Top 7 Reasons to Cruise the Caribbean with Oceania Cruises

There’s nothing quite like cruising in the Caribbean. After all, the region has everything you could want in a picture-perfect tropical vacation – lush rainforests, azure waters, sun-kissed beaches, delicious cuisine and plenty of historical sites. Whether you’re looking to relax and take in the laid-back rhythms of island life or indulge your adventurous side – or perhaps both – Caribbean sailings aboard Oceania Cruises’ small, luxurious ships offer experiences that set us apart.

Here are 7 reasons to cruise the Caribbean with Oceania Cruises:

1. Longer Voyage Lengths
   While many voyages in the Caribbean are a quick three- or four-day jaunt, our voyages range from a minimum of seven days to more than three weeks. This means you’ll have more time to explore a greater selection of popular and boutique destinations that invite you to uncover the distinct personality and fascinating heritage of each locale. Our Grand Voyages are even longer, perfect for spending chilly winters in the balmy region or embarking on an expansive exploration of both the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

2. More Time in Port
   With late departures in many ports of call, you’ll experience even more of a destination’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty. Sip a tasty cocktail as you marvel at the vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow during a relaxing sunset cruise in St. John’s. Sample roasted breadfruit and fried jackfish after a day of exploring beautiful botanical gardens and historic Fort Charlotte in Kingstown. Or take in the local ambiance at a beachfront lounge as you recall your day’s exciting Jeep adventure in Oranjestad. With departures as late as 11:00 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to savor the evening allure.

3. Overnight Stays
   Oceania Cruises offers a great selection of overnight stays in some of the most sought-after ports throughout the Caribbean, giving you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the unique sites and colorful atmosphere of each. From San Juan to Willemstad and Cozumel to Panama City, you can do it all – relax on pristine beaches, snorkel coral reefs, explore Maya ruins, stroll seaside promenades and dine under the stars. Of course, you’ll always have your luxurious suite or stateroom to come back to before going back ashore the next day to discover more.

4. Boutique and Off-the-Beaten-Track Ports of Call
   Sailing on board one of our small, luxurious ships gives you something that the mega ships just can’t – the opportunity to visit less-traveled and boutique ports of call. Codrington on the island of Barbuda – Antigua’s blissfully undeveloped sister island – is an untrodden paradise. Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe, offers a laid-back ambiance where you can enjoy a scenic hike, relax on a quiet beach or sample tourment d’amour, a traditional pastry.

In addition, boutique enclaves such as sophisticated Gustavia, St. Barts, lush Basseterre, St. Kitts and nature-blessed Roseau, Dominica, perfectly complement explorations of popular destinations.

5. One-of-a-Kind Culinary Discovery Tours™
   Caribbean gastronomy reflects the vibrant cultures and traditions of the many indigenous peoples who settled in the region and features bold spices and herbs, seafood pulled straight from the sea, fresh tropical fruits and much more. To get a first-hand immersive taste – literally – of Caribbean cuisine, join one of our chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours™ that offers an insider’s experience of the local culinary scene.

• Castries, St. Lucia: Chef-Led Soufrière Market, Chocolate & Market Lunch
  Visit the Soufrière Market to learn how fruits and vegetables are prepared in traditional St. Lucian cuisine followed by an in-depth look at organic chocolate-making and a market-style lunch.

• Cozumel, Mexico: Chef-Led Tequila vs. Mezcal Seminar & Taco Pairing
  Discover the distinguishing characteristics of tequila and mezcal during an intimate tasting that pairs these distilled spirits with traditional Mexican tacos.

• Costa Maya, Mexico: Chef-Led Ancestral Treasures: El Maíz
  Celebrate the cornerstone of Mexican cuisine – corn, or maíz – on this tour that includes selecting ingredients at a farmers market, observing a chef use traditional techniques to craft authentic corn-based dishes, assist in preparing corn tortillas and rounding out your experience with a delicious authentic meal.

• Harvest Caye, Belize: Chef-Led Spice Farm & Onboard Cooking Class
  Head to a spice farm tucked away in the foothills of the Maya Mountains where you’ll discover how spices grown here are essential to Belizean dishes, and then harvest some key ingredients that will be used in your onboard cooking class.

• San Juan, Puerto Rico: Chef-Led Hydroponic Farm Visit & Onboard Cooking Class
  Visit an eco-friendly farm that supplies fresh produce throughout Puerto Rico. You’ll notice the organic difference as you sample items such as goat cheese, pickled vegetables, marmalades, edible flowers, a variety of tapas and more. Back on board, enjoy a Puerto Rican cooking class featuring ingredients from the farm.

6. Onboard Culinary Experiences
   Caribbean culinary experiences are not reserved just for activities ashore. In The Culinary Center on board select ships, you can join hands-on classes to discover the secrets of some Caribbean favorites and learn about the range of influences on the diverse islands. You’ll also be able to sample dishes like jerk chicken, conch fritters, coconut shrimp and callaloo during our Caribbean-inspired Chef Market Dinners in the Terrace Café on select voyages.

7. Expanded Embarkation & Disembarkation Ports
   For even greater flexibility and convenience for you to discover all that the Caribbean has to offer, in 2026 we will be offering sailings that begin or end in Tampa, Florida. This Gulf Coast gem boasts a long list of things to do, so be sure to add time before or after your voyage to explore its cultural and natural attractions. Tampa joins San Juan, Oranjestad, Bridgetown and – of course – Miami as embarkation and disembarkation ports, giving you numerous options to create the Caribbean vacation that’s just right for you. As an added convenience, be sure to check out our Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotel Programs.

The Caribbean is calling – when will you be joining us there? Tell us on Facebook.