The best Caribbean cruises to book now

The Caribbean has long been a popular cruising spot, but newcomers like Explora Journeys are joining old favourites like NCL and Celebrity - Larwin/Shutterstock

The Caribbean is an alluring prospect at any time of year, but amid the gloom of a British winter, its intoxicating mix of azure waters sprinkled with tropical isles becomes ever more irresistible.

With sailings from easy-to-reach Florida ports and popular islands including Barbados and Antigua, it’s no wonder a whopping 14.9 million passengers cruised the region last year.

When it comes to choosing your cruising style, there’s everything from small, intimate craft and masted sailing ships to mid-sized vessels and floating mega-resorts, featuring waterparks (and much more) that carry several thousand passengers.

The Caribbean is also an ideal launchpad for new vessels, with many making their debut there. Royal Caribbean’s 7,500-passenger Star of the Seas launched to much fanfare in August, and this winter’s line-up of new ships includes Oceania’s latest ship, Allura, plus boutique line Windstar’s newest arrival, Star Seeker, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny, which launches in November.

Proving that it takes a lot to put this region in the shade, here’s my pick of the Caribbean cruises to book now.

Find a cruise by type:

• Best for luxury
• Best for non-traditional Caribbean
• Best for romantics

Best for families

Western Caribbean 

Disney Cruise Line

This Disney cruise includes a stop at Castaway Cay, the line’s own private island in the Bahamas

Key stops: Cozumel (Mexico) and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island (the Bahamas)

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale

Duration: Five nights

Ship: Disney Destiny

Disney is a past master when it comes to family cruising, its voyages being family-centric rather than family-friendly, which puts youngsters at the heart of everything it does. On this sailing, splash about at the line’s private island, Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, where waterslides, snorkelling and kayaking ramp up the fun factor and surprise appearances by Disney characters spice things up.

In Mexico, a stop at Cozumel offers activities from submarine trips and zipwire rides to jungle escapades and jeep safaris. This is also a chance to step on board Disney Destiny, set to launch in November. The ship carries a heroes and villains theme, bringing in a host of Disney Marvel and Pixar superheroes – the exterior will include a Spider-Man figure – along with kids’ clubs, a water wonderland and an AquaMouse watercoaster to keep children amused – a selection of adult-only areas offer an escape for parents too.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the pirate deck parties, where the finale is a firework-fuelled celebration at sea. Remember to bring your own costume if you really want to enter into the spirit of it.

How to do it

A five-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale costs from £1,042pp for an inside cabin, departing February 14, 2026, and includes meals and entertainment (disneycruise.disney.com).

Best for luxury

San Juan to Fort Lauderdale

Silversea

Silver Ray was designed with the pool positioned on one side of the deck to allow for uninterrupted views

Key stops: St Barts, Antigua, Bequia, Barbados, Guadeloupe

Departure port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Duration: 14 nights

Ship: Silver Ray

Being on a smaller ship means you can weave through the Caribbean’s lesser-known outposts. There are rum shacks and deserted sands in pretty Bequia in the Grenadines and dramatic vistas in St Lucia, where waterfalls add a thundering soundtrack to the twin Pitons dominating the skyline. The cobbled streets and decorative facades of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico are infused with Spanish colonial heritage that injects a lively Latino frisson, while St Barts offers pristine beaches and French flair. 

If you’re one for soaking up panoramic vistas, this Silversea cruise is for you. The ground-breaking asymmetrical design of Silver Ray means the ship’s main pool is on one side of the deck rather than in the centre, promising clear views of passing Caribbean islands, and interiors are light and spacious. There are eight dining venues, an impressive tally for a relatively small ship, and all are very different, though The Marquee and SALT Kitchen are particularly notable.

Insider tip

The Silver Note supper club is a cosy venue, where musicians bring a musical flourish to evenings. It gets booked up so reserve your spot early – ideally before boarding.

How to do it

A 14-night San Juan to Fort Lauderdale cruise costs from £6,600pp, departing February 24, 2026. Includes gratuities, drinks, butler service, and selected excursions (silversea.com).

Best for island hopping

Southern Caribbean

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Ascent is the line’s latest ship in its Edge-class, known for sleek interiors and striking artworks - Michel Verdure

Key stops: Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale

Duration: 11 nights

Ship: Celebrity Ascent

This cruise neatly parcels up some of the Caribbean’s most interesting islands. Antigua is famous for its necklace of beaches, said to be 365 in all, though it’s worth visiting the beautifully restored Nelson’s Dockyard, where a young Horatio Nelson was stationed in 1784.

Take an island tour of Barbados to drive through the hilly Scotland region in the north and see the rugged east coast battered by wild Atlantic rollers and discover the ‘white gold’ history of St Kitts aboard its atmospheric ‘sugar train,’ that follows the original railroad across the former plantations.

