Southern Caribbean Cruises

Discover the Vibrant Southern Caribbean on a Cruise

The Southern Caribbean is an absolute gem teeming with tropical beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultures. A cruise through this splendid region offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning islands encompassing white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. Fun fact: The Southern Caribbean is known for its diversity, with each island featuring its own unique blend of cultures, languages, and culinary delights! Whether you’re looking to unwind on beautiful beaches or immerse yourself in the local culture, cruising the Southern Caribbean is the perfect way to experience this unforgettable paradise.

Top Harbours to Explore in the Southern Caribbean

As you sail through the Southern Caribbean, these five harbours should be on your radar:

Great Ports Before or After Your Southern Caribbean Cruise

Several important ports are often visited before or after cruising the Southern Caribbean, enriching your overall experience:

Best Times to Experience the Southern Caribbean

The ideal time to cruise the Southern Caribbean is from December to April when temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. This period offers a dry climate, perfect for beach activities and adventures. If you’re aiming to avoid crowds, consider sailing during the shoulder months of late November or early May, where temperatures remain the same but with relatively fewer tourists.

Cruise Pricing Overview for the Southern Caribbean

What should you expect to invest for a cruise to the Southern Caribbean? For a 1-week cruise, prices typically range from $1,200 to $3,000 for standard packages and $3,500 to $7,000 for luxury options. For a 2-week cruise, expect costs of around $2,000 to $4,500 for regular cruises and as much as $10,000 for luxury voyages. The best time to find cheaper rates is generally from May to early December. Dining on the islands will usually cost around $20 to $50 per meal, while drinks can average about $5 to $10, making it both accessible and enjoyable!

Major Cruise Lines to the Southern Caribbean

• Princess Cruises
  Princess has a fleet size of 17 ships, with 9 dedicated to the Southern Caribbean. Notable vessels include Grand Princess and Enchanted Princess, with departures primarily from Fort Lauderdale or San Juan. Princess is known for its excellent onboard experience, offering a wide variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities tailored for every kind of cruiser!
• MSC Cruises
  With 23 ships in their fleet, MSC has 5 that travel to the Southern Caribbean, including MSC Virtuosa and MSC Divina. These cruises most often depart from Miami or Fort de France. MSC stands out with its European flair, providing a chic onboard experience filled with unique dining options, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities.
• Holland America Line
  Holland America operates 11 ships, with 8 exploring Southern Caribbean destinations like Rotterdam and Eurodam. Departures typically occur from Fort Lauderdale or Miami. This cruise line is celebrated for its seamless service and enriched cultural experiences, often including local experts on board to enhance your journey.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
  Royal Caribbean possesses a large fleet of 29 ships, with 16 providing Southern Caribbean itineraries such as Serenade of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. Departures happen mostly from San Juan or Fort Lauderdale. Known for its adventurous onboard activities and innovative ship designs, Royal Caribbean offers a lively atmosphere perfect for thrill-seekers.
• P&O Cruises
  P&O’s fleet has 7 ships, with 6 providing Southern Caribbean itineraries, particularly Arvia and Britannia. Departures frequently occur from Bridgetown or Antigua. P&O Cruises provides a classic ocean-going experience, offering a touch of British charm with traditional dining and entertainment options, ensuring a home-like atmosphere at sea.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Explora Journeys
  With 2 ships in its fleet, Explora offers both vessels—EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II—dedicated to Southern Caribbean itineraries. Departures typically happen from Miami or San Juan. Explora is focused on luxurious experiential travel, where every voyage is designed to connect cruisers deeply with each destination visited.
• Oceania Cruises
  Oceania operates 8 ships, with 6 offering Southern Caribbean itineraries, specifically Insignia and Vista. Common departures occur from Miami or Bridgetown. Oceania is well known for its gourmet dining experiences and destination-focused itineraries, allowing guests to indulge in exquisite culinary journeys while exploring local cultures.
• Silversea
  With 13 ships in its fleet, Silversea features 5 that visit the Southern Caribbean, including Silver Shadow and Silver Ray. These ships typically depart from Bridgetown or Fort Lauderdale. Silversea provides an ultra-luxury cruising experience, focusing on high-end service and exclusive shore excursions to enrich the traveller’s journey.
• Seabourn
  Seabourn operates 6 ships, with 3 offering Southern Caribbean itineraries like Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn. Departures commonly occur from Bridgetown or Philipsburg. Seabourn is renowned for its intimate luxury cruising experience, ensuring highly attentive service and unique itineraries that cater to the desires of discerning guests.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  This luxury cruise line has 6 ships, with 4 offering itineraries to the Southern Caribbean, featuring Seven Seas Grandeur and Seven Seas Mariner. Departures typically happen from Miami or San Juan. Regent is celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury approach, providing a truly premium cruise experience with high-end dining and excursion options.

Consider These Alternative Regions for Your Next Cruise

If you’re interested in the Southern Caribbean, consider exploring these alternative regions for your next cruise adventure:

• Western Caribbean: This region offers stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and a variety of water sports activities. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of places like Cozumel and Grand Caymans, where relaxation meets adventure.
• Eastern Caribbean: Featuring well-known islands like St. Thomas and St. Maarten, the Eastern Caribbean is perfect for those seeking a mix of shopping, stunning beaches, and cultural experiences.
• Bonaire: Known for its stunning dive sites and marine life, Bonaire is an excellent destination for snorkelers and divers alike. Explore the local culture and partake in eco-tourism activities while enjoying the pristine natural surroundings.
• British Virgin Islands: Famous for their indigo waters and picturesque landscapes, the British Virgin Islands offer opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, and visiting local island markets, truly embodying the laid-back Caribbean vibe.
• Dominican Republic: Renowned for its stunning beaches and diverse offerings, the Dominican Republic features lush rainforest adventures, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, making it an exciting alternative to the Southern Caribbean.

The Southern Caribbean awaits you with its sun-soaked beaches, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Book your cruise with CruiseAway today and embark on an incredible journey to paradise!