cruises in the caribbean 2024

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

2024 Caribbean Cruises: Visit Jamaica, Aruba & Cayman Islands

Embarking on a journey through The Caribbean is always an exceptional choice. With Norwegian, you're destined for a voyage of excitement, exploring the most enchanting islands. We are proud to be recognized as The Caribbean's Best Cruise Line for nine consecutive years by the World Travel Awards. In 2024, we're excited to expand our Caribbean cruise itineraries, featuring journeys on our latest vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Planning a Caribbean cruise in 2024? Break away from the traditional one-island vacation. Allow Norwegian to present you with the Caribbean's jewels, where every morning you'll be greeted with breathtaking views, a diverse range of shore excursions, delectable cuisine, and an array of daily activities.

Ready to start planning? Explore all 2024 Caribbean cruises .

Norwegian's 2024 Caribbean Departure Ports

In 2024, Norwegian offers an extensive range of five to 14-day Caribbean cruises. Our departure ports include:

• Miami , Florida.
• New Orleans , Louisiana.
• New York , New York.
• Tampa , Florida.
• Orlando , Florida.
• Panama City , Panama.
• Punta Cana (La Romana) , Dominican Republic.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Galveston , Texas.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel from Orlando 9-Day Caribbean Cruise: Dominican Republic & St. Thomas from Miami 7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic from Orlando

Norwegian's 2024 Caribbean Ports

The 2024 Caribbean cruise ports you can explore depend on your sailing region. Norwegian sails across the Southern Caribbean , Western Caribbean , and Eastern Caribbean .

Potential ports of call including the following destinations:

• Basseterre, St. Kitts.
• Bridgetown, Barbados.
• St. John's, Antigua.
• Castries, St. Lucia.
• Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
• Fort-de-France, Martinique.
• George Town, Cayman Islands.
• Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
• Harvest Caye, Belize.
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
• Roatan, Honduras.
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
• Oranjestad, Aruba.
• Kralendijk, Bonaire.
• Wilemstad, Curaçao.

2024 Western Caribbean Cruise Highlights

A substantial number of Western Caribbean cruises on Norwegian include a visit to Harvest Caye, Belize. This 75-acre island sanctuary in Southern Belize is brimming with island adventures, or you can book a shore excursion to the mainland. Unwind in the vast pool equipped with a swim-up bar, rent a private cabana, experience zip lining, and more. Mainland excursions might include rainforest river tubing or a visit to a Maya temple.

Roatán, about 30 miles off the Honduran mainland, is a haven for scuba divers due to its crystal-clear waters. Discover the vibrant marine life and some of The Caribbean's finest pillar coral. Opt for a Discover Scuba experience or snorkeling if you're not certified. Or, perhaps you'd prefer lounging at one of the serene beach resorts, bathing in the tranquil turquoise waters.

Some Western Caribbean cruises include a stop in George Town, Grand Cayman. This island is the largest of the Cayman Islands and is renowned for its excellent dive sites, shipwrecks , Seven Mile Beach, and Stingray City. Don't miss the Cayman Turtle Farm , hosting over 8,000 green sea turtles, or a taste of Caybrew, the local beer.

2024 Southern Caribbean Cruise Highlights

The Southern Caribbean is famous for world-class diving, duty-free shopping, a rich cultural atmosphere, and mouth-watering local cuisine.

Your Southern Caribbean cruise might include a stop in Oranjestad, Aruba. Even without diving certification, you can embark on remarkable water adventures. Consider a catamaran tour to snorkel the famous Antilla shipwreck . Another option is DePalm Island for snorkeling , sunbathing, or enjoying the water park. If you'd rather stay dry, an Atlantis Submarine tour offers a view of tropical fish, coral, and sponge gardens.

In Curaçao , allow yourself time to explore Wilemstad's colorful Dutch-style buildings. If you're of age, sample the island's famous liqueur. Curaçao is made with the dried peel from the local bitter orange, laraha.

Another intriguing Caribbean destination is St. Kitts. Founded by the French in 1627, it carries a British ambiance. Basseterre, one of the Eastern Caribbean's oldest towns, is nestled at La Grande Soufriere's base, the Lesser Antilles's tallest mountain. St. Kitts is brimming with adventure, from deep-sea fishing and diving to snorkeling. Consider a leisurely train ride around the island, soaking up the views.

2024 Eastern Caribbean Cruise Highlights

The Eastern Caribbean is a wonderful choice throughout the year, though December through April is particularly popular, providing a respite from winter temperatures. Regardless of the season, you'll find a wealth of activities.

Many of Norwegian's Eastern Caribbean cruises stop at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas — our private island. Indulge in a day filled with fun activities on Great Stirrup Cay, or unwind in your own private cabana or villa (additional fees).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Norwegian Cruise Line (@norwegiancruiseline)

If your cruise stops in St. Lucia, visit the iconic Pitons . You can book a tour to La Soufriere Volcano , where you'll take a scenic rainforest drive to reach the breathtaking mountains. They rise more than 2,500 feet and tower over the area. Should you have a port day in Barbados, spend part of your day swimming with turtles in a calm, secluded bay. You can also head to Welchman Hall Gully and the beach and stopping at Batts Rock known for its green monkeys!

Your cruise might also dock in the U.S., the British Virgin Islands, or perhaps both! St. Thomas , a well-loved Caribbean port, is renowned for its fishing, diving, stunning beaches, and fantastic duty-free shopping. Consider booking a catamaran sailing adventure to snorkel a shipwreck and relax on the sea.

Be sure to sign up for Norwegian's emails to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered directly to your inbox. Let us know which Caribbean island you're most interested in visiting in 2024!

Caribbean Cruises

Plan your best caribbean cruise vacation.

The sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean are calling. Relax on gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, discover the ancient treasures of the Mayans, or let your cares melt away while relaxing to steel drum melodies. Find the best Caribbean cruises  sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Galveston  to suit your vacation desires.

Find Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Top-Rated Beaches and Water Play

The laid-back Eastern Caribbean is home to many of the region’s most popular islands — gems like St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk. Known for world-famous beaches, stingrays and limitless water activities, this is the perfect option for a sunny Caribbean cruise vacation, reconnecting with loved ones.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean Cruises

Historic Spots and Natural Wonders

Mayan ruins, exciting eco adventures and the friendly spirit of Jamaica await in the Western Caribbean. Enjoy the lush wildernesses of southern Mexico, unspoiled coral reefs of Belize and Roatan, underground caves on the Island of Cozumel and so much more.

Learn more about Western Caribbean Cruises

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Local Culture and Colonial Past

Cruise options for the Southern Caribbean take you from the lush paradise of Dominica to the remote isles of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean culture and life on islands that blend their colonial influence with native charms.

Learn more about Southern Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean Getaways

Sun, sand and a short escape.

White sand beaches and coral reefs await on Caribbean Getaway cruises. Soak up some vitamin D on Princess Cays, Princess' Private Island resort, and enjoy watersports or an encounter with stingrays in brilliant turquoise waters. Or explore the colorful buildings and exciting historical sites of Grand Turk. Do it all in just a few days on a short Caribbean cruise.

Learn more about Caribbean Getaways Cruises

Bahamas Cruises

Exclusive island experience.

The Bahamas, a series of islands with sparkling waters and pristine beaches, is a top Caribbean cruise destination. Princess Cays, our Private Island resort, calls the Bahamas its home, and our guests get exclusive access to this tropical oasis on almost all Caribbean itineraries. Get away to the Bahamas for just a few days or during a week-long Caribbean cruise and you’re sure to relax and recharge.

Learn more about Bahamas Cruises

Princess® MedallionClass®

Explore destinations easily on a MedallionClass vacation. Taking in balcony or top deck views, and don’t want to move? Order drinks that find you. Want to make the most of your time away? Design each perfect day with our interactive activity planner. Hate to wait when boarding or disembarking in port? Choose your preferred arrival window and make gangway reservations. Enjoy more time to connect with the places you sail.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Why Cruise the Caribbean with Princess

We Sail the Caribbean Year-Round

Each season has a personality all its own. Summer is a time for family fun in the sun. Fall invites the adventurous to immerse themselves in the islands. Winter is marked by festivals and other celebrations. Spring is the perfect time for renewal and relaxation. Cruise the Caribbean throughout the year, and you’ll encounter a different side of the Caribbean each time, unified by the distinctive experiences Princess offers.

See Why Families Love the Islands

Social media stars the Holderness Family recently set sail on a Caribbean cruise. Check out the music video to see why a Caribbean vacation with Princess Cruises is more than just a trip!

Want more? See the kids’ vlog of their experiences in Camp Discovery and adventures ashore, and watch the parents tackle cruise myths in their vacation recap.

Princess Cays®, Private Island Resort

Relax on your very own beach playground, where 40 acres of white sands, bungalows, local crafts and a complimentary barbeque await. Snorkel in sparkling turquoise waters. Find serenity fishing from the rocky coastline. Feed stingrays or paddle through the lagoon in a clear-bottom kayak. And you can post your experiences with ease, thanks to Princess’ MedallionNet™, the best Wi-Fi at sea — now on land!

Our Newest Ships Enjoy the Islands

There’s no better way to cruise the Caribbean than on one of the bold, new additions to our fleet. We take travel to the next level: the exceptional features of Sky Suites and the unrivaled service, the glass-enclosed dome and balconies taking in the Caribbean sun and sights of beautiful islands and crystal clear waters. Cruise to the Caribbean in luxury with Princess.

Featured Ports on Cruises to the Caribbean

Long to dive into turquoise waters? The Eastern Caribbean's world famous beaches await. Prefer to explore historic Mayan ruins? The Western Caribbean's ancient wonders are calling. For those craving adventure in a natural wonderland, the Southern Caribbean is brimming with possibilities. Each voyage illuminates the heart of Caribbean life, so come see what makes these islands legendary.

Beaches & Sunshine

Lazy days beneath swaying palms.

Let the soft sands and warm winds melt all your worries away. The beaches of the Caribbean are legendary for their natural beauty and tranquil turquoise waters. Relax with a tropical cocktail in your hand, swim with stingrays and sea turtles, or just take in the calming ocean air.

Culture & History

A diverse heritage.

The culture and history of the Caribbean is rich, varied and deep. Walk the docks that once harbored the greatest fleet in the world at Nelson's Dockyard, taste and hear the deep West African influences in everyday Caribbean life, and experience the uniqueness of each island.

Exploration

Mother nature's playground.

The Caribbean has been a land of adventure for hundreds of years, and there's excitement for every traveler, now more than ever. Zipline above the lush jungle, snorkel through a coral reef teeming with life, take an off-road vehicle deep into the rainforest or sail a catamaran out to explore a shipwreck. Adventure lives around every corner.

Island Shore Excursions

Experience the authentic Caribbean with award-winning shore excursions. In a region so full of new experiences, unique culinary delights and deep history, why trust anyone but the experts? Go swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, travel through dense jungles to hidden Mayan ruins on Cozumel, snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize or sail on a thrilling catamaran in Antigua.

Learn more about Caribbean Shore Excursions

Late Night Departures

The Caribbean has a different feeling at night. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays on select itineraries in Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Thomas let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.

#PrincessCruises Caribbean Connections

Caribbean cruise onboard experience & featured program.

Comfortable Accommodations

Your stateroom is your home away from home on your voyage where you rest up and recharge between adventures. With the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, luxurious 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and specially created SLEEP program by a board-certified sleep expert, you might just get the best sleep of your life. We offer staterooms ranging from interior cabins to full suites, and we even offer connected rooms for families with more than four members traveling together.

Bringing Local Life Aboard

Embrace the spirit of the islands the moment you step on your ship with our Rhythm of the Caribbean program. Savor island cuisine, sip signature cocktails and engage in authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant island rhythms at exclusive parties, and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities — from concerts and crafts to talks from shark experts and treasure hunters.

Never Miss a Beat

Say goodbye to the daily grind with our new Sail Away Party poolside on the top deck, dance to local music at one of the many Caribbean inspired concerts, or be the envy of every pirate at our high-energy gold treasure-inspired Terrace Pool Gold Party. Throughout your cruise to the Caribbean there will be events that excite, enrich and challenge you to fully experience the islands.

