blog

blog https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/ Cruise Ports of the Caribbean https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/cruise-ports-of-the-caribbean/ There are dozens of cruise ship ports across the Caribbean region large enough to accommodate all sizes of vessel and offering a range of different passenger experiences. 
Caribbean cruise itineraries are typically established by region: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and -- less commonly -- Southern Caribbean. Typical Eastern Caribbean ports of call include San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas; the British Virgin Islands also may be included. 
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/CruisePortsCaribbean-2.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/><img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600400-CruisePortsCaribbean-3.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>
Caribbean cruise ports of call include: 
<ul style="font-size:15px;"><li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/antigua-and-barbuda-travel-guide-1487521">Antigua</a>: St. John</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/anguilla-travel-guide-1487495">Anguilla</a>: Blowing Point</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/aruba-travel-guide-1487541">Aruba</a>: Oranjestad</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/bahamas-travel-guide-1487616">Bahamas</a>: Nassau, Lucaya (Grand Bahama Island)</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/barbados-travel-guide-1487625">Barbados</a>: Bridgetown</li>
<li> Belize: Belize City</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/about-disney-information-2545261">Bermuda</a>: Hamilton, St. George, Royal Navy Dockyard</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/bonaire-activities-tours-and-attractions-1487789">Bonaire</a>: Kralendijk</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/british-virgin-islands-travel-guide-1487799">British Virgin Islands</a>: Tortola, Virgin Gorda</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/cayman-islands-travel-guide-1487952">CaymanIslands</a>: George Town (Grand Cayman)</li>
<li> Colombia: Cartagena</li>
<li> Costa Rica: Puerto Limon</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/havana-cubas-capital-city-4047891">Cuba</a>: Havana</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/curacao-travel-guide-1488048">Curacao</a>: Willemstad</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/dominica-eco-resorts-1488096">Dominica</a>: Roseau</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/your-trip-to-the-dominican-republic-the-complete-guide-4777713">Dominican Republic</a>: Santo Domingo, Isla Catalina, Puerto Plata</li>
<li> Florida Keys </li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-attractions-in-grenada-1488141">Grenada</a>: St. George</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/guadeloupe-travel-guide-1488147">Guadeloupe</a>: Pointe-a-Pitre, Iles des Saintes</li>
<li> Guatemala: Santo Tomas deCastilla</li>
<li> Guyana: Georgetown</li>
<li> Honduras: Roatan</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/jamaica-guide-planning-your-trip-4779691">Jamaica</a>: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/your-trip-to-martinique-complete-guide-5090490">Martinique</a>: Fort de France</li>
<li> Mexican Caribbean: Cozumel, Costa Maya</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/climbing-nevis-peak-1488637">Nevis</a>: Charleston</li>
<li> Panama: Cristobal</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/puerto-rico-travel-guide-1488513">Puerto Rico</a>: San Juan</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-barths-travel-guide-1488619">St. Barts</a>: Gustavia</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-kitts-activities-1488627">St. Kitts</a>: Basse-Terre</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-lucia-travel-guide-1488641">St. Lucia</a>: Castries</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-martin-st-maarten-travel-guide-1488675">St. Maarten/St. Martin</a>: Philipsburg, Marigot</li>
<li> St. Vincent: Kingstown</li>
<li> Suriname: Paramaribo</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/trinidad-tobago-travel-guide-1488734">Trinidad and Tobago</a>: Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Scarborough, Tobago</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/events-in-turks-and-caicos-1488769">Turks &amp; Caicos</a>: Grand Turk</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/us-virgin-islands-ferries-flights-1488777">U.S. Virgin Islands</a>: St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John</li>
<li> Venezuela: Isla Margarita</li>
</ul><img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600450-CruisePortsCaribbean-4.png" width="600" height="450" alt="" title=""/> Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:13:03 +0000 https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/cruise-ports-of-the-caribbean/ Wild at Heart https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/wild-at-heart/ From breeching whales to giant sea turtles and prancing dolphins, a cruise offers the perfect magical opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the Caribbean’s most incredible wildlife.
