The Best-Reviewed Cruises In The Caribbean

When you're planning a Caribbean cruise, big-budget television commercials and cruise line websites only tell part of the story. Reviews offer unfiltered passenger perspectives that help you understand what life on board popular cruise ships is really like. These real-life passengers tell you the details you won't find in official marketing: cabin noise levels, service consistency, shore excursion logistics, and whether "gourmet restaurants" actually live up to expectations. As a longtime cruiser, I've learned to break reviews down into the information you actually need to pick the right ship for your upcoming holiday in the sun. For example, a single complaint about slow embarkation might be an outlier, but dozens of similar problems could be a major red flag. Whether you're a retiree, a family with young kids, or a first-time cruiser feeling a little bit lost, this guide is here to help you choose a Caribbean-bound ship that is exactly right for you. 

Beyond merely helping you narrow down options to a viable shortlist of cruise itineraries, reviews also give a sense of the personality of each ship. Some vessels are known for being lively "party boats", while others cater to foodies or families, luxury seekers, or retirees who want to relax and read a good book. Every ship — even those that operate within the same fleet — has a unique persona. Paying attention to consistent pluses and minuses in cruise reviews can help you understand whether a ship is filled with spring break energy, geared toward cultural immersion, or designed for multigenerational travel. These seemingly small differences are what often take a holiday from good to great.

Celebrity Beyond shines in guest feedback, consistently rated 4–5 stars on review platforms like CruiseLine.com (average 4.5 from 335 reviews). One of the major things that sets it apart is the Infinite Veranda stateroom class, offering sunlit cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows. "We absolutely loved the extra space in the cabin and the floor‑to‑ceiling view," says Life Well Cruised. Dining is another major hit, thanks in large part to Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. Celebrity's first Michelin-starred chef restaurant at sea impresses even seasoned cruisers, with one Reddit user gushing that the extra fee was worth every penny: "One of the best meals we have had in almost 30 years of vacationing. ... It was just amazing."

The ship's aesthetic also contributes to its positive reputation with Caribbean travelers. The cruise line's signature cabins create an indoor–outdoor living experience that is perfect for tropical itineraries, while polished entertainment and restaurants like Le Voyage and The Rooftop Garden up the chic factor. The Beyond offers year-round Caribbean itineraries, stopping at well-known ports like the Bahamas and USVI, as well as lesser-known ports on seven-night cruises from Miami.

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Wonder of the Seas is built for travelers who want an "always something happening" experience. This megaship offers onboard activities, nonstop shows, and nearly endless dining options. With 18 decks and eight distinct neighborhoods — including lush Central Park, the Boardwalk carousel area, and a pool zone that is a veritable floating water park— this ship is literally a floating city.

Reviewers consistently praise the Wonder of the Seas' variety and energy. It is seemingly impossible to get bored on this liner! As Matt Hochberg put it on Royal Caribbean Blog, "I love how much there is to do on Wonder... it quickly became my favorite ship." A Tripadvisor reviewer also shared, "The Wonder of the Seas was so much fun during our 7 day cruise. There was something for everyone (ranging from 7 yrs old to 75)...and many options for snacks or meals as needed..." That said, this megaship isn't for everyone. For travelers seeking culture or quiet, other ships might be a better fit. However, if you're looking to soak in a buzzy, activity-filled Caribbean escape, Wonder of the Seas delivers. This ship sails to the Caribbean — including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day CocoCay island — from the Port of Miami.

As of 2022, Disney Cruise Line had been voted Travel & Leisure's best cruise line in the world for four out of six years. The brand clearly takes its commitment to excellence seriously, and its Caribbean sailings on the Disney Fantasy are consistently among its top-rated itineraries, with 4.5 stars and 156 reviews on Tripadvisor. Rotational dining is a DCL hallmark, with each night featuring a different themed restaurant. On the Fantasy, travelers experience Enchanted Garden, Animator's Palate, and Royal Court at no extra fee. For a surcharge, adults-only dining is available at Palo and Remy. Each evening, your travel party will be staffed by the same team, meaning you really get to know your waitstaff throughout your cruise. Disney is my family's cruise line of choice, and they've even learned our favorite dishes throughout a cruise and brought them to us from other restaurants on the ship!

Entertainment is nothing short of Broadway quality, bringing Disney's iconic stories to the high seas with stage shows like "Frozen," "A Musical Spectacular," and "Disney's Believe." The Disney Fantasy also now visits both of the brand's private islands on its various Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral. Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offer private beaches, character greetings, and more that are only available to Disney guests. One first-time cruiser wrote on Cruise Critic of their "amazing" experience: "The food is fantastic. The service impeccable. Both island destinations are fantastic and very unique."

