What is the best month to cruise the Caribbean?

December is generally the best month to cruise the Caribbean. At this time of year, temperatures reach an average high of 28 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit) and the rainy season, which typically hits in October, has long since passed. Similarly, November is also a good month for embarking on a Caribbean cruise.

What languages are spoken in the Caribbean?

Throughout the Caribbean you'll hear a variety of languages spoken, from Dutch and Papiamento in Aruba to French in Martinique and Spanish in Puerto Rico. By far the most widely spoken language in the Caribbean however is English.

The pitons in St. Lucia as seen from Jade Mountain Resort.; Shutterstock ID 1033001713; Invoice Number: -

Cruises to the Caribbean.

The Caribbean islands have captivated visitors for centuries with their natural beauty and year-round warm climate. A myriad of influences shine through in the cuisine, language and buildings from island to island; all while retaining the same friendly, laid-back spirit.

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Featured Caribbean cruises.

Explore the Caribbean.

Catamaran sailing with tourists with a caribbean island behind at sunset.; Shutterstock ID 112369550; Invoice Number: -

Our guide to the Caribbean.

We round up the highlights to see on shore, the islands to visit and the best time of year to travel, along with expert tips about where to eat, how to dress, and what to pack for your Caribbean cruise.

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Caribbean destinations.

Explore the Caribbean ports we visit, each with their own influences in cuisine, language and architecture, but all with the same friendly, laid-back spirit.

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Beautiful summer afternoon at the outer wall with sentry box of fort San Felipe del Morro in old San Juan in Puerto Rico; Shutterstock ID 422184907; Invoice Number: -

Caribbean shore experiences.

Explore steamy jungles, sapphire waters and white sand beaches on these varied colourful islands, with recommendations to suit all types of travellers.

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Your Caribbean questions answered

Caribbean cruises 2022.

Caribbean cruises from Southampton.

With our no-fly Caribbean cruises, you can sail roundtrip from Southampton without having to worry about baggage limitations or flight connections, so you can sail away stress-free and in style.

Be inspired.

Colourful cuisine and fun-filled activities aren't just for visits to shore: on a Cunard cruise, your on board experience is sure to be just as magical. Read our articles for inspiration from on board and on shore, and start planning your future Cunard adventure.

The Pickering's Gin tap in use at the Gin and Fizz Bar on board Cunard's Queen Victoria.
Picture date: Monday June 5, 2017.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

The cocktail hour.

From classic serves to our signature twists, we talk mixed spirits with our Head Mixologist and discover an exciting new cocktail to make from home.

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Bottom Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean island of Barbados. It is a tropical paradise with palms hanging over turquoise sea; Shutterstock ID 240068395

Hidden depths.

The Caribbean has so much more to offer than pristine white-sand beaches. Join us as we discover four exciting islands you could visit on a Cunard cruise, along with some culinary delights to tickle the tastebuds.

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A group of friends play shuffleboard on deck on Queen Mary 2

A world of possibilities.

Dip your toe into the Cunard experience as we explore a dozen ways to spend your time on board, from exciting guest speakers and theatre to fitness and art classes.

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Frequently asked questions about the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is famous for its white-sand beaches and laid-back way of life; a theme that continues across all island groups in this enchanting part of the world. While Caribbean cruise itineraries differ in their port calls, Caribbean cruise highlights include the Shirley Heights viewpoint and the UNESCO site of Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua together with the UNESCO listed city of Bridgetown and the St Nicholas Abbey plantation house on Barbados. The Atlantis Submarine tour, which takes you 150 feet beneath sea level, is another fantastic Caribbean cruise experience, offering the chance to see the region's tropical marine life on a magical underwater adventure.

If you're visiting the Caribbean then beachwear is a must. The islands that make up the Caribbean are home to some of the world's most beautiful white-sand beaches, so be sure to pack a few changes of swimwear as between the beach and the pools on your ship you'll have plenty of opportunities to take a dip. A cover-up you can slip on easily is also a great item to pack for a Caribbean cruise, particularly if you're planning on stopping for lunch at a beach bar or at your ship's restaurant.

Comfortable sandals and flip-flops are essential, as is a shoe you can easily walk in if you wish to explore on foot. As for eveningwear, dresses or one or two smart suits and shirts are perfect for formal evenings on board, while smart casual shorts, shirts, polos and summer dresses will help you to feel comfortable around the ship in the daytime and while ashore.

Caribbean weather is renowned for being warm and inviting, with temperatures averaging between 24-29 degrees Celsius (75-84 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round. The wet season typically occurs between May and October, while other months of the year tend to be dry. Hurricane season is July to October, although storms are not a given even at this time of year. Most Caribbean cruises sail in November and December to take advantage of the lower humidity, pleasant temperatures and drier days.

Most Caribbean islands accept a form of local dollar, while some will also take US dollars and one or two accept euro. If you're hoping to bring home a Caribbean souvenir or buy a drink while in port, these are the currencies you'll need for each island:

Antigua & Barbuda - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Aruba - Aruban florin (AWG), The Bahamas - Bahamian dollar (BSD), (US dollars widely accepted), Barbados - Barbadian dollar (BBD), Belize - Belize dollar (BZD), Bonaire - USD, British Virgin Islands - USD, Curacao - Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), Dominica - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Grenada - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Guadeloupe - Euro (although US Dollars can be used), Honduras - Lempira (HNL), Martinique - Euro (although US Dollars can be used), Puerto Rico - USD, Saint Kitts & Nevis - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Saint Lucia - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), St Martin - Euro (although US Dollars can be used unofficially), Saint Vincent - East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), Trinidad & Tobago - Trinidad & Tobago Dollar, Turks & Caicos Islands - USD, US Virgin Islands - USD

Caribbean destinations you can sail to with Cunard include Antigua, The Azores, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Martinique, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Thomas, Saint Vincent, Tortola, Turks & Caicos Islands.

New itineraries are released regularly so be sure to check our cruises for an up to date list of exciting destinations.

Tropical paradise lagoon, clear turquoise water and coral rock islands, Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island National Park of the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan; Shutterstock ID 353558537; Invoice Number: -

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