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Ports of Calls - Caribbean 

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations, offering a mix of stunning beaches, rich culture, and adventure. Here are the top cruise destinations in the Caribbean and why they stand out:

1. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Why?

  • Famous for Magens Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

  • Excellent duty-free shopping.

  • Great snorkeling and diving spots, like Trunk Bay in nearby St. John.

2. Nassau, Bahamas

Why?

  • Home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort.

  • Stunning beaches and clear blue waters.

  • Easy access to Blue Lagoon Island for dolphin encounters.

3. Cozumel, Mexico

Why?

  • Incredible coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

  • Rich Mayan history with excursions to Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

  • Vibrant nightlife and authentic Mexican cuisine.

4. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Why?

  • Swim with stingrays at Stingray City.

  • Seven Mile Beach, known for its powdery white sand.

  • World-class diving sites and shipwreck explorations.

5. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Why?

  • Historic Old San Juan with colorful colonial architecture.

  • El Yunque Rainforest for eco-adventures.

  • Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, including mofongo and tostones.

6. St. Maarten / St. Martin

Why?

  • Unique blend of Dutch and French cultures.

  • Maho Beach, where planes land just overhead.

  • Duty-free shopping and gourmet dining in Marigot.

7. Aruba

Why?

  • Dry, sunny weather year-round.

  • Eagle Beach, one of the top-ranked beaches in the world.

  • Desert-like landscapes and natural rock formations.

8. Jamaica

Why?

  •  Lush tropical scenery – Waterfalls, mountains, and stunning beaches

  • Rich culture & music – Home of Bob Marley & reggae vibes

  • Thrilling adventures – Ziplining, river rafting, and waterfall climbing

9. Roatán, Honduras

Why?

  • Pristine coral reefs in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

  • Less crowded than other Caribbean ports.

  • Great eco-tourism activities like zip-lining and wildlife encounters.

10. Antigua

Why?

  • Boasts 365 beaches—one for every day of the year.

  • Nelson’s Dockyard, a historic British naval base.

  • Excellent sailing and water sports.

Each of these destinations offers something unique, from adventure and history to relaxation and luxury.

Are you considering a cruise to the Caribbean? Here are a few options! 🚢

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1️⃣ Short Getaway (3-5 Days)

Best for: First-time cruisers, couples, weekend escape, budget travelers

🔹 Itinerary Option 1: Bahamas Escape (4 Days)

📍 Miami/Port Canaveral → Nassau → Private Island → Miami/Port Canaveral
Best For: Relaxation, water parks, beaches

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 2: Western Caribbean Quick Trip (5 Days)

📍 New Orleans → Cozumel → Costa Maya → New Orleans
Best For: Culture, snorkeling, Mayan ruins

2️⃣ Classic Caribbean (7 Days)

Best for: Families, couples, adventure seekers, culture lovers

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🔹 Itinerary Option 3: Eastern Caribbean Paradise

📍 Miami/Port Canaveral → St. Thomas → San Juan → St. Maarten → Miami/Port Canaveral
Best For: Culture, beaches, history

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 4: Western Caribbean Adventure

📍 Galveston → Roatán → Belize → Cozumel → Galveston
Best For: Scuba diving, Mayan ruins, jungle adventures

🔹 Itinerary Option 4A: Western Caribbean Adventure

📍 Florida → Cozumel (Mexico) → Grand Cayman → Jamaica → Private Island → Florida
Best For: Scuba diving, Mayan ruins, jungle adventures

3️⃣ Luxury & Longer Cruises (10+ Days)

Best for: Retirees, honeymooners, world travelers

🔹 Itinerary Option 5: Ultimate Southern Caribbean (11 Days)

📍 Fort Lauderdale → Aruba → Bonaire → Curacao → St. Lucia → St. Kitts → Fort Lauderdale
Best For: Exotic islands, off-the-beaten-path adventures

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 6: Grand Caribbean Explorer (14 Days)

📍 New York → San Juan → St. Thomas → Barbados → St. Maarten → Grand Cayman → Cozumel → New York
Best For: Variety, cultural experiences, relaxation

 

4️⃣ Family-Friendly Itineraries

Best for: Families with kids, Disney lovers

🔹 Itinerary Option 7: Disney Magic in the Caribbean (7 Days)

