The 12 Best Cruises in the Caribbean

One of the world's largest cruise lines, Anthem of the Seas feels suitably bustling and boisterous. It holds up to 4,905 passengers, with a ton to keep them occupied. This Quantum-class ship is really a resort at sea, with everything from bumper cars to sky-diving simulators, Broadway shows, and robot bartenders. Cabins are sharp and range from studios for singles to interior rooms with virtual balconies

Holding 3,934 passengers, Carnival Vista is the line's flagship, highlighting the best of the best offered by the industry's largest cruise company. This ship is ideal for people who want to fill their vacation with activities from start to finish with family and friends in tow. Everyone also eagerly mingles onboard. It's a social ship with an outgoing crew and like-minded passengers looking to have a good time. Theme park-style features like the SkyRide, waterslides, and rope courses add to its appeal. It's also a budget-friendly option and definitely offers big value -- with a wide variety of food

The Holland America Line, with its 150-year history, can be seen as the traditional -- even stuffy -- option, but the Koningsdam aims to change all that, breathing a fresh, youthful energy into the brand. Its modern interiors, including spiffy cabins in light wood paneling and tasteful neutrals, feel refreshingly up-to-date. Expanded entertainment and kids' features also add allure for younger passengers or those new to the brand. But core clientele will be pleased to find the same facilities that made them fans in the first place, such as two large pool complexes and a myriad of fine-dining and casual options

The upscale, 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette is one of the line's biggest and newest ships. The brand is known for its excellent cuisine, high level of service, stylish decor, and laid-back, mature crowd, and the Silhouette delivers on those expectations in full. This is one of the only Celebrity ships offering the Porch, a seafood and raw bar, and the Lawn Club Grill for alfresco dining facing a half-acre of real grass. The pool deck, featuring two pools and four whirlpools, doesn't get overcrowded, and there's also an adults-only pool in the lovely Solarium. Cabins have attractive, understated decor, and 85 percent have balconies

With a strong focus on the destinations it sails, the 930-passenger Viking Star is one of the most beautiful and comfortable luxury ships in its class. Although rates are higher than mainstream lines, it still represents an outstanding value thanks to the sheer amount of extras that are included, such as free access to the spa's thermal suite, unlimited internet, and shore excursions in every port. Cabins are full of luxe details, too, with oversized stateroom showers

The massive Norwegian Getaway

Princess Cruises' latest and greatest, the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess

With a capacity of 6,680 passengers, Symphony of the Seas

All the finer things in life -- from food and wine to art and architecture to entertainment and spa treatments -- are executed with aplomb aboard the gorgeous and sophisticated Celebrity Equinox

Riviera, Oceania's 1,250-passenger cruise, is a smaller luxury ship with a focus on food. There are more than a half-dozen unique restaurants and dining experiences (four specialty restaurants are included in the fare), along with cuisine-inspired enrichment programs and shore excursions. Decor is upscale throughout, and cabins are spacious, with particularly comfortable beds. There is one pool, as well as two whirlpools, and features include a non-smoking casino (rarely busy), a spa with a thalassotherapy pool, gym

Norwegian Bliss

As Regent's first ship in 13 years, the Seven Seas Explorer


What to Pack: Summersalt Swimwear