Guests looking for the ultimate sunshine-filled winter escape need to look no further than MSC Cruises’ vast array of Caribbean itineraries, which showcase some of the most idyllic destinations the region has to offer.
With its pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, tropical weather and rich cultural heritage, the Caribbean continues to grow in popularity as a holiday destination, and it’s not too late to book now with more than 127 sailings between October and March for guests to choose from.
MSC Cruises has a total of five ships sailing the Caribbean this 2024/2025 winter season with varied itineraries from a range of easily accessed departure ports in north America including Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City, each with well-connected international airports with direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Guests will have an unparalleled choice of destinations with more than 22 ports to explore, each offering an abundance of enriching experiences and giving guests the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
The itineraries range from short mini getaways to extended sailings to some of the most coveted and sun-drenched destinations in the region including The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and more.
Those guests looking for the ultimate comfort, privacy and personalized service on holiday can make the most of the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s luxury ‘ship within a ship’ concept, with all five ships that call to the Caribbean this winter, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore and MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina offering the MSC Yacht Club to book. With 24-hour butler and concierge service, premium drinks, elegant and spacious accommodations, an exclusive restaurant, lounge and pool, the MSC Yacht Club provides a secluded sanctuary, all within easy reach of everything a larger ship has to offer.
Destination highlights in the Caribbean this winter:
- Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve
All five ships sailing the Caribbean this winter will visit Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ stunning private island located in The Bahamas which is dedicated to the restoration of marine resources and the ongoing conservation of marine life. The tropical paradise, which boasts more than two miles of pristine white sand across eight world class beaches, invites guests to discover the beauty spirit of the Bahamas. The island features plenty of areas to soak up the sun and enjoy endless activities while surrounded by sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters. Guests can enjoy snorkeling with marine life, scuba diving, jet skiing, relaxing spas and plenty more activities for the whole family to enjoy. Ocean Cay is also home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, which aims to restore nearby coral reefs and contribute to conservation knowledge and initiatives worldwide. MSC Seascape, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore all call to Ocean Cay this winter.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is romantically charming with its bright pastel Spanish colonial facades, wrought-iron balconies abloom with flowers, narrow cobblestone streets and beloved park squares. Guests can enjoy the warmer climate and explore Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), a UNESCO World Heritage district, widely renowned for the fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the Castillo San Cristóbal. Guests in need of a caffeine kick can take a coffee-tasting walking tour to explore Puerto Rico’s rich coffee culture and learn how the island’s volcanic soil and climate have contributed to the rise of coffee as one of its main crops. Guests can taste a delicious cup of freshly brewed Puerto Rican café con leche or savor San Juan’s culinary delights or its world-famous rum. Nature lovers will not want to miss a visit to El Yunque, a tropical rainforest and one of Puerto Rico’s finest spots of natural beauty. Marvel at its small waterfalls and giant ferns. MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside and MSC Seascape offer itineraries that call to San Juan.
- Cozumel, Mexico
As one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, this holiday hotspot is home to a host of restaurants, historic sites and museums and stunning natural scenery. Renowned for its snorkeling and stunning natural reefs, there are plenty of water activities guests can enjoy enjoying taking a catamaran excursion and sailing on the clear waters of the area. Guests can also take a journey through the historical Mayan sites dating back to around 1,000 AD. San Gervasio is the only excavated Maya site on Cozumel with several small temples connected long white roads and is popular among visitors. MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside offer seven-night itineraries calling to Cozumel.
- George Town, Cayman Islands
Beautiful landscapes, bountiful wildlife and colourful streets embody this piece of Caribbean paradise. Arriving in George Town on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, guests can discover that wildlife conservation is at the core of Grand Cayman’s offerings. For a chance of a lifetime to swim, feed and interact with stingrays or encounter the green turtles that every year return to lay their eggs on one of the beaches. To learn about Cayman’s past, guests can explore Cayman Heritage House and Government House, the governor’s residence built in 1964 located in front of Seven Mile Beach, one of the most prestigious beaches of Grand Cayman. Shopaholics will also delight in this destination and the Cayman Islands are entirely duty free. MSC Seascape offers seven-night itineraries calling to George Town.
- Nassau, The Bahamas:
With its rich history and famed for having once been the bustling, notorious pirate capital of the world, Nassau offers an endless array of attractions to explore, including pristine beaches, charming colonial-style buildings and pastel-colored wooden shops and markets. Cable beach, a four-mile stretch of stunning beach not far from Nassau offers guests a chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Guests can also enjoy a truly unique experience, indulging in a bush medicine garden and tea tour to learn about local traditions and botany. Four of MSC Cruises ships call to Nassau throughout the winter season, offering a range of itineraries between three and 11 nights in duration. MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore all call to Nassau.
