfalls, a cable car ride up to the mountains, and a rum-tasting tour. The next stop in San Juan includes a late-night stay, giving guests extra time to experience Puerto Rico’s capital city in the evening. After a stop in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, cruisers can enjoy the ship's many bars and restaurants before arriving at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini, where they can relax by the shore or set out to explore the Bahamas' reefs, culture, and history on guided excursions.

Royal Caribbean's 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise

Duration: Four nights What to expect: The 4,370-passenger Freedom of the Seas boards in Miami and heads to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day. Options there include Atlantis Resort and its water park, aquariums, and waterslides, as well as shopping and lounging on the beach. A day at sea gives guests time to enjoy the ship's water sports, nightlife, and restaurants. The ship arrives at CocoCay, Bahamas, for a day of fun in the freshwater pool, water park, Oasis Lagoon, and Coco Beach Club. The ship then returns to Miami for disembarkation.

Windstar Cruises' Classic Caribbean

What to expect: The cruise begins in St. Maarten aboard Wind Surf , a majestic 342-guest sailing ship with 150 luxurious staterooms. From there, the ship sails to Roseau, Dominica, and Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, where guests can explore rain forests and waterfalls. You can even hop aboard an aerial tram for a ride over the rain forest. In Guadeloupe, the Les Saintes archipelago offers snorkeling and rum sampling. In Basseterre, St. Kitts, there's an island tour, scenic railway, and zip line adventure. The cruise then heads to St. Barts for a catamaran sail before the ship returns to St. Maarten.

Hurtigruten's Tropical Waters and Remote Island Communities in the Caribbean

Duration: 11 nights

What to expect: Guests board the 550-passenger MS Roald Amundsen in Miami and spend the next two days cruising. The expedition ship has its own science center, as well as Nordic-inspired lounges, restaurants, and a spa, so guests can choose to dive into research or relax. The first stop is Belize, where you'll visit the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha and explore the country's pristine barrier reef. The cruise then heads to Honduras, stopping at spectacular dive sites and historic cities. Wildlife lovers will appreciate Nicaragua's remote islands of Cayos Miskitos, part of a protected nature reserve. Then, the adventure continues on Isla de Providencia in Colombia, Big Corn Island on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast, and Panama's UNESCO-listed Bocas del Toro islands. The final stop is Colón at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Hurtigruten engages guests with citizen science programs, in-depth lectures from its expedition team, and purpose-driven excursions focused on mindfully exploring nature and the local cultures. Options include guided visits to Indigenous communities, hikes along rugged trails, and opportunities to learn about wildlife.

Windstar Cruises' Boston Sights, Warm Caribbean Nights

Duration: 10 nights

What to expect: Sailing from Boston aboard the all-suite Star Pride , which accommodates a maximum of 312 guests, cruisers can enjoy the spa, dining venues, and infinity pool during two days at sea on their way to Bermuda. In Hamilton, shopping, kayaking, and fresh seafood restaurants await, and in St. George's, guests can tour natural grottos or a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two more days at sea take cruisers to St. Barts. After that, the ship stops in St. Kitts and the British Virgin Islands. San Juan is the final port, and guests can explore the walled old town after disembarkation.

Celebrity Cruises' Bahamas, Labadee, and Grand Cayman

Duration: Seven nights What to expect: Cruisers board the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Ascent in Fort Lauderdale and head to Nassau, Bahamas, for a day of relaxing beaches, duty-free shopping, and dining on the local specialty, conch fritters. A day at sea is next, with time to enjoy the ship's amenities, including 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges, a rooftop garden, and an adults-only solarium. Sip cocktails above the surf on the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that can be raised up to 13 stories along the ship's exterior. The first stop is Labadee, a private Royal Caribbean port on Haiti's northern shore, which boasts stunning white-sand beaches and the world's longest over-water zip line. After another day of cruising the Caribbean, the ship arrives in George Town, Grand Cayman, for snorkeling, swimming with stingrays, and a beach barbecue. A final day at sea offers time to relax at the spa or dine at the three-story Eden restaurant before the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale.