Deeper Experiences of the Islands

Discover the history of local distilleries while sampling some of the region’s best rums, meet the parrots and macaws that call the Caribbean home in the ship's Piazza, or become a part of the rhythm with steel pan drum lessons. Our onboard activities give you the chance to gain a deeper connection and understanding of the gorgeous islands you'll visit on your voyage.

Discovery at SEA

Sharks, pirates and stars — oh my.

Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise! Enjoy Shark Week all summer long with shark-themed activities, hear tales of sunken treasure and lost shipwrecks from the stars of Travel Channel’s™ Caribbean Pirate Treasure, and explore the constellations and spectacular galaxies of the night sky with the Voyage to the Stars indoor planetarium experience.

Ship Activities for Every Cruise to the Caribbean

Recharging Your Batteries

Pamper yourself in the Lotus Spa® with a massage, facial or manicure, and feel renewed. Enjoy The Sanctuary, a lounge just for adults, where you can relax with a light meal, specialty drink and al fresco massages while digging into that novel you've been looking forward to reading. If you prefer your relaxation more active, we offer Zumba, yoga and tai chi classes to burn off stress and raise your heart rate.

Celebrations

The perfect place to celebrate.

Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Say "I do" at sea in a ceremony officiated by the captain. Arrange for an anniversary package and let us spoil you with romantic balcony dining, chocolates and more. For us, every day is a celebration.

Love Blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the warm waters of the Caribbean, hopping between tropical islands and white-sand beaches from the comfortable luxury of your ship. While on board we cater to your romantic side with private dining on your balcony, whether a relaxing breakfast for two or a romantic sunset dinner, honeymoon packages for lucky newlyweds, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Food & Drinks

The flavors of the islands.

The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Movies Under the Stars®

Outdoor cinema at its best.

Enjoy many of the latest movies, exciting concerts and most anticipated live sports games on a massive poolside screen. The warm Caribbean night air, fresh popcorn and comfortable lounge chair with fleece blanket make for a viewing experience like no other. Not to mention the best theater in the world, the Caribbean ocean with a ceiling of stars!

Sailing with Your Crew

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together.

Caribbean Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about colorful cultures, breathtaking landscapes, must-see attractions and preparation advice for cruising the Caribbean.

2023-2024 Caribbean Cruises

There’s no better way to truly experience the laid-back Caribbean than with Princess.

Caribbean Cruise Weather by Month

From radiant sunshine to turquoise waters, enjoy the best Caribbean cruise weather all year round when you sail to these tropical lands with Princess.

Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Whether you’re a history-lover, adventure-seeker or laid-back traveler, discover the best Caribbean cruise destinations for any guest with Princess.

Best Caribbean Cruises

Visit the best Caribbean cruise destinations with Princess and relax on white-sand beaches or embark on adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman

From relaxing on the shores of Seven Mile Beach to feeding majestic sea creatures at Stingray City, discover the top things to do in Grand Cayman with Princess.

Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise

Discover the best time for a Caribbean cruise. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

See all Caribbean cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Caribbean cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

You May Also Like

• Cruise Destinations

Cruises to the Caribbean

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

* Coming Soon

ENJOY THIS BAHAMIAN PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE

• Ports of Call

We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water. And with more than 5,000 islands and cays spread across this amazing region, there’s a lot of paradise to see. So how do you choose where to visit on a Caribbean cruise? We recommend you just go and see for yourself! Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn’t even matter what time of year you go. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots… stretching across the world’s designated hotspot.

• Snorkel great natural reefs in crystal-clear waters.
• Enjoy year-round tropical weather.
• Take in the beach view on horseback… or beach chair.

YOU WANT WHERE? WE GO THERE.

No results found.

Grand Cayman

Progreso, Yucatán

St. Maarten

Montego Bay

Curaçao

Santa Marta

Port Canaveral (Orlando)

New Orleans

Manhattan, New York City

Celebration Key

Mahogany Bay

Half Moon Cay

Princess Cays

THINKING ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN?

We've got some daydream options for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Caribbean Tourism
• Caribbean Hotels
• Caribbean Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Caribbean
• Caribbean Restaurants
• Things to Do in Caribbean
• Caribbean Travel Forum
• Caribbean Photos
• Caribbean Map
• All Caribbean Hotels
• Last Minute Hotels in Caribbean
• 3-stars Hotels in Caribbean
• 5-stars Hotels in Caribbean
• 4-stars Hotels in Caribbean
• Caribbean Hotels with Free Parking
• Pet Friendly Hotels in Caribbean
• Caribbean Hotels with Pools
• Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
• Hyatt Ziva Cancun
• Giraffe Manor
• Alpine Hotel Nathiaglai
• Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Inclusive - Adults only
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
• Beaches Turks & Caicos
• ARIA Resort & Casino
• Horseshoe Las Vegas
• Excellence Riviera Cancun
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
• Excalibur Hotel & Casino
• Barcelo Bavaro Palace All Inclusive Resort
• Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
• Popular All-Inclusive Resorts
• Popular Beach Resorts
• Popular Family Resorts
• Popular All-Inclusive Hotels
• Popular Hotels With Waterparks
• Popular Honeymoon Resorts
• Popular Luxury Resorts
• Popular All-Inclusive Family Resorts
• Popular Golf Resorts
• Popular Spa Resorts
• Popular Cheap Resorts
• Caribbean Cruises
• Cruises from California to Caribbean
• Cruises from Florida to Caribbean
• Cruises from Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean
• Cruises from Miami to Caribbean
• Cruises from Port Canaveral to Caribbean
• Cruises from Tampa to Caribbean
• Cruises from Bayonne to Caribbean
• Cruises from San Francisco to Caribbean
• Cruises from Boston to Caribbean
• Cruises from New York City to Caribbean
• Cruises from Baltimore to Caribbean
• Cruises from New Orleans to Caribbean
• Cruises from Barbados to Caribbean
• Cruises from San Juan to Caribbean
• Cruises from Quebec City to Caribbean
• Cruises from Southampton to Caribbean
• Cruises from London to Caribbean
• Cruises from Barcelona to Caribbean
• Cruises from Colon to Caribbean
• Cruises from Puerto Caldera to Caribbean
• Carnival Cruises to Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises to Caribbean
• Crystal Cruises to Caribbean
• Cunard Cruises to Caribbean
• Disney Cruises to Caribbean
• Holland America Cruises to Caribbean
• Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to Caribbean
• Princess Cruises to Caribbean
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Cruises to Caribbean
• Seabourn Cruises to Caribbean
• Silversea Cruises to Caribbean
• Windstar Cruises to Caribbean
• Costa Cruises to Caribbean
• SeaDream Yacht Club Cruises to Caribbean
• Hurtigruten Cruises to Caribbean
• Oceania Cruises to Caribbean
• MSC Cruises to Caribbean
• Azamara Cruises to Caribbean
• Ponant Cruises to Caribbean
• 3 to 5 Day Caribbean Cruises
• 6 to 9 Day Caribbean Cruises
• 10 to 14 Day Caribbean Cruises
• 15+ Day Caribbean Cruises
• Caribbean Family Cruises
• Caribbean Luxury Cruises
• GreenLeaders
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Cheap Caribbean Cruises - Cruises to Caribbean

Featured caribbean cruise deals, cruising guide, why cruise to the caribbean.

Thousands of islands make up the Caribbean, a tropical region stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. Home to some of the most popular cruise ports in the world, the Caribbean offers variations on a theme: sun, white-sand beaches and fun with a local twist, depending on the port. From Dutch and French isles to U.S. territories, the destinations of the Caribbean have cultural experiences to spare that extend well beyond the tip of the umbrella in your fruity cocktail.

A cruise offers the chance to visit multiple islands within the span of a few days, providing visitors with a sampler of new places plus balmy sea breezes along the way. Caribbean cruises offer endless variety giving vacationers the chance to get away for a long weekend or two weeks. With so many departure ports, your ship to the Caribbean might be a short flight or even a drive away.

What are Popular Activities in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean offers as much -- or as little – as you want to do during your time ashore, making it an ideal cruise vacation for families or for couples.

Water sports are abundant in the Caribbean and anyone who likes spending time in the sea will enjoy snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding and swimming through clear, turquoise waters like the remote beaches of Bonaire. Or fly high through the sky on a number of active zipline courses, including the steepest zipline in the world in St. Maarten. Lazily lounging on the beach is almost always a fantastic option. Pair a beach day with a hike on a day trip from St. Thomas to Virgin Island National Park in St. John.

If you need a break from the sun, air-conditioned island tours, duty-free shopping trips and even scenic rail trips -- such as the one around St. Kitts -- provide wonderful ways to spend a day off the ship.

All-inclusive lovers will be able to pamper themselves with excursions to resorts, while those looking for a more local flavor will be able to learn from chefs, artisans and other experts for an authentic taste of each island's culture

When is a Good Time to Cruise to the Caribbean?

Winter and spring are great seasons to travel to the Caribbean due to a slight reduction in crowds and moderate temperatures, though the warm weather holds year-round here.

Atlantic hurricane season, from June through October, means a higher chance of rain and possible storms, though summer is still one of the most popular times to visit the Caribbean. If you book a summer sailing in a Caribbean region within the hurricane zone, there's a chance nothing will happen -- but buying insurance and keeping a flexible schedule helps manage expectations.

What are Popular Ports in the Caribbean?

Cozumel, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman and St. Martin/Maarten are some of the most common ports of call in the Caribbean. You could also experience Jamaica, Cuba, Aruba, Grand Turk or the Dominican Republic. Many Caribbean cruises also include stops at private islands, such as Royal Caribbean's CocoCay or Disney's Castaway Cay, located in The Bahamas.

Where do Caribbean cruises depart from?

Caribbean cruises depart from ports around the U.S., including San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many of the top Caribbean cruise departure ports are located in Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando.

Elsewhere on the East Coast and Gulf Coast, Caribbean sailings depart from Baltimore, Manhattan, Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile and more. Caribbean islands and itinerary lengths will vary, depending on where you sail from and where you're sailing to.

What are Popular Regions of the Caribbean?

Choose from Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean itineraries. You’ll primarily find the U.S. Virgin Islands -- St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John -- on Eastern Caribbean sailings, as well as St. Maarten/Martin and the Dominican Republic. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are featured on Southern Caribbean cruises. Western Caribbean cruises often include ports in Mexico and Jamaica, along with Belize and Grand Turk.

Lengths also vary -- Western Caribbean itineraries can be limited to just a few days for those who want a quick getaway or don't have time for longer sailings. Southern Caribbean sailings tend to last at least 10 nights, and these often depart from San Juan. Eastern Caribbean sailings are typically a week long.

What are Tips to Find Cruise deals to the Caribbean?

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to the Caribbean. If you book a “guaranteed cabin” (they select for you), a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to the Caribbean. Last minute cruises deals to the Caribbean appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to the Caribbean in the shoulder season (before or after the peak season) can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.

Find cruise vacation on popular cruise ships View all

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Vista
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Celebrity Equinox
• Disney Dream
• MSC Seaside
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Getaway

Explore Caribbean

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los angeles, california, miami, florida, new york, new york, port canaveral, florida, san francisco, california.

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea cruises.

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Caribbean Cruises from $399*

Cruise Lines

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Caribbean Cruises

Relaxation comes standard when you choose a Caribbean cruise. You can sail away from your everyday life and find tropical bliss in the islands.

Whether you choose the Eastern , Western or Southern  region, there’s so much to do and see during your cruise vacation. Sink your toes in white-sand beaches, or traverse lush mountainscapes. Barter in local island markets for one-of-a-kind treasures, or visit historic attractions that give insight on the roots of the intriguing native cultures. Go tubing down a river, dive headfirst into refreshing waters or zip-line through a rainforest.

All this, and even more when you choose to cruise the Caribbean.

Eastern Caribbean

Picture soft white sand, perfectly clear water and warm trade winds swaying your hammock, you’d be picturing the Eastern islands. The Eastern region is great for cruising year round, and may include stops in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the nations of Hispanola.

[ Learn more about Eastern Caribbean Cruises ]

Southern Caribbean

Cruise to the Southern region's island paradises which are filled with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, butterfly farms and some of world's best spots for watersports like windsurfing, snorkeling and more. and concerns and replace them with sandy beaches, sunny days and clear, soothing waters.

