Caribbean Cruises: What To Do at Top Destinations

Caribbean cruises make port at a wide variety of tropical islands, each with their own distinctive culture and appeal. Many may think that people cruise here just to enjoy the white-sand beaches and clear waters, but there is so much more to experience than a day at the beach (not that there’s anything wrong with a day at the beach!). If you are unfamiliar with the myriad of activities available and are planning a cruise to the Caribbean, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see during a cruise to some of the most popular Caribbean islands.

Visit the Pitons on Caribbean Cruises to St. Lucia 

All Caribbean islands are well regarded for their lush forests and stunning horizon views, but St Lucia stands apart as one of the most beautiful islands out there. To appreciate its full splendor, hike the majestic Pitons, two volcanic spires that reach over 700 meters high and offer amazing panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. To rejuvenate after your epic trek, head to the natural hot springs or take a relaxing mud bath. Both are widely believed to have restorative properties and are the perfect way to recover after a long hike. 

Shop Til You Drop in St. Thomas

Shopaholics will want to make sure that they book Caribbean cruises that stop in St. Thomas, as it is often regarded as the shopping capital of the Caribbean. Head to Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping where you can pick up jewelry, electronics, local crafts, and more. Industrious Moms know they can send Dad with the kids to Coral World Ocean Park for a fun day of snorkeling, diving, and swimming with sea lions while they indulge in a day of unmitigated shopping therapy!

Visit Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park on Caribbean Cruises to Barbados

Barbados is another Caribbean island that is renowned for its natural beauty and geological wonders. To see the best of it, check out Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park where you can take a tram on a subterranean adventure through staggering stalactites and stalagmites. After that, immerse yourself in the local culture at our favorite spot, Oistins Fish Fry. This open-air market is a great place to get fresh seafood and enjoy live music and dance to your heart’s content.

Visit the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica

Famously home to the world ambassador for reggae music, Bob Marley, there are few Caribbean islands as iconic as Jamaica. Your first stop should be at the Bob Marley Museum, the former home of the legendary artist himself that has been transformed into a museum honoring his life and accomplishments. After that, bask in the natural beauty at Dunn’s River Falls with its crystal-clear pools and lush rainforest. This waterfall cascades down terraced rocks creating a natural water park unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Discover the History of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico

Caribbean cruises that stop in Puerto Rico will typically make port in Old San Juan, and for good reason. The cobblestone streets, historic forts like El Morro, and the delectable local cuisine served at their cafés and restaurants are some of the best reasons to come here. While you could spend your entire time here exploring the streets and experiencing the culture, we would be remiss to not point you in the direction of Bioluminescent Bay. Glowing organisms live here in droves and they light the water up with a neon-blue glow that looks like something from an alien world.

For the Historian: Caribbean Cruises to Antigua

If you are a history buff, then you are going to want to look for Caribbean cruises that stop in Antigua when booking. There are a lot of historical sites left from the colonial era that are sure to peak your interest, such as Nelson’s Dockyard. This is a restored British naval base that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can see what the world was like hundreds of years ago. Nature lovers will also want to see Stingray City, where you can swim with stingrays in their natural habitat, snorkel through beautiful coral reefs, and learn about the conservation efforts that are undertaken here.

Visit Maho Beach in St. Maarten

You can experience white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters at pretty much any of the Caribbean islands on this list, but there is something especially thrilling about Maho Beach in St. Maarten. That is due to its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes take off and land right by the beach, flying directly overhead and creating adrenaline-inducing displays. Of course, you will also find duty-free bargains and characteristically delicious restaurants on the bustling boardwalk that runs along the beach, in case plane landings aren’t your thing.

Visit the Baths on a Caribbean Cruise to Tortola

We end with another Caribbean cruise destination that is known for geological splendor and untouched natural beauty. Tortola is home to Sage Mountain National Park, which is the site of some of the most gorgeous hiking you will find anywhere. A trek through this abundant forest will lead you to magnificent panoramic views that will make your Instagram followers as green as the grass with envy. For a day at the beach, head to The Baths where a distinctive landscape is littered with granite boulders and the waters lead you to hidden caves and grottoes.

To check out all of the Caribbean cruises, visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

Related: Best Caribbean Beaches to Visit on a Caribbean Cruise