The best Caribbean cruises embody picturesque views, lush landscapes, and historic sites and sounds. White sandy beaches and dormant volcanos can also give one Caribbean cruise a leg up on other destinations. Onboard activities and luxurious accommodations don't hurt either. An exciting itinerary and an impressive ship are the ingredients that separate the best Caribbean cruises from the rest.
01 Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas
The Anthem of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey to the Caribbean each week. Onboard activities include roller skating, simulated surfing and skydiving, bumper cars, and acrobat classes. The Anthem of the Seas is one of the most technologically advanced on the open waters with wifi that allows you to stream TV shows, and post photos and comments on social media.
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02 Holland America's MS Koningsdam
The MS Koningsdam sets sail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the Holland America cruise line. This cruise travels from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Castries, St. Lucia, Bridgetown, Barbados, Fort-De-France, Martinique, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. The MS Koningsdam is the largest of Holland America's fleets. It's an 11-night Southern Caribbean adventure which includes BB King's Blues Club, as well as scenic St. Lucia and Mount Pelee, a non-active volcano in Martinique.
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03 Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean cruise line that sails from Miami. The ship sets sail in Miami and travels to Basseterre, St. Kitts, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, CocoCay, and the Bahamas. The Symphony of Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Cruise activities onboard the ship include acrobatic shows at the aqua theater, laser tag, kid zones, and an original Royal Caribbean show. Cruise inhabitants have access to over twenty restaurants as well.
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04 Regal Princess
The Regal Princess sets sail from New York on the Princess cruise line. It travels from New York, New York to St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This 10-day cruise stops in Antigua and Aruba and ends in Florida during the winter cruises. The Regal Princess includes cruises to Denmark and Germany as well. Enjoy crab feasts twice a week, tour the galley, as well as wine pairing, champagne, and a special menu.
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05 Viking Sea
The Viking Sea of Viking Ocean Cruise lines sets sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico. It sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Cartagena, Colombia, Santa Marta, Colombia, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao. Although the Viking Sea is not a mega-liner, this 11-day journey still has a lot to offer. Amenities include complimentary beer and wine, as well as wifi.
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06 Celebrity Reflection
The Celebrity Reflection sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the Celebrity cruise line. The ship sails to Key West, Florida, Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, and Grand Cayman. Western Caribbean cruises often mimic each other. However, the Celebrity Reflection skips Jamaica and goes to Key West instead. Fine wine and dining are a signature part of Celebrity Reflection cruises. Enjoy a spa, a lounge, and a half-acre of real grass on deck.
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07 Wind Surf
The Wind Surf sets sail from Philipsburg, St. Maarten to Falmouth Harbour, Antiqua, Soper's Hole, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, and Gustavia, St. Barth. Windstar cruises are well known for their access to private beaches and on deck barbecues. The Windstar is also known for traveling to unique locations like Prickly Pear Beach and Soper's Hole in the BVI.
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08 Fathom's Adonia
The U.K. based P&O cruise line, the Fathom's Adonia, sails from Miami to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Fathom's Adonia is unique in that the cruise focuses on volunteerism and culture. Shore excursions allow guests to enjoy local culture and give back at the same time. Guests have an opportunity to teach children or engage in projects like making ceramic water filters. These water filters are made for Dominican locals on the northern coast who may not have access to piped water.
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09 Seabourn Odyssey
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The Seabourn Odyssey sets sail in Bridgetown, Barbados on the Seabourn Cruise line. This cruise ship is not a mega-liner. However, it sails to:
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Trois Ilets, Martinique
- Carambola Beach, St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
- Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
- Castries, Saint Lucia
- Port Elizabeth, Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saline Bay, Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Basse-Terre, Guadaloupe
- Charlestown, Nevis
- Fort-De-France, Martinique
- Saint Georges, Grenada
- Charlotteville, Trinidad, and Tobago
This expansive 14-day trip has access to ports that are too small to accommodate big ships are on the itinerary which creates a unique experience.
10 Carnival Vista
The Carnival Vista offers five to eleven day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Cruise guests can enjoy burgers poolside, compliments of the Food Network's Guy Fiero. Guests can also enjoy a new seafood shack as well as other eateries. A Cuban Havana bar is available to guests, as well as a microbrewery and an IMAX movie theater.
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