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Eastern Caribbean
St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Barbados, Antigua. The classic region: fine sandy beaches, duty-free shopping, crystal-clear water. Most routes depart from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, 7 nights typical.
Destination Caribbean
Caribbean – dream beaches, sun and turquoise seas
From the Bahamas to Barbados, Jamaica to Aruba: the Caribbean is the ultimate destination for sun, sand and relaxed island hopping. Short hops, guaranteed warmth and the world's greatest variety of ships – we'll find the route that fits you.
30+islands
50+ports
Dec–Aprbest season
7–10nights
All Caribbean itineraries
Book Caribbean cruises now
Over 300 itineraries from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Disney and Holland America. Filter by duration, island group and departure port – or get personal advice from our team.
Regions of the Caribbean
Three island groups, three moods
Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean – each region has its own character, from duty-free shopping to a cultural mix of Africa, Europe and South America.
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Western Caribbean
Jamaica, Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman, Roatán (Honduras), Belize. More culture, Maya ruins, diving on the world's second-largest reef. From Miami, Tampa or Galveston. More varied than the east.
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Southern Caribbean
Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, Trinidad, St. Lucia. Outside the hurricane belt – sailable year-round. Dutch-Caribbean mix, fewer cruise tourists, quieter ports. Usually from San Juan.
Best time to go
When is the Caribbean at its best?
The Caribbean is warm year-round – the difference is the weather and the hurricane season. Pick a month and see which island group is ideal.
Mayis in 1 sub-region at its best
Ideal
Good
Off-season
Eastern Caribbean
Good time
Still warm, but a higher rain risk. May and November are shoulder months with good prices and fewer passengers on board.
Western Caribbean
Good time
Still sailable, but with afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity. Hurricanes possible through late November – stay flexible.
Southern Caribbean
Best time
Outside the hurricane belt: 27–30 °C, dry, calm. Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire are a safe bet year-round, with particularly good conditions in winter.
Why the Caribbean
Why the Caribbean is the sunshine guarantee
No other region delivers warmth, beach and easy island hopping with such reliability – ideal for first-time cruisers and sun seekers.
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Dream beaches & cultures
Caribbean islands blend West Indian, African, French, Dutch, Spanish and British influences. Every island feels different – from reggae in Jamaica to Dutch colonial architecture on Curaçao.
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Always sunny, always warm
Year-round 25–30 °C, water temperature 26–28 °C. Even in winter swimming is always possible, most excursions happen in T-shirts. Rain is usually brief and intense – and over quickly.
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Short hops between islands
The islands lie so close that you have a new port almost every day. Few sea days, lots of shore time – ideal if you want to combine several destinations in one trip.
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Huge variety of ships
The Caribbean is the realm of mega-ships: Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon class, MSC World class, Norwegian Prima class, Disney Wish. More choice of ships and concepts than in any other region.
Caribbean consultation
Your Caribbean voyage starts with a conversation
Eastern, Western or Southern? With or without kids? Mega-ship or relaxed? Tell us what you're looking for – we'll suggest the right route and the right ship. No obligation, in your language, from Switzerland.
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Frequently asked
Caribbean cruises – your questions
December to April is the dry season with stable 27–30 °C, little rain and no hurricane risk – the classic winter sun from Switzerland. June to November is hurricane season with higher rain risk but significantly cheaper prices. The Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire) sits outside the hurricane belt and is sailable year-round.
7 nights is standard, often as a loop from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Longer cruises (10–14 nights) usually combine Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Short trips (3–5 nights to the Bahamas) work as a taster cruise – often combined with a Florida stay.
The main departure ports are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Port Canaveral (Florida), Galveston (Texas) and San Juan (Puerto Rico) for the Southern Caribbean. From Zurich there are direct flights to Miami (approx. 11h). We can organise flights, Florida hotel and transfers to the ship.
Eastern = classic beaches, lots of duty-free, less culture. Western = more culture, Maya ruins, diving. Southern = relaxed, outside the hurricane belt, year-round safe. For a first Caribbean cruise we recommend the Eastern Caribbean, for repeat visitors the Western or Southern.
Virtually all major US brands: Royal Caribbean with the world's largest ships, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC (growing), Disney Cruise Line (family-friendly), Princess, Holland America, Celebrity. German-speaking service is rare – the Caribbean is classically US-American. TUI Cruises sails only occasionally.
Modern cruise ships give storms a wide berth – the actual risk is not the ship but itinerary changes. Instead of St. Maarten you may call at Puerto Rico. If you travel between June and November, choose the Southern Caribbean and book flexible fares with rebooking options.
US cruise lines automatically add 14–18 USD per person per day as a service charge to your on-board account – you don't need to tip separately. At bars and for spa treatments an 18–20 % gratuity is added automatically. TUI Cruises and Costa include tips in the cruise fare. We'll explain which model fits your ship in advance.