royal caribbean cruise ports list

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Departure Ports

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You can take Royal Caribbean cruise departure ports from places like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Juan & Galveston on Royal Caribbean International Cruise (RCI) , allowing you to get the best of both worlds. You can extend your stay with trips to Orlando theme parks, discover the art-deco architecture of Miami, relax on a Caribbean beach resort, or discover Houston's sights.

Relax on white sand beaches, watching tropical fish swim in clear blue waters, listening to Caribbean rhythms. Take a cruise on  Royal Caribbean Ships to experience the delights of the Caribbean. A Caribbean cruise holiday will allow you to explore volcanoes in St Lucia, shipwrecks in Grand Cayman, stingrays in Antigua, flamingos in Bonaire, and turtles in Barbados. You will find your private paradise on one holiday if you visit many exciting locations.

Check for your favorite Royal Caribbean cruise ports and make memories that will last a lifetime!

WHERE ARE THE PORTS FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES?

If you're wondering where Royal Caribbean ports are located, you're in the right place! The Royal Caribbean sails from various ports around the world. These ports can be found in different countries and cities, offering a wide range of departure options for travelers. Whether you're in North America, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, Royal Caribbean ports are everywhere in many exciting destinations for you to start your cruise adventure. 

1. Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral, a top-notch cruise and cargo port near Orlando, is among North America's finest homeports. It's a hub for leading cruise lines and offers fishing charters and superb waterfront dining with fresh Florida seafood. The place is packed with fun: enjoy beaches, surfing, and rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. Explore the town's culture, stay at diverse hotels, and create lifelong memories—perfect for family vacations, guys' trips, cruises, or dreamy weddings. 

2. Fort Lauderdale

Explore Fort Lauderdale, famed for its beaches, arts, and culture. Just near Port Everglades, discover the beach promenade and luxurious hotels. Las Olas Boulevard offers shopping, dining, and history. Take a water taxi to Millionaires Row sights. Visit Stranahan House or stroll the Riverwalk to the Arts District. Enjoy fitness activities or venture into the Everglades for adventure. 

Tampa is more than just a family and animal lover's haven or a spot for conventions. This warm city boasts charms beyond its famous parks and aquariums. Dive into history, visit museums like the Museum of Science & Industry, and enjoy sports with the NFL's Buccaneers and NHL's Lightning. Plus, it's a hub for MLB spring training. After exploring Tampa, venture 25 miles south for elegant dining in St. Petersburg or Clearwater's stunning beaches. 

4. Galveston

Galveston, a bustling island city in South Texas, is a major port and commercial center known as the Wall Street of the South. With one of the largest U.S. Royal Caribbean ports, it hosts cultural events and is improving education. The island features 32 miles of beaches, famous attractions like Moody Gardens, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and known museums such as the Galveston Railroad Museum and Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig. 

5. San Juan

Enjoy Old San Juan, the historic heart of the city connected by bridges and popular sites like Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Catedral de San Juan. Take advantage of Don't the San Juan National Historic Site with its fortress walls and towers. Shop on Calle del Cristo, and for beach lovers, Isla Verde and Luquillo Beach offer the best ocean view.

Also, Read:  How much is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

Top 5 Royal Caribbean Departure Ports

Itineraries made by Royal Caribbean are just as appealing as the ships they build. They have ships stationed throughout the U.S. and in international ports to make cruising easy for their passengers. No matter where you're cruising from, there's a departure port that will suit you. CruiseBooking.com can provide you with all the information you need about Royal Caribbean itineraries and ships.

1. Royal Caribbean Cruises from Southampton

Southampton is an ideal place to start your cruise for a hassle-free transition into ship life with a rich maritime history and a deep port welcoming some of the world's most giant cruise ships. It may be incredibly convenient for first-time cruisers (they do not have to deal with airports, taxis, or hotels). Moreover, luggage restrictions are absent. You can take whatever you want on board (but we recommend leaving the kitchen sink at home since there are no flights to catch or countries to cross).

There are high-speed rail services from London to Southampton Central train station, just one mile from Southampton cruise terminal. Are you arriving early? Southampton offers plenty, including top sights like the City Art Gallery, SeaCity Museum, and Tudor House. Observe the boats entering the port from the lofty perch above the historic medieval walls of the city, designed to protect the town from sea attacks hundreds of years ago. Explore seaside other cities, such as Brighton or Portsmouth, during your stay, or even take a train to London, which