Lying on white sandy beaches under swaying palms… Snorkeling among colorful fish in warm, turquoise waters… Wandering the cobbled streets of a historic colonial fort… Listening to the laid-back beats of calypso and reggae…
All the idealized images of relaxing beach life and coastal culture can be found on a cruise of the eastern Caribbean, one of the world’s most-visited cruise destinations.
What makes cruising this part of the world so popular? For starters, the weather is nearly perfect year-round: rarely too hot and never too cold. Islands in the eastern Caribbean are close to the North American continent and are often included on longer cruises to other destinations, such as the exotic islands of the southern Caribbean or the coast of South America. Most of the private islands owned by the largest cruise lines are also found here.
Above all, islands in the eastern Caribbean are relatively close together. This makes them ideal for passengers who would like to experience as many ports as possible in a limited time. Five- and three-night cruises are common here, meaning that even the busiest family can usually squeeze in a fun-filled cruise at some point during the year. Read on for more about some of the most popular destinations on an eastern Caribbean itinerary.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: With a picturesque Old Town, vibrant Latin culture, and all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city, San Juan is also a popular port of embarkation.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: The busiest cruise port in the world, St. Thomas boasts countless shopping opportunities, as well as relaxing beaches, shore excursions, and excellent dining.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Tourists flock to Tortola to enjoy the island’s picture-perfect beaches and water sports. The Baths, a spectacular landscape where stone meets water, is a stone’s throw away on the island of Virgin Gorda.
St. Martin/St. Maarten: With a distinctly European flair, the French and Dutch halves of this island offer unforgettable restaurants, cafes, and pubs, as well as excellent duty-free shopping.
The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos: Although technically not situated in the Caribbean Sea, these famous islands are often stops for passengers embarking anywhere on the American East Coast.
