15 Incredible Caribbean Cruise Destinations Worth Exploring

It’s never too early to start thinking about where you’ll travel next. Cruising is the ultimate way to vacation: everything is a short walk away, there are endless buffet options available to choose from, there are all day activities planned out for every person in your family, entertaining live shows are scheduled every night, and you can expect nothing less than incredible service the entire time you are on the boat. 

As you begin to plan, you’ll discover that there are many destinations to choose from, and you may wonder what sets each one apart from the others. This is a list that will help you narrow down your options with details about each cruise destination and some of the best things to see and do while at port. 

For a list of top things to pack for your next trip be sure to check out Top 10 Travel Must-Haves!

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Basseterre is the largest city and the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is located 10 miles northwest from the town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to Do

• Shop in downtown Basseterre – Fort Street/Bank Street has the most shops in the area
• Visit historical points of interest:
  • Independence Square, The Berkeley Memorial
  • Churches: Basseterre Co-Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, St. George’s Anglican Church
  • Museums: National Museum of Saint Kitts
  • Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • The War Memorial Cenotaph
  • Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation Ruins
• Reggae Beach
• Cockleshell Beach

Good to Know

• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Cuisine: Caribbean, Chinese, Creole, Western, Indian
• Food to try: Roti – unleavened flat bread that has a variety of fillings.

Highlight: Timothy’s Hill

On our way to Cockleshell Beach, we made a stop at Timothy’s Hill, an overlook with one of the most expansive and panoramic views we’ve ever seen. We could see for miles, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

Belize City, Belize

Belize City is the largest city and the industrial and financial hub of Belize. The coastline is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the 2nd largest living reef in the world. 

Good to know

• Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
• Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)
• Cuisine: Mexican and Central American, Caribbean
• Food to try: “Traditional plate” – Chicken, plantains, rice and beans
• The Belize Swing bridge is the only functioning manually operated bridge in the world
• Belize is the only country in Central America that the official language is English. Most locals also speak “Kriol” or Belizean Creole
• Belize has the only jaguar reserve in the world

Things to Do

• Snorkel or dive the Belize Barrier Reef
• Go on an adventure tour with ziplining, ATV rides, cave swimming or cave tubing
• Visit some of the most popular Mayan sites: Xunantunich or Altun Ha 
• Explore caves – Belize has the largest cave system in Central America
• See the Mayan Ruins at Caracol Natural Monument Reservation (if staying on the Island, it is a few hours from the cruise port)

Highlight: Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Excursion

We went snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve along a beautiful large reef with a steep drop off. The coral was vibrant and we saw several varieties of tropical fish swimming throughout the reef. Our second stop was about 3 miles from the reserve at a flat, sandy area where we swam with nurse sharks and stingrays. We had a lot of fun at both of the stops, but we were most excited about checking snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays off our list!

Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown is the capital and the largest city of Barbados. The streets are lined with colorful buildings with a backdrop of the vibrant blue Caribbean Sea and Atlantic ocean. Historic Bridgetown has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Good to know

• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
• Currency: Barbadian or Bajan dollar (BBD)
• Cuisine: Indian, British, Creole, Irish, African, and Portuguese 
• Food to try: Flying Fish and Cou Cou
• Driving is on the left side of the road vs the right 
• Be sure to visit the east coast for its beautiful rugged scenery, but avoid swimming in the ocean. Waves are rough and much better suited for surfing.
• Wearing camouflage and making fires on the beach in Barbados is illegal

Things to Do

• Shop on Broad Street
• Ride the tramway to tour Harrison’s Cave
• Visit historic places of interest such as George Washington House, the Chamberlain Bridge, or Harrison’s Point Lighthouse 
• Dive the shipwreck of the S.S. Stavronikita
• Relax at Carlisle Bay Beach

Highlight: Sea Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Excursion

We went on an excursion to snorkel at a shipwreck and an area that is normally full of sea turtles. It was a lot of fun and we loved how the turtles swam all around and underneath us. It was an amazing experience to be up close with them. We enjoyed checking out the shipwreck, but the sea turtles were the highlight of this excursion.

Castries, St. Lucia 

Castries is the capital and the largest city of Saint Lucia. Its lush and mountainous terrain are a highlight of this 27 mile long (238 sq miles) island. 