[ Learn more about Southern Caribbean Cruises ]

Western Caribbean

The Western islands' warm temperatures and colorful sea dwellers make this a great place to relax on the beach, or cool off in the turquoise water. You'll find exotic rainforests, colorful reefs and ancient ruins sharing tons of history from the Aztec and Mayan cultures.

[ Learn more about Western Caribbean Cruises ]

Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. With miles and miles of protected nature reserves, Costa Rica is full of fascinating animals, towering volcanoes and roaring waterfalls. Plus, the lively culture and history are just as inviting as the landscapes and scenery.

[ Learn more about cruises to Costa Rica ]

Things to Do on a Cruise to the Caribbean

Made up of more than 700 islands, the Caribbean is a top vacation destination for travelers the world over. This destination is divided into three regions: Eastern, Western and Southern. While each region has their own distinctions, they all offer wonderful weather, pristine beaches and stunningly clear water that sparkles in the sunlight.

• Soak in the sun. One of the main reasons this destination is so sought after is its year round warm weather. Don’t miss a chance to lay out on one of the beaches and feel the warmth of the tropical sun.  
• Go shopping, islands like St. Thomas and St. Martin are known for having some of the most posh boutiques and shops; not to mention the duty free goods that make such great gifts.  

• Tour a rum distillery. Barbados is home to Mount Gay Rum, the oldest rum distillery in the world. However nearly every island produces their own brand rum, each with its own character.  
• Explore the amazing jungles. Many of the islands are covered with both rainforests and cloud forests where you can tour, hike or even swing from the trees via a zipline.  

• See what’s living in the beautiful blue waters by diving or snorkeling. Check out the fantastic reef off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico.  
• Try the local delicacies, fresh fish abounds and spices make for exciting flavor combinations. Try jerk chicken in Jamaica and Mofongo in Puerto Rico.  

Map of the Caribbean:

Top 10 caribbean cruises.

• Carnival Horizon 6-day Western Caribbean Cruise Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Legend 8 Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise Departing From Baltimore, Maryland (Apr 2024)
• Carnival Breeze 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise Departing From Galveston, Texas (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Freedom 5-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Apr 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Norwegian Jade 11 Night Caribbean - Other Product (PCV/PCV) Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Apr 2024 - May 2024)
• Norwegian Sky 10 Night Caribbean - Other Product (LRM/LRM) Departing From La Romana, Dominican Republic (Apr 2024)
• Carnival Paradise 4 Day Western Caribbean Departing From Tampa, Florida (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Valor 4-day Western Caribbean Cruise Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Mardi Gras 7-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Dream 6 Day Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise Departing From Galveston, Texas (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)

Caribbean: Cruise Lines

The Caribbean is the most cruised to destination in the world, and who can blame it. These islands are like fine crystals embellished on a cashmere sweater. Nothing beats a day in the sun with a view of the calm sea and tropical rainforests. Nearly every cruise line, luxury and popular, offer Caribbean itineraries.

Immerse yourself in the world’s most interesting places. Azamara boasts more overnights in ports, longer stays and night time tours. 

Fun with a capital F is what you can expect on a Carnival Cruise. With the largest fleet at sea Carnival offers sailings perfect for the whole family.

Amazing food and superb service make Holland America one of the longest running cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Whatever you desire, on a Seabourn cruise you’ll have it. This luxury brand offers small ships that allow you to explore less traveled ports for unique experiences. 

Silversea's luxurious small-ship cruises and expedition voyages sail the world for unique and in-depth experiences in remote locales. 

Focusing their sailings on the culture of each cruises destination. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum.

Get away from the crowd and journey to unique destinations aboard Windstar’s intimate small ships.

Caribbean: Departure Ports

There’s no beating the warmth of the sun in the Caribbean, and you don’t have to miss out as there are always cruises to the laid back, divine islands.  Florida’s ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the start of many of the cruises. For a longer experience you can cruise from the north like New York, and Boston. You can even fly into ports like San Juan, which is a very popular point of embarkation for Southern itineraries.  But it doesn’t stop there because you can cruise to the Caribbean from South America, Europe, Africa, nearly anywhere. 

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. 

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh.

Cartagena, Colombia

This Spanish influenced South American city is filled with exciting attractions based on the rich history and culture that surrounds the area. 

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is known for its southern charm, historic buildings and beautiful beaches.

Colon, Panama

Colon, this historically important city is a gateway to the Panama Canal and full of Latin charm and New World history. 

Cozumel, Mexico

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Fuerte Amador, Panama

A popular Panama Canal port, Fuerte Amador is a man-made peninsula where you can explore underground tunnels leftover from an early 20th century military base.

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Jacksonville, Florida

When in Jacksonville, expect diverse itineraries, award-winning ships and top-notch excursions. Favorites include trips to the beach and museums, or just cruise the downtown on your tropical adventure.

La Romana, Dominican Republic

La Romana is a beautiful resort-geared port located in the Caribbean. Explore the beaches and wander the streets of the old villages for equal parts relaxation and rejuvenation.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Explore the Canary Islands with a cruise to their most populous city, Las Palmas, on Gran Canaria Island. These Spanish islands have one of the best climates in the world, perfect for your next cruise vacation.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Mobile, Alabama

Located on the Gulf Coast of the United States and known as the 12th largest port in the country, the cruise port of Mobile Alabama is definitely one for history buffs.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a quaint historically nautical town situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, leading to the Atlantic Ocean and many wonderful cruise destinations.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Offering both French and Dutch experiences, St. Maarten is a leading destination in the Caribbean. You can always find exciting and interesting activities for everyone on this friendly island.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Port Of Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean

Enjoy pristine beaches, lots of fun activities and perfect weather year-round in the Dutch island of Aruba.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

Tampa, Florida

Whether it’s a trip to the historical streets of Ybor, a day in the Florida Aquarium or a nice Cuban-infused meal, your time in Tampa will make you consider a longer stay.

Willemstad, Curacao

Europe meets the West Indies in colorful Willemstad, Curacao, one of the most distinctive islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

Photo Gallery for Caribbean Cruises

When you browse through our Caribbean cruising photo gallery and see the true beauty of the islands, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Flip through our library of beaches, jungles, fortresses and more, and then contact our cruise experts to plan your Caribbean getaway.

Charlotte Amalie on the Island of St. Thoms, USVI

Relaxing on the tropical beach

El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Green Sea Turtle

Photographing a coral reef in the Virgin Islands

Mayan Ruins of Tikal

Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations
• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Islands, bays, and coral reefs. The Caribbean is a feeling that drags you with the seductive rhythm of tropical vibes . Imbibe in an ambiance where the clock seems to stop ticking! Is the time to indulge in that Caribbean cruise you've been longing for. Walk among long stretches of white sandy beaches , lie under the balmy shade of magnificent palm trees and dive into a turquoise sea full of coral reefs. Our Caribbean cruises offer the most extensive discovery of idyllic archipelagos. MSC Cruises even owns a private Caribbean Island! Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve , located in the stunning Western Bahamas. This tropical paradise was specially crafted to provide our guests with the most exclusive Caribbean dream!

Explore the Bahamas  or discover the enchantment of Jamaica  and Dominican Republic . Drift to the sound of lapping waves in Puerto Rico , Guadalupe , or Martinique . Choose a Southern Caribbean cruise and explore St. Lucia or Barbados  or even further south to Trinidad and Tobago . Enjoy the tropical wonders of Western Caribbean .  Sail to the Cayman Islands or Honduras until you reach Mexican shores and visit ancient Mayans ruins or the mysterious island of Costa Maya. Is there anywhere else on earth where you can experience such a variety of culture and adventure? Discover MSC's cruises to the Caribbean and sail to islands of unparalleled beauty. Plan your next holidays with our Caribbean cruises for 2024 and 2025 !

Caribbean Islands

Western caribbean cruises itineraries.

Start your Western Caribbean cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral . Get the best start to your Bahamas cruise with the exclusive atmosphere of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . While in Nassau , you can swim with dolphins in the Crystal-clear waters of Balmoral Island! For your Jamaica cruise , experience the thrilling cascades of Dunn’s River Falls from Ocho Rios. Swim in the waterfall plunge pools and enjoy nature’s ‘massage’ as the cascades pummel your shoulders. Did you know the world’s second largest barrier reef are on the island of Roatan in Honduras ? Roatan is one of the picture-perfect stops of MSC's Western Caribbean cruise and is well known among diving aficionados as it offers some of the best diving in the world! For your cruise to Mexico, soak up the ambiance of Costa Maya and discover the glorious and mystical Mayan culture. Join us on excursions to two different sets of Mayan ruins: Chacchoben and Kohunlich. If sea adventures are more your thing, sail to the Mexican island of Cozumel . With so many natural wonders and cultural experiences to enjoy, a Western Caribbean cruise promises an indelible journey.

Eastern Caribbean cruises itineraries

Sail from Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando) to islands whose names alone inspires an adventurous vibe. It could not be otherwise for an Eastern Caribbean cruise! Think Puerto Rico and you probably think Salsa - it’s the ‘sauce’ that makes parties happen! You’ll have authentic dance moves to last a lifetime. During your cruise to Puerto Rico, take an excursion in the capital, San Juan , and you’ll come home with more than memories! In the Dominican Republic , experience the flavors of Puerto Plata . With MSC Cruises excursions you can even visit a local cigar factory and a rum house. Looking to fulfill your dream of swimming with dolphins? Ocean World in Puerto Plata offers a unique tour that allows you to get up close with marine life! Sail away to the rhythm of gentle waves in Guadalupe or Martinique . While with a Lesser Antilles cruise, explore St. Lucia , Barbados , or go even further south to Trinidad and Tobago . Nature and nightlife, thrilling adventures or awe-inspiring history, Eastern Caribbean needs to be experienced to be believed! 

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: your own private island

Discover our new and exclusive Bahamian destination: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve . In Ocean Cay you disembark onto a beautiful private island, packed with watersports , beaches and attractions. Here you can connect with nature and feel the warmth of the Bahamian spirit ! On Ocean Cay you can enjoy a relaxing massage in a cabana and explore the area with dedicated excursions . As a nature-focused marine reserve, Ocean Cay demonstrates MSC Cruises long-standing love of the sea. Early birds will want to wake for a sunrise and mimosas cruise and watch dawn break over the Caribbean seas. Connect with the waters and choose from an array of watersports: a WaveRunner tour, snorkeling or kayaking and much more. Take a look around the  360 virtual tour !

Caribbean ports

Cruises from miami.

Only great Caribbean adventures depart from Miami! Set sail for dream destinations: from Bahamas to Jamaica , Cayman Islands and Honduras till Mexican coasts ! Before your tropical getaway, take the chance to visit Florida's cosmopolitan metropolis. South Beach is world-famous and offers Art Deco architectures and celebrity spotting. Miami is perfect for your shopping, with the Dolphin Mall being a top choice. Passionate about art? Then the Wynwood Art District is the perfect place for you, with its galleries, museums and its celebrated street art.  Miami is the perfect start for your Caribbean cruise!

Cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Located just 45 miles east of Orlando, Port Canaveral is one of the departure ports for Caribbean cruises. Even before your Caribbean adventure begins, you can visit extraordinary sights. Port Canaveral is worldwide known for its Space Coast , that features the phenomenal Kennedy Space Center . Learn about NASA's space vehicles and experience a space shuttle launch simulation with MSC Cruises' excursions. Or head to Cocoa Beach , the world's surfing capital and home to the massive Ron Jon Surf Shop. Be surprised before your adventure to the Eastern and Western Caribbean begins!

view all Caribbean & Southern Caribbean ports

• Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Belize City, Belize
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Castries, Saint Lucia
• Charlotte Amalie (St Tomas), United States
• Colón, Republic of Panama
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• Fort de France, Martinique
• Freeport, Bahamas
• Galveston, United States
• Georgetown, Cayman Islands
• Isla de Roatan, Honduras
• Key West (Florida), United States
• Kingstown, Saint Vincent
• Kralendijk, Bonaire
• Miami, United States
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• Philipsburg, Saint Maarten
• Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe
• Port Canaveral (Orlando), United States
• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
• Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands
• Roseau, Dominica
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
• Saint George, Grenada
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
• Willemstad, Curacao

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Holland America Line to Deploy All Three Pinnacle-Class Ships and Feature Longer Cruises in Robust Caribbean 2025-2026 Season

Nearly 30 different itineraries range up to 14 days and span the Caribbean region

Seattle, Washington, April 2, 2024 — Travelers looking to explore the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean will have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from between October 2025 and April 2026. New to the season is the addition of Miami, Florida, as a homeport, as well as the return of Koningsdam, putting all three Pinnacle-Class ships in the Caribbean.

Through the expansive variety of itineraries, cruisers can explore the eastern , western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit. In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises from nine to 14 days, featuring more islands on one itinerary. Select November sailings and special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate Thanksgiving and the winter holidays in the tropics.

“ This will be the first time all three of our Pinnacle-Class ships are in the Caribbean together, allowing for even more opportunities for guests to experience all we have to offer,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “With demand for Caribbean cruises remaining strong, we’ve planned a robust season allowing guests to choose the islands they want to visit and the ideal length for their vacation.”

Caribbean 2025-2026 Highlights:

· All itineraries include Half Moon Cay , Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas boasting the finest beaches in the Caribbean, crystalline waters, an abundance of watersports, private cabanas and memorable shore excursions.

· On select itineraries, late-evening departures from Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire mean more time in port and the chance to experience the vibrant Caribbean nightlife.

· Cuisine on board highlights fresh, local flavors with regional favorites including yellowtail snapper, plantains, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

· For travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays, 10 sailings in December will sail the waters of the Caribbean on cruises from seven to 14 days.

Eastern Caribbean :

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and Zuiderdam.

· Seven-day cruises are a combination of ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Key West, Florida; and Nassau, Bimini and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

· An eight-day cruise on Koningsdam departs and calls at Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.

· Longer 11-day eastern Caribbean itineraries call at St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, plus Martinique or Dominica.

· A 14-day holiday cruise on Volendam departs Dec. 21, 2025, and includes visits to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, St. John, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad.

Western Caribbean:

· Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

· Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam.

· All western Caribbean cruises are seven days and call at Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Half Moon Cay.

Southern Caribbean:

·Roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

·Ships: Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The nine-day cruise makes its way to the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao before visiting Half Moon Cay.

·The 10-day itinerary also includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay, and adds Grand Turk and Amber Cove.

· All Curaçao visits have a late-evening departure, and select cruises also have a late-evening departure from Bonaire or Aruba.

Partial Panama Canal:

· Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

·Ships: Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.

·The 12-day “Panama Canal Discovery” itinerary makes it possible to visit the Panama Canal without a coast-to-coast transit.

·Explores the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake and sails a partial transit of the Canal.

· Ports include Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Grand Cayman, Curaçao and Half Moon Cay.

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Early Booking Bonus Offers For a limited time, when guests book newly opening 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Caribbean cruises start from $579 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

3 Caribbean Cruises in 2024 That Will Cost You Less Than Booking a Resort

You might be surprised to discover that it's possible to travel to the Caribbean without breaking the bank by booking a cruise instead of an all-inclusive resort or hotel stay.

Set sail for an affordable Caribbean adventure! You might be surprised to discover that it's possible to travel to the Caribbean without breaking the bank by booking a cruise instead of an all-inclusive resort or hotel stay.

Some cruises offer budget-friendly options for a tropical escape. By island-hopping, you'll also have the opportunity to explore a variety of enchanting destinations while keeping your expenses in check. 

Which Caribbean cruises in 2024 are best for your travel style?

When you think of a Caribbean cruise, you probably associate it with floating resorts like Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises and Norwegian . These giants welcome thousands of passengers with spectacular entertainment, ranging from water parks and wave pools to laser tag courses and go-kart tracks.

But pause for a moment; there are companies like Princess , Holland America , and Celebrity that take a different tack. They create an ambiance of timeless elegance and traditional experiences, perfect for those who prefer to avoid the bustle of floating cities.

For an affordable sail, Carnival stands out as an economical option, offering similar entertainment to mega resorts but at a significantly lower price.

If you're looking for an adults-only option, Virgin Voyages caters to the young at heart with bold new ships.

Disney Cruise Line reigns supreme in the family cruise category, offering unparalleled children's attractions and family-friendly cabins. To give you an idea, in terms of size, Disney only accommodates one-tenth of the passengers of Royal Caribbean—so it’s considered a "small" cruise ship, though still massive!

Basic rates are getting cheaper: a benefit for you!

You'll be pleased to learn that cruises are increasingly adopting the strategy of low-cost airlines, offering very cheap base fares but charging extra fees for many services and amenities.

Be prepared to pay extra for extras such as excursions, internet, special meals, onboard activities, drinks, and other services not included in the base fare.

Top 3 affordable cruises in the Caribbean

To concretely demonstrate that it's possible to book a Caribbean vacation on a budget, here are t hree Caribbean cruises in 2024 that cost less than staying at a hotel :

1. Margaritaville at Sea

If you fancy a weekend getaway , Margaritaville at Sea offers a unique chance to set sail from the port of Palm Beach. This cruise company offers two-night voyages to Freeport in the Bahamas, with a return every two days.

To give you an idea, you can find ads online offering rates starting from $59 USD per person for 2 nights. Adding fees and taxes brings the total to $154 USD per person, or $77 USD per person per night when booked in advance.

This rate includes accommodation, meals, and 5 cocktails. All other services, such as a cabin with a window and balcony, are available for an additional fee.

You have the choice between a 2-night or 3-night cruise, each offering its advantages.

In all honesty, the ship may seem a bit outdated, but the fare is unbeatable. After all, you'll enjoy a trip to the Bahamas with turquoise waters and a sunny experience in a positive atmosphere, in the spirit of Jimmy Buffett.

2. Holland America Line

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure aboard the Rotterdam ship with Holland America Line . This exceptional journey offers a 6-night cruise in the Western Caribbean , starting and ending in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The stops include fascinating destinations such as Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. All of this is available starting from $349 USD per person, offering an exceptional experience. 

The total cost, including fees, amounts to $524 USD per person for a 6-night cruise, or only $87 USD per person per night . This all-inclusive rate includes all meals onboard.

Travel tip: NOT selecting your cabin when booking a cruise can be a strategic decision similar to choosing seats on a plane; it allows you to save money!

Despite some drawbacks such as overly reserved poolside chairs and crowded buffets at times, the ship's condition remains impeccable. The French seafood restaurant Rudi's Sel De Mer offers an exquisite experience, as does the live music from the Rolling Stones Rock Room band.

It's an opportunity to experience a sea adventure at an affordable price, offering the best of both worlds between comfort and savings.

3. Carnival Cruise

It's impossible not to mention Carnival in the top 3 affordable Caribbean cruises in 2024!

Imagine going on a 4-night cruise departing from Miami , Florida. Onboard the Carnival Conquest ship, explore enchanting destinations such as the company's beautiful private island, Half Moon Cay.

Interior rates start at $249 USD, making this maritime adventure incredibly affordable. With taxes included, the total cost is $414 USD per person for 4 nights, or $103 USD per night , offering an exceptional experience at a truly advantageous price.

To top it off, Carnival spoils you with exclusive offers: up to $100 drink credit to liven up your evenings and even the possibility of getting up to $1,000 to spend onboard.

When to go on a cruise in the Caribbean?

You can go on a Caribbean cruise all year round! This offers flexibility for winter, spring, or summer vacations. However, the months from December to April are considered the high season , offering pleasant temperatures and minimal risk of rain.

Where to go on a cruise in the Caribbean in 2024?

You can choose from three cruise itinerary regions .

Eastern Caribbean Cruise:

• Main destinations: The Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
• Features: Focused on beach time and water sports. Fewer historical or cultural attractions than in the Western Caribbean.
• Typical duration: Seven-night cruises are common. Shorter (four nights) and longer (10 to 12 nights) options are available.

You'll notice that the Bahamas are technically located in the Atlantic rather than the Caribbean, but many cruises include stops in the Bahamas on their Caribbean itinerary.

Southern Caribbean Cruise:

• Main destinations: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, and Grenada.
• Features: Attractive to luxury travellers. Islands are more distant, and destinations are more exclusive.
• Typical duration: Often longer cruises, requiring more than a week.

Western Caribbean Cruise:

• Main destinations: Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Belize, and Honduras.
• Features : More focused on land activities, such as exploring Mayan ruins. More options for cultural experiences.
• Typical duration: Seven-night cruises are common. Shorter and longer options available.

Other insider tips for finding affordable cruises in the Caribbean in 2024

If you want to find cruises at more affordable prices than hotel stays, early booking is often the key to enjoying the most advantageous rates.

Regularly monitor promotions and special offers from cruise companies to unlock significant savings.

Subscribe to newsletters from each company to stay informed about specials like "75% off the second passenger - Celebrity® Semi-Annual Sale" or "Norwegian 50% off all cruises." Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean even offer a $50 discount by signing up for their newsletter.

Opt for an inside cabin without an ocean view as a savvy strategy to save money, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring destinations.

Additionally, limit extras such as excursions, special meals, and paid onboard activities to help control your budget.

If you're looking for THE foolproof secret to finding budget-friendly cruises while experiencing exceptional adventures, look no further: cruise company loyalty programs . Start with a company like Norwegian, stay loyal, and you'll be on the verge of scoring enormous discounts and breathtaking benefits.

Set sail with peace of mind!

Regardless of the ship you choose for your vacation, going on a cruise can influence the type of travel insurance you'll need . 

A cruise vacation may require more specialized coverage, such as in the case of medical evacuation at sea. Discuss your situation with a soNomad agent to find the best insurance for this type of trip .

Recent articles

Canada Super Visa Requirement: Everything Parents and Grandparents Need to Know

Designed exclusively for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this visa grants you the privilege of spending up to 5 years with your families in Canada on a single visit.

Travel Insurance: Does Your Employer Group Plan Cover You Enough Abroad?

Never take for granted that your group insurance covers all aspects of your travels abroad.

Transatlantic Cruise Tips: Your Guide to Planning the Voyage of a Lifetime

Have you ever heard of relocation cruises, also known as repositioning cruises? It's an exceptional way to enjoy unique and budget-friendly vacations while crossing an ocean.

Ready To  Save On Your Travel Insurance!

We’re ready to help right now! Get a quote and travel with confidence

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

latest in US News

Harrowing video shows engine of Southwest Airlines Boeing 737...

Veterans 'quite angry' after Florida man steals, vandalizes...

Cops looking for migrant accused of stabbing asylum-seeker...

Retiree loses $1 million in new timeshare fraud by Mexican drug...

'RHONJ' star Dina Manzo's ex freed on bail after allegedly hiring...

Do astronauts have to take extra precautions during solar eclipse....

Portland's woke DA blasted by challenger for being MIA, only...

Wendy's worker shot at drive-up window in beef with DoorDash...

Breaking news, royal caribbean cruise passenger with dementia, 66, disappears while on vacation in mexico.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

An American cruise passenger, who was recently diagnosed with dementia, vanished while he was on vacation with his family in Mexico

Edmond Bradley Solomon III, a 66-year-old South Carolina resident, had taken the trip down to the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and had planned to spend the day at port in Cozumel, Mexico, according to WCBD-TV .

The former VA critical care nurse had disappeared minutes after getting off the ship at the Caribbean port last week.

Solomon, who goes by Brad, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a group of diseases caused by progressive nerve cell loss that affects a person’s behavior and not memory.

“He sometimes says odd things and behaves erratically — or oddly — because he’s just doing what he knows how to do,” Solomon’s daughter Savanah Miller told the outlet. “He can’t process the same way you or I can.”

Solomon and his wife Mimi disembarked from the ship around 1:30 p.m. on April 3 and stopped for a restroom break before leaving the terminal when the nightmare unfolded.

“When my stepmom, Mimi, came out, he wasn’t there,” Miller said. “She thought he might still be in the bathroom so she waited for him for a few minutes. He didn’t come out.”

A family member with the couple had gone into the bathroom to check on Solomon but discovered he wasn’t there.

Solomon was reported missing just after 8 p.m. Wednesday and a search and rescue operation was launched at 9 p.m., according to local agency Cozumel Civil Protection.

During the search, local police received a call from a taxi driver who claimed to have picked up a tourist matching Solomon’s description at around 2:30 p.m. and was asked to drop the American off at a road with beach access, according to Mexico News Daily, citing authorities.

The taxi driver allegedly said Solomon had paid for the ride using his watch because he claimed he didn’t have any money.

Photos captured search and rescue efforts unfolding in wooded areas during the day and night.

“The search focused on the vicinity of Isla de la Pasión and all the beaches and businesses in the northern hotel zone were visited, without success,” a statement from the Civil Protection read.

Local police said Solomon had a necklace with a GPS, which only works when within 33 feet of his wife’s phone, and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, dark sunglasses and a blue hat.

Solomon was reportedly spotted later Wednesday evening along the road of Isla de la Pasión in Cozumel.

“The Public Security Directorate reported that Mr. Solomon was possibly wandering around the urban area.”

The distressed daughter didn’t learn about her father’s disappearance until the next morning.

“I got the call about 5:30 in the morning and I just froze,” Miller said. “I didn’t even know how to process this information.”

Start your day with all you need to know

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Never miss a story.

Miller and other family members had planned to travel down to Mexico to be with Mimi and help with the search for her father.

“I’m really looking forward to having Mimi by my side and being able to give my dad a hug again,” Miller told WCBD.

Miller and her cousins spent Saturday searching the city with her family and were told of several possible sightings of her father throughout the day.

She was told her father could be staying hydrated and using the bathroom at local churches.

“He is lost and scared. He cannot show or process emotions like a healthy person would,” Miller said in a post on Facebook.

A GoFundMe was set up with an original goal of $5,000 to help support the family. It has surpassed the mark and was at over $16,000 Sunday morning.

Solomon and his wife were nurses in the Charleston area, where he worked as a critical care nurse at  Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center where Mimi has continued working.

“He liked to be with the people that he loved…he was always making sure that we were safe and we were cared for no matter who it was,” Miller told the outlet. “He’s always been a fixer and someone who’s just drawn to helping other people.”

The couple had boarded the Icon of the Seas, the World’s largest cruise ship on March 30 in Miami, Florida and made stops in Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras before docking in Cozumel around 8 a.m.

Share this article:

Advertisement

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever

Seven agonizing nights aboard the Icon of the Seas

Listen to this article

Listen to more stories on curio

Updated at 2:44 p.m. ET on April 6, 2024.

This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here .

MY FIRST GLIMPSE of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, from the window of an approaching Miami cab, brings on a feeling of vertigo, nausea, amazement, and distress. I shut my eyes in defense, as my brain tells my optic nerve to try again.

The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.

Explore the May 2024 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

“Author embarks on their first cruise-ship voyage” has been a staple of American essay writing for almost three decades, beginning with David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again,” which was first published in 1996 under the title “Shipping Out.” Since then, many admirable writers have widened and diversified the genre. Usually the essayist commissioned to take to the sea is in their first or second flush of youth and is ready to sharpen their wit against the hull of the offending vessel. I am 51, old and tired, having seen much of the world as a former travel journalist, and mostly what I do in both life and prose is shrug while muttering to my imaginary dachshund, “This too shall pass.” But the Icon of the Seas will not countenance a shrug. The Icon of the Seas is the Linda Loman of cruise ships, exclaiming that attention must be paid. And here I am in late January with my one piece of luggage and useless gray winter jacket and passport, zipping through the Port of Miami en route to the gangway that will separate me from the bulk of North America for more than seven days, ready to pay it in full.

The aforementioned gangway opens up directly onto a thriving mall (I will soon learn it is imperiously called the “Royal Promenade”), presently filled with yapping passengers beneath a ceiling studded with balloons ready to drop. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands. By a humming Starbucks, I drink as many of these as I can and prepare to find my cabin. I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling woman from the Philippines, and she tells me to go “aft.” Which is where, now? As someone who has rarely sailed on a vessel grander than the Staten Island Ferry, I am confused. It turns out that the aft is the stern of the ship, or, for those of us who don’t know what a stern or an aft are, its ass. The nose of the ship, responsible for separating the waves before it, is also called a bow, and is marked for passengers as the FWD , or forward. The part of the contemporary sailing vessel where the malls are clustered is called the midship. I trust that you have enjoyed this nautical lesson.

I ascend via elevator to my suite on Deck 11. This is where I encounter my first terrible surprise. My suite windows and balcony do not face the ocean. Instead, they look out onto another shopping mall. This mall is the one that’s called Central Park, perhaps in homage to the Olmsted-designed bit of greenery in the middle of my hometown. Although on land I would be delighted to own a suite with Central Park views, here I am deeply depressed. To sail on a ship and not wake up to a vast blue carpet of ocean? Unthinkable.

Allow me a brief preamble here. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out. In fact, so enthralled by the prospect of this voyage were hard-core mariners that the ship’s entire inventory of guest rooms (the Icon can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers, but its inaugural journey was reduced to 5,000 or so for a less crowded experience) was almost immediately sold out. Hence, this publication was faced with the shocking prospect of paying nearly $19,000 to procure for this solitary passenger an entire suite—not including drinking expenses—all for the privilege of bringing you this article. But the suite in question doesn’t even have a view of the ocean! I sit down hard on my soft bed. Nineteen thousand dollars for this .

The viewless suite does have its pluses. In addition to all the Malin+Goetz products in my dual bathrooms, I am granted use of a dedicated Suite Deck lounge; access to Coastal Kitchen, a superior restaurant for Suites passengers; complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream (“the fastest Internet at Sea”) “for one device per person for the whole cruise duration”; a pair of bathrobes (one of which comes prestained with what looks like a large expectoration by the greenest lizard on Earth); and use of the Grove Suite Sun, an area on Decks 18 and 19 with food and deck chairs reserved exclusively for Suite passengers. I also get reserved seating for a performance of The Wizard of Oz , an ice-skating tribute to the periodic table, and similar provocations. The very color of my Suite Sky SeaPass Card, an oceanic blue as opposed to the cloying royal purple of the standard non-Suite passenger, will soon provoke envy and admiration. But as high as my status may be, there are those on board who have much higher status still, and I will soon learn to bow before them.

In preparation for sailing, I have “priced in,” as they say on Wall Street, the possibility that I may come from a somewhat different monde than many of the other cruisers. Without falling into stereotypes or preconceptions, I prepare myself for a friendly outspokenness on the part of my fellow seafarers that may not comply with modern DEI standards. I believe in meeting people halfway, and so the day before flying down to Miami, I visited what remains of Little Italy to purchase a popular T-shirt that reads DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL across the breast in the colors of the Italian flag. My wife recommended that I bring one of my many T-shirts featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, as all Americans love the beagle and his friends. But I naively thought that my meatball T-shirt would be more suitable for conversation-starting. “Oh, and who is your ‘daddy’?” some might ask upon seeing it. “And how long have you been his ‘little meatball’?” And so on.

I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch. In the elevator, I stick out my chest for all to read the funny legend upon it, but soon I realize that despite its burnished tricolor letters, no one takes note. More to the point, no one takes note of me. Despite my attempts at bridge building, the very sight of me (small, ethnic, without a cap bearing the name of a football team) elicits no reaction from other passengers. Most often, they will small-talk over me as if I don’t exist. This brings to mind the travails of David Foster Wallace , who felt so ostracized by his fellow passengers that he retreated to his cabin for much of his voyage. And Wallace was raised primarily in the Midwest and was a much larger, more American-looking meatball than I am. If he couldn’t talk to these people, how will I? What if I leave this ship without making any friends at all, despite my T-shirt? I am a social creature, and the prospect of seven days alone and apart is saddening. Wallace’s stateroom, at least, had a view of the ocean, a kind of cheap eternity.

Worse awaits me in the dining room. This is a large, multichandeliered room where I attended my safety training (I was shown how to put on a flotation vest; it is a very simple procedure). But the maître d’ politely refuses me entry in an English that seems to verge on another language. “I’m sorry, this is only for pendejos ,” he seems to be saying. I push back politely and he repeats himself. Pendejos ? Piranhas? There’s some kind of P-word to which I am not attuned. Meanwhile elderly passengers stream right past, powered by their limbs, walkers, and electric wheelchairs. “It is only pendejo dining today, sir.” “But I have a suite!” I say, already starting to catch on to the ship’s class system. He examines my card again. “But you are not a pendejo ,” he confirms. I am wearing a DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL T-shirt, I want to say to him. I am the essence of pendejo .

Eventually, I give up and head to the plebeian buffet on Deck 15, which has an aquatic-styled name I have now forgotten. Before gaining entry to this endless cornucopia of reheated food, one passes a washing station of many sinks and soap dispensers, and perhaps the most intriguing character on the entire ship. He is Mr. Washy Washy—or, according to his name tag, Nielbert of the Philippines—and he is dressed as a taco (on other occasions, I’ll see him dressed as a burger). Mr. Washy Washy performs an eponymous song in spirited, indeed flamboyant English: “Washy, washy, wash your hands, WASHY WASHY!” The dangers of norovirus and COVID on a cruise ship this size (a giant fellow ship was stricken with the former right after my voyage) makes Mr. Washy Washy an essential member of the crew. The problem lies with the food at the end of Washy’s rainbow. The buffet is groaning with what sounds like sophisticated dishes—marinated octopus, boiled egg with anchovy, chorizo, lobster claws—but every animal tastes tragically the same, as if there was only one creature available at the market, a “cruisipus” bred specifically for Royal Caribbean dining. The “vegetables” are no better. I pick up a tomato slice and look right through it. It tastes like cellophane. I sit alone, apart from the couples and parents with gaggles of children, as “We Are Family” echoes across the buffet space.

I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. I am on Deck 15, outside the buffet and overlooking a bunch of pools (the Icon has seven of them), drinking a frilly drink that I got from one of the bars (the Icon has 15 of them), still too shy to speak to anyone, despite Sister Sledge’s assertion that all on the ship are somehow related.

Kim Brooks: On failing the family vacation

The ship’s passage away from Ron DeSantis’s Florida provides no frisson, no sense of developing “sea legs,” as the ship is too large to register the presence of waves unless a mighty wind adds significant chop. It is time for me to register the presence of the 5,000 passengers around me, even if they refuse to register mine. My fellow travelers have prepared for this trip with personally decorated T-shirts celebrating the importance of this voyage. The simplest ones say ICON INAUGURAL ’24 on the back and the family name on the front. Others attest to an over-the-top love of cruise ships: WARNING! MAY START TALKING ABOUT CRUISING . Still others are artisanally designed and celebrate lifetimes spent married while cruising (on ships, of course). A couple possibly in their 90s are wearing shirts whose backs feature a drawing of a cruise liner, two flamingos with ostensibly male and female characteristics, and the legend “ HUSBAND AND WIFE Cruising Partners FOR LIFE WE MAY NOT HAVE IT All Together BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL .” (The words not in all caps have been written in cursive.) A real journalist or a more intrepid conversationalist would have gone up to the couple and asked them to explain the longevity of their marriage vis-à-vis their love of cruising. But instead I head to my mall suite, take off my meatball T-shirt, and allow the first tears of the cruise to roll down my cheeks slowly enough that I briefly fall asleep amid the moisture and salt.

I WAKE UP with a hangover. Oh God. Right. I cannot believe all of that happened last night. A name floats into my cobwebbed, nauseated brain: “Ayn Rand.” Jesus Christ.

I breakfast alone at the Coastal Kitchen. The coffee tastes fine and the eggs came out of a bird. The ship rolls slightly this morning; I can feel it in my thighs and my schlong, the parts of me that are most receptive to danger.

I had a dangerous conversation last night. After the sun set and we were at least 50 miles from shore (most modern cruise ships sail at about 23 miles an hour), I lay in bed softly hiccupping, my arms stretched out exactly like Jesus on the cross, the sound of the distant waves missing from my mall-facing suite, replaced by the hum of air-conditioning and children shouting in Spanish through the vents of my two bathrooms. I decided this passivity was unacceptable. As an immigrant, I feel duty-bound to complete the tasks I am paid for, which means reaching out and trying to understand my fellow cruisers. So I put on a normal James Perse T-shirt and headed for one of the bars on the Royal Promenade—the Schooner Bar, it was called, if memory serves correctly.

I sat at the bar for a martini and two Negronis. An old man with thick, hairy forearms drank next to me, very silent and Hemingwaylike, while a dreadlocked piano player tinkled out a series of excellent Elton John covers. To my right, a young white couple—he in floral shorts, she in a light, summery miniskirt with a fearsome diamond ring, neither of them in football regalia—chatted with an elderly couple. Do it , I commanded myself. Open your mouth. Speak! Speak without being spoken to. Initiate. A sentence fragment caught my ear from the young woman, “Cherry Hill.” This is a suburb of Philadelphia in New Jersey, and I had once been there for a reading at a synagogue. “Excuse me,” I said gently to her. “Did you just mention Cherry Hill? It’s a lovely place.”

As it turned out, the couple now lived in Fort Lauderdale (the number of Floridians on the cruise surprised me, given that Southern Florida is itself a kind of cruise ship, albeit one slowly sinking), but soon they were talking with me exclusively—the man potbellied, with a chin like a hard-boiled egg; the woman as svelte as if she were one of the many Ukrainian members of the crew—the elderly couple next to them forgotten. This felt as groundbreaking as the first time I dared to address an American in his native tongue, as a child on a bus in Queens (“On my foot you are standing, Mister”).

“I don’t want to talk politics,” the man said. “But they’re going to eighty-six Biden and put Michelle in.”

I considered the contradictions of his opening conversational gambit, but decided to play along. “People like Michelle,” I said, testing the waters. The husband sneered, but the wife charitably put forward that the former first lady was “more personable” than Joe Biden. “They’re gonna eighty-six Biden,” the husband repeated. “He can’t put a sentence together.”

After I mentioned that I was a writer—though I presented myself as a writer of teleplays instead of novels and articles such as this one—the husband told me his favorite writer was Ayn Rand. “Ayn Rand, she came here with nothing,” the husband said. “I work with a lot of Cubans, so …” I wondered if I should mention what I usually do to ingratiate myself with Republicans or libertarians: the fact that my finances improved after pass-through corporations were taxed differently under Donald Trump. Instead, I ordered another drink and the couple did the same, and I told him that Rand and I were born in the same city, St. Petersburg/Leningrad, and that my family also came here with nothing. Now the bonding and drinking began in earnest, and several more rounds appeared. Until it all fell apart.

Read: Gary Shteyngart on watching Russian television for five days straight

My new friend, whom I will refer to as Ayn, called out to a buddy of his across the bar, and suddenly a young couple, both covered in tattoos, appeared next to us. “He fucking punked me,” Ayn’s frat-boy-like friend called out as he put his arm around Ayn, while his sizable partner sizzled up to Mrs. Rand. Both of them had a look I have never seen on land—their eyes projecting absence and enmity in equal measure. In the ’90s, I drank with Russian soldiers fresh from Chechnya and wandered the streets of wartime Zagreb, but I have never seen such undisguised hostility toward both me and perhaps the universe at large. I was briefly introduced to this psychopathic pair, but neither of them wanted to have anything to do with me, and the tattooed woman would not even reveal her Christian name to me (she pretended to have the same first name as Mrs. Rand). To impress his tattooed friends, Ayn made fun of the fact that as a television writer, I’d worked on the series Succession (which, it would turn out, practically nobody on the ship had watched), instead of the far more palatable, in his eyes, zombie drama of last year. And then my new friends drifted away from me into an angry private conversation—“He punked me!”—as I ordered another drink for myself, scared of the dead-eyed arrivals whose gaze never registered in the dim wattage of the Schooner Bar, whose terrifying voices and hollow laughs grated like unoiled gears against the crooning of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

But today is a new day for me and my hangover. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods . There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood.

I say hurtfully because as a Suite passenger I should be here, though my particular suite is far from the others. Whereas I am stuck amid the riffraff of Deck 11, this section is on the highborn Decks 16 and 17, and in passing, I peek into the spacious, tall-ceilinged staterooms from the hallway, dazzled by the glint of the waves and sun. For $75,000, one multifloor suite even comes with its own slide between floors, so that a family may enjoy this particular terror in private. There is a quiet splendor to the Suite Neighborhood. I see fewer stickers and signs and drawings than in my own neighborhood—for example, MIKE AND DIANA PROUDLY SERVED U.S. MARINE CORPS RETIRED . No one here needs to announce their branch of service or rank; they are simply Suites, and this is where they belong. Once again, despite my hard work and perseverance, I have been disallowed from the true American elite. Once again, I am “Not our class, dear.” I am reminded of watching The Love Boat on my grandmother’s Zenith, which either was given to her or we found in the trash (I get our many malfunctioning Zeniths confused) and whose tube got so hot, I would put little chunks of government cheese on a thin tissue atop it to give our welfare treat a pleasant, Reagan-era gooeyness. I could not understand English well enough then to catch the nuances of that seafaring program, but I knew that there were differences in the status of the passengers, and that sometimes those differences made them sad. Still, this ship, this plenty—every few steps, there are complimentary nachos or milkshakes or gyros on offer—was the fatty fuel of my childhood dreams. If only I had remained a child.

I walk around the outdoor decks looking for company. There is a middle-aged African American couple who always seem to be asleep in each other’s arms, probably exhausted from the late capitalism they regularly encounter on land. There is far more diversity on this ship than I expected. Many couples are a testament to Loving v. Virginia , and there is a large group of folks whose T-shirts read MELANIN AT SEA / IT’S THE MELANIN FOR ME . I smile when I see them, but then some young kids from the group makes Mr. Washy Washy do a cruel, caricatured “Burger Dance” (today he is in his burger getup), and I think, Well, so much for intersectionality .

At the infinity pool on Deck 17, I spot some elderly women who could be ethnic and from my part of the world, and so I jump in. I am proved correct! Many of them seem to be originally from Queens (“Corona was still great when it was all Italian”), though they are now spread across the tristate area. We bond over the way “Ron-kon-koma” sounds when announced in Penn Station.

“Everyone is here for a different reason,” one of them tells me. She and her ex-husband last sailed together four years ago to prove to themselves that their marriage was truly over. Her 15-year-old son lost his virginity to “an Irish young lady” while their ship was moored in Ravenna, Italy. The gaggle of old-timers competes to tell me their favorite cruising stories and tips. “A guy proposed in Central Park a couple of years ago”—many Royal Caribbean ships apparently have this ridiculous communal area—“and she ran away screaming!” “If you’re diamond-class, you get four drinks for free.” “A different kind of passenger sails out of Bayonne.” (This, perhaps, is racially coded.) “Sometimes, if you tip the bartender $5, your next drink will be free.”

“Everyone’s here for a different reason,” the woman whose marriage ended on a cruise tells me again. “Some people are here for bad reasons—the drinkers and the gamblers. Some people are here for medical reasons.” I have seen more than a few oxygen tanks and at least one woman clearly undergoing very serious chemo. Some T-shirts celebrate good news about a cancer diagnosis. This might be someone’s last cruise or week on Earth. For these women, who have spent months, if not years, at sea, cruising is a ritual as well as a life cycle: first love, last love, marriage, divorce, death.

Read: The last place on Earth any tourist should go

I have talked with these women for so long, tonight I promise myself that after a sad solitary dinner I will not try to seek out company at the bars in the mall or the adult-themed Hideaway. I have enough material to fulfill my duties to this publication. As I approach my orphaned suite, I run into the aggro young people who stole Mr. and Mrs. Rand away from me the night before. The tattooed apparitions pass me without a glance. She is singing something violent about “Stuttering Stanley” (a character in a popular horror movie, as I discover with my complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream Internet at Sea) and he’s loudly shouting about “all the money I’ve lost,” presumably at the casino in the bowels of the ship.

So these bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel are angrily inhabiting my deck. As I mewl myself to sleep, I envision a limited series for HBO or some other streamer, a kind of low-rent White Lotus , where several aggressive couples conspire to throw a shy intellectual interloper overboard. I type the scenario into my phone. As I fall asleep, I think of what the woman who recently divorced her husband and whose son became a man through the good offices of the Irish Republic told me while I was hoisting myself out of the infinity pool. “I’m here because I’m an explorer. I’m here because I’m trying something new.” What if I allowed myself to believe in her fantasy?

“YOU REALLY STARTED AT THE TOP,” they tell me. I’m at the Coastal Kitchen for my eggs and corned-beef hash, and the maître d’ has slotted me in between two couples. Fueled by coffee or perhaps intrigued by my relative youth, they strike up a conversation with me. As always, people are shocked that this is my first cruise. They contrast the Icon favorably with all the preceding liners in the Royal Caribbean fleet, usually commenting on the efficiency of the elevators that hurl us from deck to deck (as in many large corporate buildings, the elevators ask you to choose a floor and then direct you to one of many lifts). The couple to my right, from Palo Alto—he refers to his “porn mustache” and calls his wife “my cougar” because she is two years older—tell me they are “Pandemic Pinnacles.”

This is the day that my eyes will be opened. Pinnacles , it is explained to me over translucent cantaloupe, have sailed with Royal Caribbean for 700 ungodly nights. Pandemic Pinnacles took advantage of the two-for-one accrual rate of Pinnacle points during the pandemic, when sailing on a cruise ship was even more ill-advised, to catapult themselves into Pinnacle status.

Because of the importance of the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, more than 200 Pinnacles are on this ship, a startling number, it seems. Mrs. Palo Alto takes out a golden badge that I have seen affixed over many a breast, which reads CROWN AND ANCHOR SOCIETY along with her name. This is the coveted badge of the Pinnacle. “You should hear all the whining in Guest Services,” her husband tells me. Apparently, the Pinnacles who are not also Suites like us are all trying to use their status to get into Coastal Kitchen, our elite restaurant. Even a Pinnacle needs to be a Suite to access this level of corned-beef hash.

“We’re just baby Pinnacles,” Mrs. Palo Alto tells me, describing a kind of internal class struggle among the Pinnacle elite for ever higher status.

And now I understand what the maître d’ was saying to me on the first day of my cruise. He wasn’t saying “ pendejo .” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters.

And now I understand something else: This whole thing is a cult. And like most cults, it can’t help but mirror the endless American fight for status. Like Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, where different-colored sashes were given out to connote rank among Raniere’s branded acolytes, this is an endless competition among Pinnacles, Suites, Diamond-Plusers, and facing-the-mall, no-balcony purple SeaPass Card peasants, not to mention the many distinctions within each category. The more you cruise, the higher your status. No wonder a section of the Royal Promenade is devoted to getting passengers to book their next cruise during the one they should be enjoying now. No wonder desperate Royal Caribbean offers (“FINAL HOURS”) crowded my email account weeks before I set sail. No wonder the ship’s jewelry store, the Royal Bling, is selling a $100,000 golden chalice that will entitle its owner to drink free on Royal Caribbean cruises for life. (One passenger was already gaming out whether her 28-year-old son was young enough to “just about earn out” on the chalice or if that ship had sailed.) No wonder this ship was sold out months before departure , and we had to pay $19,000 for a horrid suite away from the Suite Neighborhood. No wonder the most mythical hero of Royal Caribbean lore is someone named Super Mario, who has cruised so often, he now has his own working desk on many ships. This whole experience is part cult, part nautical pyramid scheme.

From the June 2014 issue: Ship of wonks

“The toilets are amazing,” the Palo Altos are telling me. “One flush and you’re done.” “They don’t understand how energy-efficient these ships are,” the husband of the other couple is telling me. “They got the LNG”—liquefied natural gas, which is supposed to make the Icon a boon to the environment (a concept widely disputed and sometimes ridiculed by environmentalists).

But I’m thinking along a different line of attack as I spear my last pallid slice of melon. For my streaming limited series, a Pinnacle would have to get killed by either an outright peasant or a Suite without an ocean view. I tell my breakfast companions my idea.

“Oh, for sure a Pinnacle would have to be killed,” Mr. Palo Alto, the Pandemic Pinnacle, says, touching his porn mustache thoughtfully as his wife nods.

“THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S your time, buddy!” Hubert, my fun-loving Panamanian cabin attendant, shouts as I step out of my suite in a robe. “Take it easy, buddy!”

I have come up with a new dressing strategy. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam. The response among my fellow cruisers has been ecstatic. “Look at you in the robe!” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. “You’re living the cruise life! You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company .

In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode. (Only Suites are granted these robes to begin with.) Today, I will try many of the activities these ships have on offer to provide their clientele with a sense of never-ceasing motion. Because I am already at Thrill Island, I decide to climb the staircase to what looks like a mast on an old-fashioned ship (terrified, because I am afraid of heights) to try a ride called “Storm Chasers,” which is part of the “Category 6” water park, named in honor of one of the storms that may someday do away with the Port of Miami entirely. Storm Chasers consists of falling from the “mast” down a long, twisting neon tube filled with water, like being the camera inside your own colonoscopy, as you hold on to the handles of a mat, hoping not to die. The tube then flops you down headfirst into a trough of water, a Royal Caribbean baptism. It both knocks my breath out and makes me sad.

In keeping with the aquatic theme, I attend a show at the AquaDome. To the sound of “Live and Let Die,” a man in a harness gyrates to and fro in the sultry air. I saw something very similar in the back rooms of the famed Berghain club in early-aughts Berlin. Soon another harnessed man is gyrating next to the first. Ja , I think to myself, I know how this ends. Now will come the fisting , natürlich . But the show soon devolves into the usual Marvel-film-grade nonsense, with too much light and sound signifying nichts . If any fisting is happening, it is probably in the Suite Neighborhood, inside a cabin marked with an upside-down pineapple, which I understand means a couple are ready to swing, and I will see none of it.

I go to the ice show, which is a kind of homage—if that’s possible—to the periodic table, done with the style and pomp and masterful precision that would please the likes of Kim Jong Un, if only he could afford Royal Caribbean talent. At one point, the dancers skate to the theme song of Succession . “See that!” I want to say to my fellow Suites—at “cultural” events, we have a special section reserved for us away from the commoners—“ Succession ! It’s even better than the zombie show! Open your minds!”

Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. “I am so fired tonight,” he says. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs. “Anyone here from Fort Leonard Wood?” another comedian asks. Half the crowd seems to cheer. As I fall asleep that night, I realize another connection I have failed to make, and one that may explain some of the diversity on this vessel—many of its passengers have served in the military.

As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers , I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine .

A shocking sight greets me beyond the pools of Deck 17 as I saunter over to the Coastal Kitchen for my morning intake of slightly sour Americanos. A tiny city beneath a series of perfectly pressed green mountains. Land! We have docked for a brief respite in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wolf down my egg scramble to be one of the first passengers off the ship. Once past the gangway, I barely refrain from kissing the ground. I rush into the sights and sounds of this scruffy island city, sampling incredible conch curry and buckets of non-Starbucks coffee. How wonderful it is to be where God intended humans to be: on land. After all, I am neither a fish nor a mall rat. This is my natural environment. Basseterre may not be Havana, but there are signs of human ingenuity and desire everywhere you look. The Black Table Grill Has been Relocated to Soho Village, Market Street, Directly Behind of, Gary’s Fruits and Flower Shop. Signed. THE PORK MAN reads a sign stuck to a wall. Now, that is how you write a sign. A real sign, not the come-ons for overpriced Rolexes that blink across the screens of the Royal Promenade.

“Hey, tie your shoestring!” a pair of laughing ladies shout to me across the street.

“Thank you!” I shout back. Shoestring! “Thank you very much.”

A man in Independence Square Park comes by and asks if I want to play with his monkey. I haven’t heard that pickup line since the Penn Station of the 1980s. But then he pulls a real monkey out of a bag. The monkey is wearing a diaper and looks insane. Wonderful , I think, just wonderful! There is so much life here. I email my editor asking if I can remain on St. Kitts and allow the Icon to sail off into the horizon without me. I have even priced a flight home at less than $300, and I have enough material from the first four days on the cruise to write the entire story. “It would be funny …” my editor replies. “Now get on the boat.”

As I slink back to the ship after my brief jailbreak, the locals stand under umbrellas to gaze at and photograph the boat that towers over their small capital city. The limousines of the prime minister and his lackeys are parked beside the gangway. St. Kitts, I’ve been told, is one of the few islands that would allow a ship of this size to dock.

“We hear about all the waterslides,” a sweet young server in one of the cafés told me. “We wish we could go on the ship, but we have to work.”

“I want to stay on your island,” I replied. “I love it here.”

But she didn’t understand how I could possibly mean that.

“WASHY, WASHY, so you don’t get stinky, stinky!” kids are singing outside the AquaDome, while their adult minders look on in disapproval, perhaps worried that Mr. Washy Washy is grooming them into a life of gayness. I heard a southern couple skip the buffet entirely out of fear of Mr. Washy Washy.

Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The men have curvaceous mom bodies. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques.

Today I’ve befriended a bald man with many children who tells me that all of the little trinkets that Royal Caribbean has left us in our staterooms and suites are worth a fortune on eBay. “Eighty dollars for the water bottle, 60 for the lanyard,” the man says. “This is a cult.”

“Tell me about it,” I say. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense. For a large middle-class family (he works in “supply chains”), seven days in a lower-tier cabin—which starts at $1,800 a person—allow the parents to drop off their children in Surfside, where I imagine many young Filipina crew members will take care of them, while the parents are free to get drunk at a swim-up bar and maybe even get intimate in their cabin. Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care.

There is another man I would like to befriend at the Swim & Tonic, a tall, bald fellow who is perpetually inebriated and who wears a necklace studded with little rubber duckies in sunglasses, which, I am told, is a sort of secret handshake for cruise aficionados. Tomorrow, I will spend more time with him, but first the ship docks at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is more charming in name than in presence, but I still all but jump off the ship to score a juicy oxtail and plantains at the well-known Petite Pump Room, overlooking the harbor. From one of the highest points in the small city, the Icon of the Seas appears bigger than the surrounding hills.

I usually tan very evenly, but something about the discombobulation of life at sea makes me forget the regular application of sunscreen. As I walk down the streets of Charlotte Amalie in my fluorescent Icon of the Seas cap, an old Rastafarian stares me down. “Redneck,” he hisses.

“No,” I want to tell him, as I bring a hand up to my red neck, “that’s not who I am at all. On my island, Mannahatta, as Whitman would have it, I am an interesting person living within an engaging artistic milieu. I do not wish to use the Caribbean as a dumping ground for the cruise-ship industry. I love the work of Derek Walcott. You don’t understand. I am not a redneck. And if I am, they did this to me.” They meaning Royal Caribbean? Its passengers? The Rands?

“They did this to me!”

Back on the Icon, some older matrons are muttering about a run-in with passengers from the Celebrity cruise ship docked next to us, the Celebrity Apex. Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.

THERE ARE BARELY 48 HOURS LEFT to the cruise, and the Icon of the Seas’ passengers are salty. They know how to work the elevators. They know the Washy Washy song by heart. They understand that the chicken gyro at “Feta Mediterranean,” in the AquaDome Market, is the least problematic form of chicken on the ship.

The passengers have shed their INAUGURAL CRUISE T-shirts and are now starting to evince political opinions. There are caps pledging to make America great again and T-shirts that celebrate words sometimes attributed to Patrick Henry: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” With their preponderance of FAMILY FLAG FAITH FRIENDS FIREARMS T-shirts, the tables by the crepe station sometimes resemble the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. The Real Anthony Fauci , by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears to be a popular form of literature, especially among young men with very complicated versions of the American flag on their T-shirts. Other opinions blend the personal and the political. “Someone needs to kill Washy guy, right?” a well-dressed man in the elevator tells me, his gray eyes radiating nothing. “Just beat him to death. Am I right?” I overhear the male member of a young couple whisper, “There goes that freak” as I saunter by in my white spa robe, and I decide to retire it for the rest of the cruise.

I visit the Royal Bling to see up close the $100,000 golden chalice that entitles you to free drinks on Royal Caribbean forever. The pleasant Serbian saleslady explains that the chalice is actually gold-plated and covered in white zirconia instead of diamonds, as it would otherwise cost $1 million. “If you already have everything,” she explains, “this is one more thing you can get.”

I believe that anyone who works for Royal Caribbean should be entitled to immediate American citizenship. They already speak English better than most of the passengers and, per the Serbian lady’s sales pitch above, better understand what America is as well. Crew members like my Panamanian cabin attendant seem to work 24 hours a day. A waiter from New Delhi tells me that his contract is six months and three weeks long. After a cruise ends, he says, “in a few hours, we start again for the next cruise.” At the end of the half a year at sea, he is allowed a two-to-three-month stay at home with his family. As of 2019, the median income for crew members was somewhere in the vicinity of $20,000, according to a major business publication. Royal Caribbean would not share the current median salary for its crew members, but I am certain that it amounts to a fraction of the cost of a Royal Bling gold-plated, zirconia-studded chalice.

And because most of the Icon’s hyper-sanitized spaces are just a frittata away from being a Delta lounge, one forgets that there are actual sailors on this ship, charged with the herculean task of docking it in port. “Having driven 100,000-ton aircraft carriers throughout my career,” retired Admiral James G. Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, writes to me, “I’m not sure I would even know where to begin with trying to control a sea monster like this one nearly three times the size.” (I first met Stavridis while touring Army bases in Germany more than a decade ago.)

Today, I decide to head to the hot tub near Swim & Tonic, where some of the ship’s drunkest reprobates seem to gather (the other tubs are filled with families and couples). The talk here, like everywhere else on the ship, concerns football, a sport about which I know nothing. It is apparent that four teams have recently competed in some kind of finals for the year, and that two of them will now face off in the championship. Often when people on the Icon speak, I will try to repeat the last thing they said with a laugh or a nod of disbelief. “Yes, 20-yard line! Ha!” “Oh my God, of course, scrimmage.”

Soon we are joined in the hot tub by the late-middle-age drunk guy with the duck necklace. He is wearing a bucket hat with the legend HAWKEYES , which, I soon gather, is yet another football team. “All right, who turned me in?” Duck Necklace says as he plops into the tub beside us. “I get a call in the morning,” he says. “It’s security. Can you come down to the dining room by 10 a.m.? You need to stay away from the members of this religious family.” Apparently, the gregarious Duck Necklace had photobombed the wrong people. There are several families who present as evangelical Christians or practicing Muslims on the ship. One man, evidently, was not happy that Duck Necklace had made contact with his relatives. “It’s because of religious stuff; he was offended. I put my arm around 20 people a day.”

Everyone laughs. “They asked me three times if I needed medication,” he says of the security people who apparently interrogated him in full view of others having breakfast.

Another hot-tub denizen suggests that he should have asked for fentanyl. After a few more drinks, Duck Necklace begins to muse about what it would be like to fall off the ship. “I’m 62 and I’m ready to go,” he says. “I just don’t want a shark to eat me. I’m a huge God guy. I’m a Bible guy. There’s some Mayan theory squaring science stuff with religion. There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes.

“I never get off the ship when we dock,” he says. He tells us he lost $6,000 in the casino the other day. Later, I look him up, and it appears that on land, he’s a financial adviser in a crisp gray suit, probably a pillar of his North Chicago community.

THE OCEAN IS TEEMING with fascinating life, but on the surface it has little to teach us. The waves come and go. The horizon remains ever far away.

I am constantly told by my fellow passengers that “everybody here has a story.” Yes, I want to reply, but everybody everywhere has a story. You, the reader of this essay, have a story, and yet you’re not inclined to jump on a cruise ship and, like Duck Necklace, tell your story to others at great pitch and volume. Maybe what they’re saying is that everybody on this ship wants to have a bigger, more coherent, more interesting story than the one they’ve been given. Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely.

Today is a big day for Icon passengers. Today the ship docks at Royal Caribbean’s own Bahamian island, the Perfect Day at CocoCay. (This appears to be the actual name of the island.) A comedian at the nightclub opined on what his perfect day at CocoCay would look like—receiving oral sex while learning that his ex-wife had been killed in a car crash (big laughter). But the reality of the island is far less humorous than that.

One of the ethnic tristate ladies in the infinity pool told me that she loved CocoCay because it had exactly the same things that could be found on the ship itself. This proves to be correct. It is like the Icon, but with sand. The same tired burgers, the same colorful tubes conveying children and water from Point A to B. The same swim-up bar at its Hideaway ($140 for admittance, no children allowed; Royal Caribbean must be printing money off its clientele). “There was almost a fight at The Wizard of Oz ,” I overhear an elderly woman tell her companion on a chaise lounge. Apparently one of the passengers began recording Royal Caribbean’s intellectual property and “three guys came after him.”

