PREPARE FOR THE ULTIMATE
SUMMER CRUISES
Escape the day-to-day and set sail on the summer adventure of a lifetime.
Summer cruises are all about seeing the sun sparkle off turquoise waters, meeting new local cultures and indulging your inner foodie. Bid farewell to the daily grind and discover Mexico, a perfect destination for a May cruise, where you can spend your days dreaming on the pristine Paradise Beach in Cozumel or exploring the mystical Mayan ruins in Tulum. Continue on to Belize to see the Great Blue Hole, a 400-meter-deep underwater sinkhole, and scuba through a network of underwater caves in Lighthouse Reef, only 100 kilometers from Belize City. Walk through the pastel-hued Spanish colonial architecture in Old Havana for a glimpse into the region's past, or turn the tiller toward The Bahamas to snorkel through the turquoise waters off the coast of Nassau. Between the many destinations to choose from and the countless, splash-worthy activities, these top summer cruises are sure to make this season one you will never forget.
Set sail on the ultimate summer vacation
Pick from these summer cruises for your boldest vacation yet.
SIGN UP FOR DEALS ON SUMMER CRUISES
SANDY TOES AND SUNNY SKIES
Barrier reefs, rainforests and mountain peaks come together to create your ultimate summer cruise adventures.
SOAK ON THE SHORE
There are countless things to do on, under and near the water on summer cruises. Soak up the sun on the pink beaches of Kings Wharf in Bermuda on an August cruise. Swim with stingrays and dolphins, then watch the kids as they conquer the largest waterslide in the Caribbean at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Or go on a family kayaking tour along Dunn's River in Falmouth, Jamaica. If you're looking for an underwater expedition, take off on a scuba adventure through Belize's Great Blue Hole, a sinkhole so large it can be seen from space.
PEAKS AND VALLEYS
Breathe in the energy of the jungle as you trek through ancient forests and hidden mountain trails. Wander through the ancient ruins of Kohunlich in Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, a site first settled in 200 BC. Meet howler monkeys as you trek through El Yunque National Park near San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you need to cool down, sneak underneath the powerful waterfalls of Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Or head north and march along the massive ice walls of Mendenhall Glacier during Alaska's summer months.
THE HEART OF LOCAL LIFE
Visit West End in Roatan, Honduras, to get a taste of everyday village life. Or venture to Ketchikan, Alaska, on a July cruise, home of the world's largest collection of totem poles, for a glimpse of native culture. Hop on an Alaska summer cruise and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective. Don't miss our most adventurous summer cruise deals that you and the whole family can enjoy.
FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN
The best summer cruise destinations give you plenty of space and time to soak in your next adventure. Enjoy long, warm days and clear blue skies.
SUIT UP
At the heart of every Bahamas vacation are pristine beaches of powdery, white sand matched with vibrant coral gardens. Explore the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island. Swim among dolphins and shipwrecks in Bimini. Or unwind on the beaches of the private, eco-certified island: Perfect Day at CocoCay* - the ultimate summer cruise destination the whole family can enjoy. A Bahamas cruise is all about the good life.
TASTE, SEE, EXPERIENCE
While you'll find delicious delights like tacos and carne asada — the local style of grilled, sliced beef — in any taqueria in Mexico, you're bound to discover other breathtaking elements of this lush region as well. Cruise to Cozumel for excellent diving at the Chankanaab eco-park, home to friendly turtles, dolphins and manatees. Next, stop off at Puerto Costa Maya to see ancient Mayan ruins, and live the wild life among roaming jaguars at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
SEARCH FOR CULTURAL GEMS
San Juan, Puerto Rico's 500-year-old capital, is destined to charm you with colorful colonial-style buildings, old-world history and incredible local delicacies. Head to the San Juan National Historic Site to visit Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, two 16th-century forts that once protected the town from Dutch pirates. Or take a stroll to Teatro Tapia to see a local play on one of the oldest free-standing stages that is still running today.
AN EXPEDITION
ALL YOUR OWN
Whether you're learning regional customs on a cultural exploration or having a thrill-packed adventure through tropical destinations, you'll find something for the whole family while traveling on the best summer cruises.
CULTURE FROM A LOCAL LOOKOUT
Traveling for pleasure is fun, but traveling for knowledge is a privilege. Global summer destinations will give you a taste of diverse cultures and customs. Venture to Roatan, Honduras, to meet the multi-faceted Garifuna peoples at the annual Garifuna Festival, where their Afro-Caribbean heritage remains strong. Explore the ancient San Gervasio Mayan ruins in Cozumel, Mexico, which date back to 300 AD. Or set your sights northward to Ketchikan, Alaska, home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Native Americans.
FILLED WITH THRILLS
If you're looking to soak up the sun and ride some of the tallest waterslides in the Caribbean, have a Perfect Day in CocoCay*, an entire island in The Bahamas dedicated to lounging, sun bathing and splashing in turquoise waters. To immerse yourself in Bahamian culture, learn to play the traditional Goombay drum on the Grand Bahama Island while the Junkanoo parade — a brightly colored festival of traditional costumes and music — floats by. Then, cruise to Belize for epic forest zip-line adventures and gentle river tubing through limestone caves.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Beach It Up With the Whole Family
Booking a tour with Royal Caribbean Cruises means you can enjoy your day worry-free. Check out the excursion offerings for your destination early on to ensure you know all the details for your family snorkeling, scuba diving or hiking adventure. No matter how you choose to embrace the local landscape, be sure to bring plenty of food and water to stay fueled for exploration. Pack bottled water, as the tap water in some Caribbean destinations is not potable. Dried fruit is a great option for calories on the go.
If you want to swim with dolphins, make sure you book an encounter with a recognized institution. "Wild" dolphin encounters can be dangerous, as the animals are not trained to interact with humans. If you'd like to see dolphins in the wild, book a sailing yacht tour to be safe and animal-friendly.
RELATED PORTS
Looking for something a little different from your usual 2- or 3-day summer getaway? Hop on a transatlantic June cruise or a longer Caribbean expedition and uncover the raw beauty of the region.
