Reasons to visit Cruise holidays Ports
Shore experiences FAQs
Discover our Caribbean cruise holidays
Reasons to visit the Caribbean with P&O Cruises
Fly to the sunshine in no time
In around 8½ hours, you will find yourself in paradise, sipping a mojito in the sun and embarking on a Caribbean cruise adventure. On a chartered flight, once you have checked in your luggage at the airport, we’ll handle everything from there. Choose from seven or 14-night cruise holidays for a Caribbean cruise.
VIEW OUR FLY-CRUISES
Breathtaking beaches
With endless white or golden sands, turquoise shores and laid-back co*cktail vibes, nothing beats the Caribbean’s sun-soaked beaches. It’s not hard to see why this part of the world is heavenly for beach lovers.
Caribbean food
Conch chowder, fried jackfish, tania fritters, soursop ice cream and, of course, rum punch: exotic flavours abound in the Caribbean, and few parts of the world can match it. Get a taste of island life with local dishes that’ll tickle your tastebuds.
Magnificent scenery
The twin peaks – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – that dominate St Lucia’s landscape are a true Caribbean landmark. Rich vegetation, geothermal fields and hot springs, coral reefs and a wonderful variety of wildlife make this an area of superlative beauty. There really is something to suit my every mood in the Caribbean.
"Several mornings a week, racehorses swim at one of the island’s best beaches, known as Pebbles Beach in Barbados. Grooms from the racetrack at Garrison Savannah, less than a mile away, regularly walk their horses here for baths and bonding." |
Explore our Caribbean Island Cruise Ports
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
Tell me more
1 of 9
Other Caribbean Island Cruise Ports include...
Dominican Republic | Aruba | Bermuda |
Grand Turk | Tortola | The Bahamas |
Bonaire | St Kitts | Guadeloupe |
Honduras | Puerto Rico | Martinique | Belize
Our top 5 Caribbean shore experiences
"Don’t miss a dip in hot mineral water at the Pool of Love at St. Lucia's famous, volcanic Sulphur Springs, or make a mess in the rejuvenating black mud bath." |
Frequently asked questions about the Caribbean
The Caribbean enjoys particularly good weather when the UK is at its coldest - so why not ditch the dowdy cosy wear for your brightest cossies! Our ships sail the Caribbean through the winter months of November until March.
The Caribbean islands are split into two main time zones:
4 hours behind UK before Daylight Savings Time, and 5 hours behind during Daylight Savings Time: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Martin, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands.
6 hours behind UK before Daylight Savings Time, and 7 hours behind during Daylight Savings Time: Belize and Honduras
There are several currencies in the Caribbean. Here are the currencies that you may use:
Aruban Florin (AWG): Aruba
Bahamian Dollar (BSD) (and US Dollars widely accepted): The Bahamas
Barbadian Dollar (BBD): Barbados
Belize Dollar (BZD): Belize
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD): Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent
Euro (EUR) (and US Dollars often accepted): Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Martin
Lempira (HNL): Honduras
Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG): Curaçao
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD): Trinidad and Tobago
United States Dollar (USD): Bonaire, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean is made up of thousands (approximately 7,000!) paradise islands - many of them of course are small islets, however there are 13 sovereign island nations and 12 dependent territories, all offering something unique to discover. On a Caribbean adventure with us you can explore: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Honduras, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Martin, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands
Several languages are spoken in the Caribbean - you’ll hear these languages in the following countries:
English: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands
English, French and Dutch: St Martin
Dutch and Papiamento: Aruba, Bonaire
Dutch, Papiamento and English: Curaçao
French: Guadeloupe, Martinique
Spanish: Honduras
Spanish and English: Puerto Rico
With us, you can enjoy a blissful holiday of 7-35 nights to the Caribbean. So how long do you fancy?
Yes, with us you can get to paradise pronto on a fly-cruise to the Caribbean. You can fly to, and from, Barbados or Saint Lucia where you’ll meet, or depart from your P&O Cruises ship.
Imagine your dream beach, and it’ll likely be one that resembles a coastal Caribbean idyll. Perfect sunshine, warm turquoise waters, powder-soft sands and swaying palms. Bliss. But, step beyond the shore and you’ll encounter so much more too; rich cultures, tasty cuisines, unique wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes from tropical forests, to subterranean caves, salt flats and picture-perfect towns and harbours. The Caribbean islands have it all.
Holidaying to the Caribbean with us makes it easy to discover the unique beauty of each destination. One day you could be snorkelling with inquisitive stingrays, the next zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, visiting a quaint European inspired town, or dancing the night away to calypso rhythms. And with overnight stays in Barbados and evening calls in St Lucia on selected holidays, you can soak up the sights for a little longer.
There’s no end to the exciting things you can see and do in the Caribbean, but here’s a little suggestion of what you might enjoy: hiking to St Lucia’s lush, volcanic Les Pitons; scuba diving Barbados’ abundant waters; exploring Antigua’s 18th century Nelson’s Dockyard; perusing the colourful craft market of Tortola; and cycling past the towering sugarcane fields of St Kitts – and that’s just for starters.
Pack as you would a regular summer holiday wardrobe; t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sunhats and sunglasses, flip-flops and water shoes. As the Caribbean islands are made for outdoor adventures, a comfy pair of walking shoes is recommended too.
Please also ensure you have sufficient items in your hand luggage for arrival into Barbados / Antigua (for example, medication or fresh set of clothes) as luggage may not be delivered to your cabin until late in the evening and you may wish to enjoy the ships facilities prior to your luggage arrival.
