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 widespread than others.
It ought to be famous that this can be a very subjective matter. Whereas some could fairly keep on the ship when docking in Nassau, you may love exploring this port.
High 5 Favourite Cruise Ports
These cruise ports within the Bahamas and Caribbean have been essentially the most talked about within the “favourite” class by our readers.
1. St. Maarten
With a French aspect and a Dutch aspect, this 13 sq. mile island is likely one of the busiest cruise ports on our listing. In truth, Port of Philipsburg in St. Maarten noticed a minimum of 1.3 million cruise passengers final 12 months, with virtually 500 cruise ships pulling into port.
Cruise passengers love each the tradition of the realm in addition to the pure magnificence. There are 37 seashores across the island, and in accordance with some sources the island holds the report for essentially the most seashores per sq. mile.
St. Maarten was essentially 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 prospect 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 sizzling spot, Aruba is essentially the most well-known of the ABC islands. You’ll find this port of name on cruises with durations of 8-12 days in lots of instances. Because the island is thus far 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 likely 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 may see why Aruba made the listing.
Learn extra: 19 Finest Issues to do in Aruba
3. Grand Cayman
With about 1.4 million cruise passengers visiting Grand Cayman yearly, it’s one of the widespread ports within the Caribbean. Cruise guests will typically rave about Seven Mile Seashore or the beautiful coral across the port that’s excellent for each snorkeling and diving.
George City presents a great deal of purchasing alternatives as effectively. And don’t neglect one of the widespread vacationer actions on the island: Cayman Turtle Centre.
Grand Cayman is likely one of the three Cayman Islands and is positioned about 100 miles west of Jamaica and south of Cuba.
Learn extra: Finest Grand Cayman Ideas for Issues to Do and See
4. San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico is one in every of my private favourite ports. There’s simply one thing particular about Previous San Juan and the colourful tradition that may be discovered alongside these cobblestone streets. Cruisers love that almost all of this space will be explored on foot and that stunning seashores like Condado Seashore and Playa El Ultimo Trolley supply loads of area for some enjoyable within the solar.
You may as well 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 thought for colourful reefs and beautiful seashores. Williamstad, the capital metropolis, can be a well-liked attraction close to the port. The colourful colonial model buildings present a beautiful backdrop for walks alongside the waterfront that’s dotted by retailers and cafes, so at all times save a bit of 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 by means of Christoffel Nationwide Park are fairly widespread as effectively, however it’s about an hour means 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 personal island”.
5 Least Favourite Cruise Ports
Simply because a cruise vacation spot is on this least doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t completely take pleasure in an incredible day in port there. In truth, I typically learn cruise opinions 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 way in which, 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 vital relaxation cease for cruise passengers who have been on their means another person.
The port not too long ago spent $300 million upgrading all the port, so that you won’t even acknowledge it when you haven’t been there shortly. Now not do it’s a must to push your means by means of the gauntlet of native residents attempting to promote you excursions and providers. The entire course of has been streamlined and the terminal is far 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. To start with, the port does have a really industrial really feel, a distinction to the Seven Mile seaside you could find at Grand Cayman.
That’s to not say Freeport doesn’t have some nice pure great thing about its personal. You simply must spend a while in a taxi or bus driving by all the cement crops 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 stunning caverns.
Nonetheless, 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: Finest 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 is usually a rewarding expertise, some have expressed problem 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 carefully behind it.
However there are various fantastic issues to do close to any of those Jamaican cruise ports as effectively. A vibrant tradition, lush rainforests, and lots of personal seashores or all-inclusive studies 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 world also can really feel a bit on the touristy aspect. Whereas some will enterprise out to go to Mayan ruins and luxurious 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 essentially the most populated. Simply east of Puerto Rico, about 24,000 residents reside on the 21 sq. mile island. The cruise port space is usually a little extra crowded and bustling than some choose, with loads of purchasing and industrial exercise close by.
Most cruise ships will dock on the cruise pier close to Street City which may deal with two massive ships directly. Nonetheless, more often than not there aren’t greater than two ships in port on the identical time. I did discover on the cruise schedule for Tortola that a number of occasions in December of this 12 months 3 ships will likely be calling on the islands on the identical day. This implies a minimum of one ship should anchor within the bay and ship tenders to land.
Tortola is a straightforward 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, however it 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 high.
Everybody has a special expectation of what they need a day in port to be like, so at all times maintain that in thoughts once you hear one thing detrimental stated a couple of port of name.
The essential 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’s not at all times listed in a brochure.
