Spring break is one of those times of the year when many want to get away from the everyday. Maybe you need a weekend somewhere sunny or a whole week to recharge. Either way—and no matter who you’re traveling with—a Royal Caribbean cruise will be a crowd-pleaser for the group. Check all the boxes for spring break by heading to the tropical temps and vibes of the Caribbean, whether it’s to experience the vibrant streets of Bridgetown, Barbados, or the thrills and ways to chill at private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Picture yourself diving into turquoise blue waters and local cultures in multiple destinations (but only unpacking once), zip lining over the water at private destination Labadee, Haiti, or riding ATVs through the jungles of Cozumel, Mexico! Plus, while sailing from one place to the next, you’ll enjoy a lineup of onboard activities, dining and entertainment that offers something for all ages.
The Caribbean is calling, so check out these five top spring break destinations:
With 13 waterslides, the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas, five restaurants and more, Perfect Day at CocoCay delivers the ultimate mix of thrill and chill for the whole family.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas
There’s no place like Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean private island destination in The Bahamas. This slice of paradise has something for vacationers of any age: complimentary loungers and beach umbrellas; the tallest waterslide in North America (one of 13 total waterslides); Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean; Splashaway Bay kids aqua park; Up, Up, & Away, a helium balloon adventure that floats up to 450 feet, and more. Plus, the warm beaches where you can swim, snorkel, cruise on a Jet Ski, soak up the sun, and even sip your cocktail at a floating bar.
You can also visit Coco Beach Club. The island retreat has the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas, plus beachfront cabanas (both complete with a dedicated attendant), an infinity pool, an exclusive restaurant that serves upscale fare—like grilled Bahamian lobster served with truffle fries, citrusy sea bass ceviche and herb-marinated filet mignon.
Check out cruises to this private island destination here, ranging from three- to nine-night itineraries.
Race down the longest zip line over water—more than 2,600 feet long—in private destination Labadee, Haiti.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s private destination on the northern coast of Haiti. It’s high time for beach time in this idyllic destination, where you can enjoy Haitian culture and the natural Caribbean beauty. You’ll be surrounded by the vibrant blue waters that wash along white-sand beaches, coral reefs filled with wildlife and mountains covered in a blanket of dense jungle.
To get your adrenaline pumping, jump on the alpine coaster—which, while thrilling, still lets you take in the fantastic view. Try zip lining over the water (either head-first or feet-first) on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line for a bird’s-eye view or embark on a catamaran ride to secluded gems like Columbus Cove, with a guide who can let you in on local knowledge. You can also delve into history on a walking tour, where you’ll hear about some of Haiti’s past. Be sure to visit the nearby marketplace, too, to take home local artisans’ handmade goods, like pottery, clothing and accessories, which will help support their small businesses.
Ready to dive into Labadee? Explore the Caribbean cruises heading to Haiti and other destinations like Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas here.
Five centuries of culture, monuments, architecture and more are must-sees in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Credit: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Steeped in centuries of history, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is known for many things, including a rich culinary scene (and lots of rum), Spanish colonial buildings, 16th-century monuments and even a national forest. You could spend a day walking through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taking in panoramic views at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, the island’s forts in the San Juan National Historic Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or immerse yourself in nature at El Yunque National Forest, a beautiful rainforest with sights like La Mina Falls, a high-altitude dwarf forest and ancient petroglyphs by the Indigenous Taino people.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, take your palate for a ride on a food tour of Puerto Rico’s most quintessential dishes like pasteles (plantain cakes filled with ground pork and wrapped in banana leaves) and tostones (fried plantain slices), or sample world-famous rum at Casa Bacardi distillery—or why not both?
Whether a jumping-off point or a place to visit along the way, check out cruises that will take you to San Juan here.
The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, has unique architecture and several UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Parliament Buildings.
Credit: iStock
With historic streets and buildings, and a fusion of West African and British influences, Barbados is a must-see destination. In fact, you can explore much of the small and mighty island nation. What you’ll have in store are 70-plus miles of beaches, cliffsides on the east side, historic buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites—and thriving music, arts and food scenes.
Start your adventure in the capital, Bridgetown, to see the Parliament Buildings, an example of 17th-century British colonial architecture. Then head to the beautiful Crane Beach, a rare pink sand beach just 30 minutes away; and Oistins Fish Fry, where there’s fresh fried fish accompanied by live calypso and reggae music. Keep an eye out for the vibrant flora and fauna—Barbados is home to an array of local wildlife, like green monkeys that live in the 4-acre Barbados Wildlife Reserve and leatherback turtles.
Discover rich culture, pristine beaches and fascinating architecture on a cruise to or from Barbados.
In Cozumel, Mexico, you can venture back in time as you visit ancient Maya ruins.
Credit: ROYAL CARIBBEAN
With the well-preserved Maya ruins in Cozumel, you might think you’ve left the 21st century. Visit one of the largest ruins at UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza on the mainland and climb to the top of El Castillo—the pyramid at the center of the archaeological site. You can also swim in Chaak Tun, named after the Maya god of rain. It’s one of the hundreds of cenotes (that’s an underground swimming hole) in the Yucatan; there are even some hidden underground rivers, where you can see an otherworldly subterranean landscape of stalactites and stalagmites formed by water.
There’s no shortage of Mexican customs to discover, too. You can absorb modern-day Mexican culture as you explore idyllic beaches and enjoy popular activities like salsa dancing, eating Cochinita (Yucatan-style barbecued pork) tacos and snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Reef.
Pro tip: Explore the Western coast of Mexico when you sail from Los Angeles; jump on three- to seven-night cruises to destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico.
Jump on your cruise to Cozumel from Galveston, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana, and explore the isles of the Caribbean here.
Ready to book your spring break getaway to the Caribbean? Find your cruise here.