Ponant's Pearls of the Caribbean Cruise

What to expect: From Martinique's capital of Fort-de-France, the 184-passenger Le Champlain sails to Bequia Island, home to lively Port Elizabeth, beaches, and a tropical rain forest. The ship makes several stops in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including Mayreau Island for peaceful sandy beaches and snorkeling. The small islands of Tobago Cays teem with marine life such as green sea turtles. After a stop in the capital, Kingstown, the cruise heads to St. Lucia, where guests can relax on the protected beaches of Pigeon Island, a national landmark that features the ruins of an 18th-century British fort. A stop in Soufrière gives passengers a closer look at the Pitons, the island's signature twin volcanic spires. After a stop in Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, and Portsmouth, Dominica, the ship sails back to Martinique. Along the way, there's ample time to enjoy the elegant decor, swimming pool, and underwater lounge.

Azamara's 8-night Eastern Caribbean Voyage

What to expect: One of the best Caribbean cruises takes travelers on a voyage down to the region's eastern islands — all while sailing in the lap of luxury aboard the Azamara Quest , renowned for its comfortable 361 staterooms (including some with step-out balconies). The adventure begins in Miami and includes stops in St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, and St. Barts. Between shore excursions, guests can enjoy the ship's spa, fitness center, boutiques, enrichment programs, cocktail lounges, and performances by local talent.

Viking Ocean Cruises' West Indies Explorer

What to expect: Guests board the 930-passenger Viking Sea in San Juan before enjoying a day of exploring the town, kayaking, or horseback riding. Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is the next port, with time for snorkeling and the beach before heading to St. Kitts and Nevis. A rain forest safari and scenic railway trip are options there. In St. Lucia the next day, there's an aerial tram through the rain forest canopy and a catamaran tour. Bridgetown, Barbados, is the next port, and then Dominica the following day. Antigua and Barbuda offer a beach retreat or Segway city tour. In St. Maarten, sailing fans can participate in a simulated America's Cup race aboard a yacht. St. Thomas is the final stop before returning to San Juan.

Seabourn Cruises' 12-day Caribbean Gems

What to expect: The cruise begins in Miami, where guests board the Seabourn Sojourn for a day at sea on the way to San Juan. The ship offers 229 suites and an observation lounge and bar where passengers can enjoy the sea views. Activity options include a city tour, an El Yunque rain forest drive, or a culinary adventure. The next port is Gustavia, St. Barts, and then the ship continues to Guadeloupe for a day of touring or hiking. On Dominica, guests can explore waterfalls and hot springs before heading to Carambola Beach, home to some of St. Kitts and Nevis's most luxurious beach clubs and restaurants. Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is the last port before the ship returns to Miami.

Viking Ocean Cruises' Amazon and Caribbean Adventure

What to expect: This cruise aboard the 930-guest Viking Sea begins in San Juan for sightseeing in the old city and access to white-sand beaches. Antigua and Barbuda are the next ports, where guests have a day to explore on land or via a catamaran cruise. Then it's on to St. Lucia for excursion options like an aerial tram through the rain forest canopy and a chocolate-making class. The ship arrives at Bridgetown, Barbados, for a day before setting sail for French Guiana. The next day is at sea, with time to enjoy the ship's activities before arriving at the Amazon River. The ship cruises the Amazon to the town of Santarém with its charming colonial-era cathedral. The next port in Brazil is Parintins, for a colorful folk performance, and then on to Manaus, 1,000 miles upriver from the Atlantic. Here, guests disembark to travel home or explore the city.

Silversea's Fort Lauderdale to Bridgetown

What to expect: This activity-packed voyage on the 596-passenger Silver Moon — one of the largest vessels in Silversea’s fleet — begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After a couple of days at sea, the first stop is San Juan, where rain forest and architectural explorations await. Cruisers can take it slow in the next ports, St. Barts and St. Kitts, with beach time and culinary excursions or get their adrenaline pumping on a zip-lining adventure. The following two days include stops in St. John's and Guadaloupe, with shore excursions ranging from kayaking to snorkeling. On the seventh day, the ship arrives in Castries, St. Lucia, where guests can appreciate the capital city from above on a flightseeing helicopter tour or an aerial tram. The final stops are St. George's on Grenada and Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, before the voyage ends in Bridgetown, Barbados. 

