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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Caribbean Special Offers.

Enjoy these limited-time offers on our Caribbean voyages. You can experience a luxurious voyage with Cunard to the powder soft sands of the Caribbean, sailing roundtrip New York and Fort Lauderdale.

Featured Caribbean cruises.

Worth knowing.

Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy skyline and harbor in the West Indies of the Caribbean.; Shutterstock ID 786055612

Island paradise.

The Caribbean consists of over 7,000 islands, islets and reefs, ranging from over 40,000 square miles (Cuba) to only 5 (Saba). The islands enjoy a warm climate all year round that rarely dips below 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an ideal destination for many travelers.

Caribbean island of Barbados palm trees shutterstock 181844198

Beaches and beyond.

White sands and swaying palms are commonly associated with this region, but that isn’t all the Caribbean has to offer. Towering peaks reach over 9 km into the sky, lush valleys and plantations stretch for miles, and coral reefs teem with life offshore.

Kayaking in tropical paradise - Canoe floating on transparent turquoise water, caribbean sea, Belize, Cayes islands; Shutterstock ID 1046802043; Invoice Number: -

Exciting experiences.

Go diving in crystal waters, play dominoes with the locals, and hike stunning coastal trails in an attempt to spot rare birds. Local fare is an utterly delicious fusion of African, Cajun, European, Middle Eastern and Latin American cuisines, to name a few.

Your Caribbean questions answered

Caribbean cruise destinations.

St. John’s, Antigua.

Famously dusted with pristine white sands and pulsating to the rhythm of steel drums, Antigua is a real Caribbean treat. Visit Shirley Heights, a fortress dominating the entry to the English Harbor.

From the bustling bijou port of St. John’s, tour to Shirley Heights, and the fortress entrance to English Harbour. Historic Nelson's dockyard warehouses now feature a variety of shops and restaurants.

Explore St. John’s

Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Despite its French flavor, Martinique is classic Caribbean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it sits serenely between Dominica and St. Lucia, and is every inch as beautiful and relaxed as its neighbors.

Fruit crops flourish in the rich volcanic soil surrounding Mt. Pelée. This semi-active volcano devastated former capital St. Pierre in 1902 and a tour of the ruins is a fascinating day trip.

Explore Fort-de-France

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

Bridgetown, Barbados.

Barbados is one of the most well-known and beautiful islands in the eastern Caribbean. It is part of the British Commonwealth and is named after the Bearded Fig Tree, which was once found in abundance.

Barbados is an island where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand. White sandy beaches stretch for miles while snorkeling and sailing are some of the world-class water sports on offer.

Explore Bridgetown

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Caribbean cruises 2022.

Caribbean cruises from New York.

Combine a visit to the legendary New York City with a voyage south to the white-sand shores and turquoise seas of the Caribbean.

Caribbean shore experiences.

Find out more about Cunard shore experiences

Be inspired.

Colorful 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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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 theater to fitness and art classes.

Find out more

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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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