When is the best time to cruise in the Caribbean?

Cruises to Caribbean destinations make for a seriously rewarding trip at any time of year. Many passengers may choose to plan their Caribbean holiday to coincide with the region’s dry season, which takes place between November and March. Various events and festival also take place during this period, such as Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day on November 1 – which features parades and street parties filled with food, drink and music – and Grenada Sailing Week in January, an exciting event on the sporting calendar that’s also lots of fun for spectators. But, with plenty of itineraries to pick from across the entire year, cruise holidays to the Caribbean’s many enticing countries are an enticing prospect in any month.

What's the weather like in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean has a tropical climate, meaning Caribbean cruises are generally hot and sunny all year round. In the dry season, which generally falls between November and March, there is less humidity and rainfall, and temperatures are slightly cooler, making this a good time to visit if you’re looking to avoid hoter spells. In the wetter season, which usually falls between May and October, temperatures are higher with greater humidity and some periods of thundery showers.

Where do Caribbean cruises depart from?

MSC Cruises’ holidays to the Caribbean embark from a range of ports in the USA and Barbados, which can be reached easily with Fly-Cruise packages, meaning it's simple and easy to book a Caribbean holiday to suit you. The main embarkation ports for a Caribbean cruise with MSC Cruises are New York, Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando) in Florida. For Southern Caribbean cruises, the main embarkation port is Bridgetown in Barbados. MSC Cruises’ Fly-Cruise packages let you begin your holiday from a regional airport close to home, making your holiday smooth and simple from the outset. Fly to Miami from UK airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Newcastle, Manchester, Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Or fly to Bridgetown, Barbados, from London Heathrow to cruise around the Southern Caribbean with ease.

Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in the Caribbean?

Cruises to the Caribbean and cruises to Southern Caribbean destinations with MSC Cruises visit a vast range of inviting ports in each of the many nations of the region. Ports visited across the spread of itineraries include Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, Nassau in the Bahamas, Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Georgetown in the Cayman Islands, Cozumel in Mexico, Bridgetown in Barbados, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Fort-de-France in Martinique. All these ports are destinations in themselves and can be enjoyed as part of any Caribbean holiday, before sailing on to the next inviting stop.

How much is a Caribbean cruise?

The cost of a Caribbean cruise will vary depending on the itinerary, length of the cruise and the type of cabin chosen, but it’s well worth remembering that MSC Cruises offers a huge selection of itineraries to suit all budgets. With so many Caribbean cruise deals available for all tastes and price ranges, it’ll be a breeze to find and secure your dream Caribbean holiday, whatever you’re planning on spending.

What to wear on a Caribbean cruise?

For MSC Cruises’ Caribbean cruise holidays, it’s recommended to pack casual wear for daytime attire on board the ship, as well as a few more ‘polished’ or smarter looks for some evening dining occasions and events. Formal attire is also recommended for gala nights and themed parties, to allow you to really get into the spirit of the occasion. Bathing suits, workout/sports kit and comfortable shoes are also recommended to get the most out of the many amenities onboard your ship. When embarking on shore excursions in the Caribbean, bring clothing that’s suitable for both warm and cooler temperatures. Clothing that offers adequate sun protection is recommended, as are light layers, including long-sleeved shirts, breathable trousers and light jumpers. Bathing suits, sun hats, sunglasses and waterproof sandals are recommended to enjoy beach destinations in the region, plus trainers or comfortable walking shoes for more active or nature-focused excursions.

How long is a Caribbean cruise?

MSC Cruises offers a range of itineraries for its Caribbean cruises, stretching between three and 21 nights, therefore providing plenty of flexibility. Shorter itineraries mostly focus on a smaller number of destinations and are ideal if you’re short on time or just want a quick jaunt to a beautiful location. Longer itineraries, meanwhile, offer a more leisurely pace and opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the Caribbean’s most beautiful settings. With so many options to choose from, there’s sure to be an itinerary to suit your schedule.

What is the currency of the Caribbean countries?

A number of currencies are used across the Caribbean’s various territories. The official currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar, the Mexican Peso is the currency in Mexico, in Jamaica the currency is the Jamaican Dollar, the Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso, the currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands Dollar and Barbados uses the Bajan Dollar. In Puerto Rico the official currency is US Dollars, and in fact, some other countries in the Caribbean will also accept US Dollars, although you may receive change in the official currency of the region you’re visiting.

What is the time zone in the Carribean?

Most Caribbean nations use either Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Atlantic Standard Time (AST). This means that the majority of Caribbean countries are either four or five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) in the UK.

What countries are part of a Caribbean cruise?

A Caribbean cruise with MSC Cruises transports guests to an array of bucket list-worthy destinations. Consider beginning your perfect Caribbean holiday by visiting the Bahamas, and take a trip to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises’ exclusive Bahamian private island) for a true taste of paradise. Here, it couldn't be simpler to live out those beach dreams, whether that’s a peaceful paddleboarding session or sitting back on the sands with a cocktail. Mexico, meanwhile, offers centuries of cultural discovery, including Mayan ruins, and first-rate cuisine. Jamaica provides ample natural wonders, like the stunning Dunn's River Falls, which can be zip-lined over if you’re feeling adventurous.

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With over 30 captivating ports of call, get ready to cruise to the Caribbean like never before. Go beach-hopping across the white-sand beaches of Grand Turk Island, Puerto Plata, and San Juan. Explore the rich history of ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico before ziplining over the lush rainforests of Honduras. Or head south for thrilling adventures—from the stunning waterfalls of Guadeloupe to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown in Barbados. Your Caribbean vacation awaits.

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