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9 Night Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

• Liberty Of The Seas - Passenger Capacity:  3,798 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2007 Last Refurbished: 2016

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Liberty Of The Seas

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Eastern Caribbean

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Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey , Kings Wharf, Bermuda , Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos , La Romana, Dominican Republic , Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

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Royal Caribbean: 60% OFF 2nd Guest and Kids Free*

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• Itinerary & Pricing

9 Night Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean sailing on the Liberty Of The Seas

Departure dates: aug 2024 - aug 2025.

From $1,007

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars & include government taxes & fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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What’s the best Caribbean cruise for me?

Jul 15, 2024 • 9 min read

Whether you're a family of four or a solo adventure junkie, the Caribbean has a cruise for you. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images.

It feels like just about everyone is headed on a cruise ship, and for good reason. There’s a real appeal to embarking on a getaway where your travel plans are already sorted; you only have to unpack once and arrive each morning in an exciting port of call.

Plus, new ships are rolling out incredible bells and whistles that push the limits of fun at sea (think indoor skydiving, roller coasters, and go-karts). At the same time, the cruise industry has shifted towards sustainable efforts that have emerged as fundamental to modern cruising. 

Recent statistics from CLIA (the official Cruise Line International Association) show an increase of nearly two million passengers in 2023 (totaling 31.7 million) compared to pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

And there’s no more popular cruising region than the Caribbean , where upwards of 37 cruise lines with 154 ships rove the idyllic paradise of islands. With so many options, sorting out which ship and itinerary fits you best can be confusing. 

Here’s a handy guide to help determine which cruises are best for you, along with tips and advice to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a smooth sail. 

What Caribbean cruise is best for me?

Sailing for adventure.

Whether you're into ziplining through the rainforest, scuba diving one of the world’s largest coral reefs or swimming at the base of a waterfall, cruises throughout the Caribbean offer excellent opportunities for adventure.

Cruise ports known for high-octane activities include St-Martin (known for its superb scuba diving), Belize (cave-tubing and ziplining throughout rainforest treetops) and St Lucia (the Sapphire Falls Hike). 

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America have cruises that frequent these ports.

Best ships for families

Look for larger ships with kid-friendly pools, expansive kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s fleet features action-packed decks great for families with water slides, laser tag and mini golf. 

Disney Cruise Line’s fleet sails extensively throughout the Caribbean to ports that span from Cozumel , Mexico, to Willemstad , Curaçao. The line’s most common Caribbean offerings are shorter 3- and 4-night itineraries that are perfect for families looking for a short trip.

Cruise lines with private islands operate predominantly in the Bahamas , including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. These stops are great family destinations as they feature enclosed, private environments with kids' activities and the ease of charging everything to your sea pass card.  

Singles at sea

Cruises can be an excellent place for singles to mix and mingle. A standard cruise stateroom rate is usually calculated at a minimum two-adult rate. Singles wishing to book a standard stateroom are typically charged a single supplement fee ranging from 50% - 100% of their base fare. 

As the demand for single cruise accommodations grows, new ship builds include solo staterooms, both interior and with balconies. Look to Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Lines for some of the best accommodations for solo travelers. 

Most relaxing getaways

The most relaxing cruises sailing through the Caribbean tend to be the smaller ships focusing on a more “resort at sea” vibe. The higher-end ships with all-inclusive rates offer the luxury of seamless vacations. Windstar, Seabourn and Viking are the best lines for a relaxing cruise.

On these ships you’ll find daily activities that swap dance parties and poolside games for fitness-oriented activities like yoga and strength training classes, lectures on upcoming ports and ample lounge chairs to soak up the sun by the pool.

From your first step onboard, all your food and drinks (except for certain vintage wines and spirits), activities and sometimes your port excursions are included in your rate. 

Itineraries like the Viking Ocean Cruises’ West Indies Explorer sail a 10-day itinerary roundtrip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with stops that include Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts, Saint Kitts & Nevis and Roseau, Dominica. Rates for Viking Ocean Cruises include one shore excursion per port.

Best parties at sea

As the classic notion of cruising sunsets – goodbye white glove service, shuffleboard, Baked Alaska – a new era of fun is afloat.

