Marella Cruises
All-inclusive UK favourite with friendly mid-size ships and Mediterranean strength.
Departure ports
Cruises from Barbados
A direct flight from the UK, then a cruise around the islands from Bridgetown, with a Barbados beach stay to finish.
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Cruises from Barbados with Travelisto
Barbados is one of the easiest Caribbean cruise starts for UK travellers. Direct flights from the UK land you in Bridgetown, the cruise terminal is a short drive from the airport, and you are among the islands from the moment you sail. It is also one of the best places in the Caribbean to add a beach stay before or after.
The choice of lines is unusually wide. Marella Cruises, P&O Cruises and MSC Cruises offer family-friendly and all-inclusive options, Ambassador sails on longer voyages, and the tall ships of Star Clippers and the small ships of Windstar and SeaDream Yacht Club reach quieter harbours. Luxury lines such as Seabourn and Silversea also use Barbados as a winter base.
Most sailings are seven nights, often with two weeks that can be combined into a 14-night holiday. Typical routes visit St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Antigua and St Kitts, while smaller ships reach islands such as Bequia, the Tobago Cays and Jost Van Dyke. Some itineraries head south to the ABC islands.
The main season runs from about November to April, when the weather is warm and dry. The hurricane season runs from June to November, when fewer cruises sail. We can arrange flights, transfers and a hotel on the island, so your cruise and beach stay fit together.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Marella Cruises
P&O Cruises
Britain's biggest cruise line, departing from Southampton — classic and family ships in the fleet.
MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Star Clippers
Tall-ship sailing yachts with Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries — masts you can climb.
Seabourn
Ultra-luxury all-suite small-ship cruising with Restaurant by Thomas Keller and global reach.
Ambassador
British-owned no-fly cruising for adults from UK ports — traditional ship style, gentler pace.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Marella Cruises | UK families and couples who want an all-inclusive fare and a relaxed British feel. |
| P&O Cruises | British travellers who want a familiar atmosphere and a wide choice of dining. |
| MSC Cruises | Families and value seekers who want a big, modern ship. |
| Star Clippers | Anyone who loves the idea of a tall ship under sail. |
| Seabourn | Luxury travellers who want a small ship and quieter islands. |
| Ambassador | Travellers who prefer a smaller, traditional ship and longer voyages. |
Where you can go from Barbados
- The Windward Islands
- St Lucia’s Pitons, Grenada’s spice plantations and St Vincent.
- The Grenadines
- Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays, best on smaller ships.
- The Leeward Islands
- Antigua, St Kitts and the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
- The ABC islands
- Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao on longer sailings.
Add a Barbados beach stay
The calm west coast is known for its upmarket hotels and sunsets, while the south coast is livelier, with more bars and restaurants. A few days either side of your cruise makes the most of the flight.
Check the FCDO travel advice for Barbados and the islands on your itinerary before you travel.
FAQ
Cruises from Barbados: your questions answered
Can I fly direct to Barbados for a cruise?
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to Barbados, and the cruise terminal is a short drive from the airport. We can arrange flights and transfers timed to your sailing.
Where do cruises from Barbados go?
Most visit the eastern and southern Caribbean islands, such as St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Antigua and St Kitts. Small ships reach islands like Bequia and the Tobago Cays.
When is the best time to cruise from Barbados?
From about November to April, when the weather is warm and dry. The hurricane season runs from June to November.
Can I add a beach holiday in Barbados?
Yes, and we recommend it. A few days on the west or south coast before or after the cruise makes the most of the trip. See our Barbados holidays page for ideas.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.