Caribbean cruises

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.

Be sure to check out our captivating Cunard Stories article for more inspiration: East vs West: Caribbean cruise routes

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.

To learn more, take a moment to read our Cunard Stories article: When is the best time for a Caribbean cruise?

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.

You'll find more outfit inspiration and packing guidance for your Caribbean cruise in our Cunard Stories article: What to pack for a Caribbean cruise

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.

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.