Large ships are built to maximize fun, whether you're hopping pool parties, dancing the night away at late-night discos or cheering your team at rousing sports bars. Special interest cruises are also an excellent option for the most immersive fun at sea, whether that’s a full ship charter rock concert like the Rock Legends Cruise , a trip dedicated to Golden Girls fans , or an LGBTQ+ charter like VACAYA . 

Favorite lines that feature an upbeat party vibe include Margaritaville at Sea (particularly on their new Islander), Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line.

A quick getaway

You’ll find cruise lines are leaning into shorter itineraries that offer weekend getaways to nearby ports in the Caribbean. Most of these sailings are roundtrip from Florida’s top cruise ports: Miami , Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral). These are often 3- and 4-night sailings featuring a stop in The Bahamas or Bermuda . 

The vibe onboard is often more upbeat and celebratory, as guests do their best to maximize their limited time at sea. 

A few favorite lines for this style of travel include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (who is launching Utopia of the Seas this summer as its first-ever large-scale ship that will exclusively sail short getaways) and Disney Cruise Line.

An extended journey through the Caribbean

Smaller cruise lines offer longer, extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean; smaller ships can port far off the beaten path at more remote destinations. Itineraries like Seabourn’s “25-Day Captivating Antillean Treasures” sail to some of the lesser trafficked parts of the Caribbean including Marigot, St. Martin; Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis; and Sopers Hole (Frenchmans Cay), BVI. Lines like Silversea, Windstar Cruises and Azamara are favorites that route to these idyllic destinations. 

When should I go on my cruise?

There are sailings throughout the Caribbean year-round, with high season running from November through April. This period is known for its optimal sailing conditions and weather. 

You’ll find cheaper sailings during the hurricane season, typically July through September, though you risk the chance of your trip being canceled or rerouted to avoid inclement weather. 

Holiday sailings (particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve) are also excellent times to sail as cruise lines curate impressive decor and holiday-themed activities.

How do I know if my cruise line is operating sustainably? 

Conservation efforts have become a vital tenet of the future of cruising, with the industry gearing towards carbon-zero sailings by 2050 . Efforts underway include ship engines that run cleaner on alternative fuels, advanced wastewater systems that can better clean sewage water and exhaust gas cleaning systems to improve air quality at sea and in port. 

Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card is a great resource to assess a ship’s sustainability efforts. 

A few lines at the forefront of sustainable sailing include Ponant, Disney Cruise Line and Hurtigruten. Ponant recently became the first maritime cruise line to receive Green Globe certification, which recognizes the line’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.  The line has shifted away from heavy fuel oil and installed catalytic systems to reduce atmospheric emissions.

Disney Cruise Line aims to operate with carbon emissions at net zero by 2030, in part by shifting to alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil. 

Hurtigruten is currently developing a zero-emission propulsion ship, which is aiming to be unveiled by 2030. 

There are still a large number of travelers who oppose the notion of cruise ships for not only their impact on the environment, but on local economies as well. Groups like Friends of the Earth , CLIA and Oceana are excellent organizations devoted to regulating the cruise industry.  

Need to know before you go

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re booking a Caribbean cruise. 

Book in advance...

Cruise lines offer better rates further from your sailing date, often making sailings available to book more than a year out. The earlier you book, the better the selection of staterooms to choose from. 

Or take advantage of last minute deals

Cruise Plum is our go-to with a comprehensive overview of discounted inventories if you're angling for a last-minute getaway. 

Opt for third-party travel insurance for hurricane season protection

Travel insurance is the best way to ensure smooth sailings on your Caribbean cruise. Typical cruise insurance rates hover around 5 to 10% of your total trip cost. 

Don’t just opt into the cruise line’s designated insurance option; shop around on a platform like Squaremouth for the most value. 

Look for a plan specific to cruise travel, with coverage that includes compensation for delays, cancellations (particularly helpful during hurricane season), emergency medical, and the premium option of canceling for any reason (CFAR). 

Be hurricane-aware

Hurricane season in the Caribbean is typically July through September. The outlook for the 2024 season from NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season with the potential range of 8-13 hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph. 

Cruise lines work expeditiously to avoid sailing into the path of any major tropical storm or hurricane, often rerouting or shortening itineraries as threats arise. Cruises rarely encounter major storms as they’re able to chart the course of the weather and route accordingly. 

In the event you encounter a major storm while at sea, head to the middle of the ship where you’ll feel the rolling of the ship less, take over-the-counter aids like Dramamine or Bonine and keep your eyes on the horizon for stability balance.

