Wednesday, April 10, 2024

30 Caribbean Cruise Ports and Their Best Shore Excursions

best cruise ports

When you’re cruising in the Caribbean, you don’t require much more than an umbrella in a slushy drink, a relaxing beach, and delicious local food. It has crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and vibrant culture. The Eastern Caribbean is home to some of the most picturesque and vibrant cruise ports. Each port combines rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique shopping experiences. With a rich history, an abundance of waterfalls, some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and interesting reefs and wrecks to explore, Grenada is a top destination. Cruise ships dock in the heart of the capital city, St George’s, and there is plenty to be seen within walking distance.

Best Caribbean Cruise Ports

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. A highlight of any Cozumel port of call is a visit to Tulum or Chichen Itza, the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Situated atop oceanfront cliffs, Tulum offers fascinating history and gorgeous scenery.

Miami cruise port guide: Everything to know about hotels, sites, transfers - The Points Guy

Miami cruise port guide: Everything to know about hotels, sites, transfers.

Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Skagway, Alaska

There is little infrastructure in the town of Roseau, so you’ll want to book a shore excursion or tour in Dominica to explore this beautiful island. You could hike through the rainforest to see the island’s stunning waterfalls, such as the twin waterfalls of Trafalgar Falls. Most cruise ships will dock at the Roseau cruise terminal, which is on the southwestern coast of Dominica. 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.

Top 10 Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean

New Orleans has signed an agreement with Cuba that opens the way for future cruises, and Viking River Cruises has said it plans to sail Mississippi voyages within the next few years. On the other side of the Mississippi, new river cruise line, French America Line, has debuted river itineraries from Gretna, a town outside of New Orleans. To experience Jamaica’s famous beaches, excursions travel to Doctor’s Cave Beach or book a catamaran sail and snorkeling trip. For an authentic taste of Jamaican culture, visitors can check out Sam Sharpe Square, barter at the craft market, or join a reggae dancehall party. With its stunning natural scenery, activities ranging from adventurous to laidback, and fun-loving spirit, Montego Bay offers cruise goers the quintessential Caribbean experience. One of the most beautiful cities to visit in the Caribbean, Puerto Plata has both a rich history and stunning natural scenery.

Cozumel, Mexico

Look for itineraries that sail south to Israel to make this a bucket-list history cruise. The charms of a stroll through Old Town are not to be missed, but for nature lovers, one of San Juan's most stunning nearby natural attractions is the nearly 29,000-acre El Yunque National Forest. The tropical rainforest is known for its myriad waterfalls, scenic views and hiking trails.

best cruise ports

Or if you’re interested in taking part in something a little more exhilarating, try a ziplining adventure or visit Ocean World Adventure Park or Monkeyland. Stroll down the Malecon and mingle among the locals, take a Cuban cooking lesson, or even participate in a salsa dancing class. Wander through the streets of Willemstad and pay a visit to the local fruit markets.

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. Grand Turk is a small island in the Caribbean but the largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation.

The boat ride (typically lasting about two hours) features refreshments and perhaps even a rum punch party to celebrate. Possibly the best things to do in the French isle of Martinique are shop for French luxury goods and hit the beach, but you don't need an excursion to do that. For a little shore tour adventure, try a half-day tour of the Balata Garden, an impressively maintained botanical collection of tropical vegetation.

St. Thomas: Magens Bay Beach and Duty-Free Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

With colorful European-style streets, you'll quickly fall in love with this tiny island. And on most cruises, if you stop in Aruba, you'll hit Curacao as well. Even Darwin was transfixed by the unusual birds and critters that make this South American archipelago their home. Get up-close and personal with sea lions, iguanas, tropical penguins, blue-footed boobies and some of the largest tortoises on planet earth.

best cruise ports

The Punda neighborhood is where you will find all of the color and Dutch colonial architecture. Street art is big in Curacao so you’ll likely stumble upon building murals around every corner. Not only does Aruba have these critters crawling everywhere, it also has world-class beaches. On a clear day, you can even see Venezuela just 15 miles off in the distance. For adventurous couples -- the kind of people who want to take a surf lesson, ride a Jeep over rocky terrain or fly in a helicopter over molten lava -- a cruise in Hawaii is the ultimate bonding experience.

If you have time, I can highly recommend a catamaran trip for the chance to see turtles. This charming Alaskan cruise port is the gateway to Davidson Glacier and also to the wild, wonderful Yukon Territory. While walking around Skagway, enjoy a tasty, locally caught lunch of halibut cakes at Olivia’s Restaurant, do some shopping, and check out the Skagway Museum housed in a 1898 building. When arriving by cruise ship in Curacao, there are many amazing things to do.

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are the idyllic places that draw tourists back time and and time again. The beaches are really lovely as well, with Mullet Bay, Orient Beach, and Friar's Bay Beach well known for their stunning beauty. Cruise ships come right into the heart of Old San Juan, making exploring the city super easy. It can be difficult to choose a cruise because of how many different ports are available to visit. Upon disembarking at the cruise terminal, passengers typically find several modes of transportation.

It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage.

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