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Once you're in the city, admire the old-meets-new architecture, a blend of historic buildings and towering skyscrapers. If a museum day appeals, make your way over to the Biomuseo, an interactive biodiversity museum, or check out the Panama Canal Museum if you haven't had your fill of the canal. You'll find plenty of restaurants and nightlife here, too; grab food and drinks with a rooftop view at Lazotea or CasaCasco. Yes, the Panama Canal and Miraflores locks are the obvious draw here, and a cruise stop is the easiest and least congested way to see them both. But at the Colon 2000 port, you'll be docking so close to the canal that seeing them won't take up much of your time. When you're done checking out the canal, take a ride to Panama City, just over an hour away.
Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
You have plenty of choices when you set out for the postcard paradise that is the Western Caribbean. Carnival cruise ports of call include Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Nassau, Costa Maya, Belize, Key West, Yucatán (Progreso), Cozumel, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Limón, and Colón (Panama Canal). This little slice of heaven is ready to thrill you with water sports, hiking, and underwater adventures.
St. Lucia: Scenic Cruise with Views of the Pitons
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Just a short journey from the port of Playa del Carmen, one can discover the ancient Mayan ruins. These archeological sites provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. They stand as silent watchers over the lush jungles and offer not only a spectacular view but also an educational journey. Cruisers to St. Maarten will find themselves at Great Bay Beach, where vibrancy and a lively atmosphere are the orders of the day. The capital, Philipsburg, offers duty-free shops along Front Street and the famous Boardwalk for leisurely beachfront strolls.
Unique Experiences at Caribbean Sea Ports
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If you're like us, you spend hours poring over your shore excursion list, trying to figure out the absolute best way to maximize your time while in port. Discover the best Shore Excursions in Nassau, including cruise lines price comparisson, how and when you can book on your own, everything you need to know about each shore excursion. ① Docking and TenderingWhere cruise ships dock or anchor in Charlotte Amalie, and which ships dock where ... Whether you're new to cruising or a hardy sailor, the Caribbean is the perfect place for a cruise vacation.
Where cruise ships dock ❯
You can find departures from ports as far west as Galveston and as far north as the New York area, but the majority of true Eastern Caribbean cruises set sail from Florida or Puerto Rico. Another sanctuary is Echo Parrot in the North End, which is home to one of Bonaire's most popular birds, the yellow-throated parrot. There are only a few hundred birds left on the island, so Echo attempts to raise awareness of the bird's plight among locals and visitors. Located on the north side of the island, San Juan is the cultural and commercial center of Puerto Rico where street art and creative criollo food abounds. It's the capital of Puerto Rico and worth exploring in-depth, but one can see plenty of the lively city in just one day. Rental cars can be reserved ahead of time for those seeking independence on their excursions, though it is essential to consider local driving regulations.
Arriving ships dock at the Renaissance Marketplace, adjacent to the historic downtown featuring Dutch colonial architecture and shopping venues. Assessing the best ports involves considering accessibility, variety of attractions, and the quality of the experience. Ports that consistently rank highly include Bridgetown, Barbados with its British colonial architecture, and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, known for its dual French and Dutch cultural influences. Each destination’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural offerings, and recreational activities ensures that there is something for every cruiser to enjoy in the Caribbean’s sun-soaked havens. Set sail to the epitome of paradise as you explore the captivating cruise ports of the Caribbean.
Mingle with Monkeys in this Caribbean Island's National Parks
Nassau, the bustling capital of the Bahamas, offers a mix of colonial history and modern-day resort comfort. To help you out, we've created a cheat sheet highlighting our favorite Caribbean cruise excursions in 30 of the Caribbean's top cruise ports. And if you want more Caribbean cruising tips, check out our best Caribbean cruise content, itineraries, reviews and more.