Good to Know:

• Time zone: Eastern Caribbean Time Zone (ECT)
• Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
• Cuisine: French, British, Indian, African
• Food to try: Bouyon
• Locals drive on the left side of the road vs the right
• Rainy season is July through November

Things to Do

• See the Pitons, two volcanic peaks that erupted two centuries ago. Gros Piton is 2530 ft tall and Petit Piton is 2438 ft.  
• Hike Gros Piton (Petit Piton requires technical climbing skills). It takes about 2.5 hours to the top.
• Take a mud bath at Sulfur Springs
• Stay in a luxury resort overlooking the Pitons and the ocean below. Paradise Ridge has stunning views at 1000 ft above the sea level. 
• Try locally grown chocolate at Fond Doux Plantation or Morne Coubaril
• Visit Marigot Bay 
• Drive through a volcano at Sulfur Springs – The world’s only drive-through volcano. The Soufriere volcano is dormant. 
• See panoramic views of the city on Mourne Fortune

Highlight: Land and Sea Tour

We rode on a two-level boat to the city of Soufriere for this excursion. It was a very windy ride, with incredible views of the Pitons and the island along the way. We made a quick stop at the Toraille Waterfall, and then we went on to Sulfur Springs, the world’s only drive-through volcano. Once we arrived, we went on a guided walking tour and we learned a lot about the history of the island. It was a fun day!

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie is the capital and the largest city of the United States Virgin Islands. The city is known for its Danish colonial architecture and long history of pirates. It is built on three volcanic spurs: Frenchman Hill, Berg Hill, and Government Hill. 

Good to Know

• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Cuisine: European, African, North American, Caribbean 
• Food to try: Dumb Bread

Things to Do

• Relax at Magen’s Bay Beach – Named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
• Shop on Main Street
• Visit Bluebeard or Blackbeard’s Castle (U.S. National Historic Landmark)
• Sapphire Beach
• See Fort Christian, the oldest structure in the Virgin Islands
• Day trip to visit St. John 

Highlight: Beginner Scuba Diving Excursion at Coki Beach

On this excursion, we learned the basics of diving, how to assemble our dive gear, and then practiced hand signals in shallow water. We split up into groups and had our very own instructor to guide us in the water. The water visibility was very clear and we saw all kinds of coral and varieties of tropical fish. Our first scuba dive was such a great experience we both agreed that we’d be doing it again!

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, is a lively destination with beautiful white sand beaches. The island is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and is known as one of the best places in the world for scuba diving.

Good to Know

• Coordinated Universal Time Zone (UTC)
• Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) – It is best to use these when making purchases in Cozumel. You will help you save money and it shows respect to the locals. 
• Cuisine: Mayan, Spanish, Caribbean, European, Asian, African 
• Food to Try: Local seafood

Things to Do

• Adventure tours
• Snorkeling, diving
• Visit Mayan ruins

Highlight: Xplor Park All Inclusive Adventure Excursion

We went on an excursion to Xplor Park to ride ATVs, zipline, go cave swimming, and cave rafting. It was a full day of one fun activity to the next, and we would definitely do it again!

Freeport, Grand Bahama

The city of Freeport is a free trade zone and one of the most populous cities on Grand Bahama island. The island is surrounded by the third largest barrier reef in the world and has an extensive underwater cave system, making it an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. 

Good to know

• Time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
• Currency: Bahamian dollar (BST)
• Cuisine: Southern American and Caribbean
• Food to try: Conch fritters

Things to Do

• Shop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace
• Go on a walking tour or a guided dive in Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave at Lucayan National Park

Highlight: Lucaya Beach

Lucaya Beach was one of the most vibrant and beautiful beaches in the Caribbean that I’ve ever seen. When we were there it was sunny, peaceful, and uncrowded, a perfect beach destination.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Georgetown, the capital of the Cayman Islands, is known for its beautiful 6 ½ mile beach lined with restaurants, luxury hotels, resorts, and amazing snorkeling spots. An underwater mountain range known as the Cayman Ridge lies beneath the Cayman Islands with steep drop offs and clear visibility.

