The easy answer is whenever it suits you. Shopping is a popular diversion, from high-end French stores in Martinique and St. Barts to crafts markets and souvenir shops. Youll be hard-pressed to find a cruise line that does not sail to the Caribbean at least for a few months a year. Norwegian Cruise Line is deploying the Norwegian Epic to Port Canaveral for the 2023-24 winter season. If necessary, you can easily cruise from Placentia to Belize City in one week with a short sail each day and a fresh anchorage each night. White sandy beaches, cultural attractions and a warm welcome from locals make the island of Roatan a top choice for visitors on a Western Caribbean Cruise. 10 Best Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler, Caribbean cruise packing list: What to pack for a tropical sailing. This Caribbean cruise guide gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan the perfect island getaway. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Back home, everyone else is busy buying turkeys and cranberries and catering to the in-laws. The luxury and upscale cruise lines especially tend to only base ships in the Caribbean during the winter because their fleets are too small to base a ship there year-round and their passengers want to explore bucket list destinations around the world. Some other great things to do in Orlando are Universal Orlando or a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. Discuss this topic at our Cruise Boards >, Free daily cruise updates to your inbox >, Subscribe for daily cruise news on YouTube >, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, Costa Cruises Resumes Outbound Voyages From South Korea, Search Ends for Man Missing From Carnival Cruise Ship, Norwegian Cruise Ship Deployment Set for Port Canaveral, MSC Cruises Hits Construction Milestone for World-Class Ship. The entrance on the south end of the atoll is wide and calm and a wonderful anchorage lies just inside this southern entrance through the reef. Discover Western Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Cunard's guide to the Caribbean - Cunard cruises If there are cruise lines or specific ships you would like to try, winter in the Caribbean is an ideal time to test them out especially luxury and premium lines that often feature lower prices on Caribbean sailings than on their cruises elsewhere in the world. This summer they plan an Atlantic crossing on their Whitby 42 ketch Alembic. expect to find any sandy beaches. Top Activity: Island Tour with Snorkeling, Beaches, Lunch & Tequila Tasting, Other Great Things to Do: Snorkel Boat Tour, ATV Jungle Tour. Ride the chair lift then descend through the tropical forest aboard your own bobsled. The Western Caribbean offers the perfect mix of spicy dishes and refreshing drinks. Grand Cayman has upscale shops and art galleries to browse around near the port in this banking mecca. However, it can be difficult to coordinate your tour with the ship. Cruise ships call at a number of ports in Jamaica: Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Kingston and Falmouth. Even if a hurricane doesn't cause you grief, rain might. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. (Yes, even you can learn to salsa.) History and culture combine on a tour to one of the Mayan archaeological sites including UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza with its Kukulkan Pyramid and Ball Court. Discover the magic with a Western Caribbean cruise. If you follow this guide for Western Caribbean cruise tips and planning, you are setting yourself up for a perfect vacation. to Misnebalam Ghost Town, said to be haunted, followed by time relaxing at a private The islands themselves tend to be more exclusive, with fewer ships visiting on any given day. And families discover adventure for all ages at Surfside, a stay-all-day destination right onboard that opens the floodgates on family fun. with all this information, its easy to book a Western Caribbean Cruise based Spend your days swimming in clear-blue waves and diving into underwater adventures, where hundreds of sea creatures are ready to greet you. Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler. If there is one key activity or site to see in a destination, I typically opt for a tour since it allows you to learn more in a short amount of time and takes away the stress of planning. Items such as the hat, sunscreen, and water are helpful with the hot sun. Longer cruises or smaller-ship itineraries might stop elsewhere in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, Antigua or St. Kitts. You can unsubscribe at any time. Make a Payment. You can spend hours exploring the 5th Avenue The Dzibanche Mayan Ruins are one of the few sites where Also Read: What to do in Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico During a Cruise. Which itinerary is best for you will depend primarily on which port you want to depart from and how long a vacation you can take. They will do anything from decorating a stateroom for a special occasion to providing off-menu items at the dining room. Typically served over rice and beans, stew chicken is coated in spicy, bright-red achiote paste and simmered with onions in liquid often stock or coconut milk until it's falling-off-the-bone tender. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Between these port guides, cruise line suggestion, and packing tips, planning a Western Caribbean cruise will be a breeze. The town of Ochi has plenty of things to see and do for cruisers exploring independently. the heat! A cruise is a luxury resorts that travels with you allowing you to see many amazing ports in a short amount of time. Soon after, in mid-May, the graduation parties begin. Youll have options like splash zones for the little ones, monster slides for the adventurers and kids clubs for all ages. Related: The 9 best fall cruise itineraries. Costa Maya is a port destination on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Also Read: 10 Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit. Ships that sail seasonally in Alaska and Europe often call the waters of the Caribbean home for a few months in winter. Go snorkeling, swim with dolphins or enjoy sailing on a private catamaran tour. There are also plenty of beach bars to enjoy sundowners or an occasional meal ashore. which combines animals, nature and a model Mayan village. Admire the colorful birds that inhabit Belize's mangrove forests. There are many boat trips available in Grand Cayman including catamarans, glass bottom boats and sailboat tours or book a place on the Trolley Roger Train for a scenic tour of Georgetown. The channel into Glovers Reef is easily followed in good light. For those with a bit more time, Cuba and Jamaica are also convenient to this route. Alternatively, you may sail around the north end of Long Island and then steer southeast to the same waypoint at the Western End of Great Inagua. Find the right card for you. This remote waterfront community is much easier to reach by sea than overland, which involves a 160-mile drive from Miami on the two-lane Overseas Highway, often at speeds of 45mph or less! Once your time in Belize comes to an end, it is time to start heading north to Mexico or the U.S.A. As for Mexico, El Cid Marina in Puerto Morelos or Isla Mujeres are both an easy overnight sail. When planning a day in port, I consider three things: what I want to eat, if I want to do an excursion, and what activities I cant miss. This buggy tour I took during my recent trip is a great way to do all of this! We know boats that have stopped at Matthew Town on Great Inagua. . That adds up to more choices during this time of year. The Dragon's Tail Coaster is the perfect roller coaster ride for thrill seekers and adventure lovers. The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Hidden in the jungle are many fantastic Mayan ruins and pyramids, the most popular sites being Altun Ha and Xunantunich. The gorgeous island of Grand Cayman offers some unique cruise shore excursions including snorkeling and diving over a sunken WW2 wreck or swimming with stingrays. 1:50. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Cultural tours include a scenic drive, boat trip through the mangroves and an ancestral dance performance by Native Black Carib Indians wearing colorful native costumes. They also have exclusive access to CocoCay, their private island in the Bahamas. Known around the world for its vibrant coral reefs and diving sites, Roatan, Honduras is also one of Central Americas cultural capitals. Even the ports themselves will likely be crowded. Wash it down with an icy Take the kids to the Coral World Ocean Park, your sweetie on a catamaran sail or snorkel trip and your crazy friends on a helmet dive or BOSS underwater scooter adventure. Grab a rum punch or a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars along the way. If you are planning a Western Caribbean Cruise, my #1 tip is to choose the right cruise line. My favorite Western Caribbean route includes the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Honduran Bay Islands, Belize and Mexico. and not a lot of local attractions in this newly added port of call. One of the great advantages of exploring Belize City independently is that the official language of this former British colony is English! Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Her first cruise was on Carnivals second ship, Carnivale. Whether you enjoy a cruise lines private beach, a public beach lined with bars or get a day pass to a resort or beach club, you can rarely go wrong with a beach day in the islands. The best thing to do in Orlando before a cruise is visiting Disney World. Costa Maya cruise port has a modern shopping center which If you plan a springtime Caribbean cruise, have a backup plan, including travel insurance, in case your travel itinerary gets rearranged at the last minute. You can unsubscribe at any time. Multihulls Quarterly and other titles. Also Read: Costa Maya Mexico, Heres What You Can Do. Exiting Georgetown via Hog Key Cut to the southeast of Georgetown is a neat little adventure. Stroll down one of the world's best beaches for a healthy dose of sunshine and salt. For each day you have before your cruise, plan to visit one park. If someone wanted to enjoy a stop in Cuba, Santiago, Cuba is an official point of entry and an easy diversion from the rhumb line to Grand Cayman. I was compensated and flew out the next day, but what if I had been bumped on my cruise embarkation day? Visit the Altun Ha Mayan ruins, go river tubing and spelunking in caves, zip line through the jungle or go snorkeling or diving along Belizes famous barrier reef (the northern hemisphere's largest). Thousands of people visit the ruins in Mexico each day, so make sure to follow the rules of your guides. November feels like a bonus cruise month. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. Choose your preferred season to sink into white sand beaches on Grand Cayman or relax in your own private cabana on Labadee. souvenirs of your visit. The book will keep you entertained on pool days, and the towel clips will keep your towel from blowing around. For much of the passage we were on a very broad reach or sailing wing and wing. authentic Mexican cuisine in the local town or head to the beach. The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, Chocolate Factory, Tequila Tasting experience and local beaches are all just a short drive from the port. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. A single cruise line might call at 20 to 30 different ports in the Caribbean. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Alternatively, take a taxi to Rose Hall and enjoy the Some other great activities in Cozumel are a boat snorkel tour or this jungle ATV tour. Or, book a leisurely sunset sail or high-octane party cruise to get on the water, not necessarily in it. If you want to trade chilly weather at home for warm, sunny days spent relaxing on a beach or swimming in clear blue waters, a Caribbean cruise is an ideal vacation. Other Packing Essentials in addition to clothing, I recommend packing the above essentials for your cruise. Dive among vibrant coral reefs off the coast of Belize, or hang out with monkeys in the nature sanctuary at Roatan, Honduras. The best activity to do in port at Roatan is an ATV island tour that includes a zipline, animal sanctuary, beach, and sightseeing. Playa del Carmen, it includes cool water activities including a Lazy River. The sailings depart from several U.S. home ports from Galveston, Texas, to Boston so many Americans can drive to their departure ports and avoid paying for airfare. Local taxis will take you 7-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral . Or spend your day in the Yucatan or Cozumel exploring Mayan ruins that are still standing after thousands of years. After clearing out of the Cayman Islands, you again sail downwind for two and half days and will find yourself off Guanaja, 25 miles northeast of Roatan, Honduras. Temperatures remain near the 90-degree range well into October. Spend the day under the dazzling blue waters of Cenote Azul, Mexico, and explore its colorful sea life. Plus, cruise ships can change course to avoid bad weather, such as hurricanes, so you can salvage your beach vacation when a storm is headed toward a particular island by cruising to a different one. I recommend booking early because they will sell out. The Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport, even Floridas Key West, may appear on Caribbean-centric cruises. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Alternatively, stay dry and watch from the open viewing platforms! CocoCay is Royal Caribbeans private island in the Bahamas. The cruise line you choose will dictate the quality of food, onboard amenities, onboard activities, and excursion options. Swimsuits and warm-weather clothing should top your Caribbean cruise packing list, but don't forget the sunscreen. Here's how the entire year stacks up so you can identify the best time for your travel party to cruise the Caribbean. In addition to the best ships and service, Royal Caribbean offers amazing itineraries to popular ports with limited sea days. Beautiful beaches and jungle-covered mountains provide excellent eco tours while Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula offers ancient Mayan ruins and cool freshwater cenotes (sinkholes). Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you can plan your trip for the winter holidays, spring break or summer vacation. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. You can find departures from ports as far west as Galveston and as far north as the New York area, but the majority of true Eastern Caribbean cruises set sail from Florida or Puerto Rico. Over 4,000 people live on this small island in the town of Bonacca. Go duty-free shopping or visit Jamaica has some safety issues in the cities, so if you want It is an excellent place to find whale sharks during the season and several reefs are a short dinghy ride from the anchorage. the pineapple plantation. I highly recommend this tour to visit the ruins and learn about the history of the area. Dive among vibrant coral reefs off the coast of. After clearing in, enjoying a cold beer in one of the small bars, shopping, and exploring the busy small town of Bonacca you will want to move over to El Bight Bay to anchor among the other cruisers and enjoy this tranquil setting. However, they are easy to plan, have guaranteed quality, and the ship will wait for you if you are running late. Private island and Bahamas stops are common. Dive under the sea, fly above the ocean, and treasure-hunt through the jungle with a cruise to Western Caribbean. Cozumel is a popular diving destination, and the snorkeling is also spectacular. Break away from your daily grind with a quick getaway to the Western Caribbean. Water sports are another quintessential Caribbean attraction. The shortest options are four nights, typically visiting only Grand Turk or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The best Caribbean itineraries for first-time cruisers are often the seven-night Eastern or seven-night Western Caribbean cruises out of Florida home ports, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral (near Orlando). Grand Cayman offers incredibly clear waters, perfect for spotting sea turtles and stingrays during a swim or snorkel. I am luxury travel blogger providing insider tips for visiting destinations across the globe. Common destinations on Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries include Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Grenada. Jungle-clad mountains, rushing rivers and sugar plantations can all be experienced on shore excursions from Ocho Rios. I could not have been more wrong! Flights are forbidden in these areas because of their historical significance. The Yucatan peninsula is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Mayan history during your vacation. The longest, around 10 to 12 nights, will often include Southern Caribbean ports or start from more northerly home ports. Although the island has a bustling cruise ship port and numerous resort hotels, it remains quite accommodating to cruisers. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. 3 NIGHT BAHAMAS & PERFECT DAY CRUISE USD 282. One year we made the trip from Belize City to the Dry Tortugas in just over 72 hours traveling just south of a front that pushed out the prevailing easterly trades. Dive and snorkel in pristine waters on the worlds second longest barrier reef, swim with dolphins or take a tour of the local Iguana Farm, one of the top attractions in Roatan. This post contains affiliate links, which are unlabeled ads. It's a fun way to create a break between Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Turtle Farm Tours present butterflies, sharks and other native wildlife and visitors get to handle newly hatched turtles. However, some ships sail a Western Caribbean itinerary thats more focused on Central America, with stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras. The weather in the Caribbean in March, April and May is idyllic, and the seas are likely to be calm. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Pick up a delicious Caribbean Rum Cake as a souvenir. This Caribbean cruise guide gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan the perfect island getaway.
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