Ten nights south to the ABCs and the Windwards: longer, warmer and more varied than the standard week, with English, Dutch and French islands in one trip. The extra days are the point.
The route at a glance
Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Cape Liberty (New York), or one-way from San Juan. Typical calls: Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Maarten, with 4-5 sea days on northern departures. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Holland America run the main programs. Port guides: Barbados, Aruba, St. Maarten.
Who this route suits
Best for experienced cruisers, beach connoisseurs and travelers who want variety over ten days without flying to Europe. The 4-5 sea days from Florida or New York suit sea-day lovers; San Juan departures trade them for more islands.
What it costs
Inside cabins run $800-1,400 per person, balcony $1,500-2,500, plus $150-200 in fees and gratuities. San Juan departures are often cheaper per day. Shoulder season (May, early December) cuts prices 20-30%. Full budget breakdown: what a Caribbean cruise costs.
The five-minute version
- Ten nights from Florida, New York or San Juan.
- Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Lucia.
- 4-5 sea days from northern homeports.
- Inside $800-1,400, balcony $1,500-2,500.
- The step up from the standard week.
- Southern itineraries often turn in Bridgetown: Barbados Port Inc.'s terminal has shops and tour desks on-site, and Visit Barbados maps public beach access at Carlisle Bay.