Caribbean cruises evoke feelings of relaxation. After all, who wouldn’t love to relax on a beautiful cruise ship, overlooking some of the clearest and bluest waters in the world? Whether you’ve enjoyed taking a cruise in the past or are planning your first, there are several popular spots to enjoy a day off the ship.
However, before boarding, check to see if you need a passport. In many cases, a visa is not necessary, but this may vary depending on the destination of the cruise. Although being trapped on a luxury ship might not be the worst thing in the world, it is a good idea to make sure you can get out and enjoy the local culture.
Caribbean Cruises to Aruba
Whether you’re interested in shopping, relaxing on the beach, or participating in outdoor activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, or fishing, a vacation to Aruba can be something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The southern coast of Aruba is a coral reef with more than 20 different dive sites and 11 wreck sites, making it perfect for active vacationers.
Aruba also has a number of attractions, making it a great place for a day off on a cruise. Natural wonders are everywhere in Arikok National Park, Casibari and Ayo rock formations and Indian caves. If you prefer historical sites, consider visiting the Bushiribana Gold Mine or the Alto Vista Chapel. If you are visiting with children, they will enjoy visiting the Butterfly Farm, the Donkey Sanctuary and the Ostrich Farm.
Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas
With 700 islands and some of the clearest waters in the world, a cruise to the Bahamas offers visitors a wide variety of vacation options. If you are planning a cruise in the Bahamas, you will first need to decide which of the many ports you want to sail to. Visitors can choose from Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, and Coco Cay. Each of the different islands offers different amenities and options, but visitors are guaranteed to find miles and miles of white sand beaches.
Caribbean Cruises to Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the most famous cruise destinations. Visitors can choose from several different ports, but some of the most famous are Falmouth, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio. While each port has its own unique towns and activities, Falmouth was recently named Port of the Year 2011. Visitors to Falmouth can explore a local craft market at the Albert George Historic and Trade Center or visit the rum museum. Falmouth is a fairly new port, but it is steeped in history.
VSCaribbean cruises to the Cayman Islands
With so many different ports, Cayman Islands cruises are other popular options. The main island, Grand Cayman, offers four different cruise ports. George Town offers a wealth of historical sites for visitors, such as the Public Library, the Elmslie Memorial Church, the National Museum, the City Clock, and more. The areas in the eastern part of the island are less crowded and visitors can see the more natural parts of the island, such as the Mastic Reserve and Trail, the Shipwreck of the Ten Sails, and the Blue Iguana Recovery Program.
These are just a few of the places cruise ships can take visitors. Many people research cruise ship destinations for months before boarding one of the ships, so if these destinations are not for you, there are plenty of others to choose from.