Spring Break 2026: Caribbean & Bahamas Cruises in March

Published: February 15, 2026
Friends enjoying tropical beach during spring break cruise vacation with palm trees and turquoise waters

Table of Contents

March 2026 Spring Break Cruise Quick Facts

  • Total Sailings: 64 departures across 8 ports (43 Caribbean + 21 Bahamas)
  • Departure Ports: Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Tampa, Galveston, New Orleans, San Juan, Jacksonville, New York, Punta Cana
  • Ships: 13 Norwegian Cruise Line ships operating during spring break
  • Durations: 3-10 days (most are 7-day week-long cruises)
  • Peak Weeks: March 8-15 and March 15-22 (coinciding with most school spring breaks)
  • Popular Ports of Call: Great Stirrup Cay, Cozumel, St. Thomas, Nassau, Roatán, Tortola, Grand Cayman

Compare prices on all March 2026 Caribbean cruises →

Norwegian Cruise Line offers 64 spring break sailings in March 2026, combining warm Caribbean destinations with convenient Bahamas getaways. With departures spanning the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and Caribbean homeports, families can find the perfect week-long escape without extensive air travel.

Find the best prices on these sailings using our Norwegian Cruise Line deal finder or sign up for deal alerts to get notified when prices drop.

Season Highlights

March 2026 represents peak spring break season for Norwegian Cruise Line, with 64 total sailings across Caribbean and Bahamas destinations. Thirteen ships operate during the month, offering families everything from quick 3-day Bahamas escapes to comprehensive 10-day Caribbean explorations. The majority of sailings are 7-day round-trip cruises perfectly timed for traditional spring break weeks.

Caribbean sailings dominate with 43 departures featuring classic Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Roatán) and Eastern Caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan) itineraries. Shorter Bahamas cruises provide 21 additional options for families seeking quick warm-weather getaways from Florida and the Northeast.

Every sailing operates on a round-trip basis, simplifying travel logistics for families. Departure ports span from New York to Texas, ensuring convenient drive-to or short-flight options for vacationers across the United States.

Why Choose a Caribbean Cruise for Spring Break?

Spring break timing in March offers ideal conditions for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. The region enjoys consistent sunshine, warm temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s, and minimal rainfall—perfect for beach days, snorkeling, and water sports. March falls outside hurricane season while avoiding the peak winter crowds of January and February.

For families, a cruise simplifies vacation planning by bundling accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation into one package. Kids enjoy age-specific youth programs while parents relax knowing supervision is handled. Multiple dining venues accommodate picky eaters, and onboard activities ensure there's never a dull moment during sea days.

The variety of itinerary options in March 2026 suits different vacation styles. Western Caribbean sailings emphasize adventure with destinations like Roatán (zip-lining and diving), Cozumel (Mayan ruins), and Harvest Caye (water sports). Eastern Caribbean itineraries showcase pristine beaches, duty-free shopping in St. Thomas and St. Maarten, and cultural experiences in San Juan and Barbados. Quick Bahamas getaways maximize beach time with minimal days at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Cruising enhances the spring break experience with flexible dining (no assigned seating or times), casual dress codes, and numerous complimentary dining options. Families appreciate the freedom to create their own schedule rather than adhering to rigid cruise traditions.

With departures from eight different ports—including drive-to options from Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and the Northeast—families can minimize air travel expenses and complications. Round-trip itineraries mean unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations.

Compare current prices on all Caribbean cruises to find your perfect sailing.

Port Breakdown

Miami Departures - Miami dominates with 21 March sailings (15 Caribbean + 6 Bahamas). Norwegian Aqua, Encore, Getaway, and Luna operate weekly 3-7 day cruises to both Eastern Caribbean (Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands) and Bahamas (Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay). See our complete 2026 Miami cruise guide for the full year-round schedule. The PortMiami cruise terminal offers convenient access and parking for drive-to vacationers from across Florida and the Southeast.

