Travel Guide for Cruising the Caribbean
A Caribbean cruise is the ultimate island vacation where you can soak up the sights of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and blue skies. Whether you’re planning a romantic trip for two, a family vacation or a friends’ getaway, the Caribbean is a great vacation for relaxation and fun. This travel guide highlights different regions of the Caribbean, the best times to visit, activities to consider and what to pack.
Choosing Your Caribbean Destination
The Caribbean is most commonly divided into three regions: Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Each offers unique experiences, landscapes and cultures. Let’s dive into each one.
Eastern Caribbean
Popular destinations in the Eastern Caribbean include the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. St. Thomas and St. John are located in the U.S. Virgin Islands whereas St. Maarten is located in the British Virgin Islands. It also includes Half Moon Cay, which is our award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Each destination offers white sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, shopping, Caribbean flavors and more. If you love relaxing on the beach, swimming along the shore and exploring new places, then you’ll enjoy the Eastern Caribbean. If weather is your priority, the best time to visit the Eastern Caribbean is generally November through April.
Southern Caribbean
Popular destinations in the Southern Caribbean include Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – also known as the ABC Islands. It also includes Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica and more. Similar to the Eastern Caribbean, you’ll find beautiful beaches to relax on or play in the sand. You’ll also find rainforests in St. Lucia, waterfalls in Jamaica, dramatic rocky landscapes in Aruba and incredible scuba-diving spots in Curacao. If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path activities, then you’ll really enjoy your time in the Southern Caribbean. The best time to visit for good weather is generally December through April.
Western Caribbean
Popular destinations in the Western Caribbean include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Costa Maya. If you love adventure coupled with relaxation, then you’ll enjoy the Western Caribbean. From snorkeling above nearby reefs in Cozumel, to learning about the Maya ruins in Belize, to swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, there’s plenty to enjoy. The best time to visit for good weather is generally during winter when temperatures are more comfortable.
Best Times to Visit Based on Weather, Budget and Crowds
What’s most important to you? Weather, avoiding larger crowds or vacationing on a budget? For more travel insights, check out our travel article on the best time for a Caribbean cruise.
Essential Items to Bring With You to the Caribbean
- Beach Gear: Sunscreen, swimsuits, flipflops, sunglasses and hats. If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you’ll likely find a place nearby to purchase or rent equipment.
- Casual Clothes/Sneakers: If you’re hiking or doing a lot of walking, dress comfortably.
- Essentials Bag: Store your essentials, such as travel documents, medications, basic first-aid kit, camera and phone chargers.
When you embark on a Caribbean cruise, you only have to unpack once and then get ready to explore the islands from port to port. Whether you’re cruising with family, friends or a significant other, you can enjoy your own piece of paradise ashore. Then return to your cruise ship for more fun and relaxation onboard.
