The Southern Caribbean boasts of breathtaking and diverse landscapes, spectacular beaches, tropical rainforests, and volcanic peaks. Located in the north of South America, a Southern Caribbean cruise is a convenient way to explore the region with departures from various ports in the US. Most Southern Caribbean cruises depart from ports in the United States, so you’ll need a valid passport and a US visa. Read on to learn more if you are planning a Southern Caribbean Cruise.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary
Southern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary offers guests a diverse experience of beautiful beaches, rainforests, and historical locations. Cruises range from 7 to 12 days with stops at Aruba, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and Bonaire. Some of the excursions may include:
- Aruba visit iconic beaches like Eagle and Palm Beach, try snorkelling and scuba diving near shipwrecks, and explore Oranjestad for shopping and fascinating Dutch-Caribbean architecture.
- Bonaire is a must-visit if you enjoy water sports and is famous for its colourful coral reefs and marine wildlife. Visit open markets and historical sites in Kralendijk.
- Curacao has a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean culture. Its vibrant capital, Willemstand, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- St. Thomas attractions include visiting the Magen Bay Beach and Paradise Point for panoramic views. Try shopping at Havensight Mall.
- St. Martin’s has Dutch and French influences in its culture and architecture. If you are adventurous, try catamaran sailing, snorkelling, or horseback riding.
- St. Lucia is best known for its lush landscapes with the Piton Mountains, picturesque beaches, and rainforest.
Also read: Caribbean cruise packages
7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise
7-night Southern Caribbean Cruise provides the perfect weeklong getaway to multiple destinations. Common disembarkation ports are San Juan, Puerto Rico, and occasionally Colon (Panama). Most cruise liners, such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises, offer 7-day cruises. Popular stops during the cruise include islands such as Barbados, St. Thomas, Curacao, and Aruba. Cruises have included some sea days to relax and enjoy onboard facilities. Most ports will include excursions to beaches, markets, and exploring the rich culture and history of the Caribbean region.
10 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise
A 10-day Southern Caribbean cruise allows you to explore the region in depth, offering a more relaxed pace. You will find ample time to soak onboard facilities and immerse yourself in the excursions you select. Common departure ports include Florida (Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale) and New Jersey (Cape Liberty), with easy connectivity to India. Cruise ships such as Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Panache Cruise offer cruises to the region. Depending on the itinerary selected, there may be 4 to 6 cruise stops to some of the best destinations in the region (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Martin, and St. Kitts).
14 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise
A 14-day Southern Caribbean Cruise is perfect for those who want a more relaxed pace. Most cruise liners offer these cruises with departing options from ports like Miami (Florida), Port Canaveral (Florida), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Galveston (Texas). The round trip provides an opportunity to visit around 8 destinations in the Caribbean region, such as Trinidad and Tobago, home to a large Indian population. There are multiple sea days to relax and enjoy onboard amenities and entertainment. A two-week cruise offers tropical indulgence and will help you feel rejuvenated after your trip.
Also read: Western Caribbean cruise
Best Cruise Line for Southern Caribbean Cruise
The best cruise line for a Southern Caribbean cruise will depend largely on your preferences. Disney Cruises are perfect for families, especially those with young children. Princess Cruises offers diverse port locations. Carnival cruises are known for their modern style and value. We provide the USP of major cruise liners operating in the region.
Princess Southern Caribbean Cruise
Princess Southern Caribbean Cruise focuses on providing passengers with relaxed and destination-focused experience using technology. Their app MedallionClass provide guests a seamless, personalized cruising experience. You can use it to find your family and friends using the connector app or unlock your stateroom. Enjoy their unique “Rhythm of the Caribbean” to get an authentic taste of local music and activities. Princess Southern Caribbean Cruise sailings are:
- Crown Princess
- Caribbean Princess
- Enchanted Princess
- Grand Princess
- Majestic Princess
- Regal Princess
Carnival Cruise Southern Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Southern Caribbean ensures its guests have a culturally rich experience with unique ports of call. Onboard activities like the “Bolt roller coaster”, “Water Works”, and SkyRide are sure to provide an adrenaline rush. The diverse dining options ensure you will never be bored onboard. Ships sailing to the region are:
- Carnival Horizon
- Carnival Vista
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Venezia
- Rhapsody of the Sea.
