In short
Choose the Caribbean if you want sun and the sea, especially in winter: the season runs from November to April. Choose the Mediterranean if you want culture, history and food, from spring to autumn. From Europe the Caribbean usually means a long flight, often via the USA — check entry documents for US ports early.
The two regions side by side
| Caribbean | Mediterranean | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | November to April (dry season) | April to November |
| Weather | Warm all year, about 27–30 °C; short tropical showers | Mild in spring and autumn, hot in summer |
| The day ashore | Beaches, snorkelling, boat trips, island tours | Old towns, museums, ruins, food and markets |
| Pace | Relaxed; more sea days on some routes | Busy; a port almost every day |
| Ports | Some islands use tenders; private beach islands on some routes | Mostly piers close to town; tenders in some famous ports |
| Getting there from Europe | Long-haul flight; often via Miami, Fort Lauderdale or San Juan | Short flight, or train to some ports |
| Documents | From US ports: ESTA or a US visa, depending on your passport | For most Europeans, a passport or ID card |
| Main risk | Hurricane season June–November: routes may change | Heat and crowds in July–August |
Choose the Caribbean if…
- You want a beach holiday with a new island every day. See our ports with a beach near the pier.
- You travel in winter and want guaranteed warmth.
- You prefer a slower pace: sea days, sun loungers and no busy sightseeing.
- You don't mind a long flight and can add a night in Miami or San Juan before the cruise.
More in our guide to Caribbean cruises and cruises from Miami.
Choose the Mediterranean if…
- Culture and history matter most: Rome, Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik. See our ports with UNESCO World Heritage.
- You want a short journey to the ship from Europe.
- You love variety: each day another country, cuisine and language.
- You travel in spring, summer or autumn.
More in our guide to Mediterranean cruises.
What matters most on a first cruise
- Jet lag: from Europe to the Caribbean the time difference is 5–6 hours. Arrive a day early so you don't start the cruise exhausted.
- Documents: for a cruise from a US port, apply for ESTA or a US visa in good time. Check every country on the route in our visa checker.
- Simplicity: a 7-night Mediterranean cruise with a short flight is the easiest way to try cruising from Europe; the Caribbean is a bigger trip, best for a longer holiday.
- Budget beyond the fare: flights, hotel nights before the cruise, excursions and drinks. Long-haul flights make the Caribbean the bigger trip overall.
New to cruising? Start with our first cruise guide.
Common questions
Which is better for a first cruise from Europe?
For a first try, the Mediterranean is usually simpler: short flight, many ports within walking distance. The Caribbean is ideal if you want a beach holiday in winter and don't mind a long flight.
When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?
From 1 June to 30 November, with the peak from August to October. Cruise lines change routes to avoid storms, so a port can be replaced.
Do I need a US visa for a Caribbean cruise?
If your cruise starts or calls in a US port, yes: ESTA or a visa, depending on your passport. Cruises from San Juan also count as the USA.
Can I swim in the Mediterranean in spring?
The sea is still cool in April and May. For swimming, June to October is best; in the Caribbean you can swim all year.
Are there more sea days in the Caribbean?
On some routes, yes, especially from Florida. Mediterranean routes usually have a port almost every day.
How the club fits in
In the club's search you can compare Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries by date, length and ship before you book. Flights are arranged separately. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing. More about booking with points.
General information; seasons, weather, entry rules and itineraries vary by year, cruise line, ship and passport. Check the entry rules for your nationality and the conditions of your sailing. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.