Compass Points

The southern, eastern, and western compass points in relation to the Caribbean reflect common cruise itineraries rather than any useful geographic designation. Different cruise lines mix these itineraries in various ways. Generally, a southern Caribbean cruise explores the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles or the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. The eastern Caribbean typically includes the U.S., British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Antigua. Western Caribbean itineraries often embrace the Mexican Caribbean and the Cayman Islands, including destinations in Jamaica, Belize, and Honduras.

Cruise Length

Eastern itineraries typically offer the shortest journeys from the eastern United States, with three- to four-day cruises to Grand Turk or the Bahamas. Week-long cruises may include three or four ports of call in the Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

Similarly, western itineraries can range from a few days to over a week; however, they generally feature more time spent at sea between the widely scattered islands in this area. These itineraries frequently incorporate Mexico and sometimes Central American destinations as well.

In contrast, southern Caribbean cruises usually span the longest durations, partly due to the distance from U.S. shores and the inclusion of numerous ports of call. These voyages often combine destinations from eastern itineraries with additional southern ports such as Dominica, Martinique, and Grenada.

Cruise Activities

While excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities exist throughout the Caribbean, the islands featured in western itineraries have a slight advantage due to their proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef. Moreover, western Caribbean routes typically incorporate more outdoor adventures, whereas eastern Caribbean destinations often focus on luxury experiences and world-class shopping.

Cruising to the southern regions allows travelers to experience the unique European influences from the French, British, and Dutch colonial powers, alongside a distinct island culture and stunning scenery in areas with fewer visitors.

Different cruise lines may highlight varying types of onboard activities. Thus, if you enjoy recreation at sea, it is beneficial to select a cruise with longer stretches between ports of call. Conversely, if you prefer daily shore excursions, an eastern itinerary would be more suitable.

Embarkation Locations

Eastern Caribbean cruises generally embark from the U.S. East Coast in cities such as Baltimore, Maryland, Charleston, South Carolina, as well as Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. On the other hand, western itineraries often begin from U.S. port cities along the Gulf of Mexico, including Galveston and Houston in Texas, New Orleans, and Mobile, Alabama. Additionally, they may also depart from eastern ports like Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Southern Caribbean itineraries typically set sail from Puerto Rico, Barbados, or Miami. Depending on the cruise line, it is possible to find itineraries initiating from any of these locations to various island destinations.