15 Caribbean Cruises to Consider for Your Next Getaway
Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas has long been a favorite of people traveling to the Caribbean. The island's capital, Nassau, offers everything you could want from a vacation. There is warm weather, warm people and many local attractions. Some of the must-see sights are Prince George Wharf, Junkanoo Beach and the idyllic Paradise Island.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth is one of the newest ports on the island. It can accommodate even the largest cruise ships in the world. The port’s convenient location is one of the main reasons it’s so great. It’s in close proximity to both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, making it an easy stopping point on any cruise and allowing you to experience another aspect of island culture.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios is another of the classic cruise destinations. It has a character to it that some of the newer ports just can’t muster yet. The beautiful area features some of Jamaica's most breathtaking scenery, including Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain. Its convenient location also gives you easy access to other jewels of the area.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is one of the Caribbean’s busiest ports. The fact that it’s situated smack in the middle of the city means you have easy access to everything the city has to offer. Its location gives it easy access to many of the other major ports in the area, while still being located close to the mainland USA, making it the ideal point of disembarkation for many.
Gustavia, St Barth
Gustavia is one of the smaller ports in the area. Some might think this is a detriment, but it actually has its advantages. The smaller size of the port and perhaps the fact that the area has French history means that much of the local flavor has been preserved. This gives you a better glimpse into just how life is for the locals.
Havana, Cuba
For a long time, Cuba was very inaccessible to Americans. However, relations have been improving, giving Americans access to its ports once more. The island is a bit of a time capsule in many ways. It’s brightly colored cars (often from the 50s) and buildings offer a change of pace from the rest of the area. There is also a rich cultural and architectural history that can be explored.
Philipsburg, St Maarten
Philipsburg offers a bit of a dichotomy. On one hand, it offers one of the best beaches in the world, making it great for beach bums. On the other, it also has an amazing number of shopping opportunities right in the terminal itself, making it great for shoppers. Basically, it’s great for everyone.
Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
Charlotte Amalie on the island of St Thomas is the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. The fact that there are as many as six ships docked at one time really speaks for itself. You’ll find as much duty free shopping options as you could ever want, beautiful scenery and easy access to the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands on this paradise.
Fort-de-France, Martinique
You may have never heard of this city or even the country. But, that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. The port city has a French heritage, which has influenced its buildings and culture. One of the major attractions of the area is the “grand marche†or covered market. The market features a wide range of goods including local spices and herbs.
Basseterre, St Kitts
Basseterre is a sight to behold. Located just a five-minute stroll from the port you’ll find the town square of the Kittitian capital. Here you’ll find bars, shops and anything else your vacationing heart could want. The city is also home to the historic Caribelle Batik fabric factory and is only a short 45-minute ferry ride from its sister island of Nevis.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata is somewhat less known, but it still features major attractions. The ocean world adventure park can be found in the city. The park is different than most of the similar parks as the marine animals all live in a giant lagoon. The fact that the port is smaller will also allow you to get a better look into the local Dominican culture.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands. So much so that it’s technically in the Atlantic. But you’ll find the warm weather and people that the Caribbean is known for. This island features an impressive rugged coastline that is great to explore via 4X4. Its distance from the U.S. also means that its reefs are in more pristine condition than many, making for amazing diving and snorkeling.
Labadee, Haiti
Labadee is a beautiful little town on a beautiful little island. While it’s not necessarily as popular as a destination as it once was it still has a lot to offer. The beach is private allowing you to avoid any cultural immersion you’re not ready for. You can also check out the jungle mountain, or the 500ft-high zip line, which is the world's tallest.
Klein, Bonaire
Klein is perhaps best known for its natural wonders. It features the Bonaire National Marine Park, which has some of the best diving in the world. You will need your PADI certification if you want to dive, but don’t get disappointed if you don’t have it. Many say that even just snorkeling around Klein is better than diving anywhere in the U.S.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Curacao is the largest of the islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles. You may have already heard of it through its distinctive blue alcohol, which is made locally from the laraha citrus fruit. The islands warm waters and 35 beaches are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving or just plain out bumming around.
