Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations 

As spring and summer approaches, cruise ships begin warming the beds and filling their buffets. In recent years, the cruising industry has seen a significant drop in sales and bookings. Because of this, it is the perfect time to take advantage. With Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival, and more offering plenty of cruises, deals, and bundles, it can be hard to decide where to go. I completely understand how overwhelming all the flashing lights, deals, and itineraries can be. Since traveling to about half the islands in the Caribbean, I can confidently say I have been there before. Now that I have learned the most popular spots and explored all there is to do, here are the best Caribbean cruise destinations. 

Bahamas

There is a reason the Bahamas is offered for most cruise lines coming out of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. The Bahamas is one of the best Caribbean cruise destinations and one of the most popular. 

Picture a gorgeous beach with powdery white sands and crystal blue water stretching for miles. It is a beautiful sight. If you book a cruise just to relax, the Bahamas offers the perfect opportunity to relax on the sand and lounge in the sunlight. Along with relaxing, the Bahamas offers many water sports opportunities for those looking for excitement. On the same sands, you can take part in Jet skiing, paddle boating, and swimming with pigs. Looking for more than just on the surface? Take the time to scuba dive and snorkel through the crystal waters to find treasures and brightly colored fish. 

If you and your family are looking for even more excitement, look towards the sky and you’ll find a towering pyramid. Though it may look like it, we are not in an ancient civilization. This pyramid is a water slide at Atlantis. This water slide drops you down at high speeds and lets you enjoy the view as you slide under a shark tank. If you aren’t confident with swimming at the beach Atlantis offers a more controlled water sports environment. There are many bright-colored waterslides, lazy rivers, and food bars to explore. 

Then when the day has exhausted you, the Bahamas has some of the best unique and tasty food you won’t get anywhere else, such as conch fritters, peas and rice, and Johnny cakes. 

Cozumel 

The next of the best Caribbean cruise destinations is Cozumel Mexico. Cozumel has a plethora of beaches warmed by the Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking to see what lies beneath, Cozumel lies on the Meso-American barrier reef system, the second largest barrier reef in the world. This means you will be surrounded by beautiful neon coral reefs, gorgeous fish, lovely sea turtles, and so much more. The perfect chance to explore the lively ecosystem below the sea. Cozumel cruises offer many scuba diving and snorkeling excursions to fill every sea lover’s needs. It is also an opportunity to learn about ocean conservation efforts and learn about how important these systems are.

Then once you find yourself above water again, you will be greeted by delicious authentic Mexican food. This is food everyone is familiar with but with local flavors and recipes that date all the way back to Mayan civilizations. Cozumel restaurants offer brilliant flavors and are sure to expand your palate. What is best is that you can enjoy most restaurants right at the port or beach.

Cozumel is the place for adventurers. Along with the beautiful ocean, you’ll find gorgeous lit caves to explore, Mayan ruins to discover, and ziplines that will take you across jungles. Cozumel has it all, relaxation, adventure, thrills, and education. It is the perfect place for adrenaline seekers and an amazing location for both families and adults. 

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic also has it all and rightfully sits highly on the list of best Caribbean cruise destinations. The Dominican Republic is another location full of education, excitement, and delicious food. 

Starting with a fun learning experience, immediately off the boat, excursions allow you to get in touch with your wild side. The wildlife in the Dominican Republic is an adventure of its own. On the Taino Bay cruise port, you will be welcomed by Monkey Island. This cute little monkey excursion is perfect for anyone looking for friendly creatures to learn and play with. Take a walk through the enclosure and invite a little monkey to land on your back and climb on you. If you aren’t interested in monkeys, the Dominican Republic also offers many aviaries filled with local birds. For the bird watcher in the family, you will find bright red parrots and other small birds chatting amongst each other and coloring the skies. 

For the adventurers of the group, the Dominican Republic houses the Damajagua waterfalls. In this area, you can take a guided hike through the jungle, slide down the natural waterfall, explore caverns, and swim through the natural pools. It is truly a beautiful sight and beats any man-made water park you’ll find at home. 

If docking in Puerto Plata, the adventure doesn’t stop. A cable car extending through the mountains gives visitors a beautiful view of the port and the jungle around it. Along with this, the city of Puerto Plata offers many historical sites, cathedrals, and museums for history buffs looking to learn the history of the country.

Jamaica

Another beautiful country and the last of the best Caribbean cruise destinations is Jamaica. Jamaica is everything we all dream it to be. There is a reason this country is one of the most famous in the entire Caribbean. Jamaica is beautiful and once you step off the boat you’ll be welcomed by excitement, lively music, tasty food, and a culture like no other.

Year-round, Jamaica’s weather is hot and tropical, perfect for the many outdoor adventures you will be embarking on. The most popular activity is hiking in Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. This is a beautiful trail following a long river and surrounded by lush tropical plants. This hour-and-a-half hike takes you to the top of the roaring waterfall and allows you to bask in the wonder and beauty of it all. It is certainly a high-activity excursion and the splashes of water are sure to excite everyone throughout the entire journey. 

Another thing Jamaica is famous for is the music. This is free and something you can do as soon as you step off the boat. You’ll find street musicians playing in steel drum bands and dancing to reggae music. This is the perfect time to show off the reggae moves you have been practicing on the ship. The locals are kind and welcome all to jam with them. 

Most importantly, Jamaica has incredible food. Like all other countries on this list, Jamaica has authentic food you won’t be able to find anywhere but there. Expand your palate by trying the jerk chicken, salt fish, rum cake, curry goat, and so much more. Though spicy, the food is delicious and like no other country around it. You will leave the country with a full stomach and a heart longing for more. 

Go Explore

It is no secret that the Caribbean is a world of its own. In this one region, there are hundreds of different cultures and cities to explore. Among the many, you’ll find there is something for everyone. Whether looking to swim with pigs, explore the deep, or indulge in mouthwatering food, these locations have the most to offer and earned their spots as most popular for a reason. It can be so overwhelming and hard to decide where to cruise next, but with this list, you will be able to find the best Caribbean cruise destination for you and your family. 

If you are looking for similar beaches and exciting adventures in the US, here is a list of Florida destinations with the same tropical feel.