Caribbean Cruise Guide: Top Destinations and Things to Do

Southern, Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for travellers who want to experience sunny destinations, private islands and tropical environments. Booking a cruise is like booking an all-inclusive vacation — but with the added benefit of visiting multiple port cities and discovering a unique side of paradise every day.

Not sure which part of the Caribbean you want to sail to? Norwegian Cruise Line^® and Princess Cruises^® offer a variety of cruise itineraries that let you explore Mexico and the Caribbean in style. 

• Southern Caribbean cruises
• Eastern Caribbean cruises
  • Port spotlight: Princess Cays
• Western Caribbean cruises
  • Port spotlight: Harvest Caye

Top ports: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Trinidad, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Kitts

Typical embarkation ports: Florida (Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa and Miami) or Puerto Rico

Cultural wonders and natural beauty await in the Southern Caribbean. Exotic islands with green rainforests, coral reefs and stunning beaches meet the beautiful turquoise waters of the sea. Explore the Dutch-inspired capitals of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) islands, or enjoy a relaxing day catching rays and kicking your feet up. 

There are many engaging activities to enjoy in this region. Try horseback riding in Aruba, ziplining in Barbados, snorkelling the coral reefs in Curaçao, swimming in dormant volcanic craters in St. Lucia and so much more. Cruise to a new location almost every day and discover extraordinary islands and ports. Go to sleep in your stateroom and get a different southern view when you wake up. Itineraries may include short 3-night sailing trips and up to 20+ day sailings, visiting anywhere from one to 14 ports of call. 

Top ports: The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten

Typical embarkation ports: Florida (Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Miami) or New York

The Eastern Caribbean is home to soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear, calm waters — making it ideal for a cruise. From the Bahamas to St. Maarten, there are so many things to see and do while cruising this region. The Bahamas, a typical starting port on a Caribbean cruise, are made up of 16 main islands that host blue holes, pink-sand beaches, swimming pig experiences, historic forts, lighthouses and monuments. 

Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico and enjoy the second oldest city in the Americas. See picturesque harbours in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands or discover the beaches, shops and culture of the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic or St. Maarten. Itineraries may include short 3-night trips and up to 14-day sailings, visiting up to eight ports of call.

Princess Cays is Princess Cruises’ private island located on the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Many of Princess’s Caribbean itineraries include a stopover at this beachy island destination. The beach is over 160 kilometers long and offers white-sand shorelines and world-class amenities. 

Sip a cool drink or browse the shops and the local craft market. Take in the views from the observation tower or participate in recreational activities such as a stingray encounter, water sports or beach volleyball. Want to relax? Rent an aqua chair, clamshell-style lounge chair or a private sanctuary bungalow to spend the day leisurely by the ocean. 

Top ports: Mexico, Belize, Roatán, Grand Cayman, Jamaica

Typical embarkation ports: Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Tampa), Louisiana (New Orleans), Maryland (Baltimore) and Texas (Galveston and Houston)

The Western Caribbean is rich with cultural heritage and natural landscapes. From the barrier reefs in Roatán to the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico and Belize, there’s something for every type of cruiser to explore. Tour a rum distillery and sample the best beverages in Jamaica or stroll through George Town and do some shopping in Grand Cayman. 

Discover the sights, sounds and foodie delights in the Western Caribbean. Climb the 183-metre Dunn’s River Falls on an off-board excursion in Ocho Rios; swim with hundreds of stingrays in their natural habitat on Grand Cayman; or lounge on the beach and eat traditional Mexican tacos in Cozumel. Itineraries may include short 3-night trips and up to 12-day sailings, visiting up to seven ports of call.

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island located off the coast of Belize. Immerse yourself in natural beauty and culture at this sublime retreat. Norwegian Cruise Line docks at this port on many of their Western Caribbean sailings. The private island features an expansive pool area with a swim-up bar, a saltwater lagoon for water sports, acres of pristine beaches to lounge on and exciting activities like ziplining and snorkelling. 

Harvest Caye also offers nature centres, the second largest barrier reef in the world and a shopping village full of unique Belize souvenirs. Relax at a luxury beach villa and sip a cocktail as you take in the scenery of this beautiful private island. 

From east to west, the Caribbean offers plenty to explore on a sunny cruise. The luxury of cruise vacations combined with the feeling of a traditional all-inclusive beach vacation is the way to explore Mexico and the Caribbean. With Norwegian Cruise Line® and Princess Cruises® you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable time. Chat with our Cruise Specialists today to plan your next onboard adventure. 

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line^® and Princess Cruises^®.