There are so many options for Caribbean cruises, it can be challenging to decide which itinerary is best. Eastern Caribbean cruises are popular choices for the mix they offer of beautiful beaches and adventurous activities.
In this article we’ll tell you all you need to know to find the best eastern Caribbean cruise for you, including answering frequently asked questions like “where do Eastern Caribbean cruises go? and “what is the best month to cruise the Eastern Caribbean?”
Where do Eastern Caribbean cruises go?
Although itineraries vary from cruise line to cruise line, most Eastern Caribbean cruises go to destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Dominican Republic. Some will stop at islands like The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and Antigua.
Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Destinations
As discussed above, there is a wide range of Eastern Caribbean cruise destinations, including some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Most longer eastern Caribbean cruises visit multiple spots so you can enjoy the variety.
Given all the options and the fact that each destination has plenty to offer, it’s tough to choose which are the best eastern Caribbean cruise destinations. It will depend on what type of experience you’re looking for. However, you can generally count on gorgeous beaches, great duty-free shopping, and adventurous activities like snorkeling and scuba diving at all of these islands.
If you’re looking for a short cruise, the best Eastern Caribbean cruise destinations are The Bahamas; you can enjoy a fun weekend getaway here on 3-day cruises that leave from multiple Florida ports. Several cruise lines have private islands here for a luxurious and relaxing stop.
Some of the best eastern Caribbean cruise ports are St. Croix, USVI; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Tortola, BVI; Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Florida
It’s difficult to choose the best eastern Caribbean cruise from Florida, as you’ll have dozens of options given the sheer variety of cruise lines and itineraries available.
You can find 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9+-night eastern Caribbean cruises departing from multiple Florida ports including Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Most 3- and 4-night eastern Caribbean cruises from Florida will just make one or two stops. If you want to visit multiple islands, you’ll need to book a longer cruise.
Here are some of the current options from top Caribbean cruise lines.
For a 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean, consider the Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing from Orlando, which visits Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. Another option on Star of the Seas heads to Perfect Day at CocoCay then to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten.
A great choice for an 8-night Royal Caribbean cruise departs Orlando and goes to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, USVI; and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten.
Virgin Voyages features the 8-night Eastern Caribbean Antilles cruise on Valiant Lady, departing Miami and stopping at Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico (where you get to stay until 10 p.m.); St. Croix, USVI; and their private Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas.
Celebrity Cruises has a 9-night eastern Caribbean cruise that leaves from Fort Lauderdale and stops at Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas.
Holland America’s 7-night Tropical Caribbean cruise departs Fort Lauderdale and visits Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Amber Cove/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Key West, Florida.
One of the best 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries with Princess Cruises leaves from Fort Lauderdale and goes to the private Princess Cays in The Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
Norwegian eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries include more stops as well as an island that many of the others don’t visit: Antigua. For example, the 9-night eastern Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Sky out of Miami stops at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, USVI; Antigua; St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
MSC also visits Antigua. This cruise line offers a 10-night eastern Caribbean itinerary that leaves from Miami and goes to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, and the private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise for Adults
Virgin Voyages has some of the best Caribbean cruises for couples, as it is an adults-only cruise line with an upscale yet laidback and offbeat vibe. Virgin also has almost totally all-inclusive fares, excellent service, and extraordinary food.
While Virgin ships are a bit smaller than some other cruise lines, there is plenty to do on board including a wide range of wellness classes, a nightclub, a casino, a spa, and live entertainment.
Another consideration for best Eastern Caribbean cruise for adults is Holland America, which features sophisticated and spacious staterooms on more intimate ships, activities like cultural programs and wine tastings, and gourmet restaurants.
And a third option would be Princess Cruises. The inspiration for the TV show “The Love Boat,” these ships offer some of the best Caribbean cruises for couples looking for that extra level of romance. They also usually stay in ports longer than other cruise lines, giving you more time to explore.
Best Time for Eastern Caribbean Cruise
While temperatures are warm year round in this region, the best weather for an eastern Caribbean cruise will be during the winter and spring months (December through April). This is generally the dry season, so you’ll have more sunny days and calmer water.
What is the best month to cruise the Eastern Caribbean?
The best month for an eastern Caribbean cruise is January, February, March, or April. These months are during the dry season so you’ll have good weather. You can also find some good deals and avoid the crowds during these months (if you book outside of any holidays).
What is hurricane season in the Eastern Caribbean?
Hurricane season in the Eastern Caribbean is from June to November. While there are plenty of cruises during this time and you can absolutely have a wonderful experience, if you do book a cruise in the summer or fall be sure to get travel insurance.
Which is the best Caribbean cruise company?
While the best Caribbean cruise company for you will depend on the type of cruise experience you’re looking for, some of the top Caribbean cruise lines are Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Disney, MSC, and Carnival.
Choosing the best eastern Caribbean cruise ship for your trip will also depend on the type of experience you want. If you want a mega-ship with nonstop excitement and activities, look at Royal Caribbean which features some of the largest ships in the Caribbean and unique activities like surf simulators, sky diving simulators, and bumper cars. If you want a smaller, more laidback ship, consider Virgin Voyages or Holland America.
Now that you’ve read this article, do you feel prepared to find your best eastern Caribbean cruise? If not, feel free to reach out to one of our expert travel advisors!