Exploring the Eastern and Western Caribbean aboard a ship can be an incredible travel experience. However, finding the perfect cruise among the many options can be a real headache.

With so many beautiful, crystal-clear islands to discover, and so many different ships and routes to choose from, making the right choice will help you make the most of your vacation.

Let’s discover together the essential points to consider when choosing your cruise in the South, so you can plan a seaside vacation that perfectly matches your preferences.

We’ll also suggest different companies and ships, whether you’re travelling with your family or with adults.

Taking the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card and the Cobalt American Express Card as examples, they offer a redemption rate of 1,000 points for a $10 credit. This can be applied to the cruise payment transaction to obtain a credit to your account.

You can also book your cruise directly with loyalty programs such as Aeroplan (with Air Canada Vacations), AIR MILES and Marriott Bonvoy.

It’s essential to define your objective and the type of cruise you want, then move on to the game plan with your credit card points.

Here’s our guide with tips for cruise with points :

To choose an itinerary that matches your expectations, define your travel priorities, be they cultural richness, coral reefs, secluded beaches or sporting activities.

Some itineraries focus on cultural exploration, while others emphasize seaside delights.

Take into account the length of your stopovers. Are you aiming to maximize your adventures on each island? Does the sheer number of destinations visited appeal to you? Are full days of on-board travel a problem for you?

In the Caribbean, the hurricane season from June to November presents risks, consequently rates are lower.

The ideal cruising season is generally from December to April, with pleasant temperatures and optimal conditions.

However, the popularity of this period can lead to higher rates. By planning according to the weather, you can avoid potential climatic hazards and maximize the enjoyment of your cruise.

Choosing the right cruise ship is vital for an experience tailored to your preferences. Evaluate the size of the ship for ambience, choose between interior cabins and suites according to your budget. Do you prefer more intimate or lively settings?

Consider the activities on board, from spas to entertainment, and the variety of restaurants on offer.

Check out the itineraries and ports-of-call, as some ships specialize in specific destinations.

Assess the company’s reputation in terms of service, safety and overall experience by consulting traveller reviews to make an informed decision.

Among the best family cruise options in the Caribbean, Holland America stands out for its commitment to passenger comfort and enjoyment.

The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, offer spacious cabins that sleep four people, large lounge areas and generous verandas.

Their popular ports-of-call include destinations such as Half Moon Cay, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, where you can enjoy magnificent coral reefs.

This is one of the 8-day Nieuw Statendam itineraries:

Day 1 Fort Lauderdale

Day 2 At sea

Day 3 Grand Turk

Day 4 San Juan

Day 5 Charlotte Amalie

Day 6 At sea

Day 7 Half Moon Cay

Day 8 Fort Lauderdale

Royal Caribbean is ideal for many families, thanks to its age-appropriate facilities.

The company’s exclusive cruise, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, aboard the Freedom of the Seas, is particularly popular with young passengers for its water-slides and play areas.

The Icon of the Seas is specially designed for families. Featuring the Surfside outdoor area at the rear of the boat, this tropical paradise offers a water play area with slides and an infinity pool for adults.

Facilities include a themed carousel, arcade, several family-friendly restaurants and a relaxing “Mommy and Me” bar.

MSC Cruises has a variety of leisure activities specially designed for children, from water parks to Broadway-style shows.

MSC Seaside offers fun family excursions and a Lego Experience On Board event on every cruise.

Its kids club, named Doremi Land, offers separate areas for different age groups, from 6 months to 11 years. The child-care staff can take children to the onboard water park, accompany them in parades around the ship and even take them to lunch and dinner at the buffet.

Popular ports of call on the MSC Seaside include Ocean Cay MSC, Nassau, San Juan and Puerto Plata.

Here is one of the itineraries offered aboard the MSC Seaside in the Caribbean:

Day 1 Fort-de-France

Day 2 Pointe-à-Pitre

Day 3 Roseau

Day 4 Saint-Martin

Day 5 Saint Johns

Day 6 Basseterre (St. Kitts)

Day 7 Sailing

Day 8 Fort-de-France

A good option is Celebrity Cruises.

With its home port in Fort Lauderdale, the Celebrity Equinox is a great choice for sophisticated relaxation in the Caribbean. It is beautifully decorated and offers gourmet cuisine, a variety of suites with exclusive benefits and a green deck for relaxation.

Without being an excessively expensive cruise, it’s perfect for couples and lovers of fine cuisine and cocktails.

The 2850-passenger ship’s varied destinations include Nassau, Bimini, Cozumel, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Sint Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Plata and San Juan.

Based in Miami, Virgin Voyages ‘ Scarlet Lady stands out for its innovative approach that breaks with the conventions of traditional cruises. For example, you can forget about queues and classic booths. It’s ideal for fun-loving cruisers, single travellers, and groups of friends.

The Scarlet Lady offers several distinguished features, such as the Razzle Dazzle vegetarian restaurant, the Beach Club in Bimini, and the Shake for Champagne option, which lets you order champagne from anywhere on the ship via an app.

Destinations include Bimini in the Bahamas, Puerto Plata, Key West and Cozumel.

If you have the pleasure of sailing on Viking’s West Indies Explorer, you’ll discover that this is not a cruise for the young. You’ll benefit from captivating lectures in conferences.

A Caribbean itinerary aboard the West Indies Explorer looks like this:

You’ll spend 11 days in 9 countries, starting in San Juan and stopping in Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Martin. St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis Thomas, back to San Juan.

On such a trip, you’ll have the chance to hike to the top of Sage Mountain in the Virgin Islands and end your journey on the beach or visiting historic sites.

In Roseau, Dominica, a visit to Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must, as is snorkelling at the famous Champagne Reef.

In Saint-Martin, enjoy unique opportunities such as creating your own perfume at a perfumery class or taking a chairlift ride to the top of Sentry Hill.

Other popular adult cruises in the Caribbean include the Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess with their magnificent Sky Suites; and the Pomp Romance in Paradise cruise with Regent Seven Seas.

Choosing the perfect Caribbean cruise can be a challenge, but with the right information, you can plan a maritime getaway that meets all your expectations.

From cultural itineraries to coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and age-appropriate vessels, you’re rich with choices. By exploring key criteria such as itinerary, weather, and ship, you can make informed decisions for a luscious vacation.

Discover our travel guides for the Caribbean and West Indies: