When sunshine, frozen pina coladas and steel drums call, you know it's time for a Caribbean cruise. Luckily, you can choose from a wide variety of ships and itineraries throughout the Eastern, Western and Southern regions. Whether you're keen on visiting a particular port (scuba diving in Grenada, anyone?) or are simply in need of some vitamin D, we make it easy to decide which option is best for you. Compare everything from onboard activities to price tags in our breakdown of the 10 best cruise ships in the Caribbean.
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1. Allure of the Seas
Standout Features
- Zipline that soars above nine decks.
- High-diving aerial performances at the AquaTheater.
- Main theater puts on production of Broadway's "Mamma Mia!".
Best For
- Families with tons of adrenaline.
- Active couples.
- Those who don't want to feel like they're on a cruise ship.
2. Carnival Vista
Standout Features
- A "floating" bicycle ride that soars above the ship's top deck.
- RedFrog Pub & Brewery offers tours and tastings of Carnival's own beer.
- Havana Bar serves up fabulous mojitos and ocean views.
Best For
- Families who want a nice balance of action and relaxation.
- Couples who prefer trendy bars, with microbrews and crafted cocktails.
- Those on a budget, who don't want to sacrifice fun.
3. Norwegian Escape
Standout Features
- Oceanfront promenade offers alfresco dining and bars.
- Broadway entertainment includes Tony Award-winning musical "After Midnight."
- Spa features snow room and salt room.
Best For
- Families with picky eaters.
- Couples who love to bar-hop.
- Active solo travelers, who like Escape's Studio cabins for one.
4. MSC Seaside
Standout Features
- Yacht Club offers more exclusive suites and secluded pool deck.
- Adults-only pool offers soothing views from the back of the ship.
- Wide variety of dining, including Asian venue by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi.
Best For
- Families who can take advantage of MSC's kids-sail-free policy.
- Couples who want to relax by day and let loose at night.
- Foodies keen on Italian cuisine.
5. Celebrity Equinox
Standout Features
- Grass-covered sun deck, great for sunbathing, grilling and picnics.
- AquaClass cabins offer perks like thermal suite access and a healthier room service menu.
- Cruise Critic award-winning restaurants and bars.
Best For
- Sophisticated couples.
- Discerning foodies and cocktail connoisseurs.
- Those who want a more upscale feel without breaking the bank.
6. Disney Fantasy
Standout Features
- Roomier-than-average standard cabins.
- Animator's Palate restaurant brings placemat drawings to life.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess and pirate makeovers.
Best For
- Families whose kids want to feel like superheroes.
- Multigenerational groups willing to splurge.
- Couples who love Disney.
7. Regal Princess
Standout Features
- Excellent pools, including one tucked away on the back of the ship.
- Piazza atrium offers restaurants, bars and entertainment.
- Adults-only pool and sun deck, with cozy loungers and cabana massages.
Best For
- Couples who love to sip and socialize.
- Multigenerational groups who don't need all the "mainstream gimmicks".
- Cruisers with disabilities who need large accessible cabins and wide decks.
8. Koningsdam
Standout Features
- "Main Street" with live music venues, including B.B. King's Blues Club.
- Beautiful, two-tiered pool deck for daytime lounging and nighttime movies.
- Wine-making venue lets you blend and bottle your own creations.
Best For
- Couples who prefer a slower-paced vacation schedule.
- Those looking for a bigger ship (and more options) not overrun with kids.
- Foodies, thanks to quality restaurants and cooking classes.
9. Riviera
Standout Features
- Almost all specialty restaurants are free of charge.
- Menus accommodate various diets, including vegan.
- "Hidden" spa deck open late, for the ultimate stargazing.
Best For
- Die-hard foodies with an appetite for enrichment.
- Art lovers, thanks to a studio and professional-led classes.
- Those who want a taste of the high life without paying luxury cruise price tags.
10. Royal Clipper
Standout Features
- Onboard marina offers kayaks, paddleboards and other water toys.
- One day per cruise is dedicated to a beach barbecue.
- Bridge has an open-door policy for marine navigation geeks.
Best For
- Non-cruisers who love sailing.
- Active couples.
- Those who want to take a trip back in time.
Updated January 21, 2020
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