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Whether you're new to cruising or a hardy sailor, the Caribbean is the perfect place for a cruise vacation. If you've sailed before, there's always some destination you've never visited or an activity you haven't tried. If you're retired and can drive to a port, you can likely find an inside cabin to book just a few weeks prior to sailing. Western Caribbean itineraries are typically a week, but can be as short as four days (with just one stop in Mexico) or as long as 12 days (though these might include stops in the Bahamas, too).
Oranjestad, Aruba
Located about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatan is a long island that is only about 5 miles across at its widest point. And it's surrounded by some of the clearest waters you'll find at any port. Most of the major cruise lines begin routes here heading to the eastern, southern, and western Caribbean.
Top 8 Things to Do and Visit
This 28,000-acre national park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls Puerto Rico has to offer. Since the eastern Caribbean Islands are closest to the mainland United States, they see more travelers than the other regions. While each area has its star attractions, its history and culture are hard to beat. Caribbean cruises from Florida go to all areas of the Caribbean, and most itineraries consist of seven days. Cruise visitors wanting a longer vacation can opt for an extended itinerary or sail back-to-back. The sunsets at Mallory Square are often magnificent, but those on cruise ships are treated to great sunsets almost every evening.
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Common destinations on Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries include Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Grenada. You'll find everything from gorgeous beaches and diving destinations to lush rainforests and flowing waterfalls. As with the Western Caribbean, seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises are the most common itinerary length. The shortest options are four nights, typically visiting only Grand Turk or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
An island combo tour will typically take you to both, as well as to Fort Frederick and Annandale Falls. The experience incorporates a high-tech twist via special handheld power units that utilize propellers to guide snorkelers along on their underwater adventure. Cool off in Grand Turk's turquoise waters on a snorkeling tour; many of them are run aboard scenic catamaran sailings. 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.
Although cruise ships have to tender passengers ashore at Grand Cayman Island, it's still one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman has many features that cruise travelers love — great shopping, spectacular beaches, and fun bars. The flat island also has unique places to visit like Stingray City, the turtle farm, and Hell. Other popular activities focus on the fascinating, diverse culture of Belize, visiting ancient Mayan sites, hiking in the jungle, canoeing, kayaking, or visiting a museum or wildlife sanctuary.
Known for its lush green twin peaks known as the Pitons, St. Lucia entices travelers with postcard-perfect beaches set against jungle scenery. It even has its own volcano with sulphur springs to visit and all the usual land and sea activities. The following Caribbean cruise ports are generally standouts, no matter your travel style. Shopping is a popular diversion, from high-end French stores in Martinique and St. Barts to crafts markets and souvenir shops. Historical attractions range from forts erected to protect against pirates to Mayan temples. (Yes, even you can learn to salsa.) Active travelers will find plenty of hiking, biking, zip lining and ATV tours.
The best cruise for a family with kids isn't necessarily the same as the best cruise for a couple looking for romance. ⑥ Tours - Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked 'independently' as savvy cruises like to say ... ① Overview - Nassau is the most visited port in The Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean ... Four years later, there are still a few attractions that have not yet been fully restored, but most highlights are fully operational. Discover what is open, what to do and see, where ships dock and much more ... Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are three Dutch islands in the South Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela, that are a delight to visit on a cruise.
The experience is not just about the savings, but also about the high quality and wide range of products available, ensuring visitors find something unique to take home. Cruise passengers should come prepared with a shopping list and budget in mind to fully enjoy browsing the diverse shops and markets found across Caribbean ports. Belize City port acts as a portal to limitless adventures in Belize‘s lush jungles and ancient Mayan ruins. Belize City itself isn’t particularly photogenic, so shore excursions are definitely recommended. But be prepared for some crowds, as the bay gets busy while the ships are in port. Make it your first stop when you pull into port to beat the worst of the crowds.
Stroll around the port to take in the Dutch Colonial architecture, then take a short ride over to the French side, which is like a tropical Saint-Tropez with top-notch restaurants. Beaches on both sides of the island might be small, but are pretty much all stunningly gorgeous—including the clothing-optional Orient Bay Beach. For some, cruising is all about what's on board the ship—including dining, entertainment, and on-deck pools. But let's be honest; if it was simply about the spas and swanky guest rooms, you could just book an all-inclusive resort and have an absolutely bangin' time on dry land. A cruise sets itself apart by taking you on a joy ride across the ocean, depositing you briefly at various appealing destinations along the way.
Local artisans make a living by selling genuine handmade rugs, batiks and ornaments in the colorful tents in Road Town. Grand Cayman was one of the biggest disappointments on my recent Western Caribbean cruise. There is also a local market where you can meet local people, learn a bit about their culture, and purchase handcrafted goods.
We didn’t spend long here though, as a short cab ride away, you’ll find the famous Seven Mile Beach. Basseterre is the perfect place to connect with nature and learn about sugar cane. If you are looking to escape reality a bit more, you can hop on a ferry to Nevis just 2 miles from St. Kitts. Ferries run frequently, so this is a great option as it can be easily done in a day trip while the cruise ship is in port.
One of the biggest highlights of visiting Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is climbing up Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long waterfall that flows into a pool by the beach. You can combine a climb up the falls with a number of other activities, including a dolphin swim, beach time or snorkeling. Bus tours whisk visitors around for stops at the Malecon seafront esplanade and the historic sites of Old Havana, with its bustling Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de Armas. Costa Maya is a laid-back Mexican tourism village carved out of Yucatan jungle featuring bars, restaurants, shops and pools.
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:49:11 GMT [source]
Of the three areas in the Caribbean Sea, the southern provides the best beaches. Inland, tours travel to ancient Maya archaeological sites for a chance to immerse yourself in the Mayan cultural history. Grand Roatan Resort on West Bay Beach is one of the best resorts for snorkeling in the Caribbean because the reef starts just offshore in shallow waters. That means you can access the top-notch snorkeling area from the beach without getting on a boat. Cruisers should visit this lovely city to get a taste of what Jamaica offers. The Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls are fun outings for those who love nature.
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