Freeport: Snorkeling Excursions to the Coral Reefs
I also recommend that all passengers bring a passport on their Caribbean sailing. 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. If you consider the best Caribbean cruise lines to be the ones with the most ship and itinerary choices, look to the big-ship lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. The shortest Southern Caribbean cruises are five or six days and leave from places such as Barbados, San Juan and St. Thomas. You can find weeklong sailings from Florida, but more commonly, they're eight nights or longer.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Delight in the French-Caribbean cuisine of Fort-de-France, or take a break at the colorful cafés of St. John’s in Antigua. Rent a “Mexican Ferrari” and hit the road in Cozumel, stopping at some of its many beach clubs to refuel both body and spirit. Scuba dive in St. Croix, or discover its lush landscape, and finish off the evening with an enlightening rum tasting. Brush up on your Spanish while you immerse yourself in the legendary walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Just hearing the word “Caribbean” evokes the sights and sounds of the islands – white sandy beaches, blue waters, cheerful music, and glasses clinking. But, with more than 700 islands, inlets and cays, the Caribbean offers far more than just beautiful beaches. Our Caribbean cruise destinations are filled with excursions, adventures, and cultural experiences that celebrate this sunny part of the world. With its warm, turquoise waters, vibrant cultures, and sun-drenched islands, the region beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you can plan your trip for the winter holidays, spring break or summer vacation. However, more ships sail this region of the world in the winter, when other destinations (such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canada/New England and Bermuda) are too chilly for vacations at sea. Plus, cruise ships can change course to avoid bad weather, such as hurricanes, so you can salvage your beach vacation when a storm is headed toward a particular island by cruising to a different one. If you booked a land-based stay, you'd be forced to cancel — or hunker down and wait for the rain and winds to pass. Bonaire is the go-to destination for divers seeking the best the waters of the Caribbean have to offer.
(Yes, even you can learn to salsa.) Active travelers will find plenty of hiking, biking, zip lining and ATV tours. You'll be hard-pressed to find a cruise line that does not sail to the Caribbean at least for a few months a year. The big-ship lines will station multiple ships in this region year-round, with additional ships swinging by during the colder months. St. Croix is one of the best Caribbean ports for those looking for authenticity, raw beauty and easy living. Be sure to explore beyond the port to discover the sights that aren't seen by every tourist. Many of the parks have wildlife sanctuaries where you can see animals including cutter ants, howler monkeys, and even jaguars.
It features bars, restaurants, a spa and some 20 luxury designer shops in a three-level masterpiece. Check out Marigot's open-air Waterfront Market, encompassing a craft market and a Caribbean food fair selling spices and fresh-off-the-boat fish. One of the best ways to see the Pitons is from the water on a scenic cruise, which might also include a stop for swimming and snorkeling. 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. The Southern Caribbean island of Dominica is a nature-fanatic's paradise; it's home to more than 170 types of birds, numerous waterfalls and mountains that rise to 5,000 feet.
For locals arts and crafts, go to Cosecha, the stunning century-old building filled with handmade crafts located in the town of Oranjestad. The Cosecha Creative Center is a great place to learn a new craft and make a special souvenir. Grenada, known as the ‘Spice Island’ for its nutmeg and mace production, is a treasure chest of tropical flora and aromatic markets. The island’s capital, St. George’s, is famed for its horseshoe-shaped harbor and colorful homes dotting the hillside. Note that this can be a strenuous activity and is not simply a relaxing sailboat ride. Even better, combine Gumbalimba with Tabyana Beach -- generally considered the nicest stretch of sand on the island.
When planning a Caribbean cruise, understanding the regional climate patterns and tourist seasons is critical for an optimal experience. We recommend either the Lucian aerial tram or Sulphur Springs and Toraille Waterfall as St Lucia cruise excursions – we really enjoyed all these activities. The Southern Caribbean is acclaimed for its diverse and paradisiacal ports, each offering unique attractions and boasting their own piece of paradise. The highlight for many is the opportunity to visit the iconic Altun Ha, an important Mayan site, or to explore the spectacular Barrier Reef, second in size only to Australia’s. We took a plane over the Great Blue Hole, an enormous marine sinkhole, and also travelled by water taxi to laid-back Caye Caulker. If you have a full day in Grand Cayman, we recommend a trip to Stingray City, where you can get up close with friendly marine life.
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