Compare: 10 Best Cruise Ships in The Bahamas and the Caribbean
Book the best ships and you increase your odds of having the best cruise vacation. So how do you know which ships are the best for The Bahamas and Caribbean cruise destinations? In general, you want a ship that not only gets you to stunning ports of call, but one that makes it a hard choice between getting off the ship or staying onboard to enjoy all the ship has to offer.
Whether you crave mega ships with a lively vibe or a laid-back lounge chair atmosphere, there’s a ship (or two or three) that suits you and your travel companions. We’ve scoured the ship reviews and the itineraries to find the top choices. Here’s our list of the 10 best cruise ships in The Bahamas and the Caribbean to kickstart your beach dreaming.
On This Page
- MSC Meraviglia Has Extended-length Cruise Options With a Bermuda Bonus
- Norwegian Escape May Be the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Singles
- Liberty of the Seas Gets You in the Caribbean Flow
- Harmony of the Seas is Your Caribbean Cruise Choice When You Want to Go Big
- Celebrity Equinox is the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Sophisticated Relaxation
- MSC Seaside Rocks the Lesser-known Islands of the Caribbean
- Carnival Mardi Gras is the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Mega Fun
- Scarlet Lady Turns Cruising in The Bahamas and Caribbean Upside Down
- Caribbean Princess is Your Laid-back Option for Cruising in the Caribbean
- Disney Wish is the Newest Disney Ship in the Bahamas and the Caribbean
1. MSC Meraviglia Has Extended-length Cruise Options With a Bermuda Bonus
Deployment
Homeports: New York (Brooklyn)
Destinations: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; King’s Wharf, Bermuda; and Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on MSC Meraviglia in the Caribbean
Ship-within-a-ship Yacht Club expands your pool and dining options.
More indoor attractions and dining than sister ship Seaside, including a huge spa and thermal suite.
Nightly themed parties in the Galleria.
MSC Meraviglia is Best in the Caribbean For:
Multi-generational families
Spa lovers.
Caribbean cruisers who’ve never experienced Bermuda.
Learn More About MSC Meraviglia:
Meraviglia Class vs. Seaside Class on MSC Cruises
Word on the Street: MSC Meraviglia Reviews
2. Norwegian Escape May Be the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Singles
Norwegian Escape, like many of its sister ships, has studio cabins for solo travelers. And they aren’t hidden on the lower decks – look for them on decks ten through twelve along with NCL’s exclusive Studio Lounge for snacks, activities and meet and greets for solos. Plus, the 4,248-passenger floating resort has enough restaurants and bars to make it almost impossible to try them all in a single cruise.
It also has myriad activities for all ages, including a waterfall grotto, ropes course and some of the fastest water slides at sea.
Deployment
Homeports: New York (Manhattan); Miami; Port Canaveral; and Galveston.
Destinations: Great Stirrup Caye, Bahamas; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Norwegian Escape in the Caribbean
Oceanfront promenade offers alfresco dining and bars.
Aqua park and kids aqua park.
Spa features snow room and salt room.
Norwegian Escape is Best in the Caribbean For:
Families with picky eaters.
Couples who love to bar-hop.
Active solo travelers, who like Escape's Studio cabins for one.
Learn More About Norwegian Escape:
3. Liberty of the Seas Gets You in the Caribbean Flow
Liberty of the Seas has been a fan favorite for years. It’s fully loaded with waterslides and top deck attractions, but it’s not one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest, which tends to make it more affordable than the biggest, newest ships. Let’s look at why it’s ranked as one of the best cruise ships in the Caribbean.
Deployment
Homeports: Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Bayonne, New Jersey
Destinations: Nassau and CocoCay, Bahamas; Labadee, Haiti; La Romana and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Liberty of the Seas in the Caribbean
Flow rider surf simulator, plus the Perfect Storm duo of slides, Tidal Wave raft ride and Splashaway Bay mini-waterpark.
Ice skating and ice shows – where else are you going to find that in the Caribbean?
Adults-only solarium pool.
Liberty of the Seas is Best in the Caribbean For:
Families with teens and tots.
Cruisers who love all the bells and whistles, but don’t need them to be on the newest ship
Indoor entertainment lovers.
Learn More About Liberty of the Seas:
4. Harmony of the Seas is Your Caribbean Cruise Choice When You Want to Go Big
Harmony of the Seas is your ship if you have a "bigger is better" mentality when it comes to cruise ships. The 5,400-passenger behemoth feels more like a floating resort than a ship, thanks to its Coney Island-style boardwalk; array of restaurants, bars and activities; and double the fun with two rock climbing walls, surf simulators and both wet and dry thrill slides.
Deployment
Homeports: Miami and Galveston.
Destinations: Nassau and CocoCay, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Kitts; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Harmony of the Seas in the Caribbean
Zipline that soars above nine decks.
High-diving aerial performances at the AquaTheater.
Main theater puts on production of Broadway's “Grease".
Harmony of the Seas is Best in the Caribbean For
Families with tons of adrenaline.
Active couples.
Those who don't want to feel like they're on a cruise ship.
Learn More About Harmony of the Seas:
5. Celebrity Equinox is the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Sophisticated Relaxation
Celebrity Equinox is a shining example of what the line calls “modern luxury.” The 2,850-passenger ship is bold, chic and sophisticated -- from its decor, such as a live tree adorning the atrium, to its features, which include some of the best dining in mainstream cruising as well as a wide variety of suites. On sunny days, head to the Lawn Club for a game of bocce or a picnic with wine and cheese.
