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Our favorite option is snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles in the protected waters of Akumal Beach. Montego Bay offers the same water sports, beach breaks and dolphin encounters as does Ocho Rios. For something a little more Jamaican, take a plantation tour, such as the one to Croydon Plantation. You'll visit a historic plantation house and taste pineapples, bananas or sugarcane, straight from the source. The two sites can usually be visited on a half-day excursion, and both are typically included in any full-day bus tour of the island, which oftentimes is combined with a beach stop and lunch.
Bonaire
But it was only recently that Bonaire became a regular port of call by the most popular cruise lines. Cruisers can swim, snorkel and scuba dive, of course, but they can also kayak, snuba, Jet Ski, sail and parasail. Sometimes you can do these things right from whatever beach is your destination for the day. Or, book a leisurely sunset sail or high-octane party cruise to get on the water, not necessarily in it. Puerto Rico is huge, and the island's best beaches aren’t necessarily accessible if you're just there for the day. But the rainforest at El Yunque can be visited in a few hours, the Bacardi distillery isn't far out of town, and the dining and nightlife options are expansive.
Tips for First-Time Cruise Passengers
World's Largest Cruise Ship Debuts at Western Caribbean Cruise Port - Cruise Hive
World's Largest Cruise Ship Debuts at Western Caribbean Cruise Port.
Posted: Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
From the turquoise waters of St. Maarten to the lively streets of Jamaica, this region entices with its stunning beaches, vibrant music, and a kaleidoscope of cultures and flavors. However, if you'd rather not share the beach with several ships' worth of cruisers, take the ferry to nearby St. John for the day and find a U.S. national park and a more chill beach experience. Take the kids to the Coral World Ocean Park, your sweetie on a catamaran sail or snorkel trip and your crazy friends on a helmet dive or BOSS underwater scooter adventure.
Come to the French Side of This Gorgeous Caribbean Island
With its stunning natural scenery, activities ranging from adventurous to laidback, and fun-loving spirit, Montego Bay offers cruise goers the quintessential Caribbean experience. An island tour is a popular option if you want to see St. Kitts, but for an escape from the crowds, cruisers can hop a "sea taxi" to the less-traveled island of Nevis. While on Nevis, you'll typically visit some historical sites, lunch at a beachside restaurant and have some time to swim in the Caribbean waters. Southern Caribbean cruises tend to attract luxury travelers and repeat cruisers. The islands themselves tend to be more exclusive, with fewer ships visiting on any given day. Some of the highlights of this region include hanging out with marine life, enjoying the sand and surf, touring rum distilleries, and exploring the charm of historic old towns.
Bonaire (Kralendijk) Cruise Port
As the heart of many cruise itineraries, Caribbean cruise ports offer a diverse array of experiences. From the bustling marketplaces and historical landmarks to serene beaches and lush rain forests, each port presents a unique doorway to the treasures of the Caribbean Sea. With over 30 sun-soaked destinations, spread through 19 countries, you’re sure to stock up on Caribbean good vibes. Enjoy pristine beaches and turquoise waters in Tortola, St. Maarten, and Belize to name a few. From snorkeling, to sailing and surfing, the Caribbean is a hub for all aquatic activities. Foodies are in for a treat too, with a wide array of culinary options and influences.
An island combo tour will typically take you to both, as well as to Fort Frederick and Annandale Falls. A highlight of any Cozumel port of call is a visit to Tulum or Chichen Itza, the ruins of ancient Mayan cities. Situated atop oceanfront cliffs, Tulum offers fascinating history and gorgeous scenery. Chichen Itza, further inland, is dominated by a massive and magnificent step pyramid. ⑥ Tours - Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked 'independently' as savvy cruises like to say ... Four years later, there are still a few attractions that have not yet been fully restored, but most highlights are fully operational.
Creole food shines against a turquoise water backdrop.
Beaches on both sides of the island might be small, but are pretty much all stunningly gorgeous—including the clothing-optional Orient Bay Beach. For some, cruising is all about what's on board the ship—including dining, entertainment, and on-deck pools. But let's be honest; if it was simply about the spas and swanky guest rooms, you could just book an all-inclusive resort and have an absolutely bangin' time on dry land. A cruise sets itself apart by taking you on a joy ride across the ocean, depositing you briefly at various appealing destinations along the way.
Shore Excursions
If you fancy a little adventure, you can even take a ride on the world's largest zip line, an alpine coaster, or a 300-foot-long waterslide. Eastern Caribbean cruises typically call at ports like the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico, providing a mix of shopping, pristine beaches, and historical sites. Western Caribbean itineraries often include destinations like Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico, which are well-suited for adventure activities and cultural experiences. With monkey-filled jungle wilderness, dormant volcanoes you can easily hike in an afternoon, and plenty of historical sites, this is one of the most diverse cruise ports in the islands. Touring Caribbean relics like the 350-year-old Romney Manor, the colonial town square, or the Brimstone Hill Fortress lets you experience what life must have been like here in the 1700s. If colonial-era imbibing is more your speed, the beach bars in Frigate Bay are a relaxing way to drink away your time on the island.
With a lineup like this, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your precious vacation days than on one of our cruises. One look at the picturesque cities, beaches, and marine life that are home to the region and we know you’ll be ready to get on board. Laid-back cruisers looking to truly “get away from it all” head to the Eastern Caribbean for some serious R&R. It’s also great for low-stress sightseeing, scuba diving and of course, just chilling out. Many Caribbean ports also offer water taxis, presenting an enchanting alternative to explore surrounding areas.
Royal Caribbean suspends cruises to Labadee amid Haiti violence - CNN
Royal Caribbean suspends cruises to Labadee amid Haiti violence.
Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
First-time cruise passengers should acquaint themselves with the layout of the cruise terminal for efficient disembarkation. It’s advisable to research transportation options in advance and, if possible, book services like shuttles or excursions through the cruise line for added convenience. Passengers might find it useful to carry local currency for places where credit card transactions are not readily accepted. From here, passengers can explore the lush green mountains of the inland rainforests. Exciting shore excursions include river rafting, zip lining through canopy forests, visiting Dunn’s River Falls or touring a historic plantation house like Rose Hall. Shore excursions to Tulum are popular from Playa del Carmen, but you can get there from Cozumel as well.
If you've sailed before, there's always some destination you've never visited or an activity you haven't tried. For something a little different, try SeaDream Yacht Club for a super-small ship that feels like a private yacht, complete with an emphasis on alfresco recreation and dining. Star Clippers appeals to sailing enthusiasts with its masted ships, simple entertainment and emphasis on water sports. You'll find two main types of Western Caribbean cruises, and both are fabulous introductions to Caribbean culture and attractions.
These itineraries are great for travelers who are interested in Mayan or Mexican culture in addition to beaches and water sports. St Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) is the most visited port in the USVI and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the East Caribbean itineraries. Amazing landmarks, beautiful beaches and great activities are some of the top attractions ... Many cruise lines also run sales at the end of the summer or during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and Caribbean sailings are almost always included.
Visitors can experience snorkeling alongside sea turtles that glide gracefully among the colorful coral reefs. This is an intimate way to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable encounter. Back in Oranjestad, relaxed activities include browsing souvenir shops or enjoying a cold beverage at open-air cafés situated along the charming harbor promenade lined with divi-divi trees. With its sunny climate, beautiful scenery and friendly locals, Oranjestad offers cruise travelers the perfect taste of island life.
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