NCL Southern Caribbean Cruise
NCL Southern Caribbean Cruise offers its signature “Freestyle Cruising,” giving guests flexibility and freedom. The concept allows guests access to several dining options without a fixed schedule and dress as they prefer. Ships have additional features like “ThrillPlex” with options like goKart and laser tags, ensuring fun for all ages. The staterooms are comfortable, ensuring you are well rested for the Southern Caribbean Cruise. Some of the Caribbean cruises are:
- Norwegian Viva
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Breakaway
Disney Southern Caribbean Cruise
Disney Southern Caribbean Cruise offers guests spacious staterooms with split bathrooms. Perfect if you are looking for a family-centric experience with Disney’s signature storytelling with Broadway-style shows, themed days, and a chance to meet your favourite Disney or Marvel character. Known for its personalized service and dining options, guests are well looked after during their trip. Typical Southern Caribbean cruises are for 7 days, with ships departing from San Juan. The Disney Magic is sailing to the region.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports
Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports are picturesque. The ABC ports are Aruba (Oranjestad), Bonaire (Kralendijk), Curaçao (Willemstad), Barbados (Bridgetown), St. Lucia (Castries), and Grenada (St. George’s). Every port has a distinct architecture and vibe.
The main departure ports for the cruise are San Juan in Puerto Rico, Florida has Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa. Galveston and New York are lesser-known departure ports for the Southern Caribbean Cruise.
Also read: Eastern Caribbean cruise
Cruise From Baltimore To Southern Caribbean
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines offer cruises from Baltimore to the Southern Caribbean with itineraries ranging from 12 to 14 nights. Visit some of the best destinations in the region, such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia. Southern Caribbean cruise from Baltimore begin with several sea days. Baltimore has a lot to offer, with the spectacular Inner Harbor, the central waterfront in Baltimore with the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Centre, and historical ships like USS Constellation stationed there.
Southern Caribbean Cruise From Galveston
There are some cruises available from Galveston, but they are less common than Western Caribbean cruises. Southern Caribbean cruise from Galveston are generally for 10 to 14 nights. Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises Lines offer these cruises. Popular ports during the cruise are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Before you begin your cruise, you can explore Galveston. The port city has a rich history and excellent beaches. Top tourist attractions include Moody Gardens, The Strand Historic District, Bishop’s Palace, and Moody Mansion.
Best Time to Cruise Southern Caribbean
The best time to cruise the Southern Caribbean is from mid-December to April. The weather is mild with lower levels of humidity with minimal rainfall. It is the perfect time to spend time on the beach and try out water sports. It is peak tourist season as people flock here to escape winter.
You can plan your trip during the Summer months (July to mid-September), especially in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. These islands receive less rainfall and are outside the hurricane zone. The weather is hot and humid with the risk of tropical showers. You can expect fewer crowds, and prices are lower.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Deals
Several Southern Caribbean cruise deals are available for 2025, leading up to the peak season. Major cruise lines like MSC, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean provide early booking discounts and last minute sales on onsold staterooms. To get the best rates and room preferences, we recommend booking early. You can plan your excursions at the time of booking. If you are a flexible traveller, you can check for last-minute discounts. Book your cruise in shoulder season for better deals. Subscribing to cruise company emails may give you a preview of flash sales and promotions to help you plan your trip.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Reviews
Southern Caribbean Cruise reviews are generally positive, with travellers praising the well-planned itinerary and service provided by cruise liners. Most guests enjoyed the onboard entertainment, dining options, and service. However, some reviewers mentioned certain ships could benefit from better upkeep and upgrades. They also found venues overcrowded, especially during peak season. Overall, passengers enjoyed their trip and would recommend it to others.