Good to Know:

• Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
• Cuisine: Jamaican, British
• Food to try: Heavy Cake/Cassava Cake
• Locals are known as Caymanians
• The island is about 76 square miles
• Driving is on the left side of the road vs the right
• It’s culturally acceptable to only wear swimsuits on the beach and not in town

Things to Do

• Snorkel at Eden Rock & Devil’s Grotto
• Browse for souvenirs in the nearby shopping district
• Dine and relax at 7 Mile Beach (also has good snorkeling spots)
• Dive the Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef – a US Navy submarine near the coast to the 7 mile beach

Highlight: Eden Rock Snorkel Excursion

This excursion was conveniently located a short distance from the pier and had a view of the surrounding cruise ships in the distance. We enjoyed snorkeling in the vibrant teal water with its clear visibility and multiple varieties of colorful tropical fish.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Grand Turk is the largest of the Turks and Caicos islands, and is home to 7 miles of white sand beaches with turquoise waters, wild donkeys and horses that roam the streets. 

Good to Know

• Time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Cuisine: Caribbean, British, Asian
• Food to try: Coconut Conch Chowder
• The name “Turks” comes from a species of ingenious cactus, and “caicos” is a phrase from the Lucayan word ‘cayo hico’ that is translated to “string of islands.” The words together were a warning to avoid the pirate islands. 
• Locals drive on the left side of the road
• Drinking water is in short supply and will need to be used in moderation
• Grand Turk is on EST 
• There is no public transit available on the island. Taxis and rental cars are transportation options for those visiting.
• The speed limit is 20 MPH in town and 40 MPH on highways and straightaways 

Things to Do

• Relax at Governor’s Beach, a short distance from the cruise port
• Go snorkeling by boat – Most of the best snorkel spots are away from the beach
• Visit Grand Turk Lighthouse, built in 1852, this historical landmark is one of the top sights to see on the island
• Known as one of the top diving destinations, experience the magnificent sea walls that drop from 35 up to 7000 feet, a short distance from the shoreline
• Tour the historic Cockburn town on Duke and Front streets and visit the National Museum (appointment only) 
• Go whale watching – migrating humpback whales can be seen from January-April

Highlight: Snorkeling 

On this excursion, we took a boat out to two snorkeling stops. Our favorite one was at an underwater drop off and you could see darkness that continued as far as the eye could see. It was a little scary, but very cool!

Key West, Florida

A fun and lively city that is part of Florida with brightly colored buildings, souvenirs shops, and historical landmarks. The city is about 4 square miles and best explored by foot. 

Good to Know

• Time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Cuisine: Cuban, Caribbean
• Food to try: Key Lime Pie
• Key West is surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and the Gulf to the west
• Chickens have roamed the streets of Key West for many years
• The island’s reef, Florida Straits, is the 3rd largest coral reef in the world 

Things to Do

• Explore Old Town, shop and then dine along Duval Street
• Enjoy street performances, musicians, and food at Mallory Square, famous for its beautiful sunsets 
• Visit the buoy at the Southernmost point in the contiguous US
• Tour historical US landmarks: Ernest Hemmingway’s home, Tennesse Williams’ home, the “Little White House”, and the Key West Lighthouse

Highlight: Self-Guided Walking Tour

While we were in Key West, we went to shops along the colorful and lively Duval Street, toured the oldest house in the city, saw the historical Key West Lighthouse, and went to South Beach to see the buoy that marks the southernmost point in the continental U.S. It was a full day of sightseeing and experiencing the beautiful, Key West. 

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is the largest of Honduras’ 7 Bay Islands and is surrounded by the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest living reef in the world. 

Good to Know

• Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
• Cuisine: Spanish, Africian, Caribbean
• Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL)
• Food to try: Fried Fish
• Most locals speak Spanish, but also know English
• The island is 32 square miles
• The west side of the island is the most developed and visited by many tourists. The middle of the island has large towns with stores, hospitals and government offices. The east side of the island is less developed with small seaside villages.

Things to Do

• Snorkel or dive the Mesoamerican Reef
• Zipline through Roatan’s treetops
• Explore 20 acres of botanical gardens, native animal encounters, and visit the museum at Gumbalimba Park
• Relax at West Bay Beach, Palm Beach, or Tabyana

Highlight: Tabyana Beach day & Gumbalimba Park Excursion

We went to Gumbalimba Park, a preservation park with walking trails and a variety of exotic animals. It was a lot of fun to play with white faced capuchin monkeys, and their curiosity of everything around them was so entertaining. We also had time to enjoy Tabyana Beach, which had lots of areas to lounge, a restaurant, and a gift shop. 