The natural habitat of the Caribbean's tropical islands support migratory and native birds in a rainbow of hues while the warm sparkling waters of the Caribbean Seaare home to an array of fascinating sealife and marine creatures. Many of the big names in Caribbean cruises have taken great steps in striving to help protect the oceans and the destinations we visit by sustainably sourcing seafood, reducing carbon emissions and offering sustainable tours. Dolphin watching, birding and scuba diving are all low impact if offer by tour guides practising responsible ecotourism.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600401-Wild-Heart-2.png" width="600" height="401" alt="" title=""/>
In the gin-clear waters in the Tobago Cays at the Tobago Cays Marine Park watch giant sea turtles can’t their shadows over pale sands below. You’ll also see them in Martinique, Grenada,Bequia and Barbados where it is also possible to see hawksbill or leatherback turtles in their natural environment any time of the year. Numerous close-to-shore reef systems surround Barbados, meaning the island ensures a close proximity vantage point for visitors to get closeto the turtles without causing them stress or harm.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600577-Wild-Heart-3.png" width="600" height="577" alt="" title=""/>
Another wildlife highlight can be seen in the deep seas between the East Caribbean islands of St Vincent and Bequia where several species of whale, including humpbacks, sperm and pilot have been recorded between December to April each year. The migratory route is often accompanied by an escort of flying fish - a spectacular sight!
Off the coast of Grand Cayman another memorable wildlife encounter awaits - feeding Stingray in Stingray City. For decades, the shallow sandbars found off the coast of the island have witnessed a large growth in stingray population. These gentle creatures first gathered here to eat discarded pieces of food from fishing ships; over time, they have grown accustomed to snorkelers and divers feeding them by hand. Today, visitors to Grand Cayman's beaches are able to get up close to stringrays on this interactive outing - a majestic encounter.
In the “nature island” of Dominica, the lush tropical foliage hides hiking trails that weave up rugged climbs to waterfall cascades. Birdlife is plentiful and the island largely unspoilt. It is also a wonderful setting in which to spot magnificent Sperm Whales. The deep waters off the coast of Dominica provide the perfect habitat forsperm whales to breed and whale watching excursions are available to witness these mammoth, majestic creatures - you may also spot pilot whales and false killer whales, along with several types of dolphins.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Wild-Heart-4.png" width="400" height="334" alt="" title=""/>
St Lucia is popular for its birding as few avian experiences can top this Caribbean isle. Thick forests, wetlands and coastline are home to hummingbirds, orioles, frigate birds and the celebrated Saint Lucia parrot. Several credited eco-tourism guides provide excursions to the island’s wild spaces to discover some of the incredible 170 species found there, including at least six endemics. Wedged between the cooler climes of North and South America, St Lucia attract birds from both continents, with North American species here from October to March and visitors from South America arriving from May to September. Saint Lucia’s small size means that getting around is straightforward, so you can take in the county’s varied landscapes and tick off an impressive array of bird species in just a few days - the Saint Lucia parrot, brought back from the edge of extinction, is a highly prized spot.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Wild-Heart-5.png" width="600" height="385" alt="" title=""/> Sat, 03 Jul 2021 08:08:50 +0000 https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/wild-at-heart/ Splashing the Cash on a Caribbean Cruise https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/splashing-the-cash-on-a-caribbean-cruise/ Shopping is an enjoyable part of any holiday and with onboard boutiques, Duty Free stores and shoreside crafts and local artisan specialities, there are no shortage of souvenir options on a cruise.
Any holiday on land involved picking up a souvenir or two, or buying something special as a memento or keepsake from your trip. On a cruise, retail therapy can start onboard the ship as a nice relaxing pastime even in the middle of Caribbean Sea miles away from the nearest shopping mall. The newer, bigger cruise liners have rows of gleaming stores for passengers keen to splash some cash, from emerald earrings or a stylish bikini to a pair of designer sneakers. These onboard "malls”typically include a boutique that sells handbags and cruise-y clothing, a book shop that also stocks international newspapers and glossy celebrity gossip magazines, a high-end jewellery store that promises to bedazzle you with diamonds and glitzy luxury brand watches and duty-free shop that offers perfume, cigarettes, chocolate, wine, spirits, beer and makeup.
Each cruise company offers a different style of shopping experience, with Celebrity Cruises hosting popular art auctions aboard ship. Traditional shopping can be found on all Celebrity ships, usually in a small arcade in which you can buy designer clothes, cosmetics and fragrances. On selected ships, exclusive brands are available including Bvlgari and Omega, while Celebrity Summit, Infinity and Millennium have Innovations tech stores.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600400-Splashing-2.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>
On their island hop through paradise cruises around the Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has duty-free shopping onboard. Apart from the usual fare – clothes, alcohol, tobacco, perfume, aftershave – there are upmarket clothes, bags and jewellery. There are also plenty of choices for beach supplies available for shore excursions or looking chic around the pool.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600405-Splashing-3.png" width="600" height="405" alt="" title=""/>
Carnival Cruises has onboard shopping on all its ships at the Fun Shops, where all manner of duty-free goods can be bought. Expect to find clothes, perfume, alcohol and a range of Mind, Body &amp; Soul gifts such as candles, infusers, wax melts and spa products. If you buy something from the Portside Liquor shop, you can ask to have them sent directly to your cabin - no need to lug a heavy, chinking bag back yourself.
