The 5 Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean

Choosing a Caribbean cruise itinerary can be a tough choice! Choosing between the Eastern Caribbean and the Western Caribbean is probably the first choice you need to make-and that determines where your ship stops! Then if you add the option of a Southern Caribbean itinerary, that opens up even more options! There are so many gorgeous islands in the Caribbean, and many are worth the visit! Regardless, the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean entice guests year round on hundreds of cruise itineraries. Let’s take a look at the 5 Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean!

While there are many reasons to go on a cruise, two reasons remain consistent. The top two consistent reasons guests give for cruising is the food and the destination. The Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries on most cruise lines will take you to some beautiful beaches. You can also visit historical sites, and enjoy some fantastic shopping!

Where Can I Embark on a Caribbean Cruise?

The most popular ports to embark on a Caribbean cruise are in Florida. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral are the more popular ports to hop on a Caribbean cruise via your favorite cruise line.

Some East Coast cruise ports sail to these Caribbean islands from New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and other areas along the East Coast. Cruises also depart from the Galveston cruise port in Texas or New Orleans to the Western Caribbean. You’ll even find a cruise port in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Often out of San Juan, guests will be sailing a Southern Caribbean itinerary.

What are the 5 Best Cruise Ports to Visit in the Caribbean?

Cozumel ~ Given the natural beauty of Cozumel, it’s one of the most authentic ports of call you’ll find in the Caribbean. A variety of activities, authentic foods, and historical sites makes it a well rounded port of call. Cozumel is a super popular destination on many Western Caribbean sailings. Cozumel is also known to have the best diving and snorkeling experiences for guests to enjoy on a port adventure.

San Juan ~ Cruise ships come right into the heart of Old San Juan, making exploring the city super easy. And there’s quite a lot to explore! The area of Old San Juan makes it a great place to visit before your cruise if you are departing from here as well.

Orangestad, Aruba ~ In Oranjestad, you’ll find lots of cultures intermingled together. Aruba’s traditions are influenced by the cultures of other countries, such as Holland, Venezuela, America, and other Caribbean islands. Aruba is a very family friendly destination, and the weather is typically beautiful year round. The main draw to Aruba is its beach areas, so this is great for a beach day if you are sailing a cruise that includes a stop in Orangestad.

St John’s, Antigua ~ Antigua has the white sand and clear ocean water that you imagine with a Caribbean cruises.  There’s hidden coves, and coral reefs bustling with tropical fish to see as well.

St Maarten ~ St. Maarten is split in two: a Dutch side and French side, and the result is a dichotomy of choice. Both sides of the island offer a beautiful beach day, along with a touch of Europe. This cruise port is near some great boutique shopping, and Maho Beach is famous for watching planes come into the nearby airport literally RIGHT over your head!

Visiting one of these beautiful Caribbean islands is easy on your favorite cruise line. All the major cruise lines sail to most of these islands on itineraries that range from 4-7 nights. Some even offer longer, 10+ night sailings! There are so many amazing destinations to see via a cruise ship! Which of these is your favorite?

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