Cruise Critic
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accolade
Top-rated Southern Caribbean Large Ship Cruise Lines
A Southern Caribbean Cruise will spoil anyone with its natural beauty that leaves even the most seasoned traveler speechless. Find vibrant green rainforests teeming with life, coral reefs that buzz with hundreds of aquatic species and a people whose kindness is as deep as their cultural history is diverse. Take those extra steps, travel a little farther and allow yourself to discover the heart of the Caribbean.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Experiences You’ll Love
Featured Southern Caribbean Cruise Ports
Survey the Southern Caribbean’s most famous islands (plus our main departure port).
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curacao
- Dominica
- San Juan
- St. Lucia
- Ft. Lauderdale
Aruba defies expectations with a vibrant desert interior ringed with white sand beaches, a dramatic northern coastline, and quaint colonial Dutch architecture. Cruise to Aruba's famous aloe plantations and factories and learn their historical importance to the island. Visit the California lighthouse, named for the steamship that sank off the coast over a hundred years ago. Stroll through Oranjestad, the picturesque, Dutch-inspired capital while browsing for the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time here.
A small paradise off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire has some of the world's most pristine diving and snorkeling locations. Preserved coral reefs wait in the warm water, easy to explore from the comfortable beach clubs ashore. Take a diving or snorkeling expedition to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, offroad through the wild mangrove forests and salt flats of the island's interior, or take in the sights of the quaint Dutch-influenced capital by trolley.
With its dramatic landscapes, arid interior and pastel-painted Dutch-style houses, Curaçao is a distinct delight nestled in the warm Caribbean Sea. Cruises to Curaçao allow you to enjoy many beautiful beaches, snorkel through the shipwreck of a 50-year-old tugboat, or marvel at the striking sea cliffs of Boka Tabla. If the history of the island fascinates you, take a tour of the charming capital of Willemstad, or visit Fort Amsterdam and see the cannonball still embedded in its walls from a battle hundreds of years ago.
Pristine, lush and alive, Dominica escaped modern civilization's penchant for paving every surface and has remained a nature lover's paradise. Dive into the gorgeous blue depths of the dormant volcanic crater in Scotts Head Marine Reserve, and witness the vibrant sea life that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the verdant rainforests, botanical gardens and waterfalls of the island's interior, and experience a slice of heaven on earth
Get ready to live on island time, times five. With the most ports of any seven-day itinerary – five islands! – these cruises have something for everyone, whether you prefer to seek adventure in St. Lucia and Barbados or hit the beach in Martinique. Enjoy our only weeklong voyages to take in the natural beauty and culture of the Southern Caribbean, all from San Juan, a departure port just an easy direct flight away.
A lush rainforest-covered island nestled between two volcanic peaks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pitons, St. Lucia is the definition of a tropical paradise. Cruise to St. Lucia and visit the famous Pitons, journey to the only drive-through volcanic cavern in the world, or experience the sulfur mud baths and recharge your batteries in ancient pools. Travel to the town of Soufriere, supposedly the birthplaces of Napoleon's Queen Josephine, zipline through the lush jungle canopy, or relax on one of the islands many resort beaches.
The "Venice of America" has been the premier destination among spring breakers for almost six decades, but don't let that fool you into thinking the city is one big party. From the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to an amazingly rich biosphere, to seven miles of white-sand beaches, Ft. Lauderdale is a beautifully diverse city offering a diverse array of attractions.
Top-Rated Caribbean Beaches
- Aruba
- Curaçao
- Willemstad
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Perfection might be the best word to describe the picturesque Eagle Beach. Aruba cruises offer soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water and a quiet atmosphere making relaxation easy. Take in the surroundings from a lounge chair, swim the calm warm waters and enjoy local cuisine right near the beach.
Kenepa Beach, Curaçao
A picturesque beach, sheltered between two rock outcroppings, makes for calm azure waters and relaxing beach days. The sand is soft, white and warm and everything you could want to complement the beautiful scenery is right at your fingertips.
Mambo Beach, Willemstad, Curaçao
Grab a lounger and relax on the soft white sands, rent snorkel equipment and swim through the pristine blue waters observing magnificent sea life, or grab a snack at the many eateries on the boardwalk as you indulge in some luxurious shopping.
What Will You Do on a Southern Caribbean Cruise?
See what adventures await you off the beaten path, whether it’s exploring a Dutch-style city or kayaking through a mangrove forest.
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Island shore excursions
Experience the best the Southern Caribbean has to offer with award-winning shore excursions that immerse you in thrilling experiences, unique culinary delights and peaceful rejuvenation. Explore the quaint Dutch-inspired capitals of the ABC islands, snorkel in a dormant volcanic crater teeming with life, or immerse yourself in ancient, rejuvenating sulfur mud baths.
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Late night departures
The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays in ports such as Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and Bonaire let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.
Caribbean Cruise Onboard Experience Featured Program
Award-winning programs. World-class chefs. And Caribbean-themed activities, day and night. With Princess, your ship is a destination all its own.
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Comfortable Accommodations
Your stateroom is your home away from home where you can rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program, specially created by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.
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Bringing Local Life Aboard
Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.
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Never Miss a Beat
Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your Caribbean cruise there will be events that invite you to fully experience the islands.
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Deeper Experiences of the Islands
Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or sink into the rhythms of the region with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding to islands you'll visit on your voyage.
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Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean
Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos
Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.
Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess get you there
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Cruise deals & promotions
Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.
#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections
See the Caribbean through our guests' eyes.
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