Best Caribbean Cruise Lines

Cruises have been in the news a lot lately, but usually for the wrong reasons. No company is immune to accidents, but we believe the cruise lines below do a fine job of navigating the Caribbean. With their vast (and beautiful) bodies of water and picturesque ports of call, the Caribbean islands are a cruise passenger's fantasy come true. Whether they have their own private islands or craft shore excursions just for you, the ten cruise lines we've chosen for this list are among the very best.

1.&nbspDisney Cruise Line

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online

For many travelers, the Caribbean is considered an adult destination. A place designed by nature for couples retreats and cocktails on the beach. But Disney proves that this is not only one of the most magical places on earth — it's also one of the most family-friendly. From the Grand Caymans to the Virgin Islands, Disney cruises hit all the usual ports, but they also include Castaway Cay, Disney's private Bahamian island. Here guests will find private beach cabanas in family and adult-only locales, open-air massage areas, a teen hideout, Dance Parties with Disney characters and Port Adventures such as stingray interactions and glass-bottom boat tours. Best of all for parents who want to take advantage of the Caribbean's romantic ambience, the island offers free childcare at the Scuttle's Cove kids' play area.

2.&nbspHolland America Line

With their Culinary Arts Centers, exceptional art collections and full-service spas, Holland America voyages offer more than just a holiday, as each cruise to the Caribbean proves. Stopovers in beloved ports offer a wealth of specially crafted activities. You might take a yellow semi-submarine tour at St. Barths to discover a shipwreck or visit local artists on St. Maarten. Holland America guests also enjoy privileged access to the cruise line's private island, Half Moon Cay. Ninety-eight percent of the island has been left untouched, which means you can feed stingrays in a secluded cove or horseback ride on a deserted beach. Of course, there are plenty of resort pleasures too, including air-conditioned beach cabanas and the Half Moon Lagoon aqua park.

3.&nbspNorwegian Cruise Lines

With Norwegian Cruise Lines' Freestyle Cruising, guests will find the flexibility to create the holiday of their dreams. From specialty dining to Broadway Shows to Casinos at Sea (with more than 200 table games), activities are designed to meet every desire. The same goes for Norwegian's Caribbean cruise itineraries, which feature nine ships, four departure ports and outstanding shore excursions, all designed to be enjoyed on island time. Among cruise highlights are opportunities to search for green monkeys on Barbados, tour Puerto Rico's historic Fort San Cristobal and explore the world's second-largest barrier reef off the coast of Honduras.