The best Caribbean cruises for sun, sea and island escapes
Enjoy sun-kissed shores and endless beaches on a cruise around the islands
Aliver
From palm tree-lined beaches to crystalline tropical waters, it’s hardly surprising that an island-hopping cruise around the Caribbean is a bucket list holiday for many.
Rather than choosing one tropical paradise, a cruise offers a great way to explore the islands, with guests getting the chance to experience many idyllic destinations in one trip without being tied to one resort or region.
What’s more, several cruise lines offer guests access to private islands in the Caribbean, such as Disney’s Castaway Cay, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, MSC’s Ocean Cay and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
When it comes to itineraries, guests have the option of booking everything from transatlantic cruises, setting sail from Southampton or London Tilbury, to month-long voyages around the Caribbean. Alternatively, you can try a fly cruise that specifically focuses on sections of the Caribbean. There are even long weekend tours that set sail from Florida.
Here’s our round-up of some of the best Caribbean cruises setting sail for 2026 and beyond, from adult-only holidays to family-friendly adventures.
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Norwegian Cruise Line: Great Stirrup Cay, Dominican Republic and Tortola
Miami – Puerto Plata – St Thomas – Tortola – Great Stirrup Cay – Miami
Departing from Miami, passengers on this seven-day sailing can discover the colonial architecture of the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata, snorkel from the island of St Thomas and relax on Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island Great Stirrup Cay, which is opening a new waterpark this year.
This is also a chance to sail on NCL newest ship Norwegian Luna, which features the Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster with a water slide, and an interactive digital sports complex called Glow Court. You can also relax on the ship’s Ocean Boulevard, a 360-degree outdoor promenade.
Departs 15 August 2026. From £880pp.
Read more: Why you should visit the Caribbean island you’ve never heard of
MSC Cruises: Bahamas and the Caribbean
Port Canaveral – Nassau – Ocho Rios – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – Ocean Cay Msc Marine Reserve – Port Canaveral
Calling at Nassau in the Bahamas, this four-night round-trip from Port Canaveral is a great way to grab sunshine all year round.
Guests will set sail on MSC Seashore, complete with its own Bridge of Sighs, Statue of Liberty and a breathtaking glass skywalk.
The itinerary includes a stop-off at the cruise line’s private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, complete with more than two miles of white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and plenty of activities including scuba diving, paddleboarding and beachside stargazing.
Departs 25 June 2026. From £249pp.
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Virgin Voyages: Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
Miami – Puerto Plate - San Juan – Philipsburg – The Beach Club at Bimini – Miami
When it comes to adults-only cruises, Virgin Voyages excels, offering onboard and off-shore entertainment in spades, from tattoo parlours at sea to days spent relaxing at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club.
Highlights aboard this seven-night cruise aboard Resilient Lady include the beaches of San Juan in the Dominican Republic and a day partying at the cruise line’s private beach club in Bimini, Barbados.
Departs 30 January 2027. From £1,666 per cabin.
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Celebrity Cruises: Bahamas, Mexico and Cayman
Miami – Nassau – George Town – Grand Cayman - Cozumel - Costa Maya - Miami
Sail around the Caribbean on Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, Xcel.
Departing from Miami, Florida, this seven-night sailing takes in the best of the Bahamas, Mexico and Cayman.
You can snorkel in the beaches of the Bahamas before washing down Caribbean curries with the local rum. There is also the chance to explore Mayan ruins in Costa Maya and explore the culinary seafood delights of Cozumel.
On board, guests can access the exclusive features of the new ship such as an adult-only games room, a secret speakeasy and new destination-inspired entertainment space The Bazaar.
Departs 3 January 2027. From £681pp.
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Royal Caribbean: Three-night Caribbean cruise
Miami – Perfect Day at CocoCay – Miami
This three-night cruise is a great taster, marking the brand’s new Legend of the Seas debut in the region.
Calling at Royal Caribbean’s private island for a Perfect Day at CocoCay experience, passengers will be able to relax among pristine sands and also enjoy giant slides in the waterpark.
Legend of the Seas is the cruise line’s latest Icon class ship, offering six giant waterslides, more than 20 bars and lounges, an immersive train ride experience and an exclusive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical.
Departs 11 November 2026. From £724pp.
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Disney Cruise Line: Halloween on the Seas
Fort Lauderdale – Cozumel – Castaway Cay – Fort Lauderale
You can get in the Halloween spirit with Disney Cruise Line.
From Broadway-quality shows to immersive dinners and the chance for children to meet their favourite characters, Disney cruises are packed with entertainment – and this itinerary coincides with the build-up to Halloween aboard the newest ship in the fleet, Disney Destiny.
Guaranteed to be filled with spooky surprises – think characters in fancy dress and spooktacular desserts – this five-night “Halloween on the Seas” sailing will call at Cozumel in Mexico and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Departs 24 October 2026. From £2,278 per cabin.
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P&O: Caribbean Discovery
Southampton – Bridgetown – Kingstown – Castries – Dominica – St Maarten – Ponta Delgada – Southampton
Visit the Caribbean with the utmost of ease. This 24-night transatlantic itinerary with P&O Cruises has the convenience for UK passengers of embarking from, and returning to, Southampton.
Sailing aboard adult-only Aurora, this voyage calls at the Canary Islands en route to Caribbean hotspots such as St Maarten and Castries, promising a destination-packed tour.
Departs 3 November 2026. From £2,049pp.
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