Orlando (Port Canaveral) Departures - Port Canaveral features 11 sailings on Norwegian Joy and Prima, all 7-day Caribbean itineraries. Located just an hour from Orlando theme parks, this port is ideal for families combining a cruise with Disney or Universal visits. Both ships rotate between Eastern Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands) and Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Cayman) routes, all including Great Stirrup Cay.

Tampa Departures - Ten sailings depart Tampa in March: six 7-day Western Caribbean voyages on Norwegian Dawn and three 10-day Southern Caribbean explorations on Norwegian Star, plus one 4-day Bahamas cruise. The 10-day itineraries visit deeper Caribbean destinations like Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire—perfect for families with extended spring breaks. Tampa's homeport eliminates flight requirements for Central and Southwest Florida residents.

Galveston Departures - Norwegian Viva operates five weekly 7-day Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, visiting Cozumel, Roatán, Harvest Caye, and Costa Maya. This Texas homeport serves families from across the Southwest and Midwest seeking drive-to cruise access.

Jacksonville Departures - Six Bahamas sailings on Norwegian Gem offer 4-5 day getaways to Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, and Bimini. These shorter itineraries suit families with limited vacation time or those seeking a quick beach escape.

San Juan Departures - Four 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Epic sail round-trip from San Juan, exploring St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola, Antigua, and St. Thomas. These sailings eliminate U.S. Customs (since San Juan is a U.S. territory), though they require flights for most mainland vacationers.

New Orleans Departures - Four 7-day Western Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Escape depart New Orleans, visiting Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatán, and Costa Maya. The port serves families from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and surrounding states.

New York Departures - Two 8-day Bahamas cruises on Norwegian Breakaway provide Northeastern families with no-fly cruise options. These longer itineraries visit Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, and Port Canaveral before returning to Manhattan.

Punta Cana Departures - Five 7-day Caribbean sailings on Norwegian Sky offer unique itineraries departing the Dominican Republic, visiting St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Curaçao, Bonaire, Tortola, and Aruba. These require flights but provide access to lesser-visited Caribbean gems.

March 2026 Spring Break Sailing Calendar

Early March (March 1-7)

The month opens with 10 Caribbean sailings and 3 Bahamas departures across the first week. Notable departures include March 1st with simultaneous launches from Miami (Norwegian Aqua), Tampa (Norwegian Dawn), San Juan (Norwegian Epic), and Port Canaveral (Norwegian Prima)—perfect for families with early spring breaks or March birthday celebrations.

Norwegian Sky begins its weekly Southern Caribbean pattern from Punta Cana on March 2nd, while Norwegian Star operates its first 10-day deep Caribbean voyage from Tampa the same day. For quick getaways, Norwegian Getaway offers a 4-day Bahamas cruise departing March 2nd, and Norwegian Breakaway launches an 8-day Bahamas voyage from New York on March 6th.

Departure Ports: Miami, Tampa, San Juan, Port Canaveral, Punta Cana, Galveston, New Orleans, Jacksonville, New York

Ships: Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Prima, Sky, Star, Joy, Encore, Viva, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Breakaway

Duration: 3-10 days

Peak Spring Break Week 1 (March 8-14)

The first major spring break wave brings 16 Caribbean and 5 Bahamas sailings departing March 8-14. This week aligns with many school districts' traditional spring break schedules. March 8th alone features seven simultaneous Caribbean departures—the busiest single day of the month—including Norwegian Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Escape, and Prima.

Norwegian Star operates its second 10-day Caribbean sailing on March 2nd (returning March 12th), while March 12-14 sees a second surge with Norwegian Star's 4-day Bahamas cruise from Tampa and Norwegian Breakaway's 8-day Bahamas voyage from New York.

Departure Ports: All ports active (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Galveston, New Orleans, San Juan, Punta Cana, Jacksonville, New York)

Ships: Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Prima, Sky, Star, Joy, Encore, Viva, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Breakaway

Duration: 3-10 days

Peak Spring Break Week 2 (March 15-21)

The second peak week mirrors the first with 17 Caribbean and 4 Bahamas departures. March 15th ties for the busiest departure day with seven Caribbean sailings launching simultaneously. This week captures spring breaks for school districts that schedule later in March.

