Quick answer
The Caribbean has cruises all year, but December to April is the dry, sunny peak. Hurricane season runs June to November, with lower fares; ships reroute around storms. Most cruises leave from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral or Galveston.
- Cruise season
- Year-round
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
- Typical length
- 3–14 nights
- Main departure ports
- Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, San Juan, Barbados
- Popular ports
- Nassau, Cozumel, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Roatán
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 27
Why cruise here
- Private islands run by the cruise lines
- Short 3–5 night trips are ideal for first-timers
- Southern Caribbean is outside the main hurricane belt
Weather by month in Nassau
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 26 |
| Avg low °C | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 18 |
| Rain days | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 6 |
Ports of call
- Nassau
- Cozumel
- St. Thomas
- St. Maarten
- Barbados
- Aruba
- Grand Cayman
- Roatán
- private islands
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing Caribbean & Bahamas
Mainstream ocean cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- AIDA Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)
- Marella Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Virgin Voyages
- Margaritaville at Sea
Premium ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
- Seabourn
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Crystal
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Four Seasons Yachts
- Explora Journeys
- SeaDream Yacht Club
- Star Clippers
Coastal, sailing & small-ship cruises
Visas for Caribbean & Bahamas cruises
Cruises from US ports need a US visa (or ESTA for eligible passports) even if you never leave the ship in a US port. Caribbean islands each have their own rules; many waive visas for cruise passengers in transit.
Guides: US visa (B1/B2).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Caribbean & Bahamas?
The cruise season is Year-round; the best months are January, February, March, April, December.
Do I need a visa for a Caribbean & Bahamas cruise?
Cruises from US ports need a US visa (or ESTA for eligible passports) even if you never leave the ship in a US port. Caribbean islands each have their own rules; many waive visas for cruise passengers in transit.
How long is a typical Caribbean & Bahamas cruise?
Most are 3–14 nights, usually from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral.
Which cruise lines sail Caribbean & Bahamas?
Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Marella Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Margaritaville at Sea and 15 more.
Is it safe to cruise in hurricane season?
Yes, generally. Ships track storms and change their route, which can mean a different port or an extra sea day. Fares are lower from June to November. Southern Caribbean itineraries (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire) are usually least affected.