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is home to beautiful white sand beaches, blue mountains, and a laid back, relaxing vibe that makes your visit enjoyable. The island is the birthplace of reggae music and is known for its jerk seasoning that is served on a variety of different meals. 

Good to Know: 

• Coordinated Universal Time Zone (UTC) – Daylight Savings is not observed
• Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
• Cuisine: Spanish, Indian, Africian, Irish, Chinese 
• Food to Try: Jerk Chicken

Things to Do

• Hike Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios (fee to enter).
  • Fun fact: The James Bond movie, “Dr. No”, featured this waterfall on Crab Key Island (fictional) 
• Snorkel at Doctor’s Cave Beach (fee to enter)
• Feed native birds at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, a short drive away from downtown Montego Bay
• Learn about Bob Marley and the history of reggae music at the Bob Marley Museum, a historic site and museum (if staying on the island – by appointment only)
• Explore the beauty of mountains that reach an altitude of over 7,000 feet at Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (if staying on the Island)

Highlight: Beach time

We decided to explore Jamaica on our own since it was our first time to an island in the Caribbean. We enjoyed time at the beach taking in the beauty of the clear water and laid back atmosphere. 

Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

Nassau is the capital and most populous island of the Bahamas. The island is decorated with pastel-colored British colonial buildings, has a wide variety of luxury hotels, and a casino. The hotel district includes two all inclusive resorts and several large hotels near Cable Beach.

Good to know

• Time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
• Currency: Bahamian dollar (BST)
• Cuisine: Southern American and Caribbean
• Food to try: Guava Duff 

Things to Do

• Shop and dine on Bay Street
• Tour historical landmarks: Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte, Fincastle, and Fort Montagu
• Visit the Atlantis Resort, the world’s largest open-air marine habitat
• Book a dolphin or stingray encounter on Balmoral Island

Highlight: Dolphin Swim & Snorkel Excursion

On one of our stops to Nassau, we went on an excursion by boat to Balmoral Island, a small island a short distance from the mainland. We spent time with a dolphin and got our picture taken, then snorkeled with a pod of dolphins in an enclosed area of the ocean. It was such a fun experience!

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is located on a small island that is about 3 square miles and is connected to the mainland by bridge. The city has charming cobblestone-lined streets and colorful buildings. It has been named a National Historic Landmark District, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Good to know:

• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Cuisine: Spanish/European, Latin American, African, French
• Food to try: Mofongo
• Puerto Rico means “rich port” in Spanish
• Plaza de Armas was designed to be Old San Juan’s main square. It has four fountains that represent the different seasons.  
• Old San Juan has a free trolley that runs every 15 minutes each day until 6 or 7 in the evening

Things to Do

• Tour the 16th & 17th century historic forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal
• Go on a self-guided walking tour to see the city and the expansive views of the coastline
• Dine or shop on Fortaleza and San Francisco Streets

Highlight: Self-Guided Tour of Old San Juan

We walked the trails along the coastline and toured the two major forts of the city: Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, ‘El Morro’, both of which were equally impressive. San Juan was very charming with its Spanish colonial homes, blue cobblestone roads, with a backdrop of the bright blue ocean. 

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

St. Maarten is the world’s smallest territory shared by two states: the Netherlands and France. Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten and located on the Dutch side of the island. This was one of the only Caribbean stops where all attractions are right off the ship, making it one of the easiest islands to get around in. 

Good to Know

• Time zone: Universal Time Zone (ATC)
• Currency: Antillean Guilder or Florin (ANG) – Euro on the French side of the island, although the U.S. dollar is accepted on both sides 
• Cuisine: Creole, French, Dutch, English, Africian
• Food to try: Johnny Cakes

Things to do

• Duty free shops, jewelry stores and boutiques (the boardwalk is a popular spot)
• Hiking to see the views of the city and the bay
• Visit the Courthouse
• See Fort Amsterdam
• Spend the day at Little Bay Beach or Great Bay Beach

Highlight: Maho Beach

We ventured out to Maho Beach, known for its impressive views of incoming planes flying directly over the beach before landing at the Princess Juliana National Airport. Each time a plane approached, everyone stopped and looked up in amazement as the planes flew by. It was an exhilarating experience for sure!

Bon voyage!