We requested our readers which cruise ports within the Caribbean and Bahamas have been their favourite and least favourite.
This listing is a direct results of the replies to this query from a number of hundred followers prepared to voice their opinion.
Not all cruise ports are created equal. And with the recognition of cruise journey within the Caribbean and Bahamas there are some locations extra standard than others.
It must be famous that this can be a very subjective matter. Whereas some might slightly keep on the ship when docking in Nassau, you would possibly love exploring this port.
Prime 5 Favourite Cruise Ports
These cruise ports within the Bahamas and Caribbean have been probably the most talked about within the “favourite” class by our readers.
1. St. Maarten
With a French facet and a Dutch facet, this 13 sq. mile island is without doubt one of the busiest cruise ports on our listing. Actually, Port of Philipsburg in St. Maarten noticed no less than 1.3 million cruise passengers final 12 months, with virtually 500 cruise ships pulling into port.
Cruise passengers love each the tradition of the world in addition to the pure magnificence. There are 37 seashores across the island, and in line with some sources the island holds the document for probably the most seashores per sq. mile.
St. Maarten was probably the most talked about favourite cruise port, and as extra cruise itineraries have this port of name on their schedule, extra cruisers have had the possibility to discover this little slice of paradise.
Learn extra: 25 Issues to do in St. Maarten on a Cruise
2. Aruba
A favourite Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary scorching spot, Aruba is probably the most well-known of the ABC islands. You’ll discover this port of name on cruises with durations of 8-12 days in lots of instances. For the reason that island is to date south within the Caribbean Sea, it requires an extended voyage for ships crusing out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Cruisers love Aruba for its pristine white sandy seashores, Dutch heritage that permeates the island, and the sensation of security all through. Aruba is without doubt one of the most secure ports of name to go to. Add in some nice purchasing spots in Oranjestad and loads of distinctive excursions, and you’ll see why Aruba made the listing.
Learn extra: 19 Greatest Issues to do in Aruba
3. Grand Cayman
With about 1.4 million cruise passengers visiting Grand Cayman yearly, it’s one of the crucial standard ports within the Caribbean. Cruise guests will typically rave about Seven Mile Seaside or the beautiful coral across the port that’s good for each snorkeling and diving.
George City presents a great deal of purchasing alternatives as effectively. And don’t overlook one of the crucial standard vacationer actions on the island: Cayman Turtle Centre.
Grand Cayman is without doubt one of the three Cayman Islands and is situated about 100 miles west of Jamaica and south of Cuba.
Learn extra: Greatest Grand Cayman Suggestions for Issues to Do and See
4. San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico is one in all my private favourite ports. There’s simply one thing particular about Outdated San Juan and the colourful tradition that may be discovered alongside these cobblestone streets. Cruisers love that almost all of this space may be explored on foot and that lovely seashores like Condado Seaside and Playa El Ultimo Trolley provide loads of house for some stress-free within the solar.
You may also get some improbable meals in San Juan (Oh, and I really like the native espresso) with a mix of Spanish and Caribbean flavors. There’s additionally some distinctive historical past at this port. El Morro is a six-level fortress that appears over San Juan Bay which was constructed within the mid 1500’s.
5. Curacao
One other Dutch Caribbean island, the C of the ABC islands is understood for colourful reefs and beautiful seashores. Williamstad, the capital metropolis, can be a preferred attraction close to the port. The colourful colonial model buildings present a stunning backdrop for walks alongside the waterfront that’s dotted by outlets and cafes, so at all times save slightly room in your abdomen for a stroll downtown.
Cruisers love the laid-back ambiance of Curacao together with the pure great thing about the island. Hikes via Christoffel Nationwide Park are fairly standard as effectively, but it surely’s about an hour method from the port itself.
Learn extra: 15 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Curacao on a Cruise
Notable mentions:
Just a few different favourite ports that have been talked about included St. Thomas, Bonaire, and “any non-public island”.
5 Least Favourite Cruise Ports
Simply because a cruise vacation spot is on this least doesn’t imply you possibly can’t completely take pleasure in an incredible day in port there. Actually, I typically learn cruise critiques that supply a lot totally different views than my very own.
