Set sail for a sun-soaked, wind-swept, salty and sandy adventure with a cruise to the Southern Caribbean Islands.
Cruise to the Southern Caribbean and ease into island time. Surrounded by turquoise waters and sun-kissed shores, stretch out on Eagle Beach in Aruba and watch the gentle waves roll in under endless blue skies. When you're feeling ready to turn up the thrill, lace up your sneakers and scale Mount Liamuiga in St. Kitts and Nevis — at the summit, soak in the view of the dense jungle and volcanic black rocks on the shoreline below. Visit the sugar plantations in Antigua before hopping on a sailboat at Nelson's Dockyard. Or explore the rainforest in style in St. Lucia on an open-air gondola ride. Discover the magic with a Southern Caribbean cruise.
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Popular Southern Caribbean Ports
Set sail on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean Islands and explore the kaleidoscope of cultural influences, beaches, and natural wonders that make up the area.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Discover Oranjestad’s colorful Dutch Colonial streets and admire its iconic “gingerbread” houses before heading inland to explore dramatic desert landscapes. Dive beneath crystal-clear waters on a snorkeling or submarine adventure or simply unwind on Aruba’s pristine beaches. A cruise to Aruba promises unforgettable scenery and experiences.
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Uncover Bonaire’s rich cultural tapestry in Kralendijk, where Dutch heritage blends with French, Spanish, African, and more. Stroll through local markets, savor fresh seafood, or explore museums on a cruise to Bonaire. Venture across desert-like landscapes to see pink salt lakes, then dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or scuba among pristine reefs.
Willemstad, Curacao
Step into the vibrant heart of Curacao with a scenic trolley ride through Willemstad’s colorful streets and colonial-era landmarks. Savor the island’s signature Blue Curacao liqueur on a distillery tour or relax on pristine beaches and snorkel in turquoise waters. This ABC Islands gem is a must-see on any Southern Caribbean itinerary.
Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic
Escape to Cabo Rojo for pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and lush mangroves near Jaragua National Park. Relax on Playa Pedernales or Playa Salinas, each offering white sands and vibrant coral reefs. At the port, enjoy unique attractions like a lazy river, Ferris wheel, and dune buggies, or venture inland to discover caves with ancient rock art and tropical forests.
Castries, St. Lucia
From volcanic peaks to palm-fringed beaches, St. Lucia is pure Caribbean beauty. Cruise to St. Lucia and explore the coast by catamaran, hike the iconic Pitons, and wander lush rainforests. Visit fishing villages like Anse-La-Raye or discover French and British heritage in Castries through its architecture and cuisine.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Start your day in Bridgetown with a visit to one of the island’s 1,500 rum shops before heading to pink-and-white-sand beaches that stretch for miles. Explore rolling hills, sugarcane fields, and historic plantations inland, or dive into turquoise waters to discover vibrant coral reefs. A Southern Caribbean cruise to Barbados offers the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Best Southern Caribbean Cruises
Discover why Southern Caribbean cruises are the best vacations for sun-seekers and adventurers. Sail from departure ports in Florida, San Juan, New York, and beyond aboard the world’s best cruise ships. Journey to vibrant destinations like Curacao, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic with itineraries that offer unmatched port variety, year-round sunshine and experiences that blend culture, natural beauty, and adventure.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Southern Caribbean Cruises Insider
Best time to go — one of the great things about a Southern Caribbean cruise is that you aren’t limited by the seasons. Plan your adventure for summer, fall, winter or spring and experience subtle shifts in the landscape as you explore. Although Aruba is best known for its beaches, a 4x4 trek along the rugged coastline delivers an island thrill ride. You can get off the beaten path in Curaçao, too, and wander through underground lakes and caves. Balance out the excitement by relaxing on a soft, white-sand beach in St. Croix, or sip a glass of rum in Martinique as the buoyant sound of steel drums sets the scene.
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Check out the shopping options in port cities. Some cities have local shops where you can find homemade souvenirs, while others have duty-free shops where you can score a bargain.
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If you want to bring rum back on the boat, learn the cruise policy before you buy. There's a limit to the amount of alcohol you can carry onto the boat from a port.
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Spend your first at sea day planning your excursions. Book ahead so you have a better chance of doing your top activities.
WHERE CUISINES COLLIDE
Southern Caribbean cuisine reflects the region's diverse cultural influences, from hearty Latin American dishes based on plantains and rice to east Indian curries and island-inspired takes on British favorites. Look for locally owned spots serving humble, authentic dishes — this is where you'll find the region's most distinctive flavors.
ISLAND FUSION BBQ
St. Maarten is known for its mix of Caribbean flavors. The French, east Indian and island influences are the perfect combination for a delicious roadside BBQ stop. Visit a lolo — the local term for a barbecue joint — and enjoy freshly grilled lobster. Wash it all down with some guavaberry liqueur.
THE MELTING POT
Aruba is a melting pot when it comes to cuisine. Enjoy a mix of Argentinian meat dishes, Dutch cheeses or gumbo with pan bati, which is a pancake made from wheat and corn flour. The fusion of flavors and cultures has created a food mecca in the Caribbean.
Drink With Captain Morgan
Grab a glass of rum to sip your way through the distilleries in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Home to both Captain Morgan and Cruzan Rum distilleries, you can spend the day learning about the famed Caribbean beverage while tasting it right from the source. Rum tasting is one of the best things to do when you visit a Southern Caribbean island.
RELATED PORTS
Arrive at your favorite Southern Caribbean cruise port to explore an underground world of beauty at Harrison's Cave in Barbados. Visit natural hot springs in St. Lucia and give yourself a spa day in nature. If you're seeking something more active, head to Loterie Farm in St. Maarten for a day of hiking and zip-lining.