Oceania Cruises' Tropical Retreats

What to expect: Passengers board in Miami for a day at sea on Oceania Cruises' Vista , with a pool bar, casino, spa, shops, 10 restaurants, and entertainment. The ship carries 1,200 passengers and features a wide variety of cabins including Oceania's first solo cabins. The first port is Cozumel, Mexico's largest Caribbean island, which offers shopping for local handicrafts and duty-free deals as well as snorkeling, river tubing, and boating. The next port is Harvest Caye, Belize, with beachfront villas and poolside cabanas that can be rented for the day and a lagoon for kayaks and pedal boats. Roatán, Honduras, is next, a remote island with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. The ship then stops at Costa Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast, where guests can snorkel, kayak, relax on the beach, or explore nearby Mayan ruins. After a day at sea, the ship returns to Miami.

Celebrity Cruises' Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao

What to expect: After leaving Fort Lauderdale, this cruise begins with two days at sea, providing guests with ample time to enjoy the expansive top deck, restaurants, and bars aboard the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond . The first stop in the Dutch Caribbean islands is Oranjestad, Aruba, where guests can stroll down historic streets lined with colorful buildings. The next stops are Kralendijk, Bonaire, renowned for its dive sites, and Willemstad, Curacao, famous for its 17th-century fort, colonial buildings, street art, and vibrant cafes and bars. Another two days at sea allow guests to relax before disembarking in Fort Lauderdale. 

Holland America Line's 7-day Tropical Caribbean

Duration: Seven nights What to expect: Boarding in Fort Lauderdale, this voyage invites up to 2,106 passengers for a week of fun on one of the best Caribbean cruises. After a night at sea, the sophisticated Nieuw Amsterdam arrives at Half Moon Bay, Bahamas, Holland America Line's private island with boating, snorkeling, biking, hiking, or horseback riding excursions. The following day is spent cruising toward the next stop in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing on the shore. The next port is Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, to swim and snorkel or visit a rum distillery or cigar factory. After another day at sea, the ship arrives in Key West, Florida, giving guests a chance to visit the bars and restaurants of Duval Street and enjoy the historic architecture.

Lindblad Expeditions' Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud

What to expect: This cruise aboard Sea Cloud , a historic square-rigger ship that can accommodate 64 passengers, begins in Bridgetown, Barbados, for a true sailing adventure. The next day at sea provides time to relax on deck, observe the rigging crew as they hand-set the ship's 30 sails, or learn about the planned destinations. Upon arrival at Dominica, guests spend a day swimming and snorkeling before sailing on to Guadeloupe. The island of Bequia in the Grenadines is the next destination, where there's a model boat museum, a charming waterfront town, and local shops. Sea Cloud sails on to Grenada and then St. Lucia, which is home to a volcanic crater, waterfalls, sulfur springs, and mountains, before ending back in Barbados.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Magic in the Caribbean

What to expect: One of the best cruises to book in 2024 , Regent Seven Seas dazzles passengers with its luxurious amenities and captivating itineraries. For this voyage, travelers board the 750-guest Seven Seas Grandeur in Miami and spend the next day at sea, enjoying the ship's amenities, including the fitness center, spa, bocce court, cooking classes, infinity pool, and much more. Then it's five days of island hopping to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Dominica, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands. Two more days at sea provide plenty of time to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer before returning to Miami to disembark.

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First impressions: Is Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class cruise ship ever?

Editor's Note

Ladies and gentlemen, has Royal Caribbean done it again? Has the line's sixth Oasis Class ship , Utopia of the Seas, somehow managed to be even more innovative than its five predecessors? It didn't seem possible to me, given that I have a soft spot for the original two ships in the class, so I went into a recent Utopia sailing a bit skeptical. I emerged a convert.

The ship debuted as the second-largest cruise ship in the world (a tad bigger than its Oasis Class siblings but smaller than its gigantic sister ship, Icon of the Seas). Royal Caribbean has also dubbed it the "world's biggest weekend," thanks to its short itineraries — three- and four-night Bahamas and Caribbean voyages. This is the first time the cruise line has dedicated a brand-new ship solely to short sailings , which means Royal Caribbean has found plenty of ways for cruisers to soak up as much fun as they can in what little time they have on board.