You don’t necessarily need a passport 

Passports are not required for closed-loop sailings that begin and end at a US port. All you need is a boarding pass, a government photo ID (if you’re 16 years or older) and a certified birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization. 

However, keep in mind that you might not be able to disembark the ship at certain ports (those ports include Barbados , Martinique and St-Barthélemy ).

Third-party excursions can be a better value play

If you want to stretch your dollar further, consider booking with local tour operators before arriving at each port. It’s important to note that third-party excursions are the best when they’re morning-only activities. 

The ship won’t wait for you if you’re late returning from a third-party excursion. For full-day excursions, consider the line’s offerings, as the ship will wait for you, and there’s nothing worse than missing the boat.

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Protect Your Trip »

Cruise vs. all-inclusive resort: 3 questions to ask.

Find out the pros and cons of each and see which option is right for you.

Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort

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Key Takeaways

• If you don't want to fly, cruises set sail from many ports in the U.S., whereas most top all-inclusives require an international flight to the Caribbean or elsewhere.
• To visit numerous places, a cruise may be best. To relax in one place, opt for an all-inclusive resort or a large ship with plenty of amenities.
• There are many hidden costs on a cruise that will quickly add up, so an all-inclusive resort or even a luxury cruise with all-inclusive pricing can often be better for budgeting.

If you're trying to decide whether you should book a cruise or stay at an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation, there are a lot of factors to consider. Beyond selecting a destination – and deciding how far you're willing to travel to get there – you'll need to determine what type of experience you're looking for and what's included in the price of each option. After all, there's nothing worse than having a stress-free trip turn into sticker shock when you review the final bill.

There are many similarities between cruises and all-inclusive resorts. Both offer family-friendly and adults-only options. You'll have a selection of accommodations to choose from, several complimentary dining options and entertainment that's covered in the price. But there are also quite a few differences, especially when you're comparing a cruise line where you start with a base fare and then have to pay for all the extras – like beverage packages for nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, specialty dining venues, Wi-Fi, excursions, and other amenities that may be covered at an all-inclusive resort.

To help you decide, U.S. News compiled a list of key questions to consider when deciding between a land- or sea-based vacation, along with suggestions for some cruise line and all-inclusive resort options. If staying within a set budget is a top priority, make sure you read the fine print before you book – whether you're setting sail on the high seas or relaxing poolside at a beachfront property.

Find your perfect cruise

Am I willing to fly to my destination?

Before you find yourself sipping umbrella drinks with a good book in hand, you'll have to put in the work of traveling to your destination.

Visiting an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean will most likely require an international flight, but you may also need to hop on a plane to reach your chosen cruise ship terminal. If you don't want to travel too far from home, many ships sail from popular ports in Florida cities – including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral (Orlando) – and travelers outside of the Sunshine State can find sailings out of ports in California, Texas, New York, Louisiana and other U.S. states. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save yourself a flight (and some money) by driving directly to your embarkation port.

You might be surprised to find that you can even book extended grand voyages and world cruises to travel around the world for months at a time from U.S. ports. Holland America Line 's 124-Day Grand World Voyage sails round-trip from Fort Lauderdale in January 2025 and includes ports of call in 32 countries. If you're considering a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 154-day world cruise, called The Sense of Adventure, sets sail round-trip from Miami in January 2026 and visits 41 countries across six continents.

All-inclusive resorts

While most all-inclusive vacations will require an international trip, it is possible to book an all-inclusive resort – or a property with all-inclusive packages – without traveling too far from home. There are a number of all-inclusive options in the U.S. , including a couple all-inclusives in Florida . Consider Bungalows Key Largo , which caters to travelers 21 and older in the Florida Keys, or the family-friendly Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie. (Note: Sandpiper Bay has been undergoing major renovations and is expected to be fully operational by winter 2024-2025.)

Some properties across the U.S., including certain wellness retreats , also offer special packages to create your own all-inclusive experience. For example, health- and wellness-focused Miraval Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, has a deal that includes spa-inspired accommodations, meals, nightly resort credits, fitness classes, lectures, access to resort amenities and airport transfers.

