The Caribbean is the most popular cruising destination in the world, and the cruise industry is one of the most significant drivers of Caribbean tourism . In the 2011/2012 cruise year, for example, cruise tourism led to more than 45,000 jobs and $1.99 billion in spending in the region, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. So where are the best places to dock in the Caribbean? We took a look, focusing on the large cruise destinations of the region and considering factors like safety, food, comfort, quality of excursions and, if applicable, the quality of downtown areas. (Don’t worry, we’ll be releasing a ranking of the top small cruise destinations in the Caribbean soon).
Old San Juan
It doesn’t get much better than Old San Juan, perhaps the most beautiful neighbourhood in the entire Caribbean. The shopping and food are great, but this port is all about exploring, whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets or checking out El Morro.
St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie is all about shopping, with some of the best duty-free shops in the region (and over 400 shops in total on the main street alone). Plus, the duty-free exception for US visitors is almost double what you’ll find in the rest of the Caribbean.
Philipsburg, St Maarten
Great duty-free shopping, a cool European vibe and tasty restaurants define this port of call. But there are also some unique excursions, led by one of our favourites — the chance to compete on a mini-America’s Cup course at the 12 Metre Challenge.
Willemstad, Curacao
Curacao’s cosmopolitan capital has it all — duty free-shopping, brilliant food and, perhaps most importantly, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nassau, Bahamas
One of the region’s oldest and most popular cruising destinations, Nassau evokes strong emotions in cruisers. But the best part of Nassau isn’t the initial approach (although the new straw market is nice). It’s the back streets of Old Nassau — historic buildings, art galleries and, of course, the epicurean delights at the 17th-century Graycliff Hotel, Restaurant and Cigar Factory (like rolling your own cigar).
Labadee, Haiti
The beautiful enclave of Labadee is the brainchild of Royal Caribbean, which launched the destination in 1986. It’s perfect for lying on the beach or, if you want some adventure, a 500-foot-high zip line.
Fort de France, Martinique
Fort de France is one of our favourite cities in the Caribbean, and you’ll quickly see why when you step off the dock. Fantastic creole restaurants, interesting boutiques and the kind of energetic, metropolitan bustle you don’t find in most cities in the region.
Basseterre
Downtown St Kitts’ Basseterre may be small, but it packs a big punch, with great duty free shopping, interesting excursions (like the St Kitts Scenic Railway — a must) and a laid-back West Indian atmosphere.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel in Mexico offers a host of options, chiefly the chance to check out Tulum, a Mayan city that dates back to the 13th century. Tulum alone is worth coming here for, but so is something else: Cozumel’s terrific food.
St George’s, Grenada
Some say this is the most beautiful port in the region — it’s hard to argue. The approach to downtown St George’s will wow you — and when you hit land, you can explore the Carenage, shop on Young Street or take an excursion to one of the island’s three rum distilleries.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Jamaica’s newest port, which opened in 2011, Falmouth was built to recreate and revitalize a decaying 18th century area in northern Jamaica. The result is a relative rarity in the English-speaking Caribbean: a well-preserved Georgian-style city. Of course, we haven’t forgotten Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, two great cruise stops in their own right.