For adults seeking calm, cultured cruising, the Viking Sea earns top marks, with 83 of 91 CruiseLine.com reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars. This minimalist, Scandinavian-styled vessel is adults-only and designed specifically for mature travelers, making the onboard atmosphere consistently calm and refined. Cruise Critic describes this small cruise ship as feeling "like you've been invited into a friend's home," with comfortable seating and thoughtful touches like family photos from Viking CEO Torstein Hagen's life. 

Passengers on Caribbean itineraries enjoy Viking's exceptional service. One user penned, "This is a very laid-back cruise with an older crowd... one of the most relaxing vacations I can imagine." Guests also praise Viking's shore excursions, local guides, and in-depth cultural programming onboard that lend to the brand's "travel for the thinking person" culture. Additionally, because the Viking Sea holds only 930 passengers, it can access smaller Caribbean ports that larger ships skip, thereby offering a level of destination immersion that many older travelers value. It is worth noting, however, that some find Viking a better brand for European adventures than Caribbean escapes. One reviewer wrote, "While Viking is superior for many destinations, and my choice for Europe, I personally don't think the Caribbean is a destination where they excel." This is just one opinion, shared in the interest of full transparency, and the brand still receives excellent marks across all categories for its Caribbean cruises.

The Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (until the Destiny officially sets sail in November 2025), continues its predecessors' legacy with immersive theming and exceptional family-friendly entertainment. Guests on the ship's Caribbean sailings out of Port Canaveral praise its magical blend of storytelling, functional design, and atmosphere, with one Cruise Critic review calling it, "impressive, immersive, and the best ship that DCL has to offer." The ship even boasts a 700-foot water slide high above the sea!

The Treasure brings Disney Park thrills to the high seas with venues inspired by legendary attractions. The Haunted Mansion Parlor sets a new bar (pun intended) for themed cruise line lounges, offering fans a deeply immersive aesthetic . Then, there's the Jungle Cruise–inspired Skipper Society, and, of course, rotational dining that includes Worlds of Marvel and the upscale 1923 steakhouse. Reviews share that the Treasure maintains Disney's hallmark service, with one Western Caribbean traveler writing, "From our stateroom attendant, to our servers and everyone in-between, we didn't have one negative experience with a crew member and every single one went out of their way to make our vacation extra special." It is worth mentioning that some passengers do mention heavier crowds — to be expected on a newer ship — and occasional cabin size critiques. But for those who want a cruise that feels like a page from a Disney fairytale, the Treasure should absolutely become part of your story.

The Carnival Mardi Gras provides passengers with a combination of value, nightlife, and dining that makes for a fun Caribbean getaway without breaking the bank. One of Carnival's Excel-class ships, the Mardi Gras, has six themed zones—including the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter and Summer Landing—providing variety to suit all types of passengers. Guests often rave about its food offerings, curated by Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer, Chef Emeril Lagasse. One Cruise Critic reviewer said of Emeril's on the Mardi Gras, "It is a great venue. Extra charge where there are many free meal options, but so much quality." Another passenger really enjoyed Shaq's Big Chicken, writing, "One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had, better than Chick-Fil-A. I could have survived the entire week on these alone."

Prices for Caribbean sailings on the Mardi Gras often undercut similar-length cruises on comparable cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, yet include access to all of the previously mentioned dining, after-hours spots, and family fun zones. Guests also have access to Carnival's new private island resort, Celebration Cay. This makes the Mardi Gras a perfect large ship for those who want something to suit everyone in their travel party. In short, this cruise liner out of Port Canaveral is a smart choice for those looking to balance a good time with a smaller budget. Whether you book passage on the Mardi Gras or another Carnival ship, the Jubilee — which also sails the Caribbean — you'll be able to ride the Bolt, the world's first roller coaster at sea!

For cruise travelers seeking luxury that doesn't include megaships, Explora Journeys stands out. This small ship cruise line offers Caribbean itineraries, including the 15-night "An Extended Journey to Enchanted Isles" and "A Journey to Caribbean Harbourages & Private Idylls," on elegantly designed Fincantieri vessels. One recent Redditor raved about the cabins on Explora, "We were in a Premier Penthouse – the room was gigantic by cruise ship standards. We had a king sized bed, and a living area separated by a sliding door..."