Many dude ranches , such as White Stallion Ranch , which is also located in Tucson, offer add-on packages that make vacations nearly all-inclusive. White Stallion's Full American Plan Outdoor Adventure Package covers lodging, three meals a day, Wi-Fi access, evening entertainment, horseback riding, airport transfers and additional amenities with extended stays. If you're considering a land-based getaway, check out the available packages at resorts near you to weigh all of your options.

What do I want to do more: relax or explore?

Before you start planning your dream getaway, consider your fundamental objectives. How do you want to spend your vacation? Do you want to explore multiple destinations in one trip or fully unwind in one relaxing locale? Maybe you'd prefer to sit by a cruise ship's pool by day then dine and bar-hop at night, never once stepping foot in a port of call.

Cruises are a great option when you want to visit several locales in one vacation but aren't concerned with spending a lot of time in any one place. They're also perfect for getting an overview of a region, such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean .

If you want to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations instead of busier, more popular ports, consider itineraries offered by cruise lines with smaller ships that can navigate narrower waterways than larger ocean liners. For example, Windstar Cruises' ships carry between 148 and 342 passengers. The line's small ships can visit small Greek islands, remote Tahitian villages, and off-the-beaten path destinations in Northern Europe, in addition to sailing the only navigable river in Spain, the Guadalquivir.

Still, for some cruisers, the ship itself is the destination. The details of the itinerary might not matter much if you plan to spend most of your time relaxing on board. Newer and larger ships , like Royal Caribbean International 's Icon of the Seas, offer seemingly endless dining and entertainment options. As the largest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, the vessel carries 5,610 passengers based on double occupancy (with a maximum capacity of 7,600). Icon of the Seas boasts eight themed neighborhoods, plus adrenaline-pumping activities like a 46-foot-tall waterslide at Thrill Island and mesmerizing shows performed at the line's largest ice arena, Absolute Zero.

If you wait to set sail until April 2025, you can book a voyage on MSC Cruises ' newest vessel, MSC World America. The line's futuristically designed megaship will have the capacity for as many as 6,764 passengers (5,228 double occupancy). It'll feature many bells and whistles, including the Cliffhanger, a thrilling over-water swing ride – and the only one of its kind at sea. The ship will also be home to the largest MSC Yacht Club in the fleet, offering exclusive venues, luxe accommodations and 24-hour butler service.

If a relaxing land-based experience sounds more your speed, an all-inclusive resort may be a better option. You can spend your time taking advantage of luxurious resort amenities and exploring the surrounding areas.

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, offers family-friendly accommodations and activities, as well as romantic oceanfront suites with plunge pools and spa bathrooms for couples. The resort also has an impressive selection of bars and internationally inspired restaurants, including Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. During the day, sign up for therapeutic spa treatments for an additional fee or enjoy complimentary water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. The property also offers an eco-tour in the Mayan jungle, or you can explore ancient ruins in nearby Tulum on an off-property excursion.

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What inclusions are most important to me?

Another variable to consider is the price you'll pay for a cruise or all-inclusive resort – and what exactly is covered. What do you absolutely need and what you can live without?

Cruise costs

Taking a cruise can be a great value , but it's important to note that inexpensive base fares aboard large, mainstream cruise lines can often be misleading. You'll likely have to add in additional costs for taxes, fees and port charges; gratuities; stateroom upgrades; specialty dining and beverage packages ; excursions; and Wi-Fi access. The total price of your voyage may end up much higher than you expected. You may also be surprised to find that services that were once complimentary may now cost extra. For example, Royal Caribbean International now charges a convenience fee, plus an 18% tip for room service, no matter the size of your order.

To avoid surprise extra fees throughout your trip, consider sailing with a luxury line like adults-only Viking . Although such cruises come at a higher price point, Viking fares cover all meals (including specialty dining venues), beer and wine with lunch and dinner, nonalcoholic beverages and bottled water, one shore excursion in each port, onboard Wi-Fi access, and more. Similarly, in one upfront fare, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises prices typically include round-trip airfare, airport transfers, land packages before or after your voyage, complimentary shore excursions, specialty dining, premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, valet laundry service, prepaid gratuities, and other perks.

For a more thorough breakdown, consult our guide on how much a cruise costs and read about the top all-inclusive cruises .

