Heidi BucoloYou might be surprised to see how many regions of the world have tropical climates, which are defined as high year-round temperatures and wet/dry seasons. The tropics are officially located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The tropics include the Equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Thus, if you are looking for the perfect beach escape, look no further than one of our top tropical cruise destinations.
Quick Summary
There are a number of regions to choose from when beginning to plan a tropical cruise vacation. Around the globe, there are a number of cruise destinations that offer an abundance of warmth, sun, and sand. In the Western Hemisphere, tropical cruising regions include the Caribbean, western Mexico, the Bahamas, Central America, Hawaii, and French Polynesia. In the Eastern Hemisphere, you can set sail on a tropical cruise in and around Australia.
The Best Tropical Cruise Destinations (2025)
Caribbean
When most people think of a tropical cruise, they automatically think of a voyage in the Caribbean. And with good reason — the Caribbean is one of the most popular tropical cruise vacations. Around 40 percent of cruises are in the Caribbean (based on passenger capacity).
The Caribbean offers the quintessential tropical vacation many people dream about, filled with sprawling beaches, turquoise waters, rainforests, and umbrella drinks. The specific islands you visit vary depending on factors such as your cruise line, ship, and itinerary.
However, all Caribbean islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours. There are also adventure activities like zip lining and off-road tours at most ports of call.
Itineraries in this region are generally divided into three areas: the eastern Caribbean, western Caribbean, and southern Caribbean. These itineraries can range from four or five nights all the way up to two-week adventures and beyond. Though, you’ll find the largest variety — both in terms of ship choices and the itinerary — in the seven to eight-night range.
You won’t have a problem finding a tropical cruise to the Caribbean, as cruises to the Caribbean are offered year-round. There are also a variety of ships from nearly all brands at various price points. In fact, many of the newest ships from major cruise lines visit popular islands in the Caribbean region.
Some of the more common stops include St. Thomas, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Rico, Aruba; Cozumel, Costa Maya, and more.
Mexico
Another region that is a top tropical cruise destination is Mexico. While western Caribbean itineraries often include visits to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, there are many great locales on Mexico’s western coast as well.
More cruise lines are beginning to shift some of their newer and more popular ships to the west coast to offer cruises in this region.
Ports in the Mexican Riviera such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Acapulco offer amazing beaches, immersive cultural and historical experiences, and a festive atmosphere day and night.
The Mexican Riviera is much like the Caribbean for West Coasters. Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean.
While there are less ships sailing this region than in the Caribbean, you still have options from popular brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian.
Hawaii
The accessibility to the Hawaiian islands makes it another popular tropical cruise vacation. Most Hawaiian cruises depart from the island of Oahu, visiting the Big Island and Maui. Some cruises also visit the island of Kauai.
With attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and a variety of luaus, Oahu is best explored for at least a couple of days either pre-cruise or post cruise.
The Big Island of Hawaii is very diverse. Its landscape ranges from volcanoes and mountainous terrain to beaches, rainforests, and everything in between.
A Hawaiian cruise itinerary is likely to include a stop at Hilo which is on the east side of the island as well as Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the island. One of our favorite excursions was a helicopter ride over the island to marvel at the volcanoes, lush landscapes, and rugged coastline.
Further, an overnight visit to the island of Maui is common on a Hawaiian cruise. Some of Maui’s most popular attractions include the Road to Hana and Haleakala Crater.
Several cruise lines have ships making stops in the region. As the only vessel sailing in Hawaii year-round, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is an easy choice. This Americana-themed ship sails a seven-night round-trip itinerary from Honolulu, offering a comprehensive Polynesian experience.
Bahamas
Another top tropical cruise vacation, especially for cruises of shorter duration, is the Bahamas. Normally, these cruises depart from the east coast of the United States. In fact, a majority leave from Florida.
While you are probably familiar with Nassau, Bahamas, this region is also home to Freeport, Bimini, and many cruise line private destinations. These private islands offer exclusive access for passengers sailing with the cruise line. They offer included food, beach access with loungers, and other amenities. Lines including NCL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Disney, Holland America, and Princess have their own Bahamian cruise destinations. On the island of Bimini, Virgin Voyages also has The Beach Club at Bimini, which is exclusively for Virgin cruise passengers when a Virgin ship is in port.
All major cruise lines offer Bahamas getaways ranging in length from three or four-night cruises to more traditional seven-night cruises. These cruises also vary in price to accommodate all budgets.
French Polynesia
When many envision tropical cruise vacations, places like Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Fiji might come to mind. If the turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and over-water bungalows are calling your name, you might want to splurge on a cruise to French Polynesia.
Besides luxurious beach days, these South Pacific islands offer other popular activities as well. Cruisers can explore the area on volcano hikes, snorkel excursions, 4×4 adventures, and so much more. Of course, you’ll also want to experience the history, culture, and cuisine while visiting this tropical locale.
Some major cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Norwegian do offer sailings in this region. Typically, they are roundtrip sailings departing from Australia, or are one-way voyages between places such as Hawaii and Tahiti. However, other brands like Carnival and Celebrity also offer one-way transpacific itineraries that include this region.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, brands like Windstar Cruises, Paul Gaugin Cruises, and Silversea offer a small ship experience that is perfect for visiting these South Pacific islands.
Central America
Most major cruise lines offer Panama Canal cruises. If cruising through this engineering marvel is not enough, these itineraries also visit tropical cruise locales in Central America. Ports of call like Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia are often coupled with either Caribbean stops or Mexican Riviera stops along the way.
Panama Canal cruises are usually one-way trips from the east coast to west coast (or vice versa), though they can be roundtrip sailings as well. Brands like Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line all offer trips from Florida to either California, Washington, or Vancouver.
During your Central America cruise, you must explore the rainforests of Costa Rica. From eco-tours to ziplining excursions, there are so many ways to discover this beautiful topography. There are also wildlife reserves with sloth sightings, UNESCO World Heritage sites, native cultural performances, Mayan ruins, coffee estates, and more to explore in the tropical ports dotted along Panama Canal cruises.
Australia
Another bucket list tropical cruise vacation is Australia. It’s easy to see why, as this region offers beautiful weather, iconic landmarks, sprawling beaches, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
While the northern part of Australia has a tropical climate, you will find the most selection of cruises to this region during the October to May time period.
Being such a vast continent with such varied landscapes, it can be difficult to know where to begin planning a cruise Down Under. However, Australia’s beautiful coastline makes a cruise the perfect way to explore this region. So, we suggest you do a bit of research on ports of call before choosing your itinerary.
Most of the major cruise lines typically offer sailings in Australia. Sydney is the most popular embarkation port. Though, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle also serve as embarkation ports for some ships.
The length of these itineraries can also vary greatly. From short two to four-night getaways and typical seven-day cruises to longer 12+ night routes, there’s a cruise for every travel style and budget in Australia.
Beyond the urban city centers, there is so much to explore in Australia and neighboring New Zealand. From well-known attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to UNESCO World Heritage sites, wineries, beaches, wildlife, and the famous Great Barrier Reef, there’s never a lack of things to do during your visit.
Comments
How many of these tropical cruise destinations have you visited? Are any of these itineraries on your bucket list? Drop us an anchor below to share your favorite places to cruise for the perfect beach escape.
