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The Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations for Your Next Itinerary

Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations

  1. Amber Cove
  2. Aruba
  3. Belize
  4. Grand Cayman
  5. Grand Turk
  6. La Romana
  7. Mahogany Bay
  8. Montego Bay
  9. Ocho Rios
  10. St. Thomas

Whether you want a warm weather escape during the winter or a place to unwind on your summer vacation, look no further than the Caribbean. No matter where you go, you’re bound to find an abundance of tropical breezes, sandy beaches and rich cultural experiences.

Our best Caribbean cruise destinations take you on a journey to places where the past meets the present, and everyone in the family can find an adventure that speaks to their souls.

Amber Cove

Discover the Dominican Republic’s northern shore, where the mountains meet the sea in Amber Cove. It’s one of the newest private destinations in the Caribbean, but you’d never know it from the looks of the Spanish colonial-style buildings lining the streets. Old World charm never felt so modern.

Exciting Things to Do:

  • Swim with the dolphins at Ocean World
  • Enjoy some quiet time in a private cabana with views of the Caribbean Sea
  • Tour the historic city of Puerto Plata
  • Visit Fortaleza de San Felipe, a 16th-century Spanish fort

woman zip lining over a resort in amber cove

Aruba

Located less than 20 miles away from the coast of South America, Aruba is an ideal escape if you need to add a dose of sunshine to your life. This southern Caribbean destination has no rainy season, and rarely feels the effects of hurricanes. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, chances are the weather is perfect for lounging on the beach or exploring the land and sea.

Must-See Stops:

  • Take a UTV tour through Arikok National Park
  • Tour the Aruba Aloe Factory
  • Feed donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary
  • Pose in front of a 19th-century Dutch windmill

Belize

English may be the official language in this diminutive central American country, but it still feels like another world. The beaches in Belize are beautiful, but if you’re willing to trek through the jungle, you’ll find a tropical paradise packed with ancient history. This top destination for family cruises offers something for every thrill seeker, beach bum and history buff in the family.

Don’t Miss a Chance to:

  • Learn the fascinating story of the Mayans at the Museum of Belize
  • Go cave tubing along underground rivers
  • Explore an ancient Mayan village
  • Tour Belize City from a calypso train

cruise guests horseback riding in belize

Grand Cayman

The Cayman Islands archipelago is a water-baby’s dream. On Grand Cayman, the largest of the group, you can divide your time between the sand and sea. Whether you enjoy away time on the powdery sand of Seven Mile Beach, go on an underwater scuba adventure or enjoy a cocktail at Rum Point, you’re sure to come home with fantastic memories.

Don’t Miss a Chance to:

  • Layer on the sunscreen and park yourself at the Seven Mile Beach
  • Take a tour of the island’s charming streets and festive buildings
  • Go snorkeling for a close-up look of the Wreck of Cali and the marine life that live there
  • Swim with stingrays in Stingray City

Grand Turk

Life slows down in the Caribbean, especially in the Turks and Caicos chain of islands. On Grand Turk, you can take your pick of resort-style beaches or unspoiled patches of paradise with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.

The beach is the island’s main draw, and the most popular activities are in or near the water. After the cruise ships dock, it’s time to play, so get ready for the sand and surf.

Top Activities

  • Head into town to tour historic sites like Her Majesty’s Prison
  • Grab your snorkel gear and explore the coral reef just off the shore
  • Sign up to swim with the stingrays in Gibbs Cay
  • Spot a humpback whale in the water

four friends kayaking in grand turk

La Romana

Located on the Dominican Republic’s southern coast, La Romana knows how to welcome guests. It’s home to Casa de Campo, a massive resort that attracts visitors from around the world. You can play a round of golf at the acclaimed Teeth of the Dog golf course, stroll neighborhoods modeled after Italian towns or head off to the capital city to see the first cathedral built in North America.

Things to Check Out:

  • Tour a cigar factory at Altos de Chavon
  • Hop on a tender ride to Catalina Island for a secluded day at the beach
  • Pose with squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland
  • Explore some of the oldest structures in the Caribbean in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial

Mahogany Bay

Mahogany Bay off the coast of Honduras is the gateway to family fun on the island of Roatán . The resort-styled port has plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining options, but there’s even more to see in the jungles and beaches. Lush botanical gardens, secluded beaches and opportunities for snorkeling and diving are all within reach.

Check out these excursions:

  • Go paddling in Half Moon Bay
  • Feed leaves to Roatán spiny-tailed iguanas
  • Get a bird’s eye view of the bay from the Magical Flying Beach Chair

family going up a chair lift in mahogany bay with carnival glory in the background

Montego Bay

Montego Bay proves that life in the tropics isn’t boring. The energy here is palpable, and you’ll be swaying to the sounds of reggae before you know it. Jamaica’s second largest city has so much to see and do that you’ll start planning your return before leave.

  • Visit Doctor’s Cave Beach, one of the most popular stretches of sand on the island
  • Play a round of golf on a luxury golf course
  • Tour a historic plantation house to experience some of the island’s history
  • Sample the flavors of Jamaican cuisine and rum

Ocho Rios

If your vacation dreams include reggae rhythms and lush, tropical landscapes, consider a cruise to the western Caribbean and Ocho Rios.

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s northern coast, the resort town is home to some of the most romantic beaches on the island, along with the jungle and Dunn’s River Falls. If you like being surrounded by nature, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.

Don’t miss the top attractions in Ocho Rios are outside the borders of the town. You can:

  • Explore Dunn’s River Falls on foot or a zipline
  • Slide down the side of a mountain on a Jamaican bobsled
  • Tour Bob Marley’s home in Nine Mile
  • Go on an ATV adventure through the jungle

carnival horizon docked in ocho rios

St. Thomas

St. Thomas has all the ingredients you need for a memorable cruise to the eastern Caribbean: beaches, duty free shopping and views that will make all your social media followers envious.

This U.S. territory is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the region, and it doesn’t take long to see why. You’ll find the perfect combination of the laid-back island life and the comforts of a Caribbean city.

Shopping is a pastime for vacationers in St. Thomas, but there’s more to do than stock up on duty-free jewelry, rum and art.

  • Enjoy spectacular views of the water and mountains on a parasailing adventure.
  • Sail away on a catamaran.
  • Explore the ruins of a sugar plantation.
  • Stroll Main Street and the Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative in search of treasures to take home.

Find your next escape on one of our Caribbean cruises. Not only will we take you to top tropical destinations, but we’ll show you that getting there is half the fun.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.