Caribbean Cruises

Breathtakingly beautiful - these are Caribbean cruises. But apart from the cliché of endless white sand beaches, turquoise, crystal clear water and picturesque landscapes, the Caribbean has much more to offer: experience Caribbean dreams by cruise, the very special charm of each island and the French and Dutch influences. Tropical nature, cultural specialties and culinary delights  (rum, banana ketchup, colorful houses) await you on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean on the US East Coast!

The Caribbean is a true dream destination. Nowhere else can you feel so close to paradise on earth. Relax on one of the white dream beaches while you're ashore - just lie in the hammock, coconut water in your hand and let your eyes wander. This is pure holiday! Whether Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean or a mix of both is up to you!

Cruise Caribbean - a paradise on earth

Follow in the footsteps of the famous Captain Jack Sparrow - more comfortable aboard one of the modern cruise liners, of course - when you discover the islands of the Caribbean. Your possible destinations include not only Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Grenada, but also Cuba. Cruises from Miami are a popular starting point to discover the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is a region in the Caribbean Sea composed of islands of over 25 different states south adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. The Caribbean is divided into the island groups Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, within which one also finds the French Antilles and Netherlands Antilles. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and the idea of ​​relaxing moments in the tropical holiday paradise have long driven not only honeymoon travellers to the Caribbean, but also avid water sports enthusiasts, nature-loving adventurers, joyful explorers and, of course, recreation-seeking crusaders. The Caribbean is a well-liked holiday paradise, which seems no longer unreachable, especially by the cruise industry.

Best travel time for a Caribbean cruise

The ideal travel time for a cruise in the Caribbean is the period from November to the end of April . On the one hand you avoid the rainy season, which disturbs the idyll in the tropical paradise between May and the end of October, on the other hand you avoid the season of violent storms and hurricanes, which rage particularly strongly in September and October.

Due to the tropical climate , the whole of the Caribbean has a high humidity throughout the year. At the same time, the water and air temperatures remain constant throughout the year at around 25 ° C - 30 ° C , so you can look forward to an endless Summer with every Caribbean cruise. The weather is Ideal not only for a comprehensive beach holiday, but also for the discovery of the splendor in the remote areas of each island.  

Top Harbours & Attractions in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is divided into the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, the Netherlands Antilles and the French Antilles , with the Lesser Antilles comprising most of the islands.

Greater Antilles

The Greater Antilles include after the French Antilles the northernmost islands of the Caribbean. They are well distinguishable from the rest of the island group due to their four main islands that stand out for their size. However, the Greater Antilles also include a large number of smaller islands.

Experience joie de vivre, rousing samba rhythms and exciting history during a Cuba cruise. Discover the vibrant life in the capital Havana and try rum and a cigar, because the island is world famous! In the metropolis of millions you will find not only a spectacular nightlife but also a wonderful old town, with some collapsed buildings from the colonial era. Vintage cars, colourful buildings and Caribbean palm trees lining the streets are an indication that, according to Columbus, they are in the most beautiful land that people have ever seen. Convince yourself in Varadero of the beauty of Cuba and admire in the port city of Cienfuegos, the best preserved old town of Cuba.   

The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, is astonishing at first with one special feature: it shares the island with its neighboring country, Haiti. But also over 600 km of white, fine sandy beach attract travellers every year to the holiday paradise. In the capital Santo Domingo, follow in the footsteps of the Spanish colonial rulers or try a watersport in crystal-clear water. During Caribbean cruises from December to March, you can also book whale watching tours in the Dominican Republic to experience the majestic wildlife in the great outdoors. La Romana, the country's third largest city, is also a popular stopover. Be sure to visit the Mercado Municipal, a lively market where you can try everything from vegetables and fruits to meat. Excursions in the surrounding area are also worthwhile, eg a trip to the artists' village of Altos de Chavón , which immediately wins its hearts with its cozy charm.

In Jamaica, the flair of reggae awaits you . In the Bob Marley Museum you will learn all about the popular world star, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches that the island has to offer. Be sure to try the exotic cuisine, such as the fruit Ackee and the typical Saltfish. Also, do not miss out on tasting Jerk Chicken, a Jamaican delicacy!

Puerto Rico is also one of the Greater Antilles and should not be missed on your Caribbean cruise. The landscape is very mountainous on the fourth island of the Greater Antilles. Thus, Puerto Rico also offers good for sporting opportunities for those who want to train their stamina as a balance to the relaxed cruise. In the El Yunque National Park you will experience the Caribbean jungle along with paradisiacal waterfalls.

Lesser Antilles

The small Antilles include - as the name implies - the small Caribbean islands. They connect to the Greater Antilles and run east to the south. Among them are the islands of Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Barbados.

