The 7 Best Caribbean Cruises

What makes Caribbean cruises so popular is the fact that it’s a year-round destination – there’s never a bad time to hop on board. You will explore beautiful islands, swim with dolphins, sip on fresh coconuts and enjoy plenty of water sports.

Cruise lines that have a good variety of cruises here include Norwegian, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Viking Ocean, Princess and Windstar. As for which Caribbean cruises to book in 2020? Here’s our top picks…

1. Symphony of the Seas

• Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
• Sails from: Miami
• Visits: Miami: Basseterre, St. Kitts; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; CocoCay, Bahamas

The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has 22 restaurants, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, two surf simulators, the tallest slide at sea and its very own boardwalk. You’ll be hard pressed to actually leave the ship!

Hop on board for a roundtrip from Miami, to visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s new private island).

2. Celebrity Edge

• Cruise line: Celebrity
• Sails from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Visits: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola, B.V.I; Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

You’ll embark from Fort Lauderdale and visit Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten. Sail on a luxury catamaran for tropical discoveries at a starfish sanctuary in Cozumel or get VIP treatments on The Bahamas’ beautiful Blue Lagoon Island.

The ship itself is a beauty, with a floating ‘Magic Carpet’, sunset bar and private plunge pools in the Edge villas.

3. Crown Princess

• Cruise line: Princess Line Cruises
• Sails from: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Visits: St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, and Princess Cays (Bahamas)

Enjoy a roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to visit St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, and Princess Cays (Bahamas). From the ship’s 900 balconies to the breathtaking three-story Atrium, you’ll discover just how amazing the best Caribbean cruises can really be.

4. MSC Meraviglia 

• Cruise line: MSC Cruises
• Sails from: Miami, Florida
• Visits: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Costa Maya, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

The ship has an innovative ocean-view aft lounge, a two-deck “inside promenade” with an LED dome and an amusement area that’s connected to an outdoor water park. There’s also world-class dining and a relaxing spa. It’s bliss.

5. Norwegian Encore

• Cruise line: Norwegian
• Sails from: New York
• Visits: New York; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas and Tortola, B.V.I; Bermuda

Leaving from New York, you’ll be hitting up San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Tortola, B.V.I. , as well as Bermuda. Whip around the race track, get lost in a VR wonderland or see a Broadway show. This a ship with endless entertainment options.

6. Regal Princess

• Cruise line: Princess
• Sails from: New York
• Visits: New York, New York; St. Maarten; Antigua; Aruba; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Soak up the Caribbean views from one of the 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess or stroll on the SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! There’s also movies under the stars, and an adults-only spa with a Turkish Hammam and a hydro-therapy pool.

7. Celebrity Reflection 

• Cruise line: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Sails from: Celebrity
• Visits: Key West, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman

As well as visiting some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and Mexico, Celebrity Reflection is an amazing ship to spend some time on. There’s more than more than 20 delicious dining options, mini golf and a state-of-the-art spa.