Caribbean cruise maps & routes
Traditional Caribbean cruise route areasEastern vs. Western
Eastern is defined as east of Puerto Rico, and Western as everything else.
Western Caribbean
The Western Caribbean is generally better for snorkeling and diving. It also offers you a greater variety in culture, cityscapes, seascapes, and landscapes.
Eastern Caribbean
Because the distance between islands is often shorter than in the Western Caribbean, you spend less time traveling between islands. And the Eastern Caribbean is your best bet for finding beautiful beaches. Moreover, the islands are typically smaller and less developed than in the Western Caribbean, so you stand a better chance of enjoying a quiet, relaxing setting for your vacation.
Northern and Southern Caribbean Routes
Some cruise lines reclassified the Bahamas (along with the Turks & Caicos) into a new category, the "Northern Route". The Bahamas is conveniently close to Florida, which makes it geographically desirable for cruises originating in that state.
Also, some cruise lines moved Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago into a new "Southern Route" category. Most of the area lies south of the classic hurricane belt.
Issues to consider when choosing a Caribbean itinerary
Embarkation and debarkation ports
Their locations affect your airfare and whether you can book a nonstop flight. They also determine how long it takes to sail to your first port of call. And an inconvenient flight schedule could force you to stay overnight in a hotel at the port before or after the cruise.
Cruise length
Select the right cruise length for you. Caribbean cruises vary from 3 to 14 nights.
- Most popular: 7
- Long weekdend: 3 is ideal
- Retirees: 14 could make sense
Do your homework before booking. Make sure the ports of call on an itinerary satisfy your personal priorities, be they shopping, sightseeing, beaching, watersporting, whatever.
Time in port
Generally, the larger the ship, the fewer hours you will have on an island. Some smaller ships sometimes stay late or overnight to give its passengers the opportunity to enjoy nightlife or dinner on a island.
More Caribbean itinerary variables
Day of week
Some ports are semi-lifeless on Sundays. Many stores and restaurants may be closed. So it's good if Sundays are days-at-sea.
Port overload
Check how many other ships will be in a port at the same time as yours. Number and size matter. Too many cruise ships (especially big ones) can create tourist congestion.
Docking facilities
Some interesting Caribbean ports lack adequate docking and mooring facilities to accommodate large ships.