📍 Port Canaveral → Nassau → Castaway Cay → Cozumel → Port Canaveral
Best For: Families, Disney fans, private island fun

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 8: Kid-Friendly Western Caribbean

📍 Miami → Grand Cayman → Cozumel → Costa Maya → Miami
Best For: Water parks, beach days, family fun

5️⃣ Adventure Seekers & Off-the-Beaten-Path

Best for: Divers, nature lovers, thrill-seekers

🔹 Itinerary Option 9: Ultimate Adventure Cruise (8 Days)

📍 Miami → Roatán → Belize → Costa Rica → Panama Canal → Miami
Best For: Zip-lining, eco-tours, diving, Panama Canal

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 10: Caribbean & Amazon Expedition (14 Days)

📍 Fort Lauderdale → Barbados → Trinidad → Amazon River → Fort Lauderdale
Best For: Wildlife, culture, unique experiences

 

6️⃣ Romantic & Couples' Getaways 💕
Best for: Honeymooners, anniversaries, romantic escapes

🔹 Itinerary Option 11: Lovers’ Escape to the Caribbean (7 Days)
📍 Miami → Grand Cayman → Roatán → Cozumel → Perfect Day at CocoCay → Miami
Best For: Private beach retreats, couples' excursions, spa treatments

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 12: Exotic Caribbean Romance (10 Days)
📍 Fort Lauderdale → Antigua → St. Lucia → Barbados → Aruba → Fort Lauderdale
Best For: Secluded beaches, luxury resorts, sunset sailing

 

7️⃣ Luxury & Boutique Cruises 🏝️
Best for: Travelers seeking smaller ships, all-inclusive experiences

🔹 Itinerary Option 13: Ultra-Luxury Southern Caribbean (11 Days)
📍 San Juan → St. Barts → Grenada → Bequia → Dominica → St. Kitts → San Juan
Best For: Private beaches, high-end excursions, gourmet dining

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 14: Caribbean Yacht Experience (10 Days)
📍 Miami → Key West → Bimini (Bahamas) → St. Maarten → St. Barths → Miami
Best For: Yachting vibes, fewer crowds, unique islands

8️⃣ Unique & Less Touristy Destinations 🌍
Best for: Travelers who want hidden gems, fewer crowds

🔹 Itinerary Option 15: Off-the-Beaten-Path Caribbean (10 Days)
📍 Miami → Isla de Providencia (Colombia) → Corn Islands (Nicaragua) → Roatán → Belize → Miami
Best For: Remote islands, nature exploration, diving

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 16: Eastern Caribbean with French Flair (9 Days)
📍 San Juan → St. Pierre (Martinique) → Les Saintes (Guadeloupe) → St. Barts → St. Kitts → San Juan
Best For: French-Caribbean culture, colonial history, boutique island charm

9️⃣ Eco-Tourism & Wildlife-Focused Cruises 🦜🌿
Best for: Nature lovers, divers, sustainable travelers

🔹 Itinerary Option 17: Caribbean & Central America Nature Voyage (10 Days)
📍 Miami → Cozumel → Belize (Great Blue Hole) → Roatán → Costa Rica (Tortuguero) → Miami
Best For: Rainforests, exotic wildlife, snorkeling with whale sharks

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 18: Amazon & Caribbean Combo (14 Days)
📍 Fort Lauderdale → Barbados → Trinidad → Amazon River → Fort Lauderdale
Best For: Rainforest expeditions, cultural experiences, unique wildlife

 

🔟 Caribbean & Beyond: Longer Voyages 🌏
Best for: Travelers with more time who want an extended vacation

🔹 Itinerary Option 19: Caribbean & South America Journey (21 Days)
📍 Miami → Aruba → Cartagena → Panama Canal → Costa Rica → Ecuador → Peru → Chile
Best For: Exotic destinations, culture, adventure

 

🔹 Itinerary Option 20: Grand Caribbean & Mediterranean Escape (28 Days)
📍 Miami → Bahamas → St. Thomas → Puerto Rico → Transatlantic → Barcelona → Rome
Best For: Ultimate world travel, multiple continents

 

 

 Looking to explore these magnificent destinations? Here are popular shore excursions for the above cruise destinations in the Caribbean, tailored to different interests. 🚢🏝️

 

🏝️ Eastern Caribbean Excursions

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

✅ For Beach Lovers: Relax at Magens Bay, one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
✅ For Adventure Seekers: Take a skyride to Paradise Point for stunning views.
✅ For Snorkelers: Hop on a catamaran to St. John’s Trunk Bay for crystal-clear waters.

