Cruising to the Caribbean

Adventures filled with fun and sun

Popular Caribbean Cruise Ports

• Western Caribbean

  • Cozumel, Mexico

    – Just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Its waters are home to the second largest coral reef in the world, making it a dream destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Located minutes from the port, you can spend the day at Paradise Beach or Playa Palancar sipping margaritas under the sun. Looking for a little more excitement? Choose from a wide array of water activities, including but not limited to, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. History buffs rejoice – Cozumel is also home to the Mayan ruins site, San Gervasio, with preserved structures dating back to 100 B.C. For a taste of the local Mexican cuisine, check out Comidas Caseras Toñita, Casa Denis, and El Palomar, all conveniently located in San Miguel, the only city on the island.

  • Ocho Rios, Jamaica

    – Known for its local artists and craftsmen, Ocho Rios is a popular destination for all kinds of shopping. Hone your bartering skills at the many craft markets, with the biggest one being Ocho Rios Craft Park. With over 100 vendors and craftsmen, you’ll find everything from hand-woven hats and bags to unique jewelry and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee (widely recognized as one of the best gourmet coffees in the world). Ocho Rios is also ideal for exploring many natural wonders. Visit the famous Dunn’s River Falls or take a ride through Fern Gully – an enchanting stretch of scenic roads that pass under canopies of towering ferns. And, a trip to Mystic Mountain is not to be missed, with chairlifts, zip-lining, and even bobsled rides through the tropical rainforest.
  
  
  West Bay Beach, Roatán, Honduras

  • Roatán, Honduras

    – About 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, this long and narrow island is truly a paradise of unspoiled beauty. Visit West Bay Beach for some incredible snorkeling close by the shoreline in the crystal-clear waters. Or, head on over to Gumbalimba Park in West Bay where you’ll find beautiful botanical gardens, a poolside café, and a nature preserve where you can get up close and personal with friendly monkeys and exotic birds. Roatán is also an excellent destination for fishing due to the island’s calm seas. Charter a boat for a chance to catch blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and more.

• Eastern Caribbean

  • Nassau, The Bahamas

    – As one of the largest cruise ports in the entire Caribbean, there is something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Nassau. You won’t regret a day spent at Paradise Island, which is connected to Nassau by bridges and home to the famous Atlantis Bahamas Resort and Cabbage Beach. Get a day pass to enjoy all that the resort has to offer, including a casino, 11 pools, walk-in aquariums, and an exciting water park. To get your fill of Bahamian food, visit Conch Fritters Bar and Grille, Anthony’s Caribbean Grill, or Crocodiles Waterfront Bar & Grill.
  
  
  Maho Beach, St. Maarten

  • Philipsburg, St. Maarten

    – Though the port is located on the Dutch side of the island, it’s easy to make your way over to French St. Martin as well, with loads of activities on both sides. Front Street, the main drag in Philipsburg, is a haven for shoppers looking to take advantage of the completely duty-free port. Hiking enthusiasts will love Loterie Farm, a nature reserve and sanctuary on the French side with 135 acres of trails offering stunning views of the island. For a real once-in-a-lifetime thrill, stop by Maho Beach to experience airplanes flying directly overhead and snap some photos of the underbellies of passing jumbo jets. Then head over to Little Bay Beach for a more peaceful time in the sand.

  • Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

    – As the Dominican Republic’s newest cruise port, Amber Cove is brimming with all kinds of diversions. Check swimming with dolphins off your bucket list with Ocean World’s Dolphin Encounter. Or, live it up in the lap of luxury by renting an over-water cabana for the day where you and your family and friends can relax in total comfort and be waited on like VIPs. And, with plenty of boutiques and marketplace stalls located in the port and in the nearby town of Puerto Plata, you’ll be anything but bored during your Dominican getaway.

• Southern Caribbean

  • Aruba

    – With picture-perfect weather nearly every day of the year and some of the most top-rated beaches in the world, it’s no wonder Aruba is a favorite destination in the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing oasis or a hot spot with lots to do, there’s a beach for every vibe. Some notable favorites include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach, each boasting soft white sands that are synonymous with paradise. Go on an underwater adventure with Atlantis Submarine Expedition where you can see two submerged shipwrecks along with vibrant sea life and coral. Or, explore the island from a bird’s eye view with Heli Tours. When you’re on island time, the choice is yours.
  
  
  Antigua

  • Antigua

    – This beautiful island claims to have 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. Whether or not the number is accurate, you’re bound to discover the perfect spot to soak in that Caribbean sunshine. A few minutes from the cruise terminal in the city of St. John’s, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs and taste the tempting cuisine at the bustling Redcliffe Quay. For a more adventurous day spent on the island, take a horseback tour on one of the many beautiful beaches or see the top highlights Antigua has to offer on an air-conditioned jeep safari.

  • Curaҫao

    – Immerse yourself in the local culture and history of Curaҫao by visiting the colorful city of Willemstad, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dutch Colonial architecture in a rainbow of pastel shades line the streets, where you’ll find charming cafés, captivating street art, and a variety of shops. A tour of the Curaҫao Liqueur Distillery is a favorite excursion among visitors. Learn the fascinating history behind the island’s famous blue drink while you sample all the delicious flavors.

Departure Ports for Caribbean Cruises

• Miami, Florida Departures

  – From short Caribbean getaways to extended vacations, cruises departing from Miami start at just 2 nights and range into 7-night sailings and beyond. Conveniently located close to the Caribbean, you won’t miss out on sunny days while you’re at sea.

• Galveston, Texas Departures

  – Located in the Gulf Coast, most Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston are roundtrip sailings to Western Caribbean ports. They tend to visit the exciting island of Cozumel off the coast of Mexico.

• Bayonne, New Jersey Departures

  – Most Caribbean cruises departing from Bayonne are roundtrip sailings to the Bahamas. Sailings tend to average between 7 and 8 nights in length.

Popular Caribbean Shore Excursions

Dunn’s River Falls

• Dunn’s River Falls

  – Be sure to pack a towel and swimsuit because a trip to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica isn’t complete without a climb to the top. What makes this spot unique is that you can actually make your way up the water-face of the falls instead of just the surrounding rocks. Water shoes are a must, but if you don’t have your own, they’re available to purchase at the falls for a small price. And, a waterproof camera or case for your phone is highly recommended since there will be endless photo ops on this excursion.

• Rum and Reggae Beach Break

  – Find out what it really means to be on island time with this incredibly relaxing shore excursion in St. Maarten. With roundtrip transportation from and to the ship and a beach lounger and umbrella waiting for you on the serene Great Bay Beach, your worries will be a thing of the past. The day is yours to do as you please, so whether you want to take a dip in the turquoise sea, sip cocktails under the sun, or explore the shop-lined streets around the corner, it’s all up to you.

• Antilla Shipwreck Sail and Snorkel

  – Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail on a catamaran off the coast of Aruba to one of the best sunken shipwrecks in all of the Caribbean. Once your vessel arrives at the spot, you’re free to explore this underwater marvel up close behind your goggles, where you’re sure to encounter an array of fascinating sea life as you swim around the ocean floor.