On Caribbean cruises you have the unique opportunity to explore many of the Caribbean islands in a short time and with little effort. This is especially true in the Lesser Antilles because there is such a large selection! Visit, for example, the most northerly island of the Lesser Antilles, Anguilla , which invites you to bathe, relax and enjoy with its gorgeous blue waters. Contrary to expectations you will find especially in the Lesser Antilles great differences between the individual islands.

Dominica, for example, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, surprises with a diverse landscape. Lush green mountain forests, warm natural pools along the way and local cocoa fruits in the north of the island show a life that could not be more contrary to our own. But what all the islands have in common: the cheerful, hearty inhabitants!

One of the most popular Caribbean islands is Barbados, which magically attracts visitors for its beautiful scenery and high standard of living. Visit the Harrison's Cave and be amazed at how fascinating a cave can be with all its rock formations. If you like animals, you should pay a visit to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Here you can expect to see green monkeys, caimans and also the cuddly big pampas.

Antigua and Barbuda score points with numerous dream beaches on the bay-rich coast. They advertise the fact that travellers could sunbathe for a year on a different beach every day. Very promising!

Grenada, however, is primarily known for its spiciness. Because a third of the world's need for nutmeg comes from this small island! But also cocoa, saffron, cloves and vanilla grow here and give Grenada its affectionate second name "Spice Island". Also, the small island has a lot to offer. You csn experience Tropical rainforests , rushing waterfalls and the typical Caribbean dream beaches on Grenada during your Caribbean cruise.

Netherlands Antilles

The Netherlands Antilles, also known as ABC Islands, are part of the Lesser Antilles and lie south of the Dominican Republic off the coast of Venezuela. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao  form the western end of the Antilles.

Aruba is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. The capital Oranjestad captivates  visitors with its charming idyll. Pastel-coloured houses in the city centre and a shopping paradise will invite you to stroll and linger. But culture lovers will get their fix too. The archeological museum will tell you more about the history of Aruba. Since many islanders themselves know nothing about the existence of the museum, they rarely run the risk of overcrowding. If you want to put your artistic skills to the test, book a workshop at Aruba Glass Ceramics, There you will not only learn everything about professional glassblowing, but you can also make your own bracelet made of glass beads! In addition to the typically white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, you will also find lush cacti and the unmistakable divi-divi trees in the interior of the island.

Bonaire scores with its ancient rock paintings, historic buildings and exquisite sandy beaches. In addition to iguanas, you will also find flamingos in your natural habitat. Set out in search of the pink islanders who spice up every vacation photo! But the underwater world has a lot to offer with over 370 species of fish and 55 coral species. On Curacao , the third of the ABC islands, you will find the traditional Dutch architecture in pastel colours. Try the exotic cuisine, which benefits from European, East Asian and Indian influences. Curacao offers warm temperatures all year round.

French Antilles

The French Antilles are also part of the Lesser Antilles and include Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin. The advantage of the islands belonging to Europe is that you have to pay in euros so there is no need to change money. And although you are in the Caribbean and have the beautiful beaches and the turquoise blue water, as it is typical of the Caribbean, an ID card is sufficient for entry.

Guadeloupe is the largest island of the Lesser Antilles and looks with its two main islands Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre from above like a butterfly. Look forward to roaring waterfalls, lush greenery and stunning volcanic landscapes on Basse-Terre as you watch Grand-Terre as the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular!

Popular with the stars is the island of Saint-Barthélemy . Yachting celebrities and exclusive pool parties are not uncommon here. Whether Leonardo DiCaprio or Cara Delevigne, here you have the best chance to meet your favorite star.

A true dream is the island of Martinique . Here you are in perfect hands when you discover the tropical rainforest or marvel at the fascinating underwater world while snorkeling. With a little luck, you will even meet some of the friendliest aquatic creatures off the coast of the island: dolphins! If you still do not feel the Caribbean-French holiday feeling, then treat yourself to a glass of rum, which has been brewed here for decades. At least then nothing stands in the way of a relaxing holiday!

Popular cruise liners for a Caribbean cruise

Particularly well known for Caribbean cruises are the American cruise line Carnival Cruise Line, NCL and Royal Caribbean, which attract a younger crowd due to a variety of entertainment on board. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a great choice for a luxurious honeymoon trip. For a relaxed trip with Italian flair, MSC Cruises will meet your taste.

Travel options to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has countless islands so you have plenty of opportunities to travel. But most cruises to the Caribbean start in Florida anyway, so a trip to the US to Miami makes sense. From the airport you can rent a car to get to the seven terminal cruise port, or you can easilyl take a taxi to your destination.

Note that for a Caribbean cruise you need a valid passport and some islands, eg Cuba, are only accessible to you with a visa or tourist card. Please take care of your visa and a valid identification documents.

Other popular destinations

• Mediterranean Cruises
• Baltic Sea Cruises
• Australia Cruises
• Norway Cruises
• Canary Islands Cruises