You can pick up all manner of Disney merchandise on a Disney Cruise Line at the shops aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships, from character plushies, clothing, costumes and toys to luxury goods like liquors, watches and bags.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600393-Splashing-4.png" width="600" height="393" alt="" title=""/>
Of course many of the shoreside tours incorporate shopping time with Willemstad, Curacao, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Oranjestad in Aruba, Bridgetown in Barbados, <a href="https://www.10best.com/destinations/mexico/cancun/shopping/">Cancun</a>, <a href="https://www.10best.com/destinations/cayman-islands/grand-cayman/shopping/">Grand Cayman</a>, Grenada, <a href="https://www.10best.com/destinations/jamaica/montego-bay/shopping/">Jamaica</a>, <a href="https://www.10best.com/destinations/mexico/cancun/articles/cancun-day-trip-playa-del-carmens-shops-food-and-fun/">Playa Del Carmen</a>, Providenciales, St. Barth, St. Croix and St. Thomas all ranked highly for their malls, designer stores, duty free outlets and local artisanal goods, art and handicrafts. The most popular inexpensive regional specialities bought by cruise passengers include Food items like rum cake, spices, jelly/jams, liquor and coffee and handmade items such as ceramics, straw hats, hammocks, baskets and jewellery.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600400-Splashing-5.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/> Sat, 03 Jul 2021 08:00:36 +0000 https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/splashing-the-cash-on-a-caribbean-cruise/ Caribbean Cruise Day-Trip, Tours and Excursions https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/caribbean-cruise-day-trip-tours-and-excursions/ Shore excursions provide amazing memories of your cruise adventure, from the richculture, vibrant music and contrasting landscapes to the languages and foods of the islands,to take you to the Caribbean’sheart. 
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Caribbean-Excursions-2.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>
Booking a tour though the cruise liner isn’t the cheapest way to do but it has a number of benefits. Firstly,the guaranteethat you are return to the ship, so that you are back onboard before the it is due to sail-away - and even if the tour is in some way delayed, the ship will wait until all passengers are safely back onboard before it weighs anchor.
Cruise liners are experts in world voyages, and each of the tours and excursions they offer has been tried and tested, and hand-crafted to maximise time ashore. Bookings are also backed for complete peace of mind, meaning that if the weather prevents the ship from docking, or operating shore experiences, the full price of the tour experience is refunded, provided it didn’t actually start. Cruise ships have a dedicated team on board, to book, discuss or answer questions about excursions. Local guides are chosen so that the experience is delivered by someone who genuinely has a meaningful connection to the excursion, making it rewarding and inspiring. Caribbean cruise tours shore excursions are designed to provide amazing memories, to ensure that you get a chance to explore and experience the culture, music, landscaper, languages and foods of the islandsand get a feel for what the true Caribbean is all about. As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, the Caribbean has plenty of excursion options to offer from hitting the beach, shopping till you drop, delve into the rainforest, mountains and woodlands in the interior of the island or go snorkelling in beautiful coral gardens.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Caribbean-Excursions-3.png" width="600" height="401" alt="" title=""/>
Antigua 
While the Caribbean is most well-known for sun and sand, there's lots of history on offer as well. In St. John's, <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=55">Antigua</a>, the historical highlights are Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights, both of which are remnants of the island's British military past. The two sites can usually be visited on a half-day excursion, and both are typically included in any full-day bus tour of the island, which oftentimes is combined with a beach stop and lunch.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600400-Caribbean-Excursions-4.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>
Aruba 
One of the best ways to see Aruba is with a tour that hits island highlights and offers some beach time. Along the way, you'll visit rock formations and lighthouses, and pass by some of the desert island landscapes and less touristy towns.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Caribbean-Excursions-5.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>
Barbados 
If you need a break from beach-bumming, a popular alternative in <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=5">Barbados</a> is a tour of Harrison's Cave. This crystallised limestone cavern comes teeming with streams and pools, stalactites and stalagmites. Explore the cave system on an electric tram tour, with commentary provided by an informative tour guide. Note that some full-day island highlights tours also factor in a visit to the cave as part of its circuit.
