Which cruises include Barbados?

Barbados is one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in the Caribbean. With turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, British-influenced charm, and warm island hospitality, it’s no surprise that travelers dream of visiting this tropical gem. A number of major cruise lines include Barbados on their itineraries, offering round-trip Caribbean voyages, transatlantic sailings, and island-hopping adventures.

This guide explores which cruise lines sail to Barbados, what type of itineraries are offered, ports you will likely visit along the way, and tips for making the most of your Barbados cruise vacation.

Why Do Cruises Visit Barbados?

Cruise lines include Barbados for several reasons:

• Consistent weather making it an ideal year-round port

• Deep-water harbors suitable for large and small cruise ships

• Diverse tourism attractions such as beaches, gardens, caves, and UNESCO historic sites

• Unique Caribbean culture blending African, British, and island influences

• Efficient cruise port located in Bridgetown with easy access to excursions

Whether you're searching for adventure, relaxation, culture, or culinary experiences, Barbados delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

Major Cruise Lines That Include Barbados

Several well-known cruise brands schedule Barbados as a port of call. Below is a complete list with details of what makes each line unique for travelers.

Royal Caribbean Cruises to Barbados

Royal Caribbean features Barbados on many Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Typical itinerary duration: 7–12 nightsDeparture ports often include: Miami, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale, Barbados (seasonal homeport)

Ships frequently sailing to Barbados include:

• Rhapsody of the Seas

• Grandeur of the Seas

• Explorer of the Seas

• Vision of the Seas

Royal Caribbean cruises appeal to travelers seeking entertainment, modern ships, and shore excursions such as Harrison’s Cave or snorkeling with turtles.

Carnival Cruises to Barbados

Carnival Cruise Line caters to budget-friendly travelers looking for fun-filled Caribbean vacations.

Itinerary length: 7–14 nightsCommon departure ports: Miami, Port Canaveral, San Juan

Ships that commonly include Barbados:

• Carnival Fascination

• Carnival Liberty

• Carnival Sunshine

Carnival features lively onboard experiences and Barbados attractions like Carlisle Bay beaches, rum distillery tours, and catamaran cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to Barbados

Norwegian Cruise Line often includes Barbados on longer Southern Caribbean sailings.

Typical itinerary: 10–14 nights or repositioning cruisesCommon departure ports: Miami, New York, La Romana, Bridgetown (seasonal)

Ships that may sail to Barbados:

• Norwegian Viva

• Norwegian Sun

• Norwegian Epic

NCL is ideal for travelers who enjoy flexibility, diverse dining, and freestyle cruising.

Princess Cruises to Barbados

Known for refined ambiance and elegant itineraries, Princess Cruises frequently features Barbados.

Cruise duration: 7–21 nightsDeparture ports: Fort Lauderdale, Barbados, San Juan

Popular ships include:

• Caribbean Princess

• Emerald Princess

• Sky Princess

Princess often includes historical sites, botanical gardens, and cave tours among Barbados excursions.

Celebrity Cruises to Barbados

Celebrity Cruises offers premium voyages with modern luxury focus.

Itinerary length: 9–14 nightsDeparture ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Juan

Ships that stop in Barbados:

• Celebrity Silhouette

• Celebrity Beyond

• Celebrity Summit

Travelers experience fine dining, high-class entertainment, and cultural excursions.

MSC Cruises to Barbados

MSC Cruises blends European style with Caribbean charm.

Itinerary length: 7–14 nightsHomeports: Miami, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre

MSC ships that call on Barbados:

• MSC Seaside

• MSC Preziosa

• MSC Virtuosa

Expect a multicultural mix of food, entertainment, and excursion opportunities.

P&O Cruises Barbados Departures

P&O Cruises operates extensive Caribbean sailings from the UK market, often using Barbados as a starting and ending port.

Itinerary duration: 7–28 nightsDeparture options: Barbados outbound, UK to Barbados transatlantic

Ships include:

• Britannia

• Arvia

• Azura

P&O offers great value for UK travelers seeking warm-weather winter holidays.

Virgin Voyages to Barbados

Virgin Voyages, a modern adults-only cruise line, occasionally schedules voyages visiting or departing Barbados.

Typical trip length: 10–14 nightsDeparture port: Miami or seasonal Barbados base

Ships include:

• Valiant Lady

• Resilient Lady

Perfect for couples and adults seeking nightlife, wellness, and premium dining without kids.

Holland America Line Barbados Routes

Holland America offers classic-style Caribbean journeys focused on culture, relaxation, and enrichment programs.

Sailing length: 10–21 nightsDeparture ports: Fort Lauderdale, Barbados (seasonal)

Ships that may visit:

• Nieuw Amsterdam

• Rotterdam

• Zuiderdam

Fans of slower-paced, elegant travel will appreciate the experience.

Disney Cruise Line to Barbados

Disney Cruise Line occasionally features Barbados on longer Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Ideal for: Families and childrenTrip length: 10–14 nights

Ships include:

• Disney Magic

• Disney Fantasy

Expect character dining, theatrical shows, and family-friendly beach days.

Typical Ports on a Barbados Cruise Itinerary

Most Barbados-included cruises explore several nearby islands such as:

Common PortsRegion

St. LuciaWindward Islands

GrenadaSpice Island

St. KittsLeeward Islands

AntiguaBeaches and harbors

St. VincentLesser Antilles

TobagoNature-focused

You will likely visit multiple islands on a single voyage, making Barbados part of a broader Caribbean adventure.

What to Do in Barbados During Your Cruise Stop

Top things every cruiser should experience:

• Carlisle Bay beaches

• Shipwreck snorkeling

• Harrison’s Cave eco-tour

• Mount Gay Rum Distillery tasting

• Animal Flower Cave visit

• Oistins Fish Fry

• Historic Bridgetown UNESCO site

Whether you love beaches, nightlife, adventure, or shopping, Barbados has it all.

Best Time to Cruise to Barbados

The island enjoys sunshine most of the year, but:

SeasonBest Feature

December–AprilBest weather, peak season

May–AugustFewer crowds, warmer temperatures

September–NovemberRain season but cheapest fares

High season offers ideal conditions, while summer and fall may be more budget-friendly.

Conclusion

Which cruises include Barbados? 

Many! From luxury brands to family-friendly ships and UK winter escapes, Barbados is a central hub in Southern Caribbean cruising.

You can sail to Barbados with:

• Royal Caribbean

• Carnival

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess

• Celebrity Cruises

• MSC Cruises

• P&O Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Holland America Line

• Disney Cruise Line

Whether starting your vacation in Barbados or stopping mid-route, the island offers unforgettable beaches, culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality.