Caribbean cruises

Why go on a cruise in the Caribbean?

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

What do our Caribbean cruises include?

Our Caribbean cruise packages

The cruises we offer in the Caribbean are all-inclusive cruises that let you discover numerous islands in a brand-new way.  
It's simple: you book one or more cabins aboard a crewed catamaran, while enjoying your own private, comfortable space. Several options are available:

• Cabin charter: you book your cabin and share the catamaran with other travelers.
• Full boat charter: you get the entire catamaran and its crew for your group.
• Different itineraries: several routes are offered across the islands of the Caribbean.
• Varying lengths: from 3 to 15 days, with a particularly popular option of 8 days / 7 nights.
• A wide price range: from $1,750 to over $5,500 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 meters, they offer large living spaces with an open 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 high-end amenities that can include teak decks, swimming pools, and cabins spread across multiple decks.
• Private charter yachts: for a more exclusive experience, you can also choose to charter a yacht in the Antilles as a full private charter.

What activities are available on a Caribbean cruise?

During the cruise, numerous water sports activities are included: swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, and snorkeling 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 outings are offered: hikes along coastal trails, 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 for an extra fee 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 time of year, and the deck the cabin is on. Here's a price estimate for an 8-day itinerary through 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, linens and towels, as well as boat and passenger insurance.
• The price does not include: flights (unless otherwise noted), crew tips, optional excursions and activities, airport/base/airport transfers, additional alcoholic beverages, as well as the mandatory onboard kitty (mooring fees, provisioning, local taxes), generally between $215 and $270 per person.

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

It's hard to choose, since the most beautiful islands of the Antilles all compete for the spotlight. Here, nonetheless, are the must-sees you shouldn't miss:

• The British Virgin Islands: this unspoiled 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 city 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 lively nightlife, great dining, and very wild beaches. Don't miss: 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 travelers 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 through 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 year-round, with temperatures between 81°F and 91°F, so you can go on a cruise most of the time.

That said, it's recommended to avoid the months of September and October, which correspond to hurricane season in the region. The high tourist season instead runs from November to May, a period when 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 dominates 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 neighboring 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 beyond 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 a good idea 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 where your cruise starts.

Should you plan on tipping the crew?

Do plan on tipping the crew, a common practice on this type of cruise. We'd recommend budgeting between $55 and $75 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 rougher: seasickness is still possible on stretches sailed upwind.

How do you book a Caribbean cruise?

To book your Caribbean cruise, you can submit a booking request through our website. Once we've received your request, an advisor will contact you by phone to learn more about your plans (length, 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 reserve the boat.