With interiors by Kelly Hoppen (formerly of Dragon’s Den fame) and others, a line-up of chic restaurants, and a suite complex, Celebrity Ascent packs a cool punch. This is Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship in its revolutionary Edge-class, with sleek interiors, avant-garde artworks and a novel Magic Carpet platform cantilevered off the side of the ship, which doubles as a bar and restaurant, serving gorgeous views.

Insider tip

You’ll find the Martini Bar is the hub of the evening action on most Celebrity ships, and it’s no different on Celebrity Ascent. This is an essential spot for pre- or post-dinner tipples.

How to do it

An 11-night Best of Southern Caribbean cruise costs from £2,592pp for an interior cabin, departing April 6, 2026.

Best for castaway islands

Caribbean Islands from Clouds to Emeralds

Explora Journeys

New to the Caribbean, Explora Journeys is quickly winning over plaudits with its plush all-suite ships - Toby Mitchell

Key stops: Trinidad, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands

Departure port: Barbados

Duration: Eight nights

Ship: Explora II

This sailing combines the Gallic chic of French island Martinique with the castaway feel of tiny Bequia in the Grenadines and the sister islands of Trinidad and Tobago with their sultry combination of cultures and evocative echoes of steel drum bands. The Caribbean’s so-called Emerald Isle of Montserrat is a fascinating prospect, famed for its Irish heritage and the volatile Soufriere Hills volcano, whose destructive eruptions have turned former capital Plymouth into the ‘Pompeii of the Caribbean’. Access to the area is still restricted, but it’s worth taking a tour to see the skeletal remains of buildings largely buried by volcanic ash.

Explora Journeys is a relatively new name in Caribbean waters, an upmarket offshoot of Italian-style cruising giant MSC Cruises, with two virtually identical ships, Explora I and Explora II. It styles itself as a lifestyle brand, promising a new era of ocean travel on two plush all-suite ships that have won plaudits for sophisticated spaces, cuisine and creative itineraries.

Insider tip

Forget what you’ve ever read about cruise ship buffets as Explora II has taken this to a new level with the Emporium Marketplace. Here, dishes are freshly made for guests.

How to do it

An eight-night Journey of Caribbean Islands from Clouds to Emeralds staying in the deluxe penthouse costs from £4,840pp, all-inclusive, departing December 14, 2025 (explorajourneys.com).

Best for non-traditional Caribbean

Secret Shores and Cultural Gems

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC)

The 744-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is the most recent (and opulent) addition to the RSSC fleet

Key stops: Cozumel, Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya

Departure port: Miami

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: Seven Seas Grandeur

Exploring the western edge of the Caribbean Sea and Central America brings a different flavour to voyages in this region that normally visit the Caribbean’s better-known islands. Mexico’s Costa Maya opens up a world of ancient Mayan ruins amid rain-forested tropical terrain, where adventure rules on 4x4 safaris, while Roatan’s offshore appeal makes it prime snorkelling territory.

At the line’s private island, Harvest Caye, off the coast of Belize, delve into mangrove lagoons where you might be lucky enough to spot resident manatees, snorkel coral reefs lying offshore or ride along empty stretches of sand on horseback.

Explore this corner of Central America amid the sparkling surroundings of 744-guest Seven Seas Grandeur, the most recent opulent addition to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) fleet, boasting luxury touches at every turn. Even the ship’s multi-million dollar art collection is enough to prompt open jaws at the sight of an original Pablo Picasso and a bejewelled Faberge egg as the centrepiece of the lavish atrium.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the exquisite Asian flavours of the Pacific Rim restaurant, where diners are greeted by a dramatic dragon sculpture.

How to do it

A seven-night Secret Shores and Cultural Gems voyage costs from £5,079pp, departing February 21, 2026. This all-inclusive sailing covers amenities including drinks, gratuities, WiFi and excursions (rssc.com).

Best for adventurers

Dominican Republic and Antigua

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL’s Dominican Republic and Antigua include stops at Caribbean islands such as St Kitts - M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Stock Photo

Key stops: Antigua, St Maarten, St Kitts, Puerto Rico

Departure port: Miami

Duration: 10 nights

Ship: Norwegian Getaway

This cruise proves that once you scratch beneath the sandy surface of these palm-tree-fringed isles, there’s no shortage of thrills. Antigua’s multitude of beaches may make it a natural hit with the sail-and-flop brigade, but adventurers can still get their kicks. Fly through the island’s rainforest on exhilarating canopy tours, while on the Dutch isle of St Maarten, budding racers can get an adrenaline rush from speeding across the waves at the helm of an America’s Cup yacht. 

Norwegian Getaway is a bold, buzzy ship packed with bars, restaurants and plenty of action. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) pioneered ‘freestyle dining’, giving passengers flexibility, and on this ship they can choose from around 16 venues, from Japanese teppanyaki and Brazilian churrascaria to French and Italian. Grab a cocktail in the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, catch some laughs in the comedy club and make sure you Howl at the Moon in the aptly-named duelling piano bar.