Norwegian Star's third 10-day Caribbean voyage departs March 16th, while Norwegian Jewel enters service with a 6-day Bahamas and Jamaica cruise from Miami on March 26th (departing late March but relevant for spring break planning).

Departure Ports: All ports active

Ships: Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Prima, Sky, Star, Joy, Encore, Viva, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Luna, Jewel

Duration: 3-10 days

Late March (March 22-31)

The final week maintains strong inventory with 10 Caribbean and 9 Bahamas sailings. March 22nd sees six Caribbean ships departing simultaneously—the third-busiest day of the month. These late March sailings suit extended spring breaks, college students, and families seeking lower demand than peak weeks.

Norwegian Luna makes its March debut with a 4-day Bahamas cruise on March 23rd. Norwegian Star's fourth and final 10-day Caribbean voyage departs March 30th, extending into early April. Weekend Bahamas cruises on Norwegian Getaway (3-day and 4-day) provide last-minute spring break options.

Departure Ports: All ports active

Ships: Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Prima, Sky, Star, Joy, Encore, Viva, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Luna

Duration: 3-10 days

Ship Deployment

  • Norwegian Aqua - Four 7-day Eastern Caribbean round-trips from Miami throughout March (weekly departures). Visits Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay.

  • Norwegian Dawn - Four 7-day Western Caribbean voyages from Tampa every Sunday in March. Consistent itinerary visiting Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatán, and Costa Maya.

  • Norwegian Epic - Four 7-day Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan every Sunday. Explores deeper Eastern Caribbean including St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola, Antigua, and St. Thomas.

  • Norwegian Prima - Four 7-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral on Sundays. Alternates between Eastern Caribbean (Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic) and Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel) itineraries, all featuring Great Stirrup Cay.

  • Norwegian Sky - Five 7-day Southern Caribbean sailings from Punta Cana (departures on Mondays). Unique itineraries visiting St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Curaçao, Bonaire, Tortola, and Aruba.

  • Norwegian Joy - Four 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral on Fridays. Routes include Dominican Republic, Virgin Islands, San Juan, and Great Stirrup Cay.

  • Norwegian Encore - Four 7-day Western Caribbean voyages from Miami every Saturday. Visits Harvest Caye, Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay.

  • Norwegian Viva - Five 7-day Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston on Saturdays. Consistent routing through Cozumel, Roatán, Harvest Caye, and Costa Maya.

  • Norwegian Escape - Four 7-day Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans every Sunday. Visits Cozumel, Harvest Caye, Roatán, and Costa Maya.

  • Norwegian Star - Four 10-day Southern Caribbean voyages from Tampa (departures every two weeks) plus two 4-day Bahamas cruises. The 10-day itineraries explore Curaçao, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman.

  • Norwegian Getaway - Eight Bahamas cruises from Miami (mix of 3-day and 4-day sailings). Visits Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau with high-frequency departures ideal for quick spring getaways.

  • Norwegian Gem - Five Bahamas voyages from Jacksonville (4-day and 5-day options). Explores Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, and Bimini.

  • Norwegian Breakaway - Two 8-day Bahamas cruises from New York (March 6th and 14th). Visits Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay, and Port Canaveral before returning to Manhattan.

Planning Tips

  • Book early for peak weeks - March 8-15 and March 15-22 align with most U.S. school spring breaks and fill quickly. Secure your cabin 6-12 months in advance for the best selection and stateroom categories.

  • Consider drive-to ports - Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, Galveston, and New Orleans offer drive-to access for families across Florida, the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Southwest. Eliminating airfare for 4+ family members significantly reduces total vacation costs.

  • Choose duration based on school calendars - Traditional week-long spring breaks suit 7-day Caribbean cruises perfectly. If your school offers extended breaks or you have flexible scheduling, Norwegian Star's 10-day Caribbean voyages provide deeper exploration of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. For shorter breaks, 3-5 day Bahamas options maximize warm-weather time.

