Western Caribbean Cruises

When to Take Western Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean cruises operate year round because of the region’s temperate climate. The busiest months fall between April and October, however, so for a more laid back pace you may want to consider cruising in the off-season. Many island destinations and resorts offer reduced prices for excursions during the off-season, but at the same time amenities may be reduced while they prepare for the next busy season. Generally, local festivals and celebrations occur throughout the year and are independent of the cruise ship season: if you are interested in local flair, you are just as likely to encounter a historic festival or cultural holiday in January as you are in June, depending on the country.

One consideration to make when taking any Caribbean cruise is the possibility of hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the tremendous storms can alter itineraries and disrupt vacations with very little notice. While cruise lines typically try to maintain their published schedules, safety is their foremost concern. If you are planning a western Caribbean cruise with one particular port in mind, you may want to plan your vacation outside hurricane season to preclude storm-influenced alterations.

Cruise Length

Because islands in the western Caribbean are numerous and close together, cruise lengths vary widely. Four- and five-day vacations typically visit one or two destinations, while seven- and ten-day voyages can call on several different nations. Short itineraries may not include much time at sea, while longer cruises often offer extended stays in more popular ports. Destinations farther from the United States, such as Grand Cayman, Aruba, and Jamaica, are typically only part of longer cruises, while more easily accessible destinations such as Key West and Cozumel Mexico Cruises are included on many itineraries of different lengths.

Cruise Line

All the major cruise lines offer vacations in the western Caribbean: Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean, Holland America Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Disney, and more. While the ports of call may be the same and the shore excursions similar, the experience offered by different cruise lines varies widely. Different lines also offer different itineraries including stops on private islands, and before choosing a western Caribbean cruise you should investigate which line offers the best overall options for your vacation.

Embarkation Ports for Western Caribbean Cruises

Most people think that to cruise the western Caribbean, you must leave from a Florida port. Depending on the cruise line, however, you can depart from several different U.S. ports, including…

• Miami, FL: The cruise line capital of the world, with dozens of ships from different lines sailing each week.
• Fort Lauderdale, FL: Close to Miami and offering similar options in a slightly less frenetic atmosphere.
• Port Canaveral, FL: Along Florida’s central eastern coast and a natural choice for cruisers interested in a few days in Orlando along with their cruise vacation.
• Jacksonville, FL: One of the newest embarkation ports and still offering a limited variety of cruises, but more convenient than southern Florida ports.
• Tampa, FL: Along Florida’s western coast, a natural embarkation port for western Caribbean cruises.
• Galveston, TX: Convenient to western states with both short and long itineraries available.
• New Orleans, LA: An alternative to Florida ports that offers Cajun flair to begin a western Caribbean voyage.
• Baltimore, MD: Offering only longer itineraries and limited sailings because of distance but a more convenient choice for cruisers in the northeastern U.S.
• Mobile, AL: A limited cruise port that offers select sailings in the western Caribbean.

Depending on particular lines’ schedules and itineraries, different embarkation ports may be added to or deleted from their rosters. Not all embarkation ports are available throughout the year, so if your sailing options are limited it is best to book your cruise early to guarantee your selection.

Ports of Call

Southernmost Point, Key West

The western Caribbean is filled with exotic cultures and tropical paradises. No two cruise itineraries are identical, and each one offers different lengths of stay in particular ports, shore excursions, and routes between ports. In general, the most popular ports of call for western Caribbean cruises are…

• Key West: One of only a few U.S. ports of call, Key West is an enclave of southern culture blended with island relaxation. Historic tours, snorkeling, and diving are popular excursions.
• Cozumel: A favorite port of partygoers, this small island off the Yucatan Peninsula caters exclusively to cruise passengers with cultural tours, shopping centers, and extensive nightlife.
• Costa Maya: Slightly south of Cozumel on the mainland, Costa Maya offers a rich history of Mayan ruins and other cultural excursions for cruisers, including world renowned snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Belize City: Belize is a relaxed and diverse destination for cruisers with the world’s largest concentration of Mayan ruins accompanied by the second-largest coral reef in the world, offering exemplary excursions both in and out of the crystal blue waters.
• Grand Cayman: A quaint island in the western Caribbean, Grand Cayman offers several unique tour sites, including the Turtle Farm that raises endangered sea turtles, and the tiny village of Hell with startling geographic formations giving it an underworld appearance.
• Jamaica: One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and home to Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot tiered cataract suitable for climbing and excellent photographs. Other attractions include stunning rainforests, reggae festivals, and shopping.

More exotic itineraries may also include Costa Rica, Panama, or different Mexican ports along the Yucatan Peninsula. Whenever possible, mainstream cruise lines also try to incorporate stops at their own private islands where cruisers can luxuriate in less crowded beaches and limited island culture.

Whether you are interested in sun-drenched beaches, vibrant tropical reefs, exclusive shopping, or unique cultural venues, western Caribbean cruises offer something for every passenger. Available year-round, they are one of the most popular cruise choices for both novice and experienced vacationers and no matter how many times you choose these luxurious itineraries, you will always find something new to experience on your cruise vacation.