Most mainstream cruise lines visit many of the same ports in the Caribbean but vary their itineraries to offer multiple options for passengers.
With opportunities to sail in the eastern, western and southern portions of the region, cruise passengers can have their pick of sunny island destinations.
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On Eastern Caribbean itineraries, cruise ships often visit Nassau, Bahamas, a port or two in the Virgin Islands, and maybe St. Maarten or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Cozumel, Mexico and Grand Cayman are staple ports on many Western Caribbean itineraries.
On a Southern Caribbean cruise, a ship might voyage to lesser-visited islands like St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis or even the ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. But no matter what Caribbean cruise itinerary you’re sailing, the itinerary is designed for you to enjoy gorgeous beaches, water activities and Caribbean culture.
Because of this, some cruisers say once you’ve been to one Caribbean port, you’ve been to them all. But not everyone agrees with that.
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Most Caribbean ports offer similar shore excursions
In the cruise community on Reddit, one cruise passenger posed a question that many cruise passengers have pondered.
“Is it fair to say that when it comes to port calls Caribbean cruises are all pretty much the same?” Reddit user wtwtcgw asked.
“I’ve been on half a dozen over the past 5 years,” user wtwtcgw continued. “It seems like most itineraries include:
- Snorkeling/scuba/glass bottom boat;
- Swim with dolphins;
- Island tour (most islands are about the same);
- Private beach;
- Fishing;
- Sailing…
Are there any experiences that are unique to a particular port or cruise?” the user asked.
Although some cruisers who commented on the Reddit thread agree that Caribbean ports have a lot in common and cruise line shore excursion options can seem repetitive, others noted key differences. A number of passengers shared details on unique experiences they’ve enjoyed in destinations all across the Caribbean.
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Several noted how San Juan, Puerto Rico has a different feel than the average Caribbean cruise port.
“San Juan PR is pretty unique and a good port to visit without taking an excursion,” wrote ExtraAd7611. “Ships dock in Old San Juan which is beautiful. You can walk up to one of the two forts and tour it yourself.”
Passengers also recommend venturing beyond Old San Juan to explore Puerto Rico’s national forest.
“Even better, El Yunque rain forest is a little less than an hour’s drive from the cruise port,” added isabellanickel “It is so beautiful and has lots of waterfalls to swim in.”
Each destination has something that makes it stand out
Other cruisers noted that while most Caribbean ports offer similar beach activities, each island has something unique to offer.
“To the extent that the idea of Caribbean sailings is, more often than not, beach time – I suppose,” noted monorailmedic. “But I’d say snorkeling in Bonaire is amazing, and a remote beach in Mahahual is really peaceful – but I’d not swap those two. The Baths at Virgin Gorda are impressive and unique to there.”
Multiple passengers noted that St. Maarten stands out for cultural influences and that other Southern Caribbean destinations feature diverse landscapes.
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“The split culture (and cuisine) on St Maarten is something other islands don’t have,” continued monorailmedic. “Aruba has beaches and yet a desert-like climate in places. There are only so many places you can walk around volcanic activity, like you can in St Lucia.”
The key to finding out what makes a destination special is to do your research before you sail.
“I never feel like the islands blur together because I do a lot of research before I go to find what makes the islands unique,” added thiscitychick.
But no matter where you sail, remember to keep your own preferences in mind when deciding how to spend your time in a cruise port.
“Read up on what people like in different locations, but remember none of it is gospel, just opinions,” suggested Indienoise. “I’ve often disagreed with popular opinions on some places. First, know yourself and what will and won’t please you. Then pick accordingly.”
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