Sit Back and Relax on These Care-Free Cruises
The Caribbean is especially famous for cruising. But with so many cruise options out there, it’s difficult to know which to pick.
The first step in cruise planning is knowing what type of cruise you’re looking for. What are your priorities?
There are numerous options available, from family-friendly cruises to romantic cruises for couples to cruises that offer lots of fun excursions to those that are known for their abundance of on-board entertainment options.
Whatever you’re looking for, odds are there’s a cruise for that — and in the region you want too. While the Western Caribbean is popular for shorter itineraries and water sports opportunities, the Eastern Caribbean is typically favored for its stops at especially magnificent beaches for relaxing, as well as more rugged terrain for hiking and other land activities.
Here’s a look at some of the best Caribbean cruises to help you make your cruising dreams come true.
Top 3 Cruises for Families
Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas
The Oasis of the Seas ship with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers itineraries in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, departing from Cape Canaveral, FL. The ship features the largest kids’ area of any cruise ship out there.
Its award-winning Youth Zone spans nearly 30,000 square feet. Plus it boasts a wide range of activities for kids from as young as 6 months old to 17, including ice skating rinks, merry-go-rounds, a theater with acrobats, movies, story-telling and even a Pool & Sports Zone with zip line rides and a FlowRider surf simulator.
Popular characters from children’s movies even make an appearance, and picky teens are usually rather impressed too. Teenagers get their own section, away from the little ones, and get to enjoy a music room, DJ lessons, themed parties and Nintendo Wii stations.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Fantasy
Of course Disney Cruises are probably the first that come to mind when it comes to taking the family out onto the high seas. The kids, and the kid-at-heart, will get to cruise with the likes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald and the gang.
This ship in particular, the Disney Fantasy, has a wealth of impressive features, including the AquaDuck, a massive roller coaster that takes riders for a 765-foot thrill in a translucent tube.
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MSC Cruises
For families on a tight budget, MSC Cruises is ideal. Every child that shares a cabin with mom and dad is free.
While it was traditionally more known as a retiree cruise line, there are lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment. You can take advantage of everything from bowling alleys to water parks as well as the kids’ clubs.
These clubs are divided by ages, such as the mini-club for little ones aged 3 through 6. The junior club for kids 7 through 11 is staffed by professional entertainers who teach dance classes, put on performances, organize arts and crafts, and offer games such as Wii and Xbox.
Top 3 Cruises for Couples
Princess Cruises
You can’t go wrong with Princess Cruises; after all, it’s known as the “Love Boat” line. The very best are the Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess that combines the more intimate nature of smaller ships with big ship amenities.
Suites are extra spacious and beds are luxurious, with Jacquard-woven cotton linens, cozy duvets and pillow-top mattresses. Plus, you two can take part in “Movies Under the Stars,” curling up together on padded loungers while snuggled up under a wool blanket on the private top-deck lounge.
Take advantage of a couples’ massage, and enjoy the Ultimate Balcony Dining dinner experience that includes a lobster dinner and Champagne.
Windstar Cruises: Wind Surf
The Wind Surf cruise ship with Windstar Cruises offers the best of sailing and cruising, with itineraries that focus on ports throughout the Caribbean. It carries up to 310 passengers, so it has a more relaxed ambiance, yet offers lots for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Enjoy stylish cabins, which feature high-end bath products, flat-screen TVs with DVD players and, in the Bridge Suites, you can also enjoy the massaging shower and Whirlpool tub. In the evening, dine on romantic candlelit dinners by the pool and then head to the cigar bar for a cocktail while gazing at the stars.
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Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its “Freestyle Dining” philosophy, meaning cruisers can dine without having to worry about tablemates or assigned times. It’s ideal for couples, with table-for-two options along with side-by-side loungers in the relaxation room at the spa.
For the ultimate in romance choose one of the Haven suites, which are situated in a private access area of the ship and offer lots of extra perks, including an exclusive pool area with a hot tub, butler service and VIP-only breakfasts.
Top 3 Cruises for Excursions
Adventure of the Seas
With a name like Adventure of the Seas, it’s really no surprise that a wealth of adventures awaits. This cruise line sails through the Southern Caribbean, including exotic islands such as Dominica and St. Kitts.
Some of its excursion options include zip-lining, diving among shipwrecks and colorful reefs bursting with marine life, waterfall and garden tours, and even a helicopter ride over a volcano.
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Freedom has been ranked as one of the top cruise lines for excursions by passengers, with many noting that it’s the highlight of their cruise. Some of the options include snorkeling in Belize, visiting the gentle stingrays and schools of colorful tropical fish in the coral garden on Grand Cayman, and exploring the ancient city of Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.
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Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Lines also tops when it comes to excursions, ideal for families who are having a difficult time trying to please everyone. Just some of the Caribbean port adventures include swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skiing, 4X4 adventures and even monkey encounters.
Top 3 Cruises for Entertainment
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises’ Fun Ships, such as Carnival Freedom and Carnival Breeze, are the best for those looking for a wide range of live entertainment, including live music, elaborate production shows and highly rated comedy acts.
The shows are truly spectacular, with LED screens on stage and lots of impressive special effects. There are singing and dancing waiters in the dining rooms too, performing a variety of tunes, and even getting up and grooving right atop the serving stations.
Disney Cruise Lines
Virtually all of the Disney Cruise Lines are top-notch when it comes to entertaining the whole family, especially the kids. There is everything from Disney character encounters to huge production shows, with Disney film favorites brought to life in Broadway-style performances.
Plus, one night during each cruise a massive themed (think “Frozen” or pirates) deck party takes place, complete with fireworks over the sea, dancing and interactive musical shows. There’s live music for the adults too in the nightlife districts aboard all of the Disney ships, including a piano bar and Disney Dream’s adults-only Evolution that includes cabaret, karaoke and dancing.
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Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean practically invented cruise ship entertainment. It often introduces never-before-seen offerings, like the ice skating shows on its on board rinks and even water-based acrobat performances.
It also hosts Broadway shows such as “CATS” on Oasis of the Seas.