But what's really underneath all of those superlatives? Here, I'll break down why I think Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean 's best Oasis Class ship yet and what you can expect if you decide to sail.

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Understanding the Oasis Class

The lead-up to Utopia of the Seas' debut was somewhat overshadowed by the rollout of fleetmate Icon of the Seas in early 2024, but the Oasis Class ships were the original trendsetters.

When the first one, Oasis of the Seas, set sail 15 years ago, it was the largest cruise ship in the world . It was nearly 45% bigger than the next-largest ship in the fleet, Freedom of the Seas, in terms of tonnage and 46% larger in terms of maximum passenger capacity. It also introduced the cruise industry to a groundbreaking neighborhood concept, which grouped popular themed offerings together in different areas and helped to control passenger flow. (Since then, other lines — including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — have developed their own versions.)

Within those neighborhoods, the class also delivered other industry firsts, including the first carousel, AquaTheater (a performance space featuring a pool for high-diving) and zip line at sea in and above the open-air Boardwalk neighborhood, as well as thousands of live plants tended by a resident gardener in the Central Park neighborhood . Both of these neighborhoods incorporate a central area of activity surrounded above by interior-facing ocean-view and balcony cabins — an idea pioneered on Voyager of the Seas in 1999 on the Royal Promenade , a mall-like indoor thoroughfare that has carried through to the line's newest vessels.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, during a media briefing on Utopia when asked about the evolution of the Oasis Class and why it remains so popular.

"It just consistently delivers every single time, and it ages so well," Bayley said. "We've invested in these ships, and we continue to invest .... just before the pandemic, we put almost a quarter of a billion dollars into one of the Oasis Class ships just to bring it up to speed. The reason why it works so well is size and neighborhoods. ... It's the space and the fact that the neighborhoods have been able to pull people together into spaces that they really enjoy."

In other words, Royal Caribbean struck gold with this type of ship.

Why is Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class ship yet?

Fun new twists.

Although the Oasis Class is still evolving after 15 years, Utopia of the Seas remains largely unchanged from the original Oasis of the Seas prototype. Royal Caribbean has taken passenger favorites from the first few Oasis Class vessels and carried them through, or removed concepts that have run their course and added some fun new ones in their place, on Utopia of the Seas.

The highlight of the new additions is a meal at the Royal Railway — Utopia Station . It's an immersive train-themed dinner theater restaurant that makes you feel like you're actually in a dining car with scenery passing by via LED "windows." Live actors carry out their antics around you, complete with sound effects and "butt-kickers," which jolt your seat to make it feel like you're really on a train. The experience has a capacity of just 96 passengers per night with a price — $75 per person — that's just as expensive as the venue is exclusive. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a reservation during my sailing, but I was able to tour one of the train cars, and it does truly suspend reality.

The next major addition is the Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar along the Royal Promenade. It's home to Brian, a drunk animatronic parrot who hadn't yet arrived at his perch on my voyage. (I'm told he's already made his debut, though.) Don't know which of the tropically themed drinks to order? Roll the bar's cylindrical accordion-style menu to help you figure it out.

Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar , a gimmicky bar found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, featuring robotic arms messily mixing up cocktails that passengers order via tablets. Trust me: The results at Pesky Parrot are much tastier, immensely more personable and far less sticky than their robot-crafted counterparts.

Spare Tire is a food truck-style concept on the pool deck that offers a walk-up counter with reheated frozen items like cheese and pepperoni tortilla roll-ups, ranchero beef and cheese tortilla roll-ups, chipotle chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean veggie wraps and fried raspberry cheesecake pockets. Although the food is tasty (and free), I was disappointed that the truck's items were probably some of the least homemade on the ship.

Other new additions to Utopia of the Seas include an extra-fee shave ice stand at the back of the ship near the FlowRider surf simulator ; a two-deck Giovanni's Italian specialty restaurant, which replaces molecular gastronomy restaurant Wonderland and offers great views over the Boardwalk neighborhood; bright, airy and spacious Solarium Suites located above the ship's adults-only Solarium area; and Omakase, an exclusive six-seat, eight-course Asian dining experience that costs $129 per person.

