Caribbean & The Bahamas

by Heidi Sarna & Donna Heiderstadt

The Caribbean, the world’s most popular cruise destination, is a spectacularly blue body of water that’s home to 33 inviting and multicultural island nations and territories. And yet when it comes to cruise itineraries, you’ll find three regional options: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. The Bahamas also falls into the Caribbean cruise category and most cruise lines have private Bahamian islands where guests can enjoy a fun day at the beach. The entire Caribbean promises a vacation experience offering tropical sunshine, incredible beaches, undersea adventures, and thrilling watersports, but there are some key differences to know about.

If your main goal is carefree relaxation and returning home with a tan, opt for an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. This is classic Caribbean: sun-seekers living it up in paradise. The region is home to both large, touristy islands with historic sites, duty-free shopping, and land-and-sea-thrills — including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico — and quieter spots, such as Virgin Gorda and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, where you’ll find serene beaches, yacht-filled harbors, and beach bars that let you sip with your feet in the sand.

The Western Caribbean, where the most popular ports are farther apart and many of the largest ships tend to sail, is known for offering both culture and adventure. This route lets you sample a taste of both Mexico and Jamaica, plus nature-based experiences that range from Belize’s rainforests and coral reefs to Grand Cayman’s excellent snorkeling and diving. Western Caribbean cruises sail roundtrip from ports in Florida and Texas, and a few cruise this route from New Orleans and San Juan.

Its great beaches and distinctive British, French, and Dutch heritage make Southern Caribbean sailings to islands such as Barbados, St. Lucia, , and the ABC Islands (, , and ) special. You may have to travel a bit farther to enjoy them (some Southern Caribbean cruises depart from San Juan and Barbados) and, because most sailings are 7 to 14 nights, you’ll also need extra time. But it’s worth it.

Best Known For

Incredible Beaches: The islands of the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas are home to beaches that are wide, white, and incredibly photogenic. Favorites include Saline Beach on St. Barts, Trunk Bay on St. John, and Orient Bay on the French side of St. Maarten. Further south, you’ll find equally dazzling Palm and Eagle beaches on Aruba’s west coast and pink-sand Crane’s Beach on Barbados, where the surf can be rough but the setting is easy on the eyes. The Western Caribbean’s beaches aren’t too shabby either, especially Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman and the numerous shores lapped by gentle turquoise surf along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Cruise lines also all maintain their own private islands, mainly in The Bahamas but also in Belize, where guests can spend a beach day sunning, snorkeling, sipping tropical cocktails, and enjoying watersports.

Accessible Nature: Whether you want to snorkel amid schools of technicolor reef fish, learn about sea turtles, or get close to some alien-looking sea creatures, it’s all possible in the Caribbean. On a Western Caribbean itinerary that visits Grand Cayman, you can head to Stingray City, a bucket-list hot spot where you can hop in the shallow waters of a sand bar to watch, feed, and pet the tame stingrays that swarm around visitors. Belize’s coral reefs are also an excellent place to snorkel and dive, while river tubing and rafting through Jamaica’s lush jungles are must-do excursions for the adventurous.

Multicultural Cuisines: Foodies can try a taste of French delicacies in St. Martin and St. Barts, Spanish preparations in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, cheesy Dutch classics in Aruba and Curacao, and savory Creole dishes in St. Lucia and Grenada — in other words, there’s a melting pot of international flavors. In Cozumel or Costa Maya, visited on Western Caribbean sailings, you’ll savor the flavors of Mexico, from enchiladas to margaritas, while spicy jerk chicken and bammy (fried cassava root) are on the menu in Jamaica.

Best Ports

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas: If your ship calls on St. Thomas, you'll have two options: Enjoy the island’s photogenic Magens Bay Beach, snorkel tours, and duty-free shopping, or take the short ferry ride to St. John and head to the sugar-white sands of gorgeous Trunk Bay for its marked underwater snorkeling trail. Why is St. John so pristine? More than half of the island is protected as U.S. National Park land.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Old San Juan, with its atmospheric cobblestone streets, churches, and fortresses, is lovely. Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and foodie walking tours through Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets are popular. Travelers seeking an adrenaline rush can enjoy zip-line adventures and ATV tours just a short drive away.

Falmouth, Jamaica: The natural beauty of the island’s lush jungles and rivers, coupled with the distinctive Jamaican lifestyle, makes this island a fun place to spend the day. Look for reggae music and local dishes, such as jerk chicken and curried meat patties.

Gustavia, St. Barts: This hilly little island is home to gorgeous beaches and lots of boutique hotels and chic restaurants where celebrities and jet-setters hang out. Despite the fact its main port town, Gustavia, was named after a Swedish king, St. Barts is very French. You'll find great croissants and better Champagne here.

St. George’s, Grenada: The tiny horseshoe-shaped harbor in St. George’s is filled with colorful skiffs. Above it, the well-preserved 18th-century Fort George offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the harbor and sea. Plus, there are excellent beaches and, in the interior, treks through the rainforest to see waterfalls and spot mona monkeys in the treetops.

Oranjestad, Aruba: Gorgeous white beaches go on for miles along the island’s western coast. Meanwhile, the interior looks like the surface of the moon, with odd rock formations and caves. Casinos also provide a diversion for travelers who wish to try their luck at gaming.

Caribbean & The Bahamas

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Best Known For

Best Ports

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