Cruise Comparison
One island a day,
each with its own draw.
Make every hour in port count.
A Caribbean cruise packs a new island into each day, and the way you spend a port stop is the biggest choice you make all trip. Some ports are best for a simple beach day steps from the ship, others reward a planned excursion to a reef, ruin, or wildlife reserve. This guide gives you the quick read on every port you are most likely to see.
Use it to spot which stops deserve a packed itinerary and which are best kept easy. When in doubt, a Destination Engineer can book excursions straight from the ship or independently, whichever you prefer.
Port by port
The ports you are likely to meet.
San Juan
San Juan’s walled old town, cobbled streets, and El Morro fortress are a short walk from port and reward strolling over a beach day.
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie shops plus some of the region’s best beaches; Magens Bay is the classic outing.
St. Maarten
Orient Beach for an active beach day, or the French side’s Grand Case for a long, relaxed lunch.
Grand Turk
Many ships dock right at a beach; an easy port for a snorkel-and-relax stop with stingray encounters.
Nassau
Bahamian shore breaks, Atlantis’ resorts and water park, or a quick boat ride out to a quieter cay.
Cozumel
Mexico’s favorite cruise port for clear-water snorkeling and diving, plus Mayan ruins on the Yucatán mainland.
Costa Maya
A low-key Mexican port gate for beach clubs, reef snorkeling, and close Mayan archeology.
Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach and unmistakable Stingray City are the two big draws for this tendered port.
Falmouth / Ocho Rios
Jamaica’s pier port in Falmouth or the falls-focused Ocho Rios, from Dunn’s River to rafting on the Martha Brae.
Belize City
The gate to the Belize Barrier Reef; tours ride out to cayes for the day rather than staying in town.
Roatán
Honduras’ reef island is a diver and snorkeler favorite, with sloth and zip-line park options.
ABC islands
Aruba’s desert beaches, Bonaire’s renowned diving, and Curaçao’s colorful Willemstad are the Southern route’s gems.
Beach or excursion?
How to pick your shore style.
Beach ports
Pick ports where you simply want sand and warm water, such as Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman, and spend the day ashore.
Excursion ports
Punch in excursions at 2012-era highlights, reefs, ruins, and wildlife: Cozumel, Roatán, Belize City, and the ABC islands shine here.
Historied ports
For history and culture, spend your hours walking San Juan or the old town of Willemstad rather than booking a far excursion.
Building your perfect port days?
Share your itinerary and your energy level, and a Destination Engineer will craft the right mix of beach days and excursions for every stop.
Plan your trip