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From palm tree-lined beaches to crystalline tropical waters, it’s hardly surprising that an island-hopping cruise around the Caribbean is top of the bucket list for many.
Rather than choosing one tropical paradise, a cruise offers a great way to explore a few different islands during a week or even longer, with guests getting the chance to experience many idyllic destinations 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 Cruises’ Ocean Cay or 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.
Cruise ships visit the Caribbean throughout the year, but sailing between October and February can be a great way to catch some much needed winter sun.
There are also plenty of cruise deals and discounts that could reduce the cost of your holiday.
Here’s our round-up of some of the best Caribbean cruises setting sail in 2026 and beyond, from adult-only holidays to family-friendly adventures.
Read more: I went on a cruise to find out if they really are just for old people
Norwegian Cruise Line: Great Stirrup Cay & the Dominican Republic
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 opened 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 31 October 2026. From £460pp.
Read more: Why you should visit the Caribbean island you’ve never heard of
MSC Cruises: Bahamas and the Caribbean
Port Canaveral – Nassau – 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 soak up some winter sun.
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-clear waters and plenty of activities, including scuba diving, paddleboarding and beachside stargazing.
Departs 6 December 2026. From £239pp.
Read more: The best cruise deals for 2026
Virgin Voyages: Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club
Miami – Puerto Plate - San Juan – Philipsburg – The Beach Club at Bimini – Miami
When it comes to adult-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 of 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 £1,349 per cabin.
Read more: All aboard the new train route exploring Mexico’s Mayan heartlands
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 the Cayman Islands.
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 enjoy 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 £692pp.
Read more: The best Mediterranean cruise holidays
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 cruise ship’s 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 £1,364pp.
Read more: This remote Puerto Rico island is an idyllic Caribbean getaway
Disney Cruise Line: Very Merrytime Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Fort Lauderdale – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – Puerto Rico – St. Maarten – Fort Lauderale
You can get into the Christmas spirit early in December with Disney Cruise Line.
From Broadway-quality shows to immersive Lion King and Marvel-themed dinners, Disney cruises are packed with entertainment – and this itinerary coincides with the build-up to the festive season aboard the newest ship in the fleet, Disney Destiny.
Guaranteed to be filled with cheer – think large gingerbread and Christmas tree displays, and carolling with characters – this sailing visits Disney’s private island Lookout Cay. Plus, the Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday film, which premieres in the US on 18 December, will be shown on the ship.
Departs 12 December 2026. From £2,996 per cabin.
Read more: The ultimate guide to Orlando’s best theme parks
P&O: America & Caribbean Discovery
Southampton – Madeira – St Maarten – Antigua – Dominica – Kingstown – Grenada – Trinidad – Bonaire – Curacao - Cartagena – Colon – Panama Canal – Puerto Limon – Roatan – Costa Maya – Grand Cayman – Cozumel – Progreso – Galveston – New Orleans – Miami – Port Canaveral – Freeport – Grand Turk – Amber Cove – Ocho Rios – Falmouth – Tortola – Basseterre – Guadeloupe – Fort de France – Castries – Tobago – Bridgetown – Praia Da Vitoria – Southampton
Visit the Caribbean with the ease on this 75-night sailing with P&O Cruises.
The voyage starts with the convenience 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, Curacao, and Castries, promising a destination-packed tour. The route also includes a transit through the Panama Canal and visits to US hotspots such as New Orleans and Miami.
The ship leaves on 3 January and returns to Southampton in time for the start of warmer weather in the spring on 19 March.
Departs 3 January 2027. From £6,499pp.
Read more: Best P&O Cruises holidays