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Belize City itself isn’t particularly photogenic, so shore excursions are definitely recommended. George Town is the vibrant capital of Grand Cayman, known for its excellent duty-free shopping. We didn’t spend long here though, as a short cab ride away, you’ll find the famous Seven Mile Beach. Head out to Magens Bay for a couple of hours of fun in the sun; afterward, you'll be transferred to Charlotte Amalie for some duty-free shopping. A catamaran or sailboat will whisk you away, typically including stops for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
The Best Things to See, Eat, and Do in San Juan
The shortest options are four nights, typically visiting only Grand Turk or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The longest, around 10 to 12 nights, will often include Southern Caribbean ports or start from more northerly home ports. 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). As soon as you get to shore, wander the streets of Frederiksted, where you can shop for crafts, try the local coffee and swim in the crystal-clear waters nearby.
Navigating Peak Tourist Seasons
Don’t worry, there’s always a place to enjoy that relaxing cocktail with a view, too. The Caribbean’s warm climate year-round makes it an ideal setting for cruise enthusiasts to enjoy these ports at almost any time of the year. However, travelers should be mindful of the peak hurricane season from June to November when planning their voyage.
St Thomas Cruise Port Shopping
Step into Le Village, an authentic Haitian teaching village where you can experience the sights, sounds and rhythms of everyday life on the island. Or visit the Artisan’s Village where you will find intricate handmade crafts such as carved wooden vases and colorful keepsake boxes made by local artist to remind you of your cruise to Labadee. If you want to take advantage of Tortola's central location, you can visit other islands nearby during even a short visit. For a beach day, visit the Condado and Isla Verde areas to see the sandy stretches dotted with restaurants, bars and hotels.
The island's two volcanic spires are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many would say a visit here is not complete without at least catching a glimpse of them. If you're visiting the "Spice Island" of Grenada, you'll likely want to see a spice plantation. Grenada is also known for its beautiful Grand Etang National Park, based around the crater lake of an extinct volcano.
Royal Caribbean suspends cruise stops to resort in Haiti amid violence and uncertainty - Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean suspends cruise stops to resort in Haiti amid violence and uncertainty.
Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
And hey, if you really want to visit a beach, you definitely can; you'll find a number of beaches within the city of San Juan, including sandy Isla Verde. The best time of year for cruising with favorable weather is typically from December to April, during the dry season. This period offers sunshine, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach excursions.
Best Caribbean cruise lines
Another great hot spot is Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperon, the former home of independence leader Gregorio Luperon. The Victorian house is a beautiful pale green color and it's filled with period artifacts, photographs and paintings depicting Puerto Plata's modern history. Finally, don't miss Museo del Ambar, a cluster of colonial buildings that houses several amber exhibits.
Shore Excursions
⑦ Shopping - Nassau is one of the top shopping paradises for cruise passengers looking for duty free goods like jewlery, watches and accessories. Explore the world just beneath the surface of the water with a sail and snorkeling tour of the Marine Sancturay at Buck Island in St. Thomas, the U.S. Feel just like the pirates that previously roamed this port of call when you shop duty-free in Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas. Try your luck at the Casino Royale at Maho Village in St. Maarten or take a bus tour of this island that is today part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In Falmouth and Montego Bay, Jamaica, you will be able to take advantage of the pristine white sands and turquoise-blue waters. Swimsuits and warm-weather clothing should top your Caribbean cruise packing list, but don't forget the sunscreen.
Aruba: Island Highlights Tour
These boats grant direct access to beaches and neighboring islands not immediately accessible from the main port. St. Lucia, often recognized for the Pitons—majestic twin peaks that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site—invites travelers to explore its volcanic beaches and reef-diving sites. They can immerse themselves in a landscape where lush rainforests meet azure waters. The historic city of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico greets travelers with colorful Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets.
You will find beaches galore to be able to take advantage of the year-round 80 degree temperatures.
The classic Western Caribbean itinerary visits Mexico (typically Cozumel or Costa Maya), Jamaica, Grand Cayman and a cruise line's private island, which is typically in the Bahamas. Which itinerary is best for you will depend primarily on which port you want to depart from and how long a vacation you can take. Once you see the options that fit your parameters, you'll want to look at how many port stops versus sea days an itinerary has and which specific islands you'll visit. To take advantage of this incredible destination during a short stop, first head to Old San Juan. The centuries-old town is known for its ancient forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (commonly referred to as "El Morro") and Fuerte San Cristóbal. Both have panoramic views of the turquoise ocean and historical items like cannons.
Cruise visitors can explore Fort Christian, a Danish-built fortress dating back to the 1600s, or stroll along Yacht Haven Grande for high-end shopping. This beautiful Caribbean port is also a gateway to stunning beaches like Magens Bay. Aruba has been a popular cruise port for over two decades, and many cruise ships also visit Curaçao.
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. Luxury lovers should look at the smaller ships of the Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas fleets for opulent accommodations and fine dining while sailing the tropics. You'll find dense forests, green hills and a blue-green coast which demonstrate how the island earned the nickname of the Garden of the Antilles. Other great stops include the Cruzan Rum Distillery, Buck Island National Monument, the Captain Morgan Distillery and the beach at the Buccaneer Resort. The Estate Whim Museum is a beautifully restored estate with a windmill, cookhouse and the ruins of a sugar plantation. Bonaire is for nature lovers, with plenty of beautiful vistas and intriguing animals to check out.
The best way to explore it as much as possible is to embark on an active excursion. Explore the cave system on an electric tram tour, with commentary provided by an informative tour guide. Note that some full-day island highlights tours also factor in a visit to the cave as part of its circuit.
Longer cruises or smaller-ship itineraries might stop elsewhere in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Antigua or St. Kitts. Don't miss the town of Christiansted, which includes an impressive fort by the water, colonial streets with many shops and restaurants serving creative cuisine. St. Croix is famous for its farming and you can get a taste of the wonderful island flavors in restaurants like Balter, Savant and Zion Modern Kitchen.
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