 

Nassau, Bahamas

✅ For Water Park Fun: Spend the day at Atlantis Resort & Aquaventure.
✅ For History Buffs: Visit the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle.
✅ For Animal Lovers: Swim with pigs on Rose Island or snorkel at Blue Lagoon.

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

✅ For History Lovers: Explore the historic forts El Morro and San Cristóbal in Old San Juan.
✅ For Nature Enthusiasts: Hike through El Yunque Rainforest and swim in waterfalls.
✅ For Foodies: Take a rum tasting & cooking tour featuring Puerto Rican dishes.

 

St. Maarten / St. Martin

✅ For Thrill Seekers: Watch planes land just above your head at Maho Beach.
✅ For Beach Lovers: Relax on Orient Bay (French side) or Great Bay Beach (Dutch side).
✅ For Shopping & Culture: Stroll through Marigot Market for French-Caribbean vibes.

 

 

🌊 Western Caribbean Excursions

Cozumel, Mexico

✅ For History Buffs: Take a day trip to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.
✅ For Snorkelers: Explore the world-famous Palancar Reef.
✅ For Families: Visit Chankanaab Park for dolphin encounters & beach fun.

 

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

✅ For Animal Lovers: Swim with stingrays at Stingray City.
✅ For Beachgoers: Relax on Seven Mile Beach with crystal-clear waters.
✅ For Adventure Seekers: Explore Crystal Caves or go scuba diving at Devil’s Grotto.

Jamaica

✅ Climb Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios) – Iconic 600-ft waterfall 🌊

✅ Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae River (Falmouth) – Relaxing ride through tropical scenery 🚣‍♂️

✅ Visit Bob Marley’s Birthplace (Nine Mile) – Cultural tour for music lovers 🎶

 

Roatán, Honduras

✅ For Divers & Snorkelers: Explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
✅ For Animal Lovers: Visit the Sloth & Monkey Sanctuary.
✅ For Adventure Seekers: Zipline through the jungle at Gumbalimba Park.

 

🌴 Southern Caribbean Excursions

Aruba

✅ For Off-Road Adventures: Take a 4x4 safari to the Natural Pool & Arikok National Park.
✅ For Beach Lovers: Relax at Eagle Beach, ranked among the world's best.
✅ For Snorkelers: Discover the Antilla Shipwreck, a top diving site.

Barbados

✅ For Nature Lovers: Explore Harrison’s Cave, a stunning underground cave system.
✅ For Beach & Rum Lovers: Visit Mount Gay Rum Distillery, then relax on Carlisle Bay Beach.
✅ For Adventure Seekers: Swim with sea turtles on a catamaran cruise.

Antigua

✅ For History Buffs: Tour Nelson’s Dockyard, a historic British naval base.
✅ For Beach Lovers: Visit Dickenson Bay or Jolly Beach for turquoise waters.
✅ For Thrill Seekers: Zipline through the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour.

🌊 Multi-Destination Highlights

🌟 Best Snorkeling: Cozumel (Palancar Reef), Roatán (Barrier Reef), Grand Cayman (Stingray City)
🌟 Best Beach Days: Aruba (Eagle Beach), St. Thomas (Magens Bay), Bahamas (CocoCay)
🌟 Best Culture & History: San Juan (Old San Juan), St. Maarten (French & Dutch mix), Tulum Ruins (Mexico)
🌟 Best Adventure: Ziplining in Roatán, Cave tubing in Belize, Jeep Safari in Aruba​​​

Looking For Shore Excursions Options?

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A Disclaimer 

I am not a Travel Agent/cy, and I do not work for/with any Cruise Line.

I am a 30+ years Cruise Veteran who shares his passion, knowledge, insights and recommendations.

 

This is a My Cruise Compass Service

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