Most mainstream cruise lines visit many of the same ports in the Caribbean, but have changed their itinerary to offer passengers a variety of options.
With the opportunity to sail east, west and south of the region, cruise passengers can choose from sunny island destinations.
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On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, cruise ships frequently visit one or two ports in Nassau, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, perhaps St. Martinson or the Port of Platte in the Dominican Republic. Cozumel, Mexican and Grand Cayman are staples on many western Caribbean itineraries.
On a southern Caribbean cruise, a ship may sail to Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and even the ABC Islands, namely Aruba, Bonnar and Kulasa. But no matter what kind of Caribbean cruise itinerary you are sailing, this itinerary is designed for you to enjoy beautiful beaches, water activities and Caribbean culture.
So, some cruisers say once you’ve been to a Caribbean port, you’ve been to everyone. But not everyone agrees.
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Most Caribbean ports offer similar coastal excursions
In Reddit’s Cruise community, a Cruise passenger asked a question that many cruise passengers were thinking.
“It can be said that when it comes to ports, is it almost the same for Caribbean cruise?” asked reddit user wtwtcgw.
“I’ve had six dozen in the past five years,” user wtwtcgw continued. “It seems that most itineraries include:
- snorkeling/scuba/glass bottom boat;
- Swim with dolphins;
- Island Tour (most islands are roughly the same);
- Private beach;
- fishing;
- Sailing…
Are there any experiences unique to a specific port or cruise? ” asked the user.
While some cruisers who commented on Reddit threads agree that the Caribbean ports have many common and cruise lines that shore excursion options seem to be repetitive, others point to key differences. Many passengers shared details of their unique experiences they enjoyed in their Caribbean destinations.
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Several people noticed that San Juan, Puerto Rico, felt differently from the average Caribbean cruise ship.
“San Juan PR is very unique and is a good port not to visit,” Extraad7611 writes. “Very beautiful boats at the Old San Juan Pier. You can walk to one of the two forts and visit in person.”
Passengers also recommend exploring Old San Juan to explore Puerto Rico’s national forest.
Isabellanickel added: “Better yet, El Yunque Rain Forest is less than an hour’s drive from the cruise port.
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Every destination has something that makes it stand out
Other cruisers noted that while most Caribbean ports offer similar beach activities, each island has unique products.
“To a certain extent, the idea of sailing in the Caribbean is usually beach time – I think.” “But what I want to say is that snorkeling in Bonnail is amazing, and a remote beach in Moahah does Quiet – but I won’t swap both beaches. The bathroom at Virgin Gorda is impressive and unique.”
Several passengers pointed out that St. Martin has a great influence on culture, with other southern Caribbean destinations with diverse landscapes.
Related: Popular Caribbean Cruise Port Overhaul
“The secession culture (and food) on St. Martin is something that other islands don’t have,” Monorailmedic continued. “Aruba has beaches, but in some places there is a desert-like climate. Just like in St Lucia, there are only a lot of places to walk to the volcanic activity.”
The key to finding out what makes a destination unique is to do research before sailing.
“I never felt like these islands were together because I did a lot of research before finding what made these islands special,” the Citychick added.
But no matter where you sail, remember to keep your preferences in mind when deciding how to spend your time on the cruise.
Indienoise advises: “Read what people like, but don’t remember that this is the gospel, just the point of view.” “I often disagree with popular opinions in certain places. First, know yourself, and what will and nothing will please You. Then choose accordingly. ”
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