Discovering the Caribbean Sea and the Antilles by boat is an exciting prospect: while winter rages in Europe, a Caribbean cruise is an opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of sailing, explore magnificent destinations, bask in the sun, and completely escape from everyday life.
But to fully enjoy your adventure, how long should your cruise be? 7 days, 10 days, or 14 days exploring the Caribbean… In this article, we’ll help you choose the ideal cruise length.
From southern Florida to the shores of Venezuela, the Caribbean arc offers a multitude of islands, each more beautiful than the last. The atmosphere varies greatly from one destination to another: there are wild, festive, very authentic, still isolated islands… and just as many vacation options.
For travelers who want to explore the area by boat, choosing the ideal length of a Caribbean cruise is a real question: 7 days, 10 days, 14 days… you’re spoiled for choice!
Few destinations are as well suited to sailing as the Caribbean: from island to island, the trade winds are constant—between 15 and 20 knots—the temperatures are pleasant—between 26 and 30°C—and the diversity of the landscapes offers an exceptional setting for cruising, especially on a catamaran. Creole islands and villages, colorful markets, deserted beaches accessible only by sea… when traveling by boat, sailors disconnect from their daily lives, slow down, and discover new and exceptional places every day.
From December to March, during the dry season, humidity is moderate and sunshine is generous. On a Caribbean cruise, conditions are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and diving. This is also the time of year when marine wildlife is particularly visible: turtles, rays, multicolored fish, and dolphins often accompany sailboats.
Most Caribbean cruises last between 7 and 21 days. The choice between a short cruise, an extended experience, or a “full immersion” will depend mainly on your travel plans, the destinations you want to discover, and the activities you want to enjoy.
In our opinion, there are three important factors to consider when choosing the length of your cruise:
Depending on the destinations you want to reach by boat and the planned port of departure, you will first need to factor in the length of the crossing or sailing time. Generally, for cruises to the Grenadines, rental bases and shipping companies plan departures from Le Marin in Martinique or Rodney Bay on the island of Saint Lucia.
For your Caribbean cruise, depending on whether you are arriving from the United States or Europe, for example, the journey will also be more or less long and tiring. Once you arrive, you will need more or less time to recover from your flight(s) and adjust to any jet lag. It may therefore be a good idea to adjust the length of your cruise based on this criterion to ensure you get the most out of it.
Finally, depending on the islands and islets you wish to visit, the boat’s capabilities will be important: is the catamaran suitable for both offshore and coastal sailing? Will it be fast enough to allow you to discover everything you want to see, even on a short or medium-length trip?
→ See also: 5 great reasons to choose Avel Vaez for a fast catamaran cruise
To ensure you get the most out of your trip, choosing the right package is essential. Below, we detail the different Caribbean cruise lengths offered by our company, aboard the ORC57 Avel Vaez catamaran—always departing from Martinique or Saint Lucia.
Our 7-day cruise offers a quick immersion in the Grenadines, allowing you to “get away from it all.” It is suitable for travelers who have limited time, as well as those who do not wish to commit to too long a stay aboard the catamaran. For example, for a first Caribbean cruise experience!
With this 7-day cruise package, the period is short but the change of scenery is intense:
St. Lucia, Bequia, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent… we offer a short, popular itinerary, commonly followed by charter sailboats, to discover the must-see ports of call. Thanks to the exceptional performance of our ORC57, however, the pace remains leisurely. On other boats, only a very fast sailing pace would allow you to discover all these destinations in a week!
With our 10-day Caribbean cruise, you can extend your sailing time. Aboard our catamaran in the Grenadines, over a week and a half, you can explore more bays and discover new places such as Mustique, Canouan, and Petit Saint Vincent.
You’ll have more time to recover from your journey and jet lag, as well as more opportunities for visits and activities. During this 10-day cruise, you’ll explore the Caribbean in detail, while maintaining a relaxed pace of travel.
For sailing enthusiasts or those who love immersive cruises, we recommend planning a cruise lasting at least two weeks: the 14-day format allows you to explore more and fully enjoy your time at sea. Aboard our high-performance catamaran, the sensations of sailing are an experience not to be missed!
Tobago Cays, Bequia, Petite Martinique, Union… you will enjoy a unique adventure in the Grenadines, in complete freedom. With this length of cruise, you can also set sail eastward toward the island of Barbados.
→ To learn more and choose from among the different destinations, check out our article 10 ports of call to discover in the Grenadine Islands.
| Caribbean cruise duration | Number of stops | Average sailing distance/day |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 5 to 6 | 30 to 40 nautical miles |
| 10 days | 7 to 9 | 25 à 35 nautical miles |
| 14 days | 10+ (Barbados included) | 30 à 40 nautical miles |
→ Think about it: if you need advice on choosing between a short week-long break, a 10-day cruise, or a two-week extended adventure, our team can help!
7, 10, 14 days or more… the best length of a Caribbean cruise will always depend on your own criteria. For example:
We often read that the ideal length of a Caribbean cruise is between 10 and 14 days. In our opinion, the right length is one that offers you the perfect balance between sailing and exploring: this way, you can visit several Caribbean islands while enjoying life on board and sailing in the Caribbean.
With a flexible, high-quality service provider, you can customize your experience 100% to create exactly the cruise of your dreams.
Are you planning a Caribbean cruise between December and March? With the ORC57 Avel Vaez, Avel Marine offers you a fast sailing catamaran, renowned for its performance, comfort, and the high level of service provided on board.
Led by a professional crew, our high-end catamaran can accommodate up to 8 passengers with large communal areas, spacious cabins, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Thanks to its speed, which is far superior to that of conventional charter boats, you will experience incredible sailing sensations and reach the most distant destinations with ease.
To choose the itinerary that suits you best, please contact our team: we will guide you towards the cruise that’s right for you, whether it’s a week sailing in the Caribbean or a longer adventure in the heart of the Grenadines!