How long does shipping to the Caribbean take?

There is no single transit time for every island or booking. Your destination and sailing determine the sea journey, while collection, the wait for departure and release after arrival add time to the overall process. Use our current sailing schedule for dated departures and estimated arrivals.

Indicative transit times by destination

The following planning figures come from the Gilbert Link Shipping price-list guide. They are approximate transit figures, not guaranteed collection-to-delivery times. The dated sailing schedule and your confirmed booking take precedence.

The four dates that matter

1. Collection date: the agreed day we collect your packed goods. This is arranged separately from the ship departure.
2. Closing date: the deadline for the planned shipment. Book collection early enough to meet it and complete the required documents.
3. Departure date: the scheduled sailing from the UK. Schedules may change.
4. Estimated arrival: the expected arrival at the destination port. This is not a guarantee that cargo is ready for collection that day.

Allow time after the vessel arrives

Unloading, processing, customs checks, document completion and local handling can affect when goods are released. Wait for confirmation from the relevant agent before arranging collection. See our destination agents page for contact information.

Planning for a move, holiday or special occasion

Work backwards from the date you need the items, leave a contingency and contact us well in advance. Ask for the next suitable sailing instead of assuming an advertised frequency guarantees space. Supply complete information and documents promptly to help avoid preventable delays.

Frequently asked questions

Are arrival dates guaranteed?

No. Arrival dates and the figures above are estimates. Vessel schedules and processing times can change.

Why is the price-list transit time different from a dated sailing?

Indicative figures describe a planning expectation; a specific sailing can differ. Refer to the latest dated schedule and confirm details with our team.

Does fortnightly mean my shipment leaves within two weeks?

Not necessarily. Booking availability, closing dates, collection and documentation all matter. Confirm the sailing allocated to your shipment.

Where do I check the next closing date?

Visit our sailing schedule or contact the team before booking collection. Do not use an old downloaded image or PDF as the final confirmation.

Explore your destination

Jamaica   ·   Grenada   ·   Trinidad   ·   Guyana   ·   Barbados   ·   St Lucia   ·   Dominica   ·   Antigua   ·   St Vincent   ·   St Kitts