There is no shortage of choices for a cruise to the Caribbean, the most popular place in the world for cruising. More than 200 cruise ships spend at least part of every year in the region. Cruise-selling websites list thousands of individual Caribbean sailings.
This can be great news for would-be Caribbean cruisers, but it also can be overwhelming. With so many options, where do you even begin? Which one of these ships and sailings is the best?
We get the latter question a lot — and we always answer the same noncommittal way: It depends. The best ship and sailing in the Caribbean for whom? The best for us? The best for you? The best for your kids?
When picking the best cruise in the Caribbean, as with choosing the best cruise anywhere, a lot comes down to tastes and preferences. Some people love the big-resort feel of the biggest-of-big ships. Others are horrified by the very idea of them. Some people demand (and are willing to pay for) the highest levels of luxury. Others are on tight budgets. The best cruise for a family with kids isn't necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance.
What kind of cruiser are you? It's important to think that through before narrowing down your choices.
The bottom line is that the best Caribbean cruise for you depends a lot on your travel style. Below, we'll help you narrow the choices by looking at Caribbean cruises by broad category type. The good news is that in the Caribbean, at least, there really is something for everyone.
Best Caribbean cruise for megaresort fans: Royal Caribbean
If your idea of a great vacation is a week at a big, bustling resort filled with every sort of amusement known to humans, you'll probably want to start your Caribbean cruise search with a look at the biggest vessels from lines like Royal Caribbean.
If "more is better" is your mantra, skip the search and look up Icon of the Seas or its slightly younger sister Star of the Seas. At nearly 250,000 gross tons apiece, the 20-deck-high vessels are the biggest cruise ships in the world. No other ships in the Caribbean are quite like them.
Some of the wow factors on these two ships (known collectively as the Icon Class) include incomparably massive water parks with six waterslides, cantilevered infinity pools, huge glass domes encompassing an indoor AquaTheater for acrobatic and diving shows and innovative new cabin and suite layouts for families.
The two vessels operate seven-night sailings to the Caribbean out of Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, respectively.
Eastern Caribbean itineraries vary but often include stops at some combination of the following ports: St. Maarten; St. Thomas; Nassau, Bahamas; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. At the time of publication, prices for the seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise started at $1,311 per person.
Western Caribbean ports of call typically include Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Nassau; and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Prices start at $1,250 per person, based on double occupancy.
With at least two sea days per sailing, passengers will have ample opportunity to explore all the attractions the ship has to offer.
Related: Yikes, does Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas really cost that much?
Best Caribbean cruise for families: Disney Cruise Line
In the family cruise arena, it's hard to top Disney Cruise Line. As you might expect, the line caters heavily to families in every aspect of the cruise experience — from onboard attractions to family-friendly cabin configurations.
Disney's attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. Kids receive the royal treatment with high-quality kids clubs and onboard attractions like the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster on some ships. Plus, they have plenty of opportunities for photo ops with their favorite Disney characters.
Parents will find opportunities to unwind at adults-only sundecks and pool areas that are closed to kids; there are also bars and clubs that are off-limits to anyone younger than 18.
Additionally, many cabins on Disney ships feature extra pull-down bunks and pullout sofa beds that will allow four or even five people to stay in a single cabin. Most cabins have two bathrooms — one with a sink and a toilet, and one with a sink and a shower or tub. This is rare in the cruise world, and it's designed to make it easier for families sharing a room to get ready.
For family fun on the high seas, try a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Treasure. Departing from Port Canaveral, the ship stops in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.
Also, depending on the time of year you sail, you can enjoy special onboard activities and events for Halloween or Christmas.
Prices for seven-night Caribbean sailings start at $3,528 for two people in a cabin.
Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
Best budget Caribbean cruise: Carnival Cruise Line
The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival Cruise Line. Not only does Carnival offer lower fares than you'll find at most rival lines, but it also purposely deploys its Caribbean-focused vessels to a wider variety of U.S. home ports than any other line. The idea is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach a Caribbean-bound Carnival ship by car, saving the cost of flights.
Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
Carnival ships are packed with fun-focused attractions, including multiple pool areas, water parks with waterslides, basketball courts, miniature golf courses and even roller coasters on select ships.
The cruise line is known for its multitude of included-in-the-fare dining spots. Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery. Most ships feature two of the best quick-serve poolside dining venues you'll find on mass-market ships at sea: BlueIguana Cantina for burritos and tacos, as well as Guy's Burger Joint.
Carnival ships sail to the Caribbean from all the major Florida cruise hubs but also from ports as far-flung as New York City; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Galveston, Texas.
The line's seven-night Western Caribbean sailings from New Orleans on Carnival Liberty are a solid choice for budget-minded travelers seeking an affordable Caribbean escape from the middle part of America. Stops include Mahogany Bay on the Honduran island of Roatan; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Rates for eight-night sailings out of New Orleans start at $484 per person, based on double occupancy.
Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise
Best Caribbean cruise for solo travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
When it comes to catering to solo cruisers, the king of the hill in the Caribbean is Norwegian Cruise Line — at least, among the big-ship lines. In 2010, the Miami-based cruise operator began adding entire zones for solo travelers to the center of every new ship it deployed to the region.