  • Match itinerary to interests - Western Caribbean itineraries (Cozumel, Roatán, Harvest Caye) emphasize adventure activities: zip-lining, snorkeling, Mayan ruins, and wildlife encounters. Eastern Caribbean routes (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados) focus on pristine beaches, duty-free shopping, and island culture. Quick Bahamas cruises maximize beach days and water sports.

  • Pack sun protection and casual clothing - March Caribbean weather averages 80-85°F with abundant sunshine. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, lightweight clothing, and water shoes for beach excursions. Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising means no formal nights are required, though smart casual attire works for specialty dining.

  • Arrive a day early - Spring break airports and highways experience heavy traffic. Arriving at your departure port the night before eliminates missed-ship anxiety and allows time to explore port cities like Miami, New Orleans, or San Juan.

  • Book shore excursions early - Popular spring break activities (dolphin encounters, snorkeling tours, beach breaks) sell out quickly. Reserve excursions when you book your cruise or immediately upon boarding to secure preferred times and activities.

How to Find the Best Deals on Spring Break Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line pricing fluctuates based on demand, booking time, and availability. Spring break represents peak season with premium pricing, but strategic booking can still yield good options:

  • Book 6-12 months in advance - Spring break demand is predictable. Early 2025 booking for March 2026 sailings captures promotional fares before peak-season premiums apply.

  • Monitor price drops - Even after booking, NCL occasionally releases promotions. Set up deal alerts to track your specific sailing and receive notifications if prices decrease (many bookings allow price adjustments within a certain window).

  • Compare departure ports - Sailings from the same week may have different demand levels depending on departure port. Jacksonville and New Orleans sometimes offer better availability than Miami or Port Canaveral for the same timeframe.

  • Consider shoulder weeks - Early March (departures March 1-7) and late March (March 22-31) see slightly lower demand than peak spring break weeks of March 8-22. Families with flexible school schedules may find better availability during these periods.

  • Evaluate 10-day voyages - Norwegian Star's 10-day Caribbean sailings from Tampa provide enhanced per-day value compared to 7-day cruises, especially for families with extended spring breaks or flexible schedules.

  • Solo traveler strategies - How to cruise for less as a solo traveler covers booking timing strategies that also apply to spring break sailings

Compare current prices across all March 2026 Caribbean sailings →

Our deal finder shows real-time pricing across all 64 March 2026 spring break departures, helping you identify the best options for your preferred dates, departure ports, and itineraries.

With 64 sailings spanning Caribbean and Bahamas destinations, March 2026 offers Norwegian Cruise Line's most extensive spring break lineup with convenient departure ports across the United States.

FAQ

What Caribbean cruise ports offer March 2026 spring break sailings?

NCL offers March 2026 Caribbean departures from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Tampa, Galveston, New Orleans, San Juan, and Punta Cana. For Bahamas sailings, departures are available from Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and New York.

How long are spring break cruises in March 2026?

Spring break cruises range from 3-day quick getaways to 10-day voyages. Most Caribbean sailings are 7 days (perfect for a spring break week), while Bahamas options include shorter 3-5 day cruises and longer 6-8 day itineraries.

Which NCL ships sail to the Caribbean during spring break 2026?

Ten ships serve the Caribbean in March 2026: Norwegian Aqua, Dawn, Epic, Prima, Sky, Star, Joy, Encore, Viva, and Escape. For Bahamas itineraries, Norwegian Getaway, Gem, Breakaway, Star, Luna, and Jewel operate during spring break.

Are all March 2026 cruises round-trip?

Yes, all 64 spring break sailings in March 2026 are round-trip cruises, returning to the same departure port. This makes travel planning easier for families and eliminates the need for one-way flights.

When should I book a March 2026 spring break cruise?

Spring break is peak demand season. Book 6-12 months in advance for the best selection and pricing. Many families book immediately after the previous year's spring break, so early 2025 booking is recommended for March 2026 sailings.