Última actualización: 23 de octubre de 2026
The Caribbean islands rely on ships for almost everything, so container ships cross from Europe to the Caribbean every week. A few take passengers, offering a flight-free route to turquoise water and island ports. Here’s how cargo ship travel to the Caribbean works.
Routes to the Caribbean| Departure area | Typical Caribbean ports | Typical voyage time |
|---|---|---|
| France (Le Havre, Dunkirk) | Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France) | About 9–12 days |
| Northern Europe (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg) | Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Colombia, Panama | Unas 2 o 3 semanas |
| Via the US East Coast | Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico | Varies |
Services to the French Caribbean islands are among the most regular, because Guadeloupe and Martinique are part of France.
At about €90–€150 per person per day, a one-way voyage of 9–20 days typically costs €1,000–€2,800 per person. See how much cargo ship travel costs.
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| December to May | Dry season, trade winds, generally calm seas, the best time |
| June to November | Hurricane season, peaking August to October |
Ships avoid storms, but voyages in hurricane season can be delayed or rerouted. See best time for cargo ship travel.
Once in the Caribbean, you can island-hop by ferry, small cargo boats or inter-island flights. Some travellers continue through the Canal de Panamá to the Pacific.
Other Atlantic voyages: barco del Reino Unido a EE. UU., cargo ship to South America y how long it takes to cross the Atlantic.
Yes. Some container ships from Europe to the Caribbean carry a few passengers.
About 9–12 days from France to Guadeloupe or Martinique, and 2–3 weeks to other islands.
December to May, outside hurricane season.
Typically €1,000–€2,800 per person one way.
UK citizens can visit most Caribbean islands visa-free for short stays.
Ask us about passenger cabins on container ships to the Caribbean.
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