Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Best Cruise Ship Ports of Call in the Western Caribbean

best caribbean cruise ports

Other fun options nearby are visiting the Ocean World Adventure Park, the Monkeyland, or going on an airy zip line adventure! If you embark in Old San Juan, consider spending a few days in Puerto Rico exploring the city and beyond. The colonial architecture and historic forts provide a cultural escape for history buffs. For those looking to embark on a Caribbean adventure, most cruises start in Florida. If you arrive early, you can start relaxing by hitting up one of Miami’s beaches. Should you take a partial or full-transit Panama Canal cruise, you’ll enjoy ports of call in the Caribbean and Central America.

Best Caribbean itineraries

What I really enjoy about Cozumel is how much variety of activities there are along with excellent food. Mexican food is so popular to begin with, and when you get the real thing while visiting, it makes just about any tour that much better. In considering all the Caribbean ports our team has been to, I wanted to help narrow down the choices if you are looking for the top cruise ports on a Caribbean cruise.

Categorizing Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise

The island's two volcanic spires are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many would say a visit here is not complete without at least catching a glimpse of them. You can snorkel among the coral and sea life for about an hour (a snorkeling lesson may be included, too), or just enjoy the views (and the rum punch included on the way back). Nassau's star attraction is the Atlantis Resort, and, happily, you don't have to be an overnight resort guest to partake in some of its world-class facilities. Book an outing to the Atlantis Aquaventure "waterscape," a sophisticated 141-acre water park that comes jam-packed with water slides, rolling rapids, swimming areas and more.

Belize

If you're looking for a more relaxed environment with beaches and great food, head to Loíza. The area of Piñones is famous for its alcapurrias, bacalaitos, piononos and empanadas. There are also a few new bars offering exotic drinks made with local fruits and rum. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, offers an enticing blend of colonial elegance and island charm.

best caribbean cruise ports

BEST CARIBBEAN PORTS TO SEE ON YOUR CRUISE

best caribbean cruise ports

This crystallized limestone cavern comes teeming with streams, pools, stalactites and stalagmites. Swimsuits and warm-weather clothing should top your Caribbean cruise packing list, but don't forget the sunscreen. The sun is stronger than you might expect in this part of the world, and you can easily burn during a long day at the beach if you don't apply and reapply plenty of sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, moisture-wicking athletic clothing and your favorite cover-ups and sundresses are all must-pack items. This Caribbean cruise guide gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan the perfect island getaway.

The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison - Cruise Critic

The 6 Best Cruise Ships in the Bahamas: A Comparison.

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Adventurous Activities and Relaxation

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Florida 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

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The longest, around 10 to 12 nights, will often include Southern Caribbean ports or start from more northerly home ports. Another popular itinerary for first-timers is the Eastern Caribbean, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic and/or San Juan, Puerto Rico. Longer cruises or smaller-ship itineraries might stop elsewhere in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Antigua or St. Kitts. Arriving at the port of Bridgetown, the island’s capital, you’ll be right in the center of the action. You’re close to the shopping district, where you can snap up some tax-free bargains (just take your passport), or you can easily head south to one of the beautiful beaches nearby. Havana boasts a picturesque harbor surrounded by hills and mountains, and the city offers a range of activities for cruise passengers on a port day.

Roatan makes the list of the best cruise ports in the Caribbean, first and foremost, for its exceptional snorkeling. Located in the western Caribbean, Havana has a modern cruise terminal centrally in the city that can accommodate large ships. It is easily accessible for cruise passengers to disembark and explore the city. Havana – Cuba, is considered one of the best ports in the Caribbean for cruisers due to its rich history, scenic location, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and warm, hospitable locals. There are a few coral reefs offshore, but it’s best to spend the day with your feet in the sand or swimming in the warm waters. Luckily, there are plenty of options depending on the duration and starting point of your voyage.

Antigua has the white sand and clear ocean water that you imagine with a Caribbean cruise. The line's Dominican Haze five-night itinerary to Bimini, Bahamas and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, sails out of Miami on the 2,700-passenger Scarlet Lady. With two sea days, the sailing offers a good mix of onboard shenanigans and port-of-call exploration. Party by the pool or swim with stingrays during your day at Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club. Chill out on a powder-white beach or go waterfall hunting in the jungle in the Dominican Republic.

Charlotte Amelie, St Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands

But if staying near the port doesn't appeal to you, opt for a day-long island tour that will take you around the perimeter of the island. Independent travelers might go straight to private tour guides (and the invaluable Roll Call forums to find friendly folks to share the minivan). But many travelers -- especially first-time cruisers -- prefer to rely on ship-sponsored shore tours.

You’ll have the chance to interact with and feed the stingrays if you feel brave. The western island of Grand Cayman is filled with unique adventures and one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. Some walks go to hidden waterfalls or secret beaches, while others go into the jungle, where you can see some of St. Kitts’ unique flora and fauna.

The cruise center complex offers shopping, a Margaritaville, a large pool with swim-up bar, a FlowRider, and more. Instead, visitors can enjoy a stunning beach with opportunities for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and other water sports. St Kitts has an incredible mix of history, beaches, and nature to explore.

Some of the best beaches on St Kitts are easy to reach from the cruise port in a short taxi ride. St Kitts is in the leeward islands of the West Indies and one of the best ports in the Caribbean for cruisers. Ships dock at Port Zante in the main town of Basseterre, and there is plenty of activities on port days. When you dock at Taino Cruise port, you are within walking distance of the cruise center in Puerto Plata. You can walk to the historic center with numerous museums and historical sites to explore, as well as lots of nice restaurants, bars, and shopping options. Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a beautiful destination to visit while cruising and a popular port on many itineraries.

Cultural programming, pickleball lessons, and food and wine tastings are among the complimentary activities available. The brainchild of unconventional business mogul Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages appeals to vacationers averse to the traditional cruising experience who crave a hip, party atmosphere. Ships are blissfully void of children — cruisers must be over 18 — making it a prime choice for an adults-only cruise. However, if an upscale cruise experience is what you seek, Windstar Cruises can deliver. The line's seven-night Classic Caribbean itinerary aboard Wind Surf should be on your radar.

December through April provide the best months to visit to avoid hurricane season. During these months, you’ll enjoy average temperatures in the low to mid 80s. Visitors can explore Havana’s historical landmarks, such as the Old Town of Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They can also visit the Museum of the Revolution, the Cathedral of Havana, the Morro Castle, or the Plaza de la Revolucion. A popular choice for families, Mr. Sanchos has lots of water toys to keep the kids entertained. If you prefer a quieter locale void of children, Nachi Cocom will fit the bill.

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