What all of this means is that passengers are able to experience the best of what other Oasis Class ships have to offer, as well as some new additions that make Utopia of the Seas feel even more fresh and exclusive.

Short itineraries on a brand-new ship

Utopia of the Seas sails only short itineraries, so it offers a low-commitment entry point for people who want to try cruising but worry they might not like it. Because it's a new ship, it also gives those people a chance to try something modern and splashy, rather than settling for older hardware.

"The percentage of new-to-cruise that will sail on Utopia is fantastic," Bayley said. "It's a short product, so people don't have to commit so much time and money to a longer experience. It's a much easier weekend break. It's no big deal to really hop on Utopia on a Friday and be in the office Monday morning."

For me, a three-night sailing was just long enough to whet my appetite for more. Utopia of the Seas is crammed with so many activities, amenities and places to chill that you'd be hard-pressed to see and do everything during a voyage twice as long as the ones the ship offers. If other passengers are anything like me, they'll be back, which is exactly Royal Caribbean's goal.

Utopia is also currently the only Oasis Class vessel that sails short cruises out of Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral, Florida — about an hour from Orlando. Voyages on Utopia of the Seas allow travelers to better utilize their limited vacation time by combining a cruise with visits to Florida beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and other nearby attractions.

"One of the reasons we put this brand-new Oasis Class [ship] into this market is that we really expect to see a certain amount of demand coming from tourists who are going in [to Orlando], either for ... Disney or Universal," Bayley said. "They can also package themselves a vacation, which includes a three-night, four-night [cruise] to Perfect Day."

More parties and live music than ever before

With Utopia of the Seas sailing short cruises, Royal Caribbean's entertainment team has had to reconfigure some of its offerings. The ship combines three new shows with energetic live music and more parties than any of the line's other vessels to date. The changes speak to what passengers want on shorter voyages — more partying and less sitting in one spot for large chunks of time. It all ties back into the long-weekend theme and the line's goal of helping passengers maximize their vacation time.

"Utopia is a taste of what, possibly, you could experience on maybe a longer itinerary," said Allison Rider-Davidoiu, Royal Caribbean's director of headliner entertainment, live music and enrichment, during an interview on board. "It was really important to ... go in a little bit of a different direction and have one party after the other to where you don't ever stop."

In fact, parties are so important on board that the ship employs a dedicated party squad, a new addition to Royal Caribbean's entertainment team. The goal of the squad members is to keep passengers engaged. There's also an entire team of hired "party influencers" who are simply meant to "keep the vibe going and look cool," according to Rider-Davidoiu.

In addition to the usual outdoor sailaway soiree, red-themed nightclub party and music-forward "street parties" along the Royal Promenade, some of the key celebrations on Utopia of the Seas include Senses, a pool deck party where cruisers will find house music and sunset scenes on the big screen; ReZolution, where passengers wear white and become living art through a series of high-tech projections; and Plunge, a daytime pool party with surprise giveaways, music and water guns that shoot Champagne.

Catering to adults who want to cut loose and relive their college days, Silent Toga is a silent disco where crew members hand out togas and show passengers how to wear them, and the Royal Kappa Chi afterparty is the place to find games of beer pong, Flip Cup and Quarters backed by the skills of one of three resident DJs. On my sailing, the latter shindig didn't end until 4 a.m.

Music is also a big focus on Utopia, with many passengers choosing their favorite live performers and returning to the same venues night after night to enjoy their performances.

"We've noticed guests on three- and four-day cruises, many times — as incredible as our shows are — they'd much rather gravitate toward live music," Rider-Davidoiu said. "So we put a lot of focus on getting the best bands and the best talent."

But that doesn't mean the ship's shows aren't phenomenal. In fact, that's far from the case.

Bridging the gap between party and production show is "The Effectors Homecoming Parade," a hybrid that takes place along the Royal Promenade. The large cast features six main characters: superheroes Pixel, Reverb, Lume and Captain Viz, as well as villains Crash and Burn. This latest installment of "The Effectors" trilogy of original shows — with the first two appearing on a small number of other vessels in the fleet — is a street party-style celebration of Crash's defeat.

