Cruises in the Caribbean

Why go on a cruise in the Caribbean?

Going on a catamaran cruise in the Caribbean is the ideal way to discover the archipelago differently, moving from anchorage to anchorage away from the crowds rather than staying put at a single hotel complex. Over a week to ten days, you'll sail between white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and small Creole villages, while enjoying an all-inclusive service on board. Whether you're after a family cruise, a trip with friends or a romantic getaway, this cruise suits all types of travellers and offers both active stages (snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding) and long, sunny naps on deck.

What do our Caribbean cruises involve?

Our Caribbean cruise packages

The cruises we offer in the Caribbean are all-inclusive cruises that let you discover numerous islands in a whole new way. 
The principle is simple: you book one or more cabins on board a crewed catamaran, while enjoying your own private, comfortable space. Several formats are available:

• Cabin cruise: you book your cabin and share the catamaran with other travellers.
• Full boat charter: you have the entire catamaran and its crew for your group.
• Different itineraries: several routes are offered across the islands of the Caribbean.
• Varying durations: from 3 to 15 days, with a particularly popular option of 8 days / 7 nights.
• A wide price range: from €1,600 to over €5,000 for two people, depending on the boat, itinerary and season.

What types of boats are available for a Caribbean cruise?

Several types of boats let you discover the Caribbean, from the comfortable catamaran to the luxury yacht:

• 54 to 62-foot sailing catamarans: measuring roughly 17 to 19 metres, they offer large living spaces with an open-plan kitchen, spacious lounge, shaded cockpit, sun loungers and a lounge area on deck. Each cabin generally has its own bathroom and plenty of storage space.
• Large traditional sailing ships: including four-masted sailing vessels able to carry several dozen passengers, offering a different sailing experience.
• Luxury yachts: designed to carry anywhere from several dozen to over a hundred passengers, with top-of-the-range amenities that can include teak decks, swimming pools and cabins spread across several decks.
• Private charter yachts: for a more exclusive experience, you can also opt to charter a yacht in the Antilles on a full-privatisation basis.

What activities are available on a Caribbean cruise?

During the cruise, numerous water sports activities are included: swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking and snorkelling with mask, fins and snorkel to explore the seabed from the anchorages. In the evening, watch the sunset and the starry sky right from the deck. 
During stops ashore, village visits and nature excursions are on offer: hikes along coastal paths, discovering local markets, swimming under waterfalls or visiting volcanic sites, depending on the islands visited. Some optional excursions (guided minibus or taxi tours, a barbecue on a secluded beach) can be booked at an extra cost and are detailed in the itinerary for each cruise.

How much does a Caribbean cruise cost?

For 2 people, the price of a cabin can vary depending on the boat, the chosen period and the deck the cabin is on. Here's a price estimate for an 8-day itinerary around the Grenadines:

• The price includes: full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), the crew (captain and steward/cook), water sports equipment (mask, fins and snorkel, kayak, paddleboard), soft drinks and local aperitifs included in the itinerary, bed linen and towels, as well as boat and passenger insurance.
• The price does not include: flights (unless otherwise stated), crew tips, optional excursions and activities, airport/base/airport transfers, additional alcoholic drinks, as well as the compulsory onboard kitty (mooring fees, provisioning, local taxes), generally between €200 and €250 per person.

What are the must-see stops to discover on a Caribbean cruise?

It's hard to choose, as the most beautiful islands of the Antilles all vie for the spotlight. Here, nonetheless, are the must-sees not to be missed:

• The British Virgin Islands: this unspoilt archipelago is the wildest in the Caribbean. Setting off from Tortola, you'll sail through crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes, with deserted beaches, spectacular seabeds and a peaceful atmosphere far from the urban bustle.
• The Anguilla Bank: this underwater plateau brings together several islands, including Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Anguilla. Sailing between the islands is short, alternating between a lively nightlife, good restaurants and very wild beaches. Not to be missed: the traditional village of Grand Case on Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and the islet of Tintamarre.
• Guadeloupe, the Saintes and Marie-Galante: sailing between these small islands is short, making it possible to do a full cruise in a week. It's an excellent alternative to the Grenadines for travellers with fewer than 10 days, taking in the Saintes archipelago, the beautiful island of Marie-Galante and the Petite-Terre nature reserve.
• Martinique and the Grenadines: the flagship itinerary of the Caribbean, combining idyllic islands with sporty sailing. The ideal option is a 10-day charter starting with a cruise in Martinique, extended with a cruise around the Grenadines, with a stop at one of the most beautiful spots in the world: the Tobago Cays, five islets set in a lagoon west of Mayreau.

When should you go on a Caribbean cruise?

The Caribbean climate is warm all year round, with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C, meaning you can go on a cruise for most of the year.

However, it's recommended to avoid the months of September and October, which correspond to the region's hurricane season. The high tourist season instead runs from November to May, a period during which the trade winds cool the air and make sailing especially pleasant. It's also the best time for those wanting to escape the European winter and enjoy the sun.

Here's an overview of the average temperatures month by month:

Useful information for your Caribbean cruise

What language is spoken in the Caribbean?

The language varies depending on the islands visited: English is dominant across most of the archipelago (British Virgin Islands, Grenadines, Barbados, Saint Kitts...), French remains the official language in the French Antilles (Martinique, Guadeloupe, the French side of Saint-Martin), and Spanish is spoken on some neighbouring Spanish-speaking islands.

What currency is used in the Caribbean?

The currency also differs depending on the destination: the euro on the French islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy), the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) on most English-speaking islands (Saint Lucia, the Grenadines, Dominica...), and the US dollar (USD) on some islands such as the British Virgin Islands or the Dutch side of Saint-Martin.

What documents are needed for a Caribbean cruise?

A passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date is generally required. French nationals don't need a visa for the French Antilles. For the other islands (Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Barbados...), a simple passport is usually enough for a short stay, but it's advisable to check the specific entry requirements for each island before departure.

What are the main airports for reaching the Caribbean?

The main airports of entry are Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport (Fort-de-France), Pôle Caraïbes Airport (Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe), Princess Juliana Airport (Saint-Martin) and Grantley Adams Airport (Bridgetown, Barbados), depending on your cruise's starting point.

Should you budget for crew tips?

Do budget for tips for the crew, a common practice on this type of cruise. We'd recommend setting aside between €50 and €70 per person for the week.

Can you get seasick in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean Sea is generally calm and sheltered, but some crossings between islands can be choppier: seasickness remains possible on stretches sailed into the wind.

How do you book a Caribbean cruise?

To book your Caribbean cruise, you can submit a booking request from our website. Once we've received your request, an advisor will contact you by phone to understand your plans (duration, budget and activities). They'll then send you cruise proposals by email. Once you've found the right cruise, you can pay a deposit through your customer account to confirm the booking and secure the boat.