Insider tip

Don’t miss live bands in Syd Norman’s Pour House – the Fleetwood Mac Rumours tribute is particularly good – but get there early as it fills up fast.

How to do it

Best for a transatlantic crossing

Caribbean Transatlantic

P&O Cruises

Arvia in the Caribbean - P&O

Key stops: Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, St Maarten

Departure port: Antigua

Duration: 22 nights

Ship: Arvia

Fly out to Antigua for some spring sunshine before enjoying a leisurely sail back to British shores aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia. The ship wends its way through the West Indies before heading northwards across the Atlantic. Returning by sea means no luggage restrictions, so you can take advantage of shopping in the Caribbean.

Beach fans can relish the glorious powder sands on the likes of Barbados and St Kitts, while adventurers can take to the skies on a helicopter trip from Antigua to nearby Montserrat for a fascinating close-up of its brooding Soufriere Hills volcano. Alternatively, hike to the top of St Lucia’s Gros Piton, which dominates the island’s skyline.

Arvia is P&O Cruises’ newest ship and among its largest, carrying 5,200 passengers and packed with attractions designed to keep guests amused during the six-day voyage across the Atlantic, before reaching Tenerife. Make use of the Sports Zone and four swimming pools, catch a film in the cinema or sing along to the Take That-inspired hits from musical Greatest Days at the Headliners Theatre. Choose from 30 bars and restaurants serving everything from posh gastropub fare to Indian and Asian cuisine.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the eclectic live jazz of the 710 Club – get there early as this small and sophisticated bar with its resident 710 band is very popular.

How to do it

Best for extending your stay

Colours of the Caribbean

Marella Cruises

Marella Discovery previously sailed for the US line Royal Caribbean International and has retained some of its OTT amenities

Key stops: Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua, British Virgin Islands

Departure port: La Romana, Dominican Republic

Duration: 14 nights

Ship: Marella Discovery

Savour the flavours of the islands by staying longer and combining a stay at La Romana in the Dominican Republic with a cruise through the eastern Caribbean. The sailing from Marella Cruises melds dramatic volcanic sweeps of the Caribbean’s Nature Isle, Dominica, where river-tubing and rainforest treks rule, contrasting with the dazzling necklace of sandy beaches encircling Antigua. Browse the streets of capital St John’s, where duty-free stores jostle with stalls groaning under a rich haul of locally-made crafts. Discover the rugged allure of the Dominican Republic’s La Samana peninsula while speeding on zipwires through lush rainforests brimming with waterfalls and coconut groves, and keep a lookout for the humpback whales that migrate to these tropical waters.

Marella Discovery previously sailed for US line Royal Caribbean International and the liberal spread of restaurants – there are nine – rock-climbing walls and an outdoor movie screen are testament to this.

Insider tip

The Kora La Asian speciality restaurant costs extra, but with temptations that include spiced prawns and Indonesian beef rendang curry, it’s worth it.

How to do it

A 14-night Colours of the Caribbean cruise-and-stay costs from £2,252pp, departing January 6, 2026. Includes seven nights’ hotel stay at the HM Alma de Bayahibe in La Romana prior to departure. Hotel stay and cruise are all-inclusive, and include flights (tui.co.uk/cruise).

Best for romantics

Spanish and British Caribbean Delight

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club is styled like a mega-yacht, despite hosting just 112 guests on board

Key stops: St Barts, Anguilla, Antigua

Departure port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Duration: Seven nights

Ship: SeaDream I

This voyage brings the contrasting flavours of the English, Spanish and French Caribbean islands to the fore. Stroll the cobbled streets of lush Nevis – steeped in the history of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who hailed from here – and swim among vibrant corals in the clear waters of Anguilla. Rub shoulders with the jet-set in St Barts and keep the sybaritic feeling flowing at SeaDream’s signature Champagne and Caviar Splash celebrations, with a lavish beachside barbecue on the idyllic castaway isle of Prickly Pear in the British Virgin Islands. This is opulence at its best. 

SeaDream Yacht Club knows how to dial up the romance on its twin pocket-size mega-yachts, taking just 112 guests on sailings to isles drenched with local character. Al fresco dinners on deck, poolside film screenings and sleeping under the stars add to the heady ambience. Daytime diversions vary from tai chi and yoga to water toy fun from the ship’s marina, where guests can speed off on WaveRunner water scooters.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the chance to sleep al fresco on deck. The crew will make up a plush sunbed into a proper bed with pillows and sheets.

How to do it

A seven-night Spanish and British Caribbean Delight sailing costs from £3,558pp, departing December 13, 2025. Includes soft drinks, tips, wine with meals and use of watersports equipment (seadream.com).

About our expert

Sara Macefield

After finding her sea legs 20 years ago, Sara has gone on an estimated 200 voyages (and counting) across the world’s oceans and rivers, with Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands scoring as all-time favourites.

Telegraph Travel’s cruise expert, Sara Macefield

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