7 Best Cruises to Jamaica

Table Of Content

• Princess Cruises: 50,542
• You’re our first priority.Every time.
• Celebrity Cruises, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico; 6 Nights
• The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024
• Royal Caribbean Announces Cancellation of All Cruise Stops to Private Island
• How Many Cruise Ships Does Carnival Cruise Line Have in Their Fleet?

Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. Eastern Caribbean itineraries vary but include stops at St. Maarten; St. Thomas; Nassau, Bahamas; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the line's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas. At the time of publication, prices for the seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise started from $1,731 per person.

Princess Cruises: 50,542

"T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels." Cruising is a popular way for travelers to visit multiple destinations for one price. In fact, industry statistics indicate that nearly 80% of travelers who have cruised before want to book another cruise in the future. The best cruise lines offer transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment that meet their target audience's needs.

You’re our first priority.Every time.

Disney is famous for its attention to detail and focus on the guest experience in its theme parks, and those attributes extend to its cruises, too. Families will enjoy meet-and-greets with Disney characters, themed restaurants, and a slew of onboard activities and entertainment. Staterooms are also family friendly, with storage that’s designed to accommodate multiple guests. Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. The Caribbean islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

Celebrity Cruises, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico; 6 Nights

We only evaluated major lines with trips that depart from the United States – hence, we excluded such companies as Virgin Voyages, Cunard, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We used an online cruise insurance marketplace to get a quote for a family of four (two adults and two kids) for a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas. If the family spends $3,200 for the trip, the insurance options range from $158 for basic insurance to $344 for a premium plan. Unfortunately, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer an alcoholic drinks package like other cruise lines. However, to offset this drawback, drink prices are reasonable ($5-6 for a beer and $9 for basic cocktails), including the tip.

One of the newest additions to its fleet, the Enchanted Princess, earned raves from voters, with one person calling it "gorgeous." The same voter also noted that "Princess has made a real effort in their health protocols." In every instance, it is followed by Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation's ultra-luxury brand. Living up to its name, the Miami-based Celebrity Cruises partners with well-known names in the arts and entertainment industry. It's newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has Gwyneth Paltrow as its "wellbeing advisor" and a restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, according to its website. It's part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also operates Royal Caribbean International, which took home a "Silver Award" in this category.

Royal Caribbean Announces Cancellation of All Cruise Stops to Private Island

First, this ensures coverage if your trip is canceled or you can’t travel. Second, purchasing early may qualify you for add-on coverage like “cancel for any reason,” which is typically available only within a specific period (about 15 days) after you book your trip. “And if someone has cruised before–or considers themselves an avid cruiser–we hope this list helps introduce them to new options, whether an entirely new line or new possibilities offered by some of their favorites. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.

We used customer satisfaction data from several sources, including Cruiseline.com, to inform our decision. We also considered ship inspection data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, look at your cruise line's policy terms, as these may detail requirements for unvaccinated people. Finally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site to see a detailed list of suggested vaccines per destination. However, you should purchase your insurance immediately after booking your trip.

The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison - Cruise Critic

The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison.

Posted: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Holland America Line's 7-day Tropical Caribbean

For family fun on the high seas, try a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Fantasy. Departing from Port Canaveral, the ship stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Windstar Cruises' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants.

How Many Cruise Ships Does Carnival Cruise Line Have in Their Fleet?

Food options include gourmet specialties, quick-serve bites and 24-hour room service, so you and your family can eat anytime you're hungry. Parents can even book a romantic dinner while the kids have fun at one of the supervised youth clubs. We considered prices; the number of ships in each fleet; the flexibility to serve specific traveler types, such as families and singles; and the types of itineraries offered by each company.

For kids, Seuss at Sea provides a character parade, interactive story time, themed breakfasts, and crafting sessions. Meanwhile, Camp Ocean offers supervised activities like games, songs, dancing, movies, video games, and kids-only meals. Between ports, a historian teaches about pirates and treasure hunters, pre-Columbian civilizations, and the Age of Discovery aboard the 930-guest Viking Mars. When you aren't attending a lecture, you can indulge in a treatment at the Nordic spa, catch a live performance in the theater, order a martini at the 1940s-inspired bar, or partake in Waffle Hour in the Explorers' Lounge. Whether you're interested in discovering pirate history, hiking through the rain forest to see waterfalls, or searching for the best jerk chicken on the island, you're bound to find a cruise itinerary that suits you.

I sailed solo in one of the cabins on Norwegian Epic, and I was smitten. I particularly loved its futuristic "Jetsons"-like design and the multicolored mood lighting. Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and other publications. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations. Whether you just need some "me time" or are looking to meet new people, Norwegian features an extensive inventory of single cabins called studios.

The best cruise for a family with kids isn't necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance. Cruising while single can get expensive since most cruise lines charge based on double occupancy. For single travelers, the best cruise line to travel on is Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Cruise from Port Canaveral Orlando with Carnival

Table Of Content

• List of Carnival Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest
• Royal Caribbean International, Western Caribbean and Perfect Day; 6 Nights
• Best cruise lines for luxury travelers: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Princess Cruises' 7-day Eastern Caribbean With St. Kitts
• Royal Caribbean's 7-night Southern Caribbean

If "more is better" is your mantra, skip the search and look up Icon of the Seas. At 250,800 gross tons, the new, 20-deck-high vessel is the biggest cruise ship in the world. On board, your family will enjoy live shows that rival Broadway performances, evening fireworks displays and visits from popular Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters. Which cruise line is best depends on what type of traveler you are and where you'd like to visit. Below are some things to consider when choosing which cruise to book for your next vacation.