All-inclusive resort costs

When it comes to all-inclusive resorts, be sure to research what is included in the nightly rate before you book. Couples-only Sandals Resorts properties in the Caribbean, for example, offer some of the most inclusive resort pricing setups available. Rates cover accommodations, gourmet dining at up to 16 restaurants, snacks, premium wines and liquors, stocked in-room bars, water sports, PADI-certified scuba diving, entertainment, Wi-Fi access, gratuities, and airport transfers. Extra fees apply for spa treatments, local excursions and personalized events, like private dinners on the beach.

Other resort brands may not offer such an extensive list of included perks, so be sure to check with the specific property you are interested in. Some resorts even offer deals for kids to stay free .

If you want all the meals, beverages, entertainment, activities, Wi-Fi access and other amenities included in the price, then an all-inclusive option is your best choice. You'll know the cost at the beginning of the trip and won't have to worry about extras unless you splurge on spa treatments, celebratory bottles of fine wine or Champagne (not included in the fare), or personal expenses like souvenirs.

Cruise accommodations

Space is another issue to consider when deciding what you want included in your vacation. Cruise ship cabins can be tight, especially if you're traveling with another person or an entire family. The good news is that there are plenty of choices when it comes to stateroom sizes and configurations, depending on the cruise line and specific ship you choose. Cabins can be as compact as 100 square feet (in the case of Norwegian Epic 's Solo Studios for solo cruisers ) or as vast as 4,443 square feet (in Seven Seas Grandeur 's lavish two-bedroom Regent Suite).

If space is important to you, plan to budget for a larger cabin, or one with a veranda. The addition of a balcony offers extra seating, natural light and outdoor access that makes a small room feel much more spacious.

For even more space, consider splurging on a suite, which may also add valuable perks like complimentary spirits, in-suite afternoon tea, butler service and onboard credit. Some suites are designed with families in mind, such as the Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas . The two-story accommodation features an indoor slide, a private game and movie room, a hot tub, ocean views, and VIP experiences across the ship.

All-inclusive resort accommodations

Back on land, hotel rooms and suites at all-inclusive resorts will typically be more spacious than most cruise ship accommodations, meaning you'll have more square footage to spread out.

At the family-friendly all-inclusive Windjammer Landing in Castries, St. Lucia, accommodations run the gamut from 444-square-foot ocean view rooms for two to 1,385-square-foot, two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people. The property also boasts a selection of luxury beachfront villas that measure up to 4,200 square feet.

Cruise entertainment and dining

Before choosing between a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, think about the entertainment and dining options offered by each. On large cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, you can find infinite eateries, Vegas-style nightly entertainment and adults-only nightclubs that stay open into the wee hours of the morning. There are also fun-filled activities for younger travelers, like racetracks, laser tag, aqua parks, rock climbing walls and rope courses.

Not all these activities will be included in your fare, so you can choose to pay as you go or purchase packages that offer unlimited access to some attractions. Fitness classes, spa access and entry into adults-only lounge areas may also come with a fee, as can soft drinks and bottled water throughout the day (unless you have a beverage package).

Smaller, more intimate ships still offer plenty of fun – albeit with fewer crowds. Cruisers can choose from several dining venues, some of which change their menus daily. Smaller ships will also typically have a few bars or lounges that host entertainment for more mature, refined audiences (think: piano players or other live music in the evenings), plus theaters that feature a different show each night. Still, you might find fun-loving passengers on the dance floor late at night and DJs spinning karaoke tunes at lounges on the ship.

All-inclusive resort entertainment and dining

All-inclusive resorts typically offer a wide range of on-site dining venues, entertainment, activities and amenities as well. For example, the gated 7,000-acre Caso de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic features three golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis courts, skeet and trap shooting, water sports, and more. Packages at the resort include accommodations, all meals and beverages, and access to most (or all) of these activities.

Resorts may also feature more unique amenities than cruise ships. For example, at Caso de Campo, guests can visit Altos de Chavón. Inspired by a 16th-century Mediterranean village, this impressive replica of a medieval hamlet is home to local artisans and boutiques. There's also an archaeological museum, the St. Stanislaus Church, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, and panoramic views of the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea.

Once you've figured out your travel goals and have decided between a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, you can narrow down your options. Regardless of your selection, always verify what's included in the price. You don't want any surprises at the end of your dream vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. Cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel, and she hopes to book an extended cruise to see the rest of the world someday soon. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Adults-Only Cruises
• The Top Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts
• The Best Affordable Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Hotels and Resorts , All-Inclusive Vacations

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