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The area also covers parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, like Costa Maya and Progreso, and countries like Belize and Honduras. Western Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica are also part of the Western Caribbean. It used to be a prison and now it’s full of cool stories about Belize’s past. Though I haven’t experienced Ocho Rios firsthand, it’s only 90 minutes from Falmouth, so I can assume it is equally as beautiful and worth visiting. Cozumel, a favorite on Western Caribbean cruise routes, is a small island just off Cancun’s coast.
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Progreso has an exceptionally long four-mile (6.5km) pier that goes over the shallow continental shelf to allow docking by larger cruise ships. Shuttle buses are provided to transport cruisers to the Progreso terminal. Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line's private resort on the coast of Belize. Unlike Belize City, which requires tendering ashore, cruise ships can dock at Harvest Caye.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Instead, visitors can enjoy a stunning beach with opportunities for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and other water sports. St Kitts is in the leeward islands of the West Indies and one of the best ports in the Caribbean for cruisers. Ships dock at Port Zante in the main town of Basseterre, and there is plenty of activities on port days. Despite this division, St. Maarten is known for its beautiful coastal lagoons and stunning beaches, making it a must-visit destination for any Caribbean traveler. Philipsburg is a great location to come back and enjoy an all inclusive Caribbean getaway. Downtown Phillipsburg is about a 1km walk from the port to a white sandy beach with inviting turquoise waters.
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It is known for its beaches and especially for its snorkeling and scuba diving thanks to the second largest barrier reef in the world. For the same reason, Cozumel and Belize also are known for snorkeling and diving. West Bay Beach is public so cruise ship passengers can snorkel here too! The water is crystal clear and filled with vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Located in the western Caribbean, Havana has a modern cruise terminal centrally in the city that can accommodate large ships.
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:21:38 GMT [source]
Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together. The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage. Discovery at SEA brings the expertise and excitement of the Discovery Channel™ on board your Caribbean cruise!
Costa Maya, Mexico
Almost 30% of all passengers who sail with us are celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Despite being one of the Western Caribbean’s smaller ports, Campeche stands out due to its unique cultural and historical significance. Founded in the mid-16th century, the city was a significant port during the Spanish colonial era. It is known for its well-preserved historic fortified walls, which were built to protect against pirate attacks.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
The surprising reason Carnival expects your cruise ship to visit less ports - Cruise Blog
The surprising reason Carnival expects your cruise ship to visit less ports.
Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
On a Western Caribbean cruise, spend your days in or on the water, savoring fresh seafood al fresco, hiking lush rainforests, or lounging on the region’s unparalleled stretches of sand. A cruise to Cozumel transports you to a Caribbean island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, beloved by scuba divers and sunseekers. It offers an array of unique attractions, including the Tulum Mayan ruins, a real shipwreck, and underwater sculpture gardens. Revel in its warm evenings and enticing music with our More Ashore program. Later stays in ports such as Cozumel let you soak up the full Caribbean experience, like a fresh-caught seafood dinner on the beach or street fair full of local crafts and flavors. With More Ashore, you get more time to enjoy the vibrant island nightlife.
Top-Rated Caribbean Beaches

From white-sand beaches and azure waters to snorkeling through an immense coral reef and exploring ancient Mayan ruins, Cozumel is one of the most dynamic Caribbean cruise ports. Playa del Carmen is a vibrant cruise port known for its lively atmosphere, fun activities, and stunning beaches. Near the port you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, cafes and local restaurants. The city is famous for its laid-back ambiance and beautiful beaches with clear blue waters. The main street, Fifth Avenue, is a busy walking street with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Although not as special as a complete private island, these private destinations are still a great place to visit on a Western Caribbean itinerary. Near the port, there are a few beaches you can check out, but most of the action is about an hour’s drive away. The big draws here are the Chacchoben ruins and Bacalar lake, which are both worth your time.
With so many great Western Caribbean Islands worth visiting, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go. Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Although the island community is just 120 miles or so southwest of Miami, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. This colorful island is at the end of a chain of offshore islands linked by the breathtaking Overseas Highway. Snorkelers and divers will be keen to visit Belize as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere lies just offshore.
Together, they can accommodate up to eight cruise ships a day and sees, on average, 30 cruise ships a week. Barbados is one of the best Caribbean islands for adventure, and for a good reason! If you have time, take to the waters for unforgettable snorkeling with sea turtles or scuba diving around the infamous shipwrecks.
Roatan makes the list of the best cruise ports in the Caribbean, first and foremost, for its exceptional snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of Palancar Reef are ideal for both divers and snorkelers. Protected from fishing, the coral reefs are home to a variety of tropical fish in every color of the rainbow. St Kitts has an incredible mix of history, beaches, and nature to explore. Some of the best beaches on St Kitts are easy to reach from the cruise port in a short taxi ride.
Colon doesn't have as many attractions as Cartagena, but most cruise passengers do not have a long time in the city. Another option is to take a small boat to explore the mangrove forests, which are filled with wildlife. Small boats take vacationers and cruise travelers out to the sandbar and you can snorkel, SCUBA, feed the stingrays by hand, or just watch them in the crystal clear water. The turtle farm on Grand Cayman has all sorts of sea turtles and provides an opportunity for kids (and adults) to learn more about sea turtles.
The city itself is more of a base for excursions, offering a glimpse into Panama’s rich history and biodiversity. However, there are a few sights in the city, like Paseo Marino, a park with great views of the waterfront, and the Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral. Built in 1885, this cathedral is famous for its impressive domes and architecture. Campeche is a Western Caribbean cruise port located in the northern Yucatan along the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t expect the big cruise lines to visit here; it’s only Ocean Navigator that includes it in its itineraries.
There is little infrastructure in the town of Roseau, so you’ll want to book a shore excursion or tour in Dominica to explore this beautiful island. You could hike through the rainforest to see the island’s stunning waterfalls, such as the twin waterfalls of Trafalgar Falls. Here, the best cruise ports in Caribbean comes down to whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or adrenaline junkie.
Montego Bay has some fascinating historic plantation homes, called Great Houses, that are open to tourists. Visitors can also arrange tours to popular sites near other Jamaican ports like Dunn's River Falls, which is closest to the port of Ocho Rios. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises.
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