Southern Caribbean Cruises

When to Take Southern Caribbean Cruises

Southern itineraries are offered year-round, with the greatest number of voyages scheduled between October and April to take advantage of the warmer climate without undue summer heat and humidity. This also falls primarily outside the Caribbean’s hurricane season (June 1 through November 30), allowing ships to avoid the worst seasonal weather that could disrupt schedules.

Cruise Length

Because southern destinations are a greater distance from the United States, southern Caribbean cruises may be longer than other cruise options, with voyages ranging from 7-14 days or longer depending on the specific cruise line and ports of call. Longer voyages may depart from northern embarkation points, include points of interest in South America, or they may be segments of world cruises. The majority of voyages are seven days, typically alternating with other Caribbean itineraries – usually eastern cruises -- every other week.

Cruise Line

Because the Caribbean is the busiest cruise region in the world, numerous cruise lines offer southern-oriented voyages. The mainstream lines (typical glitzy vessels and megaships) offering southern routes include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity and Princess. For a more upscale getaway, consider the following luxury cruise lines with southern itineraries: Seabourn, Oceania, Silversea, Crystal, Holland America, Windstar, and Cunard, including the venerated Queen Mary II. More adventurous passengers might enjoy an adventure cruise line such as Windjammer or any number of smaller, more exclusive lines.

Embarkation Ports

Depending on the cruise line, passengers will have their choice of embarkation ports in the United States (typically for longer itineraries, given the greater sailing distance) or in various Caribbean nations. Typical U.S. ports offering southern Caribbean voyages include:

• Norfolk, Virginia
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Miami, Florida
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Shorter itineraries usually depart from international ports, cutting down on the sailing time without sacrificing ports of call. Caribbean-based embarkation ports for southern cruises include San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers who choose voyages departing from international ports should consult an experienced travel agent to arrange for the proper documentation.

Ports of Call for Southern Caribbean Cruises

Ships on southern Caribbean cruises may visit several ports of call, with smaller ships (typically from luxury lines) being capable of entering more remote and isolated harbors. The most popular ports of call on these voyages include:

• Aruba: With superb beaches offering numerous watersports around the island, Aruba is a friendly and active port to visit.
• Curacao: The floating Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge guards the primary harbor of Curacao, but visitors will find an open and welcoming attitude as they explore the natural wonders of this tiny island.
  

  Isolated beach on Barbados.
• Barbados: Pink and white sand beaches make this a romantic destination, while snorkeling with sea turtles, visiting a rum distillery, and numerous cave and horseback tours offer ample opportunity for more active pursuits.
• St. Lucia: With some of the finest resorts in the southern Caribbean, visitors will enjoy fine dining and shopping at this quaint port, as well as numerous nature hikes and kayaking tours offered as shore excursions.
• Antigua: More relaxed than most Caribbean ports, Antigua offers sedate nature trails and cultural tours in addition to fabulous cave, reef, and shipwreck diving opportunities.
• Grenada: Nicknamed “Spice Island” because it produces more spices than anywhere in the world from its rich volcanic soil, Grenada also offers cascading waterfalls, tropical jungles, and historical plantations to tempt visitors.
• British Virgin Islands: Visiting ships may dock at Tortola or Virgin Gorda, depending on the cruise line and size of the ship, but both ports are close enough to offer similar experiences with snorkeling, diving, and yachting adventures.
• Martinique: The birthplace of Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, this royal island features stunning cathedrals, championship golf courses, and exotic snorkeling opportunities.

Because many cruise lines alter their southern Caribbean itineraries to feature new destinations and encourage repeat visitors, prospective passengers should contact the lines directly or work with a cruise travel agent if they wish to visit a specific port of call on their voyage.

Southern Caribbean cruises are a pleasant alternative to more crowded Caribbean routes, yet they still offer a wide range of distinctive ports and delightful tropical destinations. Frequented by mainstream and luxury lines alike, any interested cruise traveler is sure to find the perfect voyage in the southern Caribbean.