On a Caribbean cruise with Marella, there are a number of islands you may visit. Depending on where your particular cruise ports, you may visit the following places:

• Puerto Rico
• St Kitts and Nevis
• Grenada
• British Virgin Islands
• Bonaire
• US Virgin Islands
• Curacao
• St Maarten
• Dominican Republic
• Dominica
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Barbados
• Trinidad and Tobago

We go into detail about St Kitts, British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, and Barbados in our Cocktails and Coconuts Itinerary blog. Find out more about the other islands below

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is home to a picturesque landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and a tropical rainforest (El Yunque). Well-loved for its beach bars, casinos, and Spanish colonial-era buildings, there is lots to explore when visiting Puerto Rico. And don’t forget to try out their coffee, particularly ‘café con leche’ which means coffee with hot milk.

Grenada

‘The Island of Spice’, or Grenada, with its ever-present rich scent of nutmeg, is famous for its waterfalls and rolling landscapes. St George’s is well worth a visit, with its popular spice market, or for the more adventurous type, you could try trekking through Grenada’s rainforest. 

Bonaire

A southern-Caribbean Island, with reef-lined coasts, Bonaire is well known for being one of the best scuba-diving locations in the world. This is a great island for those who are looking to try scuba-diving for the first time thanks to the shallow, clear waters and accessible diving points.

US Virgin Islands

40 miles east of Puerto Rico, you’ll find the US Virgin Islands, with St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, being the main islands. Known for their white-sand beaches, tranquil waters, and friendly people, the US Virgin Islands are popular amongst travellers.

Curacao

Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean Island, best known for its beaches which are tucked into coves, with vast coral reefs. Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, ,is a World Heritage site that offers world-class museums and excellent shopping and sightseeing opportunities. 

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic offers a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences, seen in its music, food, and festivals. The country is also famous for its thriving tourism, especially in areas like Punta Cana, as well as its passion for baseball and merengue music.

Dominica

Dominica, often called the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean,’ is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including dense rainforests, hot springs, and the second-largest boiling lake in the world. Known for its ecotourism, rich biodiversity, and vibrant Creole culture, with strong African, French, and indigenous Kalinago influences.

St Lucia

Fantastic for those seeking a mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure. Famous for its iconic Pitons, rainforests, and pristine beaches, St Lucia offers unique attractions like the world’s only drive-in volcano, mud baths, and vibrant coral reefs. 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is famous for its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for sailing, diving, and beach lovers. The islands are also famous for their lush landscapes, including waterfalls, volcanic mountains, and botanical gardens, and the active La Soufrière volcano on St. Vincent.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago have a lively culture, with Trinidad being the birthplace of both calypso and steelpan music. The islands are also central to the development of soca and chutney music, reflecting its multicultural influences from African, Indian, European, and indigenous roots. Beyond its cultural richness, Trinidad and Tobago boasts beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife (like leatherback turtles and scarlet ibises), and unique natural sites such as the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and Pitch Lake.

If you’re seeking a holiday filled with relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, a Caribbean cruise with Marella is an exceptional choice. With 18 cruise itineraries to choose from, including the idyllic Cocktails and Coconuts cruise, Marella makes exploring the Caribbean easy and unforgettable.

The Caribbean is a stunning region, home to over 7,000 islands, boasting sandy white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Each island offers its own distinct charm, from delicious local cuisine to unique cultural traditions.

Marella goes the extra mile to ensure you get the most out of your adventure. Each itinerary is designed to highlight the very best of the region, with stops at some of the Caribbean’s most iconic islands. To enhance your experience, Marella also offers a range of spectacular onshore excursions, from coming face-to-face with turtles in Barbados, to sight seeing on the trolley train in Willemstad, Curacao. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

A taste of the Tropics

This is a 7-night cruise, starting in Bridgetown, Barbados. As you won’t depart until the evening depending on your flight times, you may get to spend some time exploring the island.

On day 2, you will port at Scarborough, Tobago, with plenty of time to explore. Scarborough is the capital of Tobago, and offers a variety of things to do, from visiting some fascinating Georgian architecture to sampling what the lively street markets have for sale.

On day 3, you will port at St George’s, Grenada, more commonly known as Spice Island.  From the spice smells to the spices that grow here, you’re surrounded by the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This island is great for exploring, so don’t forget your walking boots!

On day 4, you will port at Kingstown, St Vincent. Here you can board a handmade Schooner for a cruise along the coast of St Vincent, on the Caribbean Pirates Sailaway excursion.

On day 5, you will port at Castries, St Lucia, well known for its mountains, with summits towering at least 2,000 feet above sea level. You can get a bird’s eye view of St Lucia’s rainforests at the Treetop Adventure Park. There are lots of shore excursions to enjoy in St Lucia, including Scenes of St Lucia.

On day 6, you will port at Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe, famous for its sugar and rum. There are lots of things to do on this scattering of islands, from bike tours to days on the sandy beaches.

Day 7 you’ll be at sea, and on day 8 you’ll be back in Bridgetown, Barbados to disembark.

There is so much to keep you busy on a Marella cruise ship, below we’ve listed just a few highlights but do read our Meet the Fleet post here, too.

Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery has 7 bars, and 7 restaurants, an outdoor cinema, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a rock-climbing wall.

Marella Discovery 2

Marella Discovery 2 is the sister ship to Marella Discovery, which means it shares most of the same facilities as Marella Discovery.

Marella Explorer

Marella Explorer has 10 bars, and 10 restaurants, an indoor cinema, spa, and sports/family deck area.

Marella Explorer 2

Marella Explorer 2 is Marella Cruises’ adults-only ship, with a large spa, 9 bars, and 9 restaurants, and a veranda.

Marella Voyager

Marella Voyager is the newest member of the Marella Cruises family, with 10 bars and 17 eateries, an indoor cinema, swimming pool, whirlpools, and a veranda.

Exploring the Caribbean with Marella Cruises offers an unparalleled way to experience the magic of the Caribbean. From island-hopping adventures to exciting onboard amenities, Marella Cruises combines relaxation with discovery. Taking you from world-famous beaches and lush rainforests to colourful cities rich with history.

Whether you’re drawn to the lively markets of Grenada, the serene beaches of the British Virgin Islands, or the thrill of snorkelling in Bonaire, there’s a unique adventure waiting for everyone on board. Book your Caribbean cruise with Marella here now!

Further reading –

A Beginners Guide to Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises Complete Dining Guide

Cruising at Christmas and New Year with Marella Cruises

Magic of Spain with Marella Cruises