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What’s Your Ideal Summer Caribbean Cruise?

Zachary Laks
Zachary Laks 4 Min Read

Picture yourself sailing through the idyllic waters of the Caribbean this summer. You’re completely at ease aboard a state-of-the-art ship brimming with exciting innovations and entertainment. Your destinations? Palm-tree-lined ports that offer seemingly endless options of exploration, adventure or sheer relaxation.

It’s not too late to book a summer Caribbean cruise this year; it’s just a matter of finding the cruise line offering just the type of experience you're looking for. From sipping poolside cocktails on a private island to creating unforgettable memories with the kids through fun-filled activities, there’s an ideal adventure—or escape—waiting just for you. Use this fun quiz to find the perfect Caribbean cruise to match your summer vibe, then contact your local AAA Travel Agent to start planning your next Caribbean cruise getaway today.

Find your summer Caribbean cruise

🛳️ Find your ideal summer Caribbean cruise 🛳️

It’s not too late to book a summer Caribbean cruise this year—it’s just a matter of finding your perfect match. Take the quiz to discover your cruise style, then connect with a AAA Travel Agent to start planning your unforgettable escape!

1. What’s your dream vacation vibe?

2. Who’s cruising with you?

3. What’s most important on your cruise?

4. What’s your ideal port activity?

Royal Caribbean's Liberty Splashaway Bay Royal Caribbean's Liberty Splashaway Bay

The Family Fun-Seeker

Water parks, ice skating rinks, go-kart tracks and just about every other fun activity imaginable await on the decks of a family cruise. Not to mention the all-you-can-eat ice cream! The best Caribbean summer cruises for families are packed with memory-making activities for every age.

Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Carnival and Royal Caribbean are experts at delivering non-stop excitement for families. From Disney’s character meet-and-greets and themed dining experiences to Carnival’s onboard water parks and comedy shows, to Royal Caribbean’s skydiving simulators and zip lines, there’s truly something for everyone.

Enjoy bright, sunny days splashing in the family-friendly pools (most modern ships now feature a wide array of water fun), getting competitive with a round of mini-golf, or dropping in on a game at the sports court. Evenings at sea are ideal for a relaxed family dinner, then catching a dazzling Broadway-caliber show—or unwinding with adult-friendly entertainment like live comedy and vibrant nightlife.

Family-friendly cruises will feature a Kids’ Club with activities that include arts and crafts, games and shipboard outings. Popular family-friendly ports in the Caribbean include Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Man kayaking in the Caribbean towards an island

The Adventurer

You’re the type that seeks out thrill-filled days in adventurous ports followed by exciting evenings of top dining and sizzling nightclubs. Luckily, many ships are sailing the Caribbean that offer both, including action-packed voyages with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

These cruise lines are known for bringing the adventure onboard, with features like surf simulators, rock climbing walls and zip lines to get your adrenaline pumping even before you arrive at your next port of call. Royal Caribbean’s ships are floating playgrounds for thrill-seekers, while Norwegian Cruise Line turns up the energy with everything from go-kart tracks at sea to high-flying acrobatics and vibrant nightlife.

Look for Caribbean itineraries that include ports like Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; or St. Lucia for some of the best excursions. Arrive in port and immediately set off on memorable shore excursions—scuba dive and snorkel vibrant reefs in Roatán, go cave tubing through ancient river systems in Belize, or tackle open-air Jeep adventures deep into the lush jungles of St. Lucia.

Woman relaxing on a lounger on a Caribbean beach

The Relaxer

You need a recharge and there’s just the ship for you sailing the Caribbean this summer. Seek out cruise lines offering elevated resort vibes. You’ll delight in all the relaxation options, modern amenities, ocean breezes and wellness vibes onboard.

Consider spa-inclusive cruises or upscale lines with smaller capacities and a more adult-oriented approach—like the serene sophistication of Viking Ocean or the private-luxury feel of The Retreat® on Celebrity Cruises. These refined options cater to your craving for calm, offering sanctuary-like suites, tranquil lounges and curated wellness experiences.

Look for sailings that include stops in relaxing ports with top-rated beaches, such as Turks & Caicos, Aruba, or Grand Cayman. Your only task? Breathe deep, unwind and soak it all in.    

Couple sitting in the sand on a Caribbean beach

The Romantic

A getaway for just you and your special someone? You’ll find romance is in the air on some of the luxury ships sailing the Caribbean this summer. Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises can offer an elevated experience with the perfect balance of intimacy and sophistication, setting the scene for an escape that’s all about the two of you.

With more premium cruise lines, luxury is always within reach — think caviar tastings and champagne toasts. These ships deliver a laid-back yacht-style vibe with refined touches and exceptional service. Seek out itineraries sailing to romantic ports like St. Barts, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Martinique.

Set sail with AAA

No matter what your perfect cruise style looks like, the Caribbean and AAA Travel is ready to deliver sun-soaked days, memorable adventures and total relaxation. With so many incredible ships and itineraries to choose from, your dream summer escape is closer than you think. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Summertime is an ideal time to get away on a Caribbean cruise. The summer months offer extended daylight, which means more time to explore ports and bask in the sun on deck. Cruises in the Caribbean are also more affordable in the summer, often offering deep discounts to compete with road trips, theme parks and beach resorts. Cruise lines mitigate potential issues during hurricane season  with 24/7 advanced weather tracking and pre-planned routes to alternate ports of call.

The cheapest month to go on a cruise is often September. As schools return, there can be lower demand. However, the least expensive month to cruise can vary depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Sometimes late August or early October can also offer good deals.

Cruises are often the cheapest in the summer. Summer is the Caribbean’s off-season, as many U.S. travelers opt for road trips and nearby beach vacations instead. Cruise lines compete by dropping prices, especially during the summer months of July and August.

Explore, discover, wander...

Ready to cruise the Caribbean?

Save time and stress by planning with a trusted AAA Travel Agent. Whether you’re a Romantic, Relaxer, Adventurer, or Family Fun Seeker, they’ll match you with the perfect cruise for your style and budget—plus unlock exclusive member perks you won’t find anywhere else.

Contact an agent