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Research is key for visiting cruise ports to maximize your one day at the destination. You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Find Caribbean vacation ideas to maximize your time and fun on a seven-night Caribbean cruise, including ideas for port planning and shore excursions. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site.
Resort beach in Cozumel, Mexico
Spend your day exploring this historic site, just over an hour from the port — there's also a cenote cavern nearby if you're uparagraphCopy for some diving. The Yucatan peninsula is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Mayan history during your vacation. — including impressive pyramids — can be found in Mexico's Cozumel, Costa Maya, Tulum and Chichen Itza. With so much to love, we want to ensure you’re taking advantage of everything Western Caribbean cruises have to offer. Browse our photo gallery of Western Caribbean cruising photos from Royal Caribbean.
What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise: 7 Day Packing List
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like. - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like..
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The island is covered in greenery, so an ATV tour is a great way to be immersed in nature. Break away from your daily grind with a quick getaway to the Western Caribbean. Admire the grandeur of the ancient ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico's Yucatan, or head to San Gervasio, which is home to the largest ancient Maya site in Cozumel.
A young couple enjoys the cliffs of Tulum, Mexico
I highly recommend a Caribbean cruise for many different occasions including a family vacation, girl’s trip, romantic getaway, or honeymoon. Thousands of people visit the ruins in Mexico each day, so make sure to follow the rules of your guides. Doing this will ensure that other people can enjoy them in the future.
Aimed primarily at North American travelers are cruise ships from the fleets of Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity and Holland America. The best time for cruises to the Western Caribbean is December through March, when it's cold up north and warm but not stormy in the Caribbean. Late April and May are shoulder season, when the ships and islands are not as crowded, but the weather is still good. I have fond childhood memories taking Caribbean cruises with my extended family. These memories involve playing in the kid’s club, eating a huge family dinner with unlimited food, visiting many great ports, and spending time with loved ones. If you are planning a Western Caribbean Cruise, my #1 tip is to choose the right cruise line.
Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise vacation. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. As an adult, I’ve taken cruises to Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. The below list of reasons to take a western Caribbean cruise are why I keep coming back to cruise travel and why you should too. CocoCay has multiple different areas including three beaches, an exclusive beach club, a large pool, and a waterpark.
PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY
Consider what destinations you want to visit and explore before booking any Western Caribbean cruises. The Western Caribbean has long been a magnet for travelers interested in a unique blend of sun and surf, the history of ancient civilizations and eco-oriented adventures. The area's wealth of attractions -- plus convenient homeports throughout the southern U.S. Coast -- make Western Caribbean cruises a popular choice for first-time cruisers. The below Caribbean cruise port guides are based on the ports I visited on my recent Royal Caribbean western Caribbean cruise.
Among them, Carnival and Royal Caribbean are the big powerhouses; these two lines dominate all year long. Beware of hurricane season which runs from June through November, with storms most likely August through October. However, as many families and happy honeymooners flock to the Caribbean during the summer, prices don't tend to dip, and ships sell out despite storm possibilities. The Western Caribbean variety of itinerary options also lets repeat cruisers enjoy the area again and again while still discovering new places. U.S. citizens do not need a passport if their cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. port (like Galveston), but it is highly recommended to still travel with one in case of emergency. Western Caribbean cruises -- calling on ports like Cozumel or Progreso in Mexico or Falmouth, Jamaica -- are available year-round with the winter months being the busiest.
Families and active travelers will find a wealth of options, as will laid-back cruisers who just want to enjoy the tropical sun on a white-sand beach. This is all well and good, but this also means you might be competing for spots on popular Western Caribbean shore excursions. We recommend pre-booking activities you’re interested in or booking them ASAP after embarkation. Almost 40 miles long and just 2.5 miles at its widest point, the remote island boasts white sand beaches, pristine bays and spectacular coral reefs. For tourists, Roatan's charm is its barrier reef system -- the second largest in the world!
The cruise line you choose will dictate the quality of food, onboard amenities, onboard activities, and excursion options. Take Advantage of the Activities – Make sure to check out the nightlife activities on board, from movies under the stars to stand-up comedy shows and karaoke nights! Pack the Essentials – Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for days spent lounging by the pool or exploring nearby beaches. Some essentials such as toiletries or medications are very expensive to buy on board.
The portable charger and waterproof case will keep your phone dry and charged on long port days. Formal Attire – A 7-night cruise often has two formal nights that fall on the sea days. For formal night, men should wear slacks and a sport coat and women a nice dress with heels. Since CocoCay is Royal’s Island, all excursions and activities must be booked directly.
It will give you extra time to explore the port on your own or head back to the ship for some pool time. The best activity to do in port at Roatan is an ATV island tour that includes a zipline, animal sanctuary, beach, and sightseeing. Cozumel is a popular diving destination, and the snorkeling is also spectacular.
If you follow this guide for Western Caribbean cruise tips and planning, you are setting yourself up for a perfect vacation. The below tips are other tidbits I’ve learned over the years that can make your trip even more enjoyable. Stroll down one of the world's best beaches for a healthy dose of sunshine and salt. Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman island (which is really five and a half miles, but who's counting?) is a long stretch of beautiful coral sands and sparkling, crystal-clear water.
In port, shorts and a tank top with sneakers or sandals is great depending on if you are doing adventure activities or casual exploring. The most popular experience on the island is the Thrill Waterpark that features the tallest waterslide in North America. Some other great activities are jet skiing, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach. Since your time is short, focusing on one key activity is a great way to plan your day without getting overwhelmed. When deciding between a cruise excursion and an independently run tour, there are a few things to consider.
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