List of Carnival Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest

The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where you can explore botanic gardens, swim at Seven Mile Beach, or visit the town's shops and restaurants. In Falmouth, Jamaica, the next day, optional activities include a zip-line adventure, waterfall hike, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, or dolphin encounter. The next day at sea is a time to enjoy the ship's amenities while cruising to Disney Castaway Cay. French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts.

Royal Caribbean International, Western Caribbean and Perfect Day; 6 Nights

The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. This cruise aboard the Carnival Sunrise departs from Miami for a day at sea before arriving in Grand Cayman. After leaving the Cayman Islands, the ship moves on to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where excursions include swimming with dolphins, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding along the shore. On the Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise, couples can visit Curacao, Aruba and Half Moon Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas. An overnight stay in Curacao allows cruisers to dive deeper into the island's history, culture and natural lures. Aruba offers diversions below and above the water, from submarine tours and snorkeling to hikes and four-wheeling adventures.

Best cruise lines for luxury travelers: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A day trip in Nassau, Bahamas, is the perfect penultimate stop before you reach your final destination, Miami. After departing Montego Bay, the ship sails the Caribbean and Panama Canal for two days before making its next stop at Colón, Panama, for an optional visit to Indigenous villages or a walk around the colorful city. The following stops — Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Roatán, off the coast of Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico — showcase the Caribbean's lushest landscapes, ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and lively towns. The largest capacity vessel with MSC is the latest World-class ship MSC World Europa with a double capacity of 5,400.

Couples looking for the best cruise lines for a romantic adventure should make reservations with Viking Ocean Cruises. All Viking cruise ships are adults-only, so couples can enjoy their trip without interruptions from other travelers' children on board. The other perks included in your cruise fare will depend on how much you pay; many larger cruise lines offer multiple tiers of fares. The lowest tier will be the cheapest, but you should expect to pay out of pocket for extras like drinks, certain restaurant meals and activities and excursions once you’re on board.

Between ports, travelers can enjoy the spa, fitness center, live performances, kids' activities, and a variety of restaurants aboard the Mariner of the Seas. Following the cruising day is a stop at Royal Caribbean's private CocoCay in the Bahamas. Fill your "Perfect Day" chasing adventure at Thrill Waterpark, where you can ride down North America's tallest waterslide, or relaxing in an overwater cabana at Coco Beach Club. The cay is also home to Chill Island, a beach "neighborhood" where you'll find quiet relaxation, cabana rentals, and restaurants.

Royal Caribbean's 7-night Southern Caribbean

However, verify each destination's vaccine policies to ensure they have no requirements. As a rule, interior, windowless cabins are the least expensive, while cabins with ocean-view balconies are the priciest. Additionally, larger cabins and extra perks like early boarding usually come at a higher cost. Cruise lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Ships also have a living room where guests can gather to talk or relax while listening to classical music performed by resident musicians.

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships - Cruiseline.com

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:14:25 GMT [source]

It features sun-kissed beaches, secret coves and gin-clear waters in idyllic ports of call like St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia. When it comes to catering to solo cruisers, the king of the hill in the Caribbean is Norwegian Cruise Line — at least among the big-ship lines. The Miami-based cruise operator in 2010 began adding entire zones for solo travelers to the center of every new ship it deployed to the region. The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival Cruise Line.

The relationship between ship size and luxury

They also enjoy complimentary access to the ship’s spa as well as other perks like a luggage packing and unpacking service and priority check-in and check-out. MSC is a European cruise line that offers itineraries in the Caribbean as well as to popular destinations in Europe like the Mediterranean and Norway. By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service. The world's largest cruise ships were back in business last summer following the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Single cruisers on Norwegian have access to a dedicated lounge and meetups where they can mingle with other travelers, too. That’s not to mention all the regular activities and excursions Norwegian offers, from rock climbing and bowling to spa treatments to boxing classes. Yacht Club guests get 24-hour butler service and their own dedicated concierge, plus a premium drink and internet package.

However, if an upscale cruise experience is what you seek, Windstar Cruises can deliver. The line's seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary aboard Wind Surf should be on your radar. Carnival ships are packed with fun-focused attractions, including multiple pool areas, water parks with waterslides, basketball courts, miniature golf courses and even roller coasters on select ships. As you might expect, the line caters heavily to families in every aspect of the cruise experience — from onboard attractions to family-friendly cabin configurations. The bottom line is that the best Caribbean cruise for you depends a lot on your travel style. Below, we'll help you narrow down the choices by looking at Caribbean cruises by broad category type.

Regent offers an all-suite fleet so travelers can enjoy spacious and luxurious accommodations. Each suite has a private balcony, a dedicated attendant, an in-suite minibar and a separate sitting area. While most cruises are on the ocean, some lines (like Viking) offer trips in smaller vessels that cruise along rivers. These tend to be quieter and attract an older clientele compared to a mainstream ocean cruise. With a fleet of three ships, Virgin Voyages offers itineraries from two to 14 nights. As for destinations, Virgin has itineraries along the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific and even a 14-day transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami.

The diverse languages and cultures add to the fascination with the Caribbean, and cruises that visit a series of destinations highlight the distinctions among the islands. Single cruisers also have access to an exclusive shared social space called the Studio Complex and Lounge. In this lounge, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the day, order room service and meet fellow travelers.

Here, average daily rates accounted for 60% of scores, while expert, traveler and health ratings accounted for the other 40%. Cruise lines with average daily rates of $300 or more did not qualify for this category. The driver had dropped off customers at Pier 2 when bystanders noticed the bus was moving forward, police said.