Caribbean cruise capacity expands as select fares ease

Goldman Sachs estimated that Caribbean passenger capacity rose 11.5% year over year in 2026, placing it nearly 60% above 2019 levels. Pricing data from Cruise Critic also indicated some easing: the average September starting fare for an inside cabin on a five-to-seven-night January 2027 cruise was $748, compared with $846 a year earlier.

Amy Post, co-owner of Postcard Travel Planning, said travel agents were seeing competitive fall pricing as more large ships entered the Caribbean, though not substantial fare declines. She added that some vessels with remaining inventory had recently generated modest price reductions and last-minute offers.

Royal Caribbean was offering last-minute promotions on selected cruises visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, while other cruise lines had deeper discounts available on some Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Norwegian Cruise Line increased its Caribbean capacity by 40% for 2026 ahead of improvements at Great Stirrup Cay, including the planned September 2026 opening of Great Tides Waterpark. As of October 9, Norwegian fares from Port Canaveral started at $219 per person for a four-day Bahamas cruise, $359 for a five-day Caribbean sailing and $479 for a seven-day Caribbean itinerary. Kids-sail-free offers were also available on selected departures.