Deployment
Homeports: Fort Lauderdale
Destinations: Nassau and Bimini, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Aruba; Bonaire; Curacao; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Maarten; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Celebrity Equinox in the Caribbean
Grass-covered sun deck, great for sunbathing, grilling and picnics.
AquaClass cabins offer perks like thermal suite access and a healthier room service menu.
Perks and a private dining room (Luminae) for suite guests in The Retreat.
Celebrity Equinox is Best in the Caribbean For
Sophisticated couples.
Discerning foodies and cocktail connoisseurs.
Those who want a more upscale feel without breaking the bank.
Learn More About Celebrity Equinox:
6. MSC Seaside Rocks the Lesser-known Islands of the Caribbean
MSC Seaside was made for sailing the Caribbean. Its ports of call break the mold of what a mega ship is supposed to do in the Caribbean. Imagine yourself exploring the tiny islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines or learning about chocolate making in Grenada. A stunning ship design and itineraries way off the beaten track are what puts Seaside on this 10 best list.
Deployment
Homeports: Port Canaveral; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Barbados.
Destinations: Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Castries, St. Lucia; St. George, Grenada; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. Maarten; St. Kitts; Roseau, Dominica; Antigua and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on MSC Seaside in the Caribbean
Yacht Club offers more exclusive suites and a secluded pool deck.
Adults-only pool offers soothing views from the back of the ship.
Wide variety of dining, including Asian venue by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi.
MSC Seaside is Best in the Caribbean For
Families who can take advantage of MSC's kids-sail-free policy.
Couples who want to relax by day and let loose at night.
Foodies keen on Italian cuisine.
Learn More About MSC Seaside:
7. Carnival Mardi Gras is the Best Cruise Ship in the Caribbean for Mega Fun
Carnival Mardi Gras (and sister ship Celebration) premiered the line’s newest Excel class. Mardi Gras shows off loads of new design features exclusive to the class, including a side atrium, fun-themed “neighborhoods” and a top-deck roller coaster on a ship that’s 35 percent larger than previous Carnival ship classes.
Your Carnival food favorites are still here alongside new eateries like Emeril’s and Rudi’s Seagrille from Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.
Deployment
Homeports: Port Canaveral
Destinations: Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Nassau, Bahamas; Gran Turk, Turks and Caicos; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and St. Maarten.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Carnival Mardi Gras in the Caribbean
Bolt – the first roller coaster at sea.
Guy Fieri’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse offers its craft own beer.
Havana Bar serves up fabulous mojitos and ocean views.
Carnival Mardi Gras is Best in the Caribbean For
Families who want a nice balance of action and relaxation.
Couples who prefer trendy bars, with microbrews and crafted cocktails.
Those on a budget, who don't want to sacrifice fun.
Learn More About Carnival Mardi Gras:
8. Scarlet Lady Turns Cruising in The Bahamas and Caribbean Upside Down
Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise ship set out to break the cruise ship mold – and it succeeded. Don’t show up expecting buffet lines and traditional cruise cabins. Come instead for something completely different and go home with a tattoo reminder of that time you cruised the Caribbean without feeling like you were on a cruise ship.
Deployment
Homeports: Miami.
Destinations: Bimini, Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Key West; and Cozumel, Mexico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Scarlet Lady in the Caribbean
Razzle Dazzle- a vegetarian first restaurant.
The Beach Club at Bimini.
Shake for Champagne – use your app to order bubbly from anywhere on the ship.
Scarlet Lady is Best in the Caribbean For:
Cruisers with an itch to let their hair down.
Singles.
Gal-pal groups.
Learn More About Scarlet Lady:
9. Caribbean Princess is Your Laid-back Option for Cruising in the Caribbean
Caribbean Princess is prime for those who seek a more refined atmosphere but don't want to sacrifice fun. It’s a ship with glamorous décor and panoramic views, yet passengers can still enjoy fun favorites like Movies Under the Stars and a bar-lined, high-energy atrium that hosts activities, music and dancing. There's also the occasional pool game; just don't expect any belly flop contests.
Deployment
Homeports: Fort Lauderdale
Destinations: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Princess Cays, Bahamas; Gran Turk, Turks and Caicos; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Maarten; and Majahual, Mexico.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Caribbean Princess in the Caribbean
Excellent pools, including one tucked away on the back of the ship.
Piazza atrium offers restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Adults-only pool and sun deck, with cozy loungers and cabana massages.
Caribbean Princess is Best in the Caribbean For:
Couples who love to sip and socialize.
Multigenerational groups who don't need all the "mainstream gimmicks".
Cruisers with disabilities who need large accessible cabins and wide decks.
Learn More About Caribbean Princess:
10.Disney Wish is the Newest Disney Ship in the Bahamas and the Caribbean
Disney Wish has it all when it comes to family cruising. The 4,000-passenger ship wows little ones with character meet-and-greets and Disney theme park style entertainment and attractions. But kids aren't the ship's only focus. Adults have plenty of space for themselves. The District, for example, is a hub of multiple bars and lounges that enforces an "18 to enter, 21 to drink" policy after 9 p.m.
Deployment
Homeports: Port Canaveral
Destinations: Nassau and Castaway Cay, Bahamas.
Features and Coolest Things to Do on Disney Wish in the Caribbean
Roomier-than-average standard cabins.
Animator's Palate restaurant brings placemat drawings to life.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess and pirate makeovers.
Disney Wish is Best in the Caribbean For
Families whose kids want to feel like superheroes.
Multigenerational groups willing to splurge.
Couples who love Disney.
Learn More About Disney Wish:
Disney Wish Floats Out