Belize City 
For high-flying views of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=107">Belize</a>'s rainforest, zipwiring is a must, and for those who enjoy swimming in ancient, darkened caverns, cave-tubing will be right up your alley. If you're feeling extra adventurous, book a tour that combines the two for an active day in port.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Caribbean-Excursions-6.png" width="599" height="399" alt="" title=""/>
Bonaire 
You're likely to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, rays and all sorts of tropical fish and coral if you head out to Bonaire’s pristine waters for snorkelling or scuba diving. Get out on the water by boat, then dive in; it's tough to beat the variety of marine life that surrounds this Southern Caribbean island.
Curacao 
With so much located near the port of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=15">Curacao</a>, you can squeeze a number of activities into a single day with a combination excursion. Take a scenic island tour to visit highlights like the Hato Caves with their underground limestone formations and pools, and a distillery where the island's namesake Curacao liqueur is distilled, the world’s most famous blue drink.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600450-Caribbean-Excursions-7.png" width="600" height="450" alt="" title=""/>
Dominica 
The Southern Caribbean island of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=54">Dominica</a> is a nature-fanatic's paradise -- it's home to more than 170 types of birds, numerous waterfalls and mountains that rise to 5,000 feet -- and the best way to explore it is to embark on an active excursion. Try one that combines a short hike through the rainforest to the twin Trafalgar Falls with a relaxing dip at the Emerald Pool (a waterfall grotto), all paired with a glass or two of rum punch.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600300-Caribbean-Excursions-8.png" width="600" height="300" alt="" title=""/>
Freeport 
This Bahamian port lends well to the Caribbean classics: beach time and snorkelling. Set out to explore Freeport's stunning coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles and more on a guided snorkelling excursion; some outings are led by boat, while others let you simply swim in with your snorkel gear right from shore.
Grand Cayman
The undeniable top attraction in <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=1">Grand Cayman</a> is Stingray City, a legendary sandbar where rays once came to eat leftover bits jettisoned by fishermen, and now wait to slurp squid from the hands of bikini-clad tourists. Visitors have the unusual opportunity to hop in the shallow water with the habituated creatures, feel their velvety skin and pose for photos. Guides accompany you. Many excursions pair the stingray experience with a beach stop.
Grand Turk
Cool off in <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=155">Grand Turk</a>'s turquoise waters on a snorkelling tour; many of them are run aboard scenic catamaran sailings. For a unique twist, seek out a "power snorkeling" excursion instead, which incorporates a high-tech twist via special handheld power units that utilise propellers to guide snorkellers along on their underwater adventure.
Grenada
If you're visiting the "Spice Island," you'll likely want to see a spice plantation. <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=18">Grenada</a> is also known for its beautiful Grand Etang National Park, based around the crater lake of an extinct volcano. An island combo tour will typically take you to both, as well as to Fort Frederick and Annandale Falls. If you're feeling more adventurous, head to Grand Etang for the Seven Sisters Waterfalls hike; the tour is often combined with a visit to spice or rum factories.
Havana
Oozing flavour, culture and history, a <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=474">Havana</a> city highlights tour is the way to go for visitors looking to maximise their time on the ground in this fast-emerging Cuban port. Bus tours whisk visitors around for stops at the Malecon seafront esplanade and the historic sites of Old Havana, with its bustling Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de Armas. A Cuban lunch is typically included in the outing, too.
Martinique
Possibly the best things to do in the French isle of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=22">Martinique</a> are shop for French luxury goods and hit the beach, but you don't need an excursion to do that. For a little shore tour adventure, try a half-day tour of Balata Gardens, an impressively maintained botanical collection of tropical vegetation.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage491600-Caribbean-Excursions-9.png" width="491" height="600" alt="" title=""/>
Montego Bay
<a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=20">Montego Bay</a> offers the same water sports, beach breaks and dolphin encounters as does Ocho Rios. For something a little more Jamaican, take a plantation tour, such as the one to Croydon Plantation. You'll visit a historic plantation house and taste pineapples, bananas or sugarcane, straight from the source.
Nassau
<a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=3">Nassau</a>'s star attraction is the Atlantis Resort, and, happily, you don't have to be an overnight resort guest to partake in some of its world-class facilities. Book an outing to the Atlantis Aquaventure "waterscape," a sophisticated 141-acre water park that comes jam-packed with water slides, rolling rapids, swimming areas and more. It's guaranteed fun for kids of all ages.
Ocho Rios
One of the biggest highlights of visiting <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=19">Ocho Rios</a>, Jamaica, is climbing up Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long waterfall that flows into a pool by the beach. You can combine a climb up the falls with a number of other activities, including a dolphin swim, beach time or snorkelling.