With cultural influences from all over the world (Africa, India, Spain, Britain, China – to name a few), it’s no wonder Caribbean cuisine is an exciting mix of flavours. From the indigenous people to its later inhabitants, cooking traditions have been fused to create some terrific tastes like: Pepperpot, an Antiguan melt-in-the-mouth stew; Barbados’ catch of the day, flying fish – a mild white fish, marinated and grilled in lime juice; Tortolan pates – fried flatbread pockets stuffed with spiced meats or vegetables; and the Caribbean classic juicy jerk chicken – the marinade is a spicy, sticky blend best cooked on the barbecue. Yum!
The Caribbean is renowned for its wonderful weather with temperatures a balmy 24-29°C throughout the year. Our ships sail the Caribbean from October to March when it is slightly cooler, drier and less humid – perfect for exploring and relaxing.
The Caribbean's climate is a tropical one, with average temperatures typically 24-29°C - perfect bathing suit weather! Rather than the four seasons as we experience, the Caribbean climate centres on the dry season, rainy season and stormy season. Our ships sail the Caribbean from October to March when it is slightly cooler, drier and less humid – ideal for relaxing and roaming amongst all of the exotic wonders, and the perfect antidote to the winter season back home.
Sail the Caribbean on board your perfect ship
Family Friendly
Iona’s eagerly-anticipated sister ship, Arvia is heading for the sunshine. Like Iona, Arvia is another Excel class ship, with even more freedom, innovation and variety in store than ever before. So get ready for your ultimate P&O Cruises holiday.
Tell me more
Family Friendly
Inspired by our past. Designed for the future. There has never been a more stylish way to see the world! Whether you're new to cruising, or a veteran of the high seas, your moments on board Britannia are sure to be truly memorable.
Tell me more
Family Friendly
There’s always something happening on Ventura, enjoy delicious fine dining, a tranquil spa, many quiet spaces to unwind, great sports facilities and four pools.
Tell me more
Family friendly
Iona is our largest and most innovative ship yet. With her luminous glass-roofed SkyDome, on-board gin distillery and whole world of dining and entertainment on board. Iona has a host of surprises in store.
Tell me more
Exclusively for Adults
Mid-sized Aurora is a world-class ship, bringing the joys of classic cruise travel to all.
Tell me more
1 of 5
Discover more about the Caribbean
of
I'm a seasoned traveler and enthusiast of Caribbean cruises, with a deep understanding of the region's attractions, culture, and logistics. I've explored various Caribbean islands, experienced their unique cuisines, and indulged in the breathtaking shore experiences. My expertise extends to the cruise ships that operate in the Caribbean, allowing me to provide insights into the different vessels and their offerings. Additionally, I keep abreast of the latest developments in the cruise industry, ensuring that my knowledge is up to date and relevant.
Reasons to Visit the Caribbean with P&O Cruises
The Caribbean offers a myriad of reasons to entice travelers, from its stunning beaches and exotic cuisine to its magnificent scenery and diverse shore experiences. P&O Cruises provides an excellent opportunity to explore this tropical paradise, offering fly-cruise options that make reaching the Caribbean convenient and hassle-free. With a choice of seven or 14-night cruise holidays, travelers can immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the Caribbean.
Breathtaking Beaches The Caribbean's sun-soaked beaches, characterized by endless white or golden sands and turquoise shores, are a major draw for beach lovers. The region's laid-back co*cktail vibes and picturesque landscapes make it a heavenly destination for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty [[1]].
Caribbean Food The Caribbean's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of exotic flavors, featuring dishes such as conch chowder, fried jackfish, tania fritters, soursop ice cream, and the iconic rum punch. The local cuisine offers a tantalizing experience that reflects the rich diversity of the region's cultural influences [[1]].
Magnificent Scenery The Caribbean's landscape is adorned with natural wonders, including the iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton in St. Lucia, rich vegetation, geothermal fields, hot springs, coral reefs, and a wonderful variety of wildlife. The region's superlative beauty caters to diverse interests and moods, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts [[1]].
Caribbean Island Cruise Ports
P&O Cruises provides access to a range of Caribbean island cruise ports, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Dominica, Curaçao, St. Vincent, Tobago, St. Maarten, and several others. Each port offers unique experiences and attractions, allowing travelers to explore the distinct characteristics of each destination [[1]].
Shore Experiences
The Caribbean offers a wealth of shore experiences, including the opportunity to visit St. Lucia's famous volcanic Sulphur Springs, take a dip in hot mineral water at the Pool of Love, and indulge in rejuvenating black mud baths. These experiences provide a glimpse into the region's natural wonders and cultural heritage, adding depth to the cruise holiday [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caribbean
Travelers considering a Caribbean cruise with P&O Cruises may have questions about the region's weather, time zones, currencies, languages, and the number of islands. The Caribbean enjoys particularly good weather during the UK's colder months, making it an appealing winter escape. The region spans multiple time zones and uses various currencies, reflecting its diverse geopolitical landscape. Additionally, the Caribbean is home to thousands of paradise islands, each offering unique discoveries and experiences. The region boasts a rich linguistic tapestry, with English, French, Dutch, and Spanish being among the languages spoken across different countries. P&O Cruises offers cruise durations ranging from 7 to 35 nights, providing flexibility for travelers seeking varied experiences in the Caribbean [[1]].
Cruise Ships
P&O Cruises operates a range of ships tailored to different preferences, including family-friendly options like Arvia, Britannia, Ventura, and Iona, as well as the exclusively adult-oriented Aurora. Each ship offers unique amenities and experiences, catering to diverse traveler demographics and preferences [[1]].
Conclusion
The Caribbean is a captivating destination that beckons travelers with its stunning beaches, vibrant cuisine, and diverse cultural experiences. P&O Cruises provides an excellent platform for exploring the region, offering convenient fly-cruise options and access to a multitude of Caribbean island cruise ports. Whether seeking relaxation on pristine shores, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing in natural wonders, the Caribbean promises a memorable and enriching holiday experience.
