Given the allure of almost guaranteed sunshine, palm tree-lined landscapes, pristine white sand beaches and scintillating tropical waters, it’s hardly surprising that an island-hopping cruise around the Caribbean is a bucket list holiday for many – and the most-searched cruise itinerary.
Cruises offer a great way to explore the Caribbean, with guests getting the chance to experience many idyllic and off-the-beaten-track destinations in one trip, and a carefully curated selection of islands from a collection that spans more than 700.
What’s more, several cruise lines, including Disney and Royal Caribbean, offer guests access to private islands in the Caribbean, such as Disney’s Castaway Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
When it comes to itineraries, guests have the option of booking everything from transatlantic cruises setting sail from Southampton and Tilbury to month-long voyages around the Caribbean; fly cruises that specifically focus on sections of the Caribbean, such as the East or West; or long weekend tours that set sail from Florida.
Here’s our round-up of some of the best Caribbean cruises setting sail in 2025, from adult-only holidays to family-friendly adventures.
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Fred Olsen: Discover Caribbean Rainforests, Exotic Wildlife & Mayan Culture
Puerto Limón – Cozumel – Belize City – Roatan Island – Port Royal – Hamilton – Ponta Delgada – Southampton
From exploring tropical rainforests in Costa Rica to sampling local dishes such as jerk chicken in Jamaica and codfish and potatoes in Bermuda, this 23-night adventure aboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral ship, which kicks off in Puerto Limón, promises to be a fantastic mix of action and adventure alongside cultural discovery.
With just 1,325 passengers, Balmoral is a great vessel for exploring lesser-known destinations or enjoying spectacular views from its multiple open-deck areas.
Departs 9 March 2025. From £2,049pp; flights not included
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Cunard: Eastern Caribbean
New York – Philipsburg – Castries – St George – Bridgetown – Roseau – Basseterre – Road Town – New York
Tag a Caribbean cruise onto the end or even the start of a visit to New York. Cunard’s Eastern Caribbean sailing starts in the Big Apple before a tropical fortnight at sea aboard Queen Mary 2 that visits must-see islands such as St Lucia and Tortola.
From black-tie evenings and afternoon tea or sipping cocktails by the pool, there’s plenty to do on the ship.
Departs 15 March 2025; from £1,449pp
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MSC Cruises: Caribbean
Miami – Puerto Plata – San Juan – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – Miami
Calling at the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, this seven-night round-trip from Miami – with flights included – is a great deal to catch some much-needed sunshine.
Guests will set sail on MSC Seascape, complete with the Bridge of Sighs, a breathtaking glass skywalk. There is also a US-themed Liberty Plaza that is set up like Times Square.
The itinerary includes a stop-off at 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 29 March 2025; from £1,661pp
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Virgin Voyages: Western Caribbean charm
Miami – Roatán – Costa Maya – 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 at Bimini.
Highlights aboard this six-night cruise on Scarlet Lady include a stop-off at Roatán, known for its vibrant coral reefs, as well as the ancient ruins of the Mexican port of Costa Maya. Optional excursions include zip-wire adventures in Roatán and kayaking in Costa Maya.
Departs 13 April 2025; from £1,978 per cabin
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Celebrity Cruises: St Maarten, St Thomas & Bahamas
Miami – Nassau – St Thomas – St Maarten – Miami
Island-hop across the Caribbean with Celebrity Beyond, one of the largest ships in the fleet.
This seven-night sailing visits three Caribbean islands, giving you lots of chances to experience the culture, cuisine and clear waters in destinations such as St Thomas capital Charlotte Amalie and Philipsburg in St Maarten.
Onboard Celebrity Beyond, passengers can relax in the tropical-themed three-deck Eden lounge or if you are feeling more adventurous, there is the Magic Carpet platform that hangs above the sea and moves up and down the side of the ship.
Departs 20 July 2025. From £727pp; flights not included
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Royal Caribbean: 3 night Caribbean cruise
Miami – CocoCay – Nassau – Miami
This three-night cruise is a great taster if you want to see whether a Caribbean cruise is for you.
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.
You will be sailing aboard Freedom of the Seas, which has plenty of onboard activities including an ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall and surf simulator.
Departs 15 August 2025. From £384pp; flights not included
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Disney Cruise Line: Halloween on the Seas
Port Canaveral – Tortola – St Thomas – Disney Castaway Cay – Port Canaveral
If you’re booking a cruise for you and your family, you’ll be in safe hands 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 Halloween aboard the newest ship in the fleet Disney Treasure.
Guaranteed to be filled with spooky surprises – think Disney characters in fancy dress and spooktacular desserts – this seven-night Halloween on the Seas sailing will call at tropical Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Disney’s private island, Disney Castaway Cay.
Departs 25 October 2025. From £1,814pp; flights not included
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P&O: Caribbean Discovery
Southampton – Tenerife – St Maarten – Guadeloupe – Kingstown – Castries – Bridgetown – Ponta Delgada – Southampton
Visit the Caribbean without having to use an airport. 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 2 November 2025; from £1,999pp
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