Playa del Carmen (Calica)
Shore excursions to Tulum are popular from <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=158">Playa del Carmen</a>, but you can get there from Cozumel as well. Your best bet here is to take in some of the area's diverse marine wildlife. Our favourite option is a snorkel and swim with sea turtles in the protected waters of Akumal Bay.
San Juan
The charms of a stroll through Old Town are not to be missed, but for nature lovers, one of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=8">San Juan</a>'s most stunning nearby natural attractions is the nearly 29,000-acre El Yunque National Forest, with its myriad waterfalls, scenic views and hiking trails. Excursions to El Yunque, a tropical rainforest, typically include bus stops at or short treks to one of the park's waterfalls.
St. Barts
<a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=9">St. Barts</a> is arguably the best place in the Caribbean for duty-free designer goods and haute couture straight from France, and you can easily visit the stores strung out all along the harbor. When your credit card is maxed out, opt for a sailing tour to further feel like a celebrity or socialite. A catamaran or sailboat will whisk you away, typically including stops for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Just give a nod to the other yachts you pass and act like you own the place.
St. Croix
Buck Island Reef is officially a national monument, and the 19,015 acres of land and sea lie just off the north shore of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=10">St. Croix</a>. A typical shore excursion features a 45-minute bus ride across the island, followed by a 40-minute scenic powerboat cruise out to the reef. You can snorkel among the coral and sea life for about an hour (a snorkelling lesson may be included, too), or just enjoy the views (and the rum punch included on the way back).
St. Kitts
An island tour is a popular option if you want to see <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=11">St. Kitts</a>, but for an escape from the crowds, cruisers can hop a "sea taxi" to the less-travelled island of Nevis. While on Nevis, you'll typically visit some historical sites, lunch at a beachside restaurant and have some time to swim in the Caribbean waters.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600257-Caribbean-Excursions-10.png" width="600" height="257" alt="" title=""/>
St. Lucia
On any cruise heading to <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=12">St. Lucia</a> you'll hear talk of the famous Pitons. The island's two volcanic spires are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many would say a visit here is not complete without at least catching a glimpse for them. One of the best ways to see the Pitons is from the water on a scenic cruise, which might also include a stop for swimming and snorkelling.
St. Maarten
Independent-minded travellers will probably head for <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=13">St. Maarten</a>'s famous shopping areas and casinos. But for something a little different, sign up for the America's Cup Regatta. On this excursion, you'll actually race onboard a 12-meter racing boat and serve as part of the crew. The boat ride (typically lasting about two hours) features refreshments and perhaps even a rum punch party to celebrate. Although you don't need any sailing experience, this can be a strenuous activity and is not simply a relaxing sailboat ride.
St. Martin
As the fashionable French sister on the conjoined island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=14">St. Martin</a> draws cruise tourists with its shopping opportunities. Head to Marigot, where visitors flock to chic boutiques touting upscale French fashion imports and duty-free perfume, jewelry and more. And don't miss the stunning architecture and interior design of Le West Indies Shopping Mall. It features bars, restaurants, a spa and some 20 luxury designer shops in a three-level masterpiece. Check out, too, Marigot's open-air Waterfront Market, encompassing a craft market and a Caribbean food fair selling spices and fresh-off-the-boat fish.
St. Thomas
<a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=17">St. Thomas</a> of the U.S. Virgin Islands is equally famous for its beaches and shopping. Luckily, you can manage to combine both in the same tour. Head out to Magens Bay for a couple of hours of fun in the sun; afterward, you'll be transferred to Charlotte Amalie for some duty-free shopping.
Tortola
One of <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=16">Tortola</a>'s premier snorkelling spots is in the waters off Norman Island, a legendary pirate haunt that's said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." Join a snorkel guide to explore the Caves and view colourful coral formations, exotic fish and abundant marine life.
Tour prices vary depending on several factors, such as the duration of the excursion and whether it includes lunch or refreshments. Most tours are offered as a brief introductory tour (90 minutes), a half-day highlight (3-4 hours) or full-day in-depth exploration (8-10 hours). Bookings can be made 12 months prior to the cruise departure with full payment taken. Demand for each tour is high, so to ensure you get your pick, be sure to book up well in advance.
<img src="https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/Caribbean-Excursions-11.png" width="600" height="377" alt="" title=""/> Sat, 03 Jul 2021 07:45:23 +0000 https://www.caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/all-ashore/caribbean-cruise-day-trip-tours-and-excursions/