Thread: Do you especially enjoy any of these POPULAR Caribbean Port Stops?

Most mass market cruise lines have frequent port stops in these ports of call. Which do you especially enjoy ... feel deserve their popularity? Multi

I have never cruised the Caribbean (wierd, I know...but all our cruises have been far far away) and I would like to someday. I will be interested in the answers here. If anybody would care to elaborate - maybe saying why a place is good or awful - I would love to hear about it!

I LOVE Aruba. The bluest water, the white sand beaches, and LOTS of casinos!

Cruise ships frequently stop at these for a reason -- most are well liked by many!

My absolute favorite is St. Marrten! So many different things to do there! l

Are many of the islands a lot alike?

Haven't been to most of them. We'll be in Aruba in March, so will find out more then. Grand Cayman is really nice, although expensive, at least if you're eating on the island. Little unemployment, practically no poverty.
Been to St. Thomas 3 times, #4 coming up in March. Nice island, some great beaches, and an easy trip to St. John. I plan to play golf this time.

I would not want to choose a cruise route and then find out every single island had the same 'feel'. I'd like to arrive at different places and have a brand new atmosphere each time. Is that possible to do in the Caribbean?

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

I would not want to choose a cruise route and then find out every single island had the same 'feel'. I'd like to arrive at different places and have a brand new atmosphere each time. Is that possible to do in the Caribbean?

Difficult unless you pre-plan.
Diamonds International and all those chains have set up shop on all the islands.
Margaritaville, Senior Frog and Hard Rock are to be found everywhere.
Beaches are beaches....some better than others but they all have sand and ocean and, hopefully, sun.
Poverty is everywhere and the tours always take you through those areas.

For a meaningful island tour I would look for the historical exhibits and sites. Areas that have been preserved and allow you to see the native flora and fauna. A good guide is a must unless all you want to do is booze it up and party on the beach or the party boats or at the various watering holes that cater to cruise passengers looking for a good time.

I agree with Char. There's been a similar "feel" on most of the islands we've been to, but each one does have its own charm. It's difficult to experience what an island has in a short stay, so plan well in advance. We're looking forward to our cruise in March because we're going to Dominica, Aruba, and Curacao. All new to us.

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

I would not want to choose a cruise route and then find out every single island had the same 'feel'. I'd like to arrive at different places and have a brand new atmosphere each time. Is that possible to do in the Caribbean?

Only if you avoid the concrete 'miracles' the cruslines have wrought virtually everywhere . . .