Like Viking, Explora's cruise ships hold fewer than 1,000 occupants, making for a less crowded experience than larger ships. Unlike Viking Cruises, however, children are welcome to travel onboard — Explora even offers a special Multigenerational Journeys program. Luxury amenities abound, with indoor and outdoor pools, high-end spa services, and curated cultural excursions designed specifically for the Caribbean climate and island lifestyle. While boutique in scale, the service level on Explora is akin to that of a five-star resort. This is luxury Caribbean cruising for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Holland America's Nieuw Statendam strikes a tough balance, with Cruise Critic noting that it "[is] a ship that can be calm without being boring and geared toward adults without isolating families." Postcard Jar pointed out that the pool deck does an excellent job of catering to all types of travel parties, "cruising during Spring Break, we could always find a lounge chair and space for a dip in the pool...The ship has no water slides, go-cart tracks, or ropes courses, though HAL does offer children's/teen's programming." This vessel is particularly known for its entertainment venues, such as BB King's Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Lounge. One Tripadvisor reviewer raved about BB King's, in particular: "The best band I have ever seen on a ship, magnificent!

Passengers also praise the Nieuw Statendam for its cleanliness, with travel blogger, The Roving Fox, sharing, "The ship was impeccably clean, and something I really appreciated was the use of washable towels in all of the public bathrooms." Dining is another area where 150-year-old Holland America stands out. In fact, longtime cruisers have even discovered the secret to getting a cheap, high-quality lunch onboard. Caribbean departures on this ship leave from Fort Lauderdale, with ports on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean route including Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. 

If you're looking for the ultimate megaship experience, Icon of the Seas delivers in droves. It's the largest cruise ship in the world, weighing in at over 250,000 GT and stretching about 1,200 feet with 20 passenger decks and eight unique neighborhoods. One Redditor praised the cruise line for the Icon experience, writing, "It is smooth as butter and has so many things to do. Royal Caribbean has aced it with this project!"

The all-day dining options are another hit. As one Cruise Critic review states, the Windjammer buffet is "perhaps the most popular choice for a quick meal. It's also probably the best buffet we've seen on a Royal Caribbean ship." Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Blog raved about the Empire Supper Club, saying, "It was an intimate experience and it didn't feel like we were on a cruise ship! I've never had an experience like this on land or at sea."

Pro tip: There is an enforced formal dress code during this three-hour dining extravaganza! All in all, the Icon boasts over 40 dining options. Bear in mind, though, that this is a megaship in every sense. Business Insider noted that "for the most part, there was no escaping the loud music, visual overload, or crowds" on the Icon. However, if you want an Eastern or Western Caribbean vacation that offers activities for the whole family from dawn 'til dusk, Icon of the Seas delivers.

One of the main things I've learned as a cruise aficionado is that not all cruise lines are created equally — and not all cruise lines are right for all travel parties. Choosing the right brand for you often determines what kind of vacation you have. The same ship that earns five-star reviews from one group might leave another disappointed simply because of style, pacing, or offered amenities.

Take the Disney Fantasy. Families with kids typically love the Oceaneer Clubs, character meet and greets, and Broadway-style shows. Parents express how seamlessly Disney Cruise Line caters to kids while still offering adult-only escapes. However, those who would prefer a serene escape without young families on board might fare better on a ship like the Viking Sea, which bans children under 18. Reviews from retirees often highlight the "very quiet" atmosphere. On the other end of the spectrum, megaships like Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas have full-blown waterparks, nightlife, and daily activities. Active cruisers often love these ships, but some reviews admit the experience can be overwhelming at times.

The lesson here is that cruise reviews aren't one-size-fits-all. Understanding who is writing the review — and whether their travel style matches yours—will help you find the Caribbean cruise that is genuinely the best choice for you. When booking a cruise, timing is also of the essence. In most cases, the best time to book your next cruise is six to 12 months before you set sail.

When putting together this guide, I looked at reviews across Cruise Critic, Tripadvisor, and CruiseLine.com, in addition to reviews from travel blogs in some cases. Only ships that consistently earned 4 stars or higher (or positive long-form blog reviews) across multiple categories, like dining, staterooms, entertainment, and overall service, were included.

I used recent reviews (typically from 2023 to 2025). When possible, I included direct passenger quotes to give readers a good sense of what to expect on board any of the 10 ships on this list. Finally, I added my own perspective as a frequent cruiser. The result is a guide that is meant to not only provide ship suggestions, but also assist travelers in choosing the Caribbean cruise ship that best fits their personal travel style.