Caribbean cruises: where to go in 2024
Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. It set off its first voyage on January 27th, 2024.
Aboard the Icon of the Seas, there are 20 decks, 7 pools, a water park, and a 17-metre waterfall. The liner embarks weekly voyages from Miami, passing by Mexico, Honduras, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean countries.
The Caribbean islands are one of the most sought-after cruise destinations. Learn which routes are available in 2024 and how much they cost.
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The Caribbean countries attract wealthy foreigners not only with the opportunity to obtain citizenship by investment. Cruises from the USA to the Caribbean Sea and back are a popular luxury holiday. Cruise tickets typically cost $1,700—2,000.
During the cruise, passengers can try exotic dishes, swim in the pool, engage in sports, visit the water park, or watch movies. The world's first suspended pool is installed on the Icon of the Seas liner.
Caribbean cruises usually last for 7 days. During this time, the liner makes several stops. For example, the Icon of the Seas makes four stops in three countries: Mexico, Honduras, and the Bahamas.
Tickets for Caribbean cruises are sold on the organising company’s website. When booking, passengers can choose their cabin and service class.
5 things to know before going on a cruise
1. Animals are not allowed on board a cruise ship. An exception will be made for guide dogs, as well as for animals weighing up to 5 kg. To bring an animal, you need to request permission from the cruise organiser, which can be done when purchasing a cruise ticket.
2. Internet and television are available on the cruise ship. Large liners even launch their own TV channels. You can make a phone call from the ship at $15—30 per minute. Mobile phone service is usually unavailable for most of the route.
3. Doctors and rescuers are on board the cruise ship. Medical services provided on board the ship must be paid separately. Typically, travellers buy special cruise insurance to cover treatment costs in case of illness or accident.
4. Health insurance must cover all countries on the ship’s route. Before the cruise, it is advisable to check the country under whose flag the ship will sail. This is often the country of the vessel’s registration. Health insurance must cover the treatment costs in the country of the ship registration and countries where the ship will make stops.
5. There are duty-free shops on cruise ships. Such shops are open only while the ship is underway. According to international customs rules, making purchases while the ship is stopped at a port is not possible.
On the Royal Caribbean International website, you can purchase tickets for Caribbean cruises. The price depends on the service class, cabin type, and additional services
Eastern Caribbean cruise: itinerary and cost
In the Eastern Caribbean, cruise ships visit islands closer to the US mainland. Itineraries typically include Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Maarten, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.
During a trip to the Eastern Caribbean, travellers can explore the historical sights of Puerto Rico, swim in the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the Bahamas, and relax on the pristine beaches of St Thomas. St Maarten is perfect for capturing spectacular holiday photos, especially at Maho Beach, where planes fly close to the ground.
Most Eastern Caribbean cruises depart from Florida (USA) or San Juan (Puerto Rico). MSC and Costa depart from Pointe-à-Pitre, the economic capital of Guadeloupe, while Carnival, AIDA, and TUI depart from Bridgetown, Barbados.
Examples of 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises
How to take a Western Caribbean Cruise
Cruises exploring the western part of the Caribbean Sea may include stops in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. Many routes start from ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New Orleans in the USA. MSC cruises often depart from Havana.
The Western Caribbean is renowned for its lush tropical forests, ancient Maya ruins, underground caves, and coral reefs. In Georgetown, Cayman Islands, visitors can swim with stingrays or turtles, while in Jamaica, they can explore local waterfalls.
Examples of 7-day Western Caribbean cruises
What does the Southern Caribbean cruise offer?
Cruises through the Southern Caribbean Sea take passengers to remote islands, making the route ideal for those seeking a tranquil getaway. Typical itineraries for Southern Caribbean cruises include the islands of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Grenada, St Lucia, as well as St Kitts and Nevis.
Travellers opt for Southern Caribbean cruises to enjoy diving in the Bonaire National Marine Park, exploring the surroundings of Aruba on a submarine, or visiting the world’s largest rum distillery in Barbados.
Southern Caribbean cruises most commonly depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral in the USA, as well as from San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Examples of 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises
How to obtain a Caribbean passport
In the Caribbean, wealthy individuals can quickly obtain a second passport by investment. Caribbean citizenship programs are the fastest in the world and among the most accessible to investors. Acquiring a passport typically takes 3—6 months, with an investment threshold of $100,000.
Investment options vary by country, from government funds to real estate or business. Non-refundable contributions to the country’s economy require the least investment. While purchasing real estate involves a higher initial cost, investors can potentially return part of their investment by selling the property after 5—7 years.
If an investor needs a second passport within 1—2 months, they can obtain citizenship in Vanuatu, a country in Oceania. In Vanuatu, investors make a non-refundable contribution starting at $130,000.
Requirements for citizenship programs in the Caribbean and Vanuatu
A Caribbean passport offers visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, Singapore, and the UK. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Dominica can travel visa-free to China.
It’s worth moving to a Caribbean country not only for the tropical nature or pristine beaches. In the Caribbean, you can open a business and optimise taxes. In most countries, local companies do not pay taxes on capital gains, dividends, royalties, and interest.
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