"All In" is the main production show in the theater on each sailing. Royal Caribbean has pulled out the stops with high-tech lighting and sound, interesting props, jaw-dropping acrobatics and creatively timed LED screen animations. It also leans heavily on the massively talented cast of singers and dancers who perform hits from Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, the White Stripes, the Eurythmics and more.

Most impressive, though, are Utopia's high-dive and acrobatics show "Aqua80Too," held at the ship's aft-facing AquaTheater, and the "Youtopia Ice Spectacular," held in the ship's ice rink where professional figure skaters perform to well-known tunes in colorful costumes amid a series of fun projections. If you have to choose, these two are the ones to see during your sailing.

Bottom line

There often isn't much that differentiates new ships in a particular class from their predecessors, but that's not the case with Utopia of the Seas.

Its short itineraries make the ship a superb pick for weekend warriors or travelers with little vacation time, as well as anyone who's curious about cruising but who isn't ready to commit to an entire week on board. The vessel is also a great option for active travelers who enjoy live music and parties, and for fans of large ships who want a mix of tried-and-true favorites and the latest bells and whistles.

Find out more about Royal Caribbean:

• The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises
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• Royal Caribbean food
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Royal Caribbean passenger arrested after 'rape' of woman at sea

The cruise had been at sea for seven days when it stopped in fort lauderdale, florida so that juan campos could be arrested..

A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship .

Juan Campos, 28, is accused of raping a 20-year-old woman on August 28 as the Freedom of the Seas vacation was at its halfway point.

Campos is alleged to have penetrated the young woman with an unidentified object and tried to force her to perform oral sex .

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"It was a normal cruise; he was with friends, they met some people on board and next thing you know, he's charged with this crime," Campos's attorney, Ed Hoeg, told Local 10.

In defense of Campos, Hoeg claims that everything was consensual and that the suspect stopped when asked.

"I can tell you that it is my understanding, from speaking to persons other than Mr. Campos, that there are witnesses and evidence which I expect will contradict the narrative detailed in the probable cause affidavit," Hoeg said.

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The cruise had been in the seas for seven days when it stopped in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , after traveling throughout the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

Campos has already posted bond and bailed out, according to the Miami Herald.

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Texas man arrested after cruise ship reached Fort Lauderdale. He’s accused of sexual battery

A Texas man ended his cruise vacation jailed in Broward on a sexual battery charge.

Juan Campos, 28, was arrested Sunday at a cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale. He has since bonded out of jail, records show.

The 20-year-old victim told police that she and Campos were together while on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship, according to an arrest report. At one point, Campos was on top of her and unbuttoned her shorts, the report states.

He then penetrated her with something against her will, deputies say.

The woman tried pushing Campos off of her, even telling that “it hurts” and to “stop,” according to the report. Campos, however, continued and attempted to turn her over to sexually assault her but was unable to do so, deputies added.

When investigators tried interviewing Campos, he requested an attorney.

Campos’ attorney, Ed Hoeg, said in an email to the Herald that his client is not guilty, and there are witnesses who will dispute the alleged victim’s version of events.

“I can tell you that it is my understanding, from speaking to persons other than Mr. Campos, that there are witnesses and evidence which I expect will contradict the narrative detailed in the probable cause affidavit,” Hoeg said.

This report will be updated as more information becomes unavailable

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Passenger dies on Royal Caribbean ship that left Miami for 9-month world cruise

Serenade of the seas left miami on dec. 10, 2023, on the ultimate world cruise, a 274-night, seven-continent voyage that stops at 60 countries and 11 world wonders, by nbc6 • published february 13, 2024 • updated on february 13, 2024 at 3:23 pm.

A passenger has died while on board a Royal Caribbean ship that left Miami for a nine-month "Ultimate World Cruise," the company said Tuesday.

"A guest sailing on board Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News . "We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time. Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time."

The passenger's identity and details surrounding their death weren't released.

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Serenade of the Seas left Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, on the Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night, seven-continent voyage that stops at 60 countries and 11 world wonders.

The ship has already made its way through Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador on its South America leg last month. On Sunday, the Asia Pacific leg of the voyage began that will see the ship pass through Hawaii, Polynesia and Australia.

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