Planning a Caribbean cruise? Five reasons to pick NCL

At a glance

• Norwegian Cruise Line helped shape the classic Caribbean cruise as we know it, and was voted the Caribbean's leading cruise line for 12 years in a row by the World Travel Awards
• NCL guests can enjoy access to not one but two private islands
• Shore excursions range from snorkelling with sea turtles to culinary city tours
• This cruise line offers 42 itineraries across the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean

1. NCL is the original

One reason so many seasoned travellers think NCL when they think ‘Caribbean cruise’ is simple: the cruise line has been shaping this style of holiday for nearly 60 years.

That’s because NCL didn’t just join the Caribbean cruise boom. It helped create it.

To get the full picture, we have to go back to the 1960s. It was the days before holiday selfies, before anyone had heard of email and, crucially, a time when the idea of sailing the Caribbean’s sun-drenched shores was still out of reach for most travellers. It was seen as somewhere glamorous and far-flung; the kind of place you might read about in magazines rather than actually visit.

But NCL saw an opportunity to make the region more accessible. They did it with one simple, revolutionary idea: weekly cruise departures to the Caribbean. Go back 57 years, and it was something no other cruise line was doing.

Suddenly, more people than ever could spend a week island-hopping, swimming in impossibly blue waters and experiencing the kind of voyage that had once felt more like the stuff of fantasy than reality.

Since then, NCL has continued to lead the way when it comes to cruising the region, from developing ports like Ocho Rios in Jamaica to reimagining what ships can offer guests.

2. Access to private islands

For many first-time cruisers, the idea of a private island in the Caribbean invokes visions of exclusive hideaways reserved for the ultra-wealthy. And yet, it’s something NCL guests can enjoy too.

It all started in the mid-70s. NCL had already introduced travellers around the world to the joys of Caribbean cruising, but they weren’t about to rest on their laurels. Instead, they were looking for ways to make the experience even more memorable.

Enter Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which began welcoming NCL passengers in 1977. In yet another milestone moment, the cruise line had pioneered the concept of a private island created just for cruise guests.

All these years later, it’s still a highlight of many itineraries, though the island looks quite different today. The natural beauty is still omnipresent, with lush greenery and white sand beaches, but there’s also plenty more to discover, from the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove to an underwater sculpture garden for snorkelling.

In keeping with the spirit of innovation that sparked NCL's private island concept to begin with, more additions are arriving at Great Stirrup Cay in November 2025. These include a heated swimming pool roughly the size of 20 tennis courts, complete with swim-up bars and a dedicated kids’ area, plus a new pier and a tram service to help guests get around.

Not to be outdone, NCL’s second private island, Harvest Caye off the coast of Belize, also offers plenty to tempt Caribbean cruisers. Notable attractions include a saltwater lagoon for water sports, a pool with cascading waterfalls and a 136-foot-high ‘Flighthouse’ for ziplining across the island.

3. Extraordinary shore excursions

To the uninitiated, a Caribbean cruise might conjure up nothing more than placid days in the sun by the pool. And if that’s what you’re thinking, you’re absolutely right – that is what a Caribbean cruise can be.

But if you’re sailing with NCL, that’s far from the whole story. Over nearly 60 years, the cruise line’s experts have curated some of the most extraordinary shore excursions imaginable, with options to suit every taste, pace and age group.

There are hundreds to choose from across the Caribbean. You might ride an aerial tram through the treetops of St Lucia’s rainforest, take a culinary tour through the cobbled streets of San Juan or explore the mysteries of Mayan ruins in Tulum. You could even venture into the crystal caves once used by pirates in Grand Cayman or snorkel alongside sea turtles off the coast of Nassau.

For especially immersive experiences, keep an eye out for excursions in the 'Go Local' collection.

4. More than just a way to get there

NCL doesn’t just make it easy for all kinds of travellers to cruise the Caribbean; it also ensures the onboard experience matches your particular travel style, from the moment you embark.

That starts with accommodation that feels tailored to you. Solo travellers can choose sleek studio cabins without paying a single supplement, while families may prefer spacious multi-bedroom suites.

Dining on board is equally varied. NCL ships offer up to 20 dining venues, serving up everything from modern Mexican with a twist to elegant French bistros and chic cocktail bars.

Amenities also cater to different types of cruisers. Honeymooners may spend their days at the adults-only Beach Vibe Club or relaxing in an infinity-edge pool, while families might gravitate towards the kids’ aqua park or Aqua Slidecoaster: a hybrid between a rollercoaster and waterslide.

The result is a Caribbean cruise that feels thoughtfully designed for the way people actually travel. And with the More At Sea™ package – which includes premium drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits for just £249 per person on a seven- to eight-day cruise – it’s simple to enjoy both the ship and shore without worrying about extra costs.

5. Seeing the many facets of the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a vast and varied region. Yes, there are palm-lined beaches sloping into turquoise seas, but there are also cloud-topped mountains, volcanic landscapes, towering waterfalls, dense jungles and coral reefs teeming with otherworldly marine life.

And that’s before you even consider the port cities. A Caribbean cruise means stopping in places with distinct cultural identities, from Old San Juan, known for its cobbled streets and centuries-old fortresses, to Ocho Rios, a culinary hotspot celebrated for jerk grills and locally grown coffee.

With NCL, you could sail the Caribbean a dozen times and never have the same trip twice. The cruise line offers 42 unique itineraries across the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, showcasing the many sides of this richly layered region.

Here are three itineraries we have our eye on:

Caribbean: Curaçao, Aruba & Dominican Republic from Miami

When: December 2025

Duration: 11 days

Highlights: This Southern Caribbean voyage visits islands known for their sherbet-coloured colonial buildings adorned in bougainvillaea, oleander and hibiscus. Expect golden beaches, breathtaking snorkelling and sky-blue Curaçao cocktails.

Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay, Orlando & Nassau from New York

When: Multiple dates from November 2025 to March 2026

Duration: Eight days

Highlights: This cruise pairs classic Bahamian ports with NCL’s original private island. In Nassau, you’re just a catamaran ride from Pearl Island, where swimming with pigs is the real draw. In Great Stirrup Cay, you’ll arrive just in time to explore its latest upgrades, including the new 2,600-square-metre pool, lined with cabanas.

Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatán from Tampa*

When: Multiple dates from November 2025 to April 2026

Duration: Seven days

Highlights: NCL’s private island, Harvest Caye, lies beside the Mesoamerican Reef. This is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, which you can see up close for yourself. Meanwhile, Cozumel offers a fascinating contrast: cenotes, Mayan ruins and lush jungle.

*Note: similar itineraries are available from Miami.