It's hard to believe I've been cruising for two decades.
When I was five, my family embarked on our first cruise aboard the Disney Magic to the Eastern Caribbean. Since then, I've visited the Caribbean countless times on lines ranging from Royal Caribbean to Carnival, and I have five cruises to the Caribbean planned for 2025.
Though I haven't managed to cross every port off my list, I've visited ports in the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, exploring caves in Curaçao, and zip-lining through the lush canopies of Jamaica.
Whether you've already cruised to the Caribbean or are planning your first-ever trip, the rich blend of cultures, beautiful beaches, friendly hospitality, and warm climate make it irresistible.
Having sailed to the Caribbean over 19 times, here are some of my favorite ports to visit — and one you may want to skip.
Read more: 11 common cruise shore excursion mistakes to avoid
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, has never disappointed me. I first visited the island in 2010 before its multi-million dollar renovation and remember it as a laid-back destination, but after the island’s massive transformation, it became the ultimate family-friendly escape.
Whether you want to enjoy the complimentary beaches, freshwater pool, and delicious beachside lunch or splurge on one of the many attractions, there isn't a wrong way to spend your day ashore. For example, thrill-seekers can dive into the action at the Thrill Waterpark, riding the second-tallest waterslide in North America.
There are plenty of opportunities to chill, too. Guests seeking an upscale retreat can purchase admission to the Coco Beach Club, featuring an oceanfront infinity pool, a sit-down restaurant, and luxurious cabanas. There's also an adults-only beach where you can relax in the calm Bahamian waters or party the day away in the pool with a live DJ.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
It took me a few visits to begin to appreciate San Juan. On my first visit in 2016, our time ashore was limited, with an all-aboard time of around 1:30pm. With just a few hours to explore Puerto Rico, my family and I booked a rushed tour that gave us a basic overview of San Juan's highlights. Then, I wasn't feeling very well on my second visit and was more concerned with locating a nearby drugstore than exploring the sites.
However, we docked later in the afternoon on my third visit to the island. Though our arrival time eliminated the nearby beaches as an activity of interest, I was excited to see Old San Juan come alive at night. After enjoying a delicious dinner at Cannon Club, munching on everything from papas revolconas to homemade hummus, I walked through the cobblestone streets, where the city’s colorful colonial buildings were now lit by street lamps.
When I returned to my ship, I felt like I had just scratched the surface of what the vibrant city had to offer, and I'm excited to return to Puerto Rico in July! I'm not sure whether I'll finally venture to one of the beaches, try more local cuisine, or book an excursion to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. However, I'm sure it will be a memorable day ashore!
Read more: 10 tips for getting the best cruise shore excursion values
Roatán, Honduras
During my first and only visit to Honduras, I ventured to the lesser-explored East End to see how the local islanders live. Though most of my day was spent driving from one end of the island to the other, I didn't get to take in too many sights outside the van except for an animal sanctuary and lunch at a local restaurant.
Still, I loved what I saw. I'm eager to return to the island, as I constantly hear cruisers rave about Roatán, particularly the snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Roatán is situated along the Roatán Barrier Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—AKA the second largest barrier reef system in the world!
While I've felt some Caribbean ports are one and done, the opposite is true about Honduras. Having spent a day exploring the local Garifuna villages, I'd love to snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs and relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches. You can even zip-line through dense forests or visit a chocolate factory!
St. Maarten
St. Maarten was one of the first Caribbean ports I visited on my Disney Magic cruise in 2005. While I was too young to remember much, there's a photo my dad keeps in his bathroom of us on a boat tour with my newly braided hair.
Since then, I've visited St. Maarten five other times, doing everything from lounging on Great Bay Beach to soaring down the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip-line in the world, and watching planes land at Maho Beach. While many activities in St. Maarten might be more touristy, I've enjoyed each visit because of the island’s blend of natural beauty, adventure, and local French and Dutch cultures.
You can relax on one of the beautiful beaches, shop on Front Street, visit a Rhum distillery, or explore St. Maarten on an ATV tour. No matter how many times I’ve been back, there’s always something new to discover, and I still haven't done it all!
Read more: Is it better to book excursions through a cruise ship or separately?
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a 3-in-1 port. You can easily access Water Island via ferry or book a day trip to St. John, so even if you've snorkeled with sea turtles, riden the Skyride to Paradise Point, or explored one of St. Thomas' famous beaches, you can look forward to new tropical experiences on your next Eastern Caribbean cruise.
Water Island, for example, is the smallest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands and home to about 180 full-time residents. You can lounge on the quiet Honeymoon Beach or rent a golf cart to tour the tiny island, grabbing a virgin shaved ice at The Crossing and exploring Fort Segarra, an underground fort built during World War II that was abandoned when the war ended. It's also a great spot to take in panoramic views from Water Island!
St. John is also a short ride away known for its unspoiled beauty. However, because ferries depart from Red Hook, about a 15-minute drive from where ships dock in Charlotte Amalie, it's best to book a ship-sponsored excursion to eliminate transportation hassles. St. John, which is nearly two-thirds national park, is known for its hiking trails and secluded beaches like Trunk Bay.
Consider skipping Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove opened in 2015. It's privately owned by Carnival Corporation about 15 minutes from the heart of Puerto Plata. Despite being a "private" destination, it lacks the amenities that define award-winning private islands.
For example, you won't find a complimentary lunch buffet. Instead, expect a meal at the Coco Cana Bar and Restaurant to cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per person. Drink packages don't work ashore, either. Plus, there's no free beach access. The only complimentary activity is the pool, which can overwhelm those who aren't into party vibes.
Though private destinations are rarely the most local experiences you'll have, they make up for it with the amenities. For instance, you don't go to CocoCay to learn more about Bahamian culture! You go for the massive waterslides, upscale beach clubs, adult-only hangouts, and more. Because Amber Cove doesn't have immediate beach access or included beachside buffets, it feels more like an extension of the cruise ship. As such, it's one of the ports I prefer to skip.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