However these ports within the Caribbean and surrounding areas have been talked about because the least favourite. Agree or disagree, maybe these ports have some room for enchancment. By the best way, some have already made huge enhancements, so don’t write them off.
1. Nassau
It was considerably disheartening to see Nassau talked about so many occasions because the least favourite cruise port, however I completely perceive it. In addition to the crime points which have plagued the area, Nassau has at all times felt extra like a essential relaxation cease for cruise passengers who have been on their method another person.
The port not too long ago spent $300 million upgrading your complete port, so that you may not even acknowledge it when you haven’t been there shortly. Now not do you must push your method via the gauntlet of native residents making an attempt to promote you excursions and companies. The entire course of has been streamlined and the terminal is rather more open. Even the straw market space is clear, open, and arranged.
However I do know I’m not going to persuade any of you am I? Okay, on to the second least favourite port.
Learn extra: Issues to do in Nassau on a Cruise
2. Freeport
One other port within the Bahamas, Freeport was additionally not very effectively preferred by our readers. Initially, the port does have a really industrial really feel, a distinction to the Seven Mile seaside you’ll find at Grand Cayman.
That’s to not say Freeport doesn’t have some nice pure great thing about its personal. You simply should spend a while in a taxi or bus driving by all the cement vegetation and oil refineries to search out it. I’ve loved a number of beautiful excursions to the seashores in Freeport. I’ve additionally explored a number of lovely caverns.
Nevertheless, latest journey advisories for the Bahamas as a complete haven’t helped the picture of this cruise port within the eyes of cautious vacationers as effectively.
Learn extra: Greatest Issues to do in Freeport on a Cruise
3. Jamaica
This nation has had a colourful historical past for cruise vacationers. Each security considerations and hassle coping with overly aggressive distributors have made Jamaica one of many least favourite locations for some cruisers. Whereas exploring a overseas port by yourself generally is a rewarding expertise, some have expressed issue in doing so right here.
Jamaica has 5 cruise ports: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Port Antonia, and Port Royal (Kingston). Ocho Rios is the busiest of those 5 with Falmouth intently behind it.
However there are numerous fantastic issues to do close to any of those Jamaican cruise ports as effectively. A vibrant tradition, lush rainforests, and plenty of non-public seashores or all-inclusive reviews may help make any cruise go to to Jamaica fairly unimaginable.
Learn extra: 24 Superior Issues to do in Jamaica on a Cruise
4. Belize
As a result of shallow waters round Belize Metropolis, cruise ships drop anchor a number of miles from shore and ship cruise vacationers to the port space by way of tenders (small boats). This journey can take round 20 minutes, a course of not all passengers have been thrilled about.
The realm also can really feel a bit on the touristy facet. Whereas some will enterprise out to go to Mayan ruins and plush jungles, those that keep within the bustling cruise port space typically really feel they aren’t getting the true genuine expertise of Belize.
5. Tortola
The most important of the 50 British Virgin Islands, Tortola can be probably the most populated. Simply east of Puerto Rico, about 24,000 residents dwell on the 21 sq. mile island. The cruise port space generally is a little extra crowded and bustling than some favor, with loads of purchasing and industrial exercise close by.
Most cruise ships will dock on the cruise pier close to Highway City which may deal with two massive ships directly. Nevertheless, more often than not there should not greater than two ships in port on the similar time. I did discover on the cruise schedule for Tortola that a number of occasions in December of this 12 months 3 ships might be calling on the islands on the identical day. This implies no less than one ship should anchor within the bay and ship tenders to land.
Tortola is a simple port for English audio system to navigate and US {dollars} are accepted as effectively.
Notable mentions:
Another ports that cruiser passengers weren’t in love with included Martinique and Roatan. Cozumel, Mexico was talked about a number of occasions as least favourite, but it surely was additionally on commenters listing of favourite ports.
Remaining Ideas
As I at all times say, a cruise is what you make of it. I’ve had some nice cruises on the cruise ports talked about on the backside half of this text simply as a lot as those on the prime.
Everybody has a unique expectation of what they need a day in port to be like, so at all times maintain that in thoughts whenever you hear one thing unfavorable mentioned a few port of name.
The vital factor is to maintain an open and curious thoughts about new locations. Soak within the tradition and historical past of every place like a sponge and discover one thing new that isn’t at all times listed in a brochure.