You'll now find these zones on Caribbean-focused vessels like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima. Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered together. There is also a private lounge with a bar and a TV where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.
Known as Studio cabins, the tiny solo rooms in these complexes measure just 100 square feet, but they're superbly designed to maximize storage space. The cabins' futuristic design and the multicolored mood lighting are particularly noteworthy.
Related: These 8 solo cruise cabins are great for travelers sailing alone
One big caveat with Norwegian's solo cabins: They're mostly inside rooms without an ocean view. That said, most of these interior-facing cabins have a window that looks out onto a corridor. Another downside is that these solo cabins are so popular that they often sell out far in advance at prices not much better than booking a cabin for two.
Single cruisers seeking some extensive rest and relaxation should consider the seven-night New England sailings out of Boston on Norwegian Breakaway.
The 3,963-passenger ship is chock-full of restaurants, bars, nightlife spots and high-energy theater entertainment. With Norwegian's laid-back dining plan, solo travelers aren't locked into set dining times and table mates, so they can invite newly made friends to dinner at a time convenient to everyone.
On its seven-night New England sailings, Norwegian Breakaway visits Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick.
Rates for a Studio cabin start at $877 per person.
Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises
Best Caribbean cruise for luxury lovers: Windstar Cruises
For those who wouldn't be caught dead on a vessel that doesn't have butler service and free-flowing caviar, the Caribbean can be a tough spot. Many of the world's most luxurious cruise ships spend a lot of time in Europe and Asia or gallivanting around the globe on exotic world cruises. For some luxury lines, the Caribbean is almost an afterthought.
Also, you'll usually only see luxury sailings in the Caribbean during the winter months — from December through March. For luxury cruises in the Caribbean, the period between April and October is pretty much a dead zone.
However, if an upscale cruise experience is what you seek, Windstar Cruises can deliver. The line's seven-night "Classic Caribbean" itinerary aboard Wind Surf should be on your radar.
Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each. The line calls them yachts, but the ships are structured more like tiny cruise ships with indoor lounges and communal dining rooms.
The 342-passenger Wind Surf features six decks, five masts and four types of cabins (all with windows only, no balconies). Accommodations range from 188-square-foot regular cabins to 376-square-foot suites.
Windstar Cruises ships also include a water sports platform. On select days when the ship is anchored (not docked at a pier) — and the weather, government regulations and planets align — passengers can enjoy various water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming right off the back of the ship. You can also lounge on a float or admire the glittering, yacht-dotted harbor from a large foam flotation island.
Wind Surf is also home to multiple dining venues, a pool and hot tubs, a boutique, a spa and a fitness center.
The seven-night "Classic Caribbean" itinerary begins and ends in St. Maarten. It features sun-kissed beaches, secret coves and gin-clear waters in idyllic ports of call like St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia.
All-inclusive rates start at $2,999 and cover Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited beer, wine and cocktails.
Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained
Best adults-only Caribbean cruise: Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson-backed Virgin Voyages appeals to vacationers averse to the traditional cruising experience who crave a hip, party atmosphere. Ships are blissfully void of children — cruisers must be over 18 — making it a prime choice for an adults-only cruise.
Virgin has unique onboard offerings like the first tattoo parlor at sea, lots of included dining options, free exercise classes and an app that lets you simply shake your phone to order Champagne (which is delivered to you just about anywhere on board). Also, fares include all meals, soda, basic Wi-Fi and crew gratuities.
Virgin's first vessel, Scarlet Lady, launched in late 2021, and the line has since added three more ships: Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
Ships are filled with stylish, adult-oriented bars promising a hopping scene late into the night, as well as hipster venues like a colorful karaoke lounge. Onboard entertainment is inventive and often edgier than what you might see on traditional cruises.
Cabins sport a minimalist look with futuristic touches, and suites exude a rock 'n' roll vibe with in-room turntables and peekaboo showers.
The line's five-night "Dominican Daze" itinerary to Bimini, Bahamas, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, available on multiple ships out of Miami, is a top option. With two sea days, the sailing offers a good mix of onboard activities and port-of-call exploration. Party by the pool or swim with stingrays during your day at Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club. Chill out on a powder-white beach or go waterfall hunting in the jungle in the Dominican Republic.
Rates start at $645 per person, based on double occupancy.
Related: Virgin Voyages cruise cabins and suites: Everything you want to know
Best Caribbean cruise for couples: Holland America
Holland America offers spacious midsize vessels that carry no more than 2,700 passengers, providing a relaxed and intimate cruising experience ideal for pairs seeking quality time at sea.
Caribbean-craving couples will be sated with the nine-day "Southern Caribbean and ABC islands" sailings out of Fort Lauderdale aboard Rotterdam. The 2,688-passenger ship, which debuted in 2021, is the line's newest.
In addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet, Rotterdam features five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery to an upscale steakhouse. Extensive onboard entertainment includes clubs featuring blues and classic rock, as well as various musical performances in the main theater. Cultural programming, pickleball lessons and food and wine tastings are among the complimentary activities available.
Of course, relaxing by the pool and indulging in a restorative spa treatment are also options.
On the "Southern Caribbean and ABC Islands" sailing, couples can visit Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Half Moon Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas.
Rates start at $999 per person, based on double occupancy.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