I walk down a pathway to the center of the island, where a sign reads DO NOT ENTER: YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY OF ADVENTURE . I hear an animal scampering in the bushes. A Royal Caribbean worker in an enormous golf cart soon chases me down and takes me back to the Hideaway, where I run into Mrs. Rand in a bikini. She becomes livid telling me about an altercation she had the other day with a woman over a towel and a deck chair. We Suites have special towel privileges; we do not have to hand over our SeaPass Card to score a towel. But the Rands are not Suites. “People are so entitled here,” Mrs. Rand says. “It’s like the airport with all its classes.” “You see,” I want to say, “this is where your husband’s love of Ayn Rand runs into the cruelties and arbitrary indignities of unbridled capitalism.” Instead we make plans to meet for a final drink in the Schooner Bar tonight (the Rands will stand me up).

Back on the ship, I try to do laps, but the pool (the largest on any cruise ship, naturally) is fully trashed with the detritus of American life: candy wrappers, a slowly dissolving tortilla chip, napkins. I take an extra-long shower in my suite, then walk around the perimeter of the ship on a kind of exercise track, past all the alluring lifeboats in their yellow-and-white livery. Maybe there is a dystopian angle to the HBO series that I will surely end up pitching, one with shades of WALL-E or Snowpiercer . In a collapsed world, a Royal Caribbean–like cruise liner sails from port to port, collecting new shipmates and supplies in exchange for the precious energy it has on board. (The actual Icon features a new technology that converts passengers’ poop into enough energy to power the waterslides . In the series, this shitty technology would be greatly expanded.) A very young woman (18? 19?), smart and lonely, who has only known life on the ship, walks along the same track as I do now, contemplating jumping off into the surf left by its wake. I picture reusing Duck Necklace’s words in the opening shot of the pilot. The girl is walking around the track, her eyes on the horizon; maybe she’s highborn—a Suite—and we hear the voice-over: “I’m 19 and I’m ready to go. I just don’t want a shark to eat me.”

Before the cruise is finished, I talk to Mr. Washy Washy, or Nielbert of the Philippines. He is a sweet, gentle man, and I thank him for the earworm of a song he has given me and for keeping us safe from the dreaded norovirus. “This is very important to me, getting people to wash their hands,” he tells me in his burger getup. He has dreams, as an artist and a performer, but they are limited in scope. One day he wants to dress up as a piece of bacon for the morning shift.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE TITANIC (the Icon of the Seas is five times as large as that doomed vessel) at least offered its passengers an exciting ending to their cruise, but when I wake up on the eighth day, all I see are the gray ghosts that populate Miami’s condo skyline. Throughout my voyage, my writer friends wrote in to commiserate with me. Sloane Crosley, who once covered a three-day spa mini-cruise for Vogue , tells me she felt “so very alone … I found it very untethering.” Gideon Lewis-Kraus writes in an Instagram comment: “When Gary is done I think it’s time this genre was taken out back and shot.” And he is right. To badly paraphrase Adorno: After this, no more cruise stories. It is unfair to put a thinking person on a cruise ship. Writers typically have difficult childhoods, and it is cruel to remind them of the inherent loneliness that drove them to writing in the first place. It is also unseemly to write about the kind of people who go on cruises. Our country does not provide the education and upbringing that allow its citizens an interior life. For the creative class to point fingers at the large, breasty gentlemen adrift in tortilla-chip-laden pools of water is to gather a sour harvest of low-hanging fruit.

A day or two before I got off the ship, I decided to make use of my balcony, which I had avoided because I thought the view would only depress me further. What I found shocked me. My suite did not look out on Central Park after all. This entire time, I had been living in the ship’s Disneyland, Surfside, the neighborhood full of screaming toddlers consuming milkshakes and candy. And as I leaned out over my balcony, I beheld a slight vista of the sea and surf that I thought I had been missing. It had been there all along. The sea was frothy and infinite and blue-green beneath the span of a seagull’s wing. And though it had been trod hard by the world’s largest cruise ship, it remained.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “A Meatball at Sea.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

• Need help? 0344 493 2043 0344 493 2043
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman

St. Maarten

• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Stay Packages
• Alaska & Galapagos Packages
• Family Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Overnight Stays Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises

Destination Highlights

• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW

Celebrity Constellation®

• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®

Celebrity Reflection®

Celebrity Silhouette®

• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% Off 2nd Guest + Savings Bonus
• Fly to Europe from £1
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail from £129pp
• 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
• Exciting Deals
• Cruise and Stay Packages
• Bluelight & Military Offers
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Enjoy up to 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get up to £200 savings bonus per room.*

2024 Caribbean Cruises

In 2024/2025, you can sail through the breathtaking islands of the Caribbean in Celebrity style.  We’re making island hopping in paradise better than ever. For the first time, we’re taking you to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination.

Also for the first time, we’re adding Port Canaveral to the list of Florida cities we sail from, so you have even more places to start your journey. With all the new we’ve added to the Caribbean, you’re sure to find exactly what you want for an unforgettable getaway. 

Embark on a journey beyond the beaches with the only premium cruise line that can take you there.

Itineraries

Our ships sailing to caribbean in 2024 and 2025.

Celebrity Apex℠

Celebrity Ascent℠

Celebrity Beyond℠

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Summit

Departure Ports

Fort Lauderdale

Port Canaveral

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Puerto Plata

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Learn More About Our New Season of 2024 Caribbean Cruises

When you explore the islands with us, you’ll experience so much more than breathtaking beaches (although, we suggest you give those a look, too). On a Celebrity vacation in the islands, you’ll go beyond the beach to climb, hike, swim, bike, or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Nature lovers will discover the Caribbean is a never-ending show of wonders—from lush mountain peaks and rainforests with hidden waterfalls to dazzling coral reefs bustling with tropical fish.

Culture seekers and history buffs will be excited to explore ancient Maya ruins, colonial towns, and sampling some of the local wine, beer, or rum. A Celebrity Caribbean vacation is the ultimate experience in paradise—both on board and off.

• Need help? 1800 003 002 1800 003 002
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Shore Excursions
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman

St. Maarten

• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antartic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• All Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean

Perfect Day at CocoCay

• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Speciality Cruises
• Shore Excursions Overview

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex® NEW
• Celebrity Ascent℠ COMING SOON
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW

Celebrity Constellation®

• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®

Celebrity Reflection®

Celebrity Silhouette®

• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Sunset Sky Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Manage Cruise
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• All Included
• Up to 75% Off 2nd Guest
• Europe $500 Flight Credit
• 2023 Australia & New Zealand Cruises
• 2023 Celebrity Beyond Cruises
• View All Offers
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

2024 Caribbean Cruises

In 2024/2025, you can sail through the breathtaking islands of the Caribbean in Celebrity style.  We’re making island hopping in paradise better than ever. For the first time, we’re taking you to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination.

Also for the first time, we’re adding Port Canaveral to the list of Florida cities we sail from, so you have even more places to start your journey. With all the new we’ve added to the Caribbean, you’re sure to find exactly what you want for an unforgettable getaway. 

Embark on a journey beyond the beaches with the only Relaxed Luxury® cruise line that can take you there.

Itineraries

Our ships sailing to caribbean in 2024 and 2025.

Celebrity Apex℠

Celebrity Ascent℠

Celebrity Beyond℠

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Summit

Departure Ports

Fort Lauderdale

Port Canaveral

Destination Highlights

Puerto Plata

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Learn More About Our New Season of 2024 Caribbean Cruises

When you explore the islands with us, you’ll experience so much more than breathtaking beaches (although, we suggest you give those a look, too). On a Celebrity vacation in the islands, you’ll go beyond the beach to climb, hike, swim, bike, or chill in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Nature lovers will discover the Caribbean is a never-ending show of wonders—from lush mountain peaks and rainforests with hidden waterfalls to dazzling coral reefs bustling with tropical fish.

Culture seekers and history buffs will be excited to explore ancient Maya ruins, colonial towns, and sampling some of the local wine, beer, or rum. A Celebrity Caribbean vacation is the ultimate experience in paradise—both on board and off.

'Drunk' 20-year-old man missing after jumping off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

• A 20-year-old man on holiday with his family jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise. 
• The man has been missing since jumping overboard in front of his father and brother.
• The US Coast Guard has launched a search operation. 

A 20-year-old man jumped off the Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas cruise on Thursday morning while vacationing with his family.

The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, jumped overboard at about 4 a.m. and has been missing since.

The US Coast Guard said on X on Thursday that its crews were "searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship near The Bahamas.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement: "Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time."

Passengers on the Liberty of the Seas ship described the tragedy as a "spur-of-the-moment decision."

Passenger Bryan Sims told the New York Post that the missing passenger was "pretty drunk" and that they had hung out in the hot tub until 3:30 a.m.

Sims said that when they left the hot tub, they encountered the drunk passenger's father while approaching the elevators.

"His dad was fussing at him for being drunk," said Sims.

The unidentified passenger reportedly told his father, "I'll fix this right now," and jumped out of the window.

Fellow passengers said his father and brother witnessed the "impulsive" leap.

Related stories

Deborah Morrison, another passenger on board the cruise, told the Post that "there was a lot of yelling and that the crew was alerted immediately."

"The ship's crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search," the Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

The US Coast Guard said USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews were conducting the search.

#Breaking @USCG crews are searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship 57 miles from Great Inagua this morning. USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews are conducting the search. #USCG #SAR pic.twitter.com/zZPpKOdyCn — USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 4, 2024

The Liberty of the Seas departed from South Florida and was 57 miles from Great Inagua in The Bahamas when the passenger jumped overboard.

The cruise ship has 18 decks and can accommodate 3,634 passengers, served by a crew of about 1,300.

The chances of you falling overboard off a cruise ship are extremely low .

In 2023, About 31 million passengers traveled on a cruise, and about 10 people went overboard, of which two miraculously survived, Business Insider reported .

"Even one incident is one too many," CLIA told Business Insider, explaining that "the vast majority of cases are either reckless behavior or some form of intentional act. People don't just inadvertently fall over the side of a ship."

Last month, a 23-year-old man who felt seasick fell overboard from the MSC Euribia cruise ship while crossing the North Sea in Europe and was presumed dead.

In December, an MSC Cruises passenger jumped from one of its ships while sailing from Europe to South America.

According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, only 28.2% of passengers who fell overboard from 2009 to 2019 were successfully rescued.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

• Main content

Travel | Royal Caribbean cruise ship rerouting…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

e-Pilot Evening Edition

• Restaurants, Food and Drink
• Home and Garden
• Lottery numbers and winners
• Games and Puzzles

Things To Do

Travel | royal caribbean cruise ship rerouting operations to norfolk from baltimore.

Nauticus will host a Royal Caribbean cruise ship’s calls in April that were originally planned for Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Vision of the Seas , a 2,500-passenger vessel, was scheduled to return to Baltimore on April 4, but will instead debark its guests in Norfolk, according to a Nauticus news release. Many passengers will take buses back to their vehicles in Baltimore.

The ship will depart for two additional cruises from Norfolk on April 4 and April 12, returning a final time April 19.

Vision of the Seas will join another Baltimore-based cruise ship, Carnival Legend, in rerouting its operations to Norfolk after the bridge collapse curtailed ship traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore.

The bridge collapsed Tuesday, killing six people on a construction crew working on the span, after the cargo ship Dali hit one of its supports.

As cruise ships reroute to Nauticus, the Port of Virginia is ready to receive diverted cargo traffic from the Port of Baltimore. The collapsed bridge blocks the only channel in and out of the port on the Patapsco River. The port will be unable to receive shipping traffic until the channel is cleared , and stands to lose an estimated $15 million per day in economic activity.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]

More in Travel

Things To Do | What a trip: A family affair in Colorado

Travel | Dynamic pricing is coming for everything in travel

Travel | Charming Ojai is Hollywood’s playground for a reason

Business | The latest in go gear from the 2024 Travel Goods Show

Trending nationally.

• What you need to know about next week’s total solar eclipse
• What lies below: Pipeline beneath Key Bridge wreckage complicates an already complex cleanup
• Do they still make pinball machines? They do, in a huge new factory near O’Hare — with most selling to the 1 percent
• 2024’s ‘extremely active’ hurricane season could bring 23 named storms, experts say
• 99 Cents Only to close all 371 of its stores

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.