28 July 2026
15 EXTRAORDINARY VOYAGES THROUGH PARADISE
By Publisher Ray Carmen
There are few more exhilarating ways to discover the Caribbean than from the deck of a beautiful cruise ship.
Every morning presents a different horizon. One day may begin beside the historic streets of San Juan; the next could bring the emerald mountains of Saint Lucia, the white sands of Antigua or the colourful waterfront of Curaçao.
Cruising has become one of the world’s most popular forms of international travel. Global ocean-cruise passenger numbers reached a record 37.2 million in 2025, with almost 90% of cruisers telling the Cruise Lines International Association that they intended to sail again.
The following 15 voyages represent Caribbean World’s editorial selection rather than an official ranking. Itineraries and ports can change according to season, weather and operational requirements.
1. The Eastern Caribbean Classic
A traditional Eastern Caribbean voyage may combine San Juan, Saint Thomas, Sint Maarten, Antigua and the Bahamas. It is ideal for travellers seeking a balance of beaches, shopping and historic towns.
2. Barbados and the Southern Caribbean
Beginning in Bridgetown places travellers closer to the islands of the southern and eastern Caribbean. Voyages may include Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Vincent, Trinidad or Tobago.
3. The ABC Islands
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao offer colourful Dutch-Caribbean architecture, clear water, excellent diving and a generally drier landscape than many neighbouring islands.
4. The Islands of the Wind
Saint Lucia, Grenada, Martinique and Dominica provide dramatic mountains, waterfalls, rainforests and volcanic scenery.
5. The Grenadines by Small Ship
Smaller vessels can explore intimate anchorages around Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau, Union Island and Tobago Cays, creating a more yacht-like experience.
6. A Bahamas Private-Island Escape
These shorter cruises combine Nassau with private or cruise-line-operated destinations offering beaches, pools, cabanas and organised recreation.
7. The Western Caribbean Adventure
Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize and Roatán create a journey combining beaches, reefs, wildlife and the archaeological heritage of Central America.
8. Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
This route blends Jamaican music, food and waterfalls with the beaches and clear water surrounding Grand Cayman.
9. The French Caribbean
Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy and the French side of Saint Martin offer a distinctive combination of Caribbean warmth and French culture.
10. The British Virgin Islands
Tortola, Virgin Gorda and neighbouring islands are celebrated for sailing, sheltered bays and spectacular coastal scenery.
11. San Juan and the Lesser Antilles
Starting from Puerto Rico can reduce the number of sea days required to reach the smaller islands. San Juan’s cruise terminals are also located close to the historic Old Town.
12. The Luxury Caribbean Voyage
Smaller luxury ships may combine famous ports with quieter destinations, longer stays and more personalised shore experiences.
13. Caribbean, Colombia and Panama
Some extended itineraries travel beyond the islands to Cartagena, Colón or the Panama Canal region, adding Latin American history and architecture.
14. Christmas and New Year at Sea
Festive cruises provide decorated ships, celebratory dining and the memorable experience of welcoming a new year beneath Caribbean skies.
15. The Grand Caribbean Journey
For the traveller with time, a voyage of two weeks or more can combine the eastern, western and southern Caribbean in one sweeping journey.
Cruise itineraries currently offered across the region can include Nassau, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Bridgetown, San Juan, Guadeloupe, Martinique and private Bahamian destinations.
The greatest pleasure of Caribbean cruising is not simply the number of islands visited. It is the effortless rhythm of the journey: unpack once, sail beneath the stars and awaken each morning to another part of paradise.
THE CARIBBEAN—ONE MAGNIFICENT SEA, HUNDREDS OF ISLANDS AND A THOUSAND REASONS TO RETURN.
