The Most Exciting Things You Can Do When Cruising the Caribbean

Long gone are the days when shuffleboard and bingo were the highlights of a cruise. Today’s new era of cruising ushers in mega ships brimming with just about every bell and whistle you can imagine. There are so many fun things to do on a Caribbean cruise, with activities and thrills for all ages awaiting both at sea and in port.

On deck, you can hover above it all while indoor skydiving or dash and splash along on a water coaster. Port adventures explore the best of the Caribbean, from snorkeling coral reefs to zip-lining and ATV adventures through the jungle.

Here’s a handy guide to the best Caribbean cruise activities and where to find them, offering the most fun at sea and in port.

The best fun to be had at sea in the Caribbean

The adrenaline rush is inevitable as you approach the most thrilling activities on a cruise. Starting with the most intense activity you can experience at sea, you’ll find yourself levitating with glee on Ripcord by iFly. Found on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, this skydiving simulator gives you the experience of floating on air without jumping out of a plane. 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s onboard race tracks offer a thrilling experience with their multi-level design and exhilarating turns, allowing guests to race against family and friends while enjoying stunning ocean views. Featured on select ships like the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, these high-speed tracks are equipped with electric go-karts that are both environmentally friendly and easy to handle. The innovative race cars feature four speed options and can reach up to 30 miles per hour, adding an extra thrill with a special "turbo boost" option for a burst of acceleration. Each lap, lasting around eight minutes, provides a competitive and heart-pounding adventure for drivers of all levels.

For an adrenaline rush like never before, experience BOLT, an unforgettable ride and the world's very first rollercoaster at sea. This trailblazing coaster is one of the key attractions on Carnival Cruise ships Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee. This unique coaster empowers riders with the ability to control their own speed. So, whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for an intense joyride or a first-timer seeking a slower pace, BOLT will cater to your desired level of excitement. It's not just about the ride, it's about testing your limits and crafting your own unique journey.

If you’re angling for what it feels like to be dangling off the ship's side, look to the daredevil’s challenge of a cruise ropes course. A few select courses route you beyond the terra firma of the deck, where there’s nothing but the ocean below. You’ll find experiences like this with Plank Walk on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Escape, Breakaway and Getaway, as well as Crown’s Edge on Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.

Pools have long been a centerpiece of a cruise ship, though modern ships push the limits of water fun at sea. Royal Caribbean’s Icon class features the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6. Conquer the park’s record-breaking slides as you muster up the courage to take on Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea. Don’t look down as the floor drops from beneath you, sending you on an exhilarating plummet 46 feet into a harrowing 360° loop.

With its colorful design and endless fun, WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark, is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to cool off and enjoy some excitement at sea. Perfect for, A thrilling attraction perfect for all ages, WaterWorks featuring exhilarating waterslides and interactive water play areas. The park's signature slide, the Twister, offers a high-speed adventure, while the PowerDrencher guarantees a soaking with its massive tipping bucket. For younger guests, there’s the SplashZone, complete with mini-slides and water cannons. 

Water coasters, such as the AquaDuck on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and The Blaster on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, offer exhilarating rides with water jets propelling you through a thrilling course of winding tunnels, steep drops, and splash-filled moments. These innovative attractions combine the excitement of roller coasters with the fun of water slides, creating an unforgettable aquatic adventure. 

For those looking to catch some waves, the FlowRider surf simulators, available on 21 Royal Caribbean ships, provide the perfect opportunity to practice your surfing skills. With realistic wave simulations and plenty of opportunities to hang ten, these simulators are a must-try for anyone seeking a challenge and a splash of excitement. 

As for dry slides, check out the towering thrills on the Ultimate Abyss dry slide found on most of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships. This is the tallest slide at sea, stretching up ten stories high, transporting you from Deck 16 to Deck 6 in 13 seconds. Earn your stripes as the bravest of your group as you careen down a transfixing tube of colors and darkness, feet first on a custom mat. Two slides mirror each other, and racing is encouraged. On your marks, get set, fly!

Reservations are recommended for the most popular onboard activities, especially during at-sea days. Most activities highlighted are included in your cruise fare, but some may be an additional cost.

The most exciting port activities of the Caribbean

The best Caribbean shore excursions involve diving into clear blue waters brimming with coral reefs or immersing yourself in lush rainforests. The Caribbean is home to 10% of the world's coral reefs and offers some of the best snorkeling in the world.

The best snorkeling on a Caribbean cruise can be found at Man of War Shoal Marine Park in St. Maarten, Punta Placer in Costa Maya, Mexico and Chankanaab Beach in Cozumel, Mexico. These top Caribbean cruise destinations will find you swimming alongside whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of fishes.

ATV Caribbean cruise excursions are the best way to explore a port's rugged terrain and cover the most ground. These four-wheel buggies are the ultimate adventure on a Caribbean cruise as you barrel through muddy swamps, careen through valleys, and ascend to incredible scenic vistas. The best cruise ports for ATV adventures include Belize City, Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatán, Honduras. 

The most exciting Caribbean island tour bring you closest to the natural splendor of each destination. Consider a hike excursion through one of the many vast green rainforests and jungles that dot the Caribbean, though make sure the hike includes a waterfall along the way. The best waterfall hikes on a Caribbean cruise include El Yunque Rainforest in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Damajagua Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic; and Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

If you’re looking to soar above the beautiful scenic surroundings of your destination port, consider the wonders of a zipline excursion. The best zipline courses place you above the treetops or even the ocean, coasting in bliss. Don’t pass up the opportunity to strap into the courses in Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cozumel, Mexico; and St. Martin for the most exciting zipline experiences. You’ll find ziplining over the ocean at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.

Snorkeling, ATV adventures, waterfall hikes and ziplining are just a few of the exciting activities that are must-dos at your cruise port destinations. But the real treasure you'll take home are the memories. By choosing to book your trip through AAA, our members not only gain access to exclusive benefits and amenities, but they can also combine offers currently in the market. So why wait? Start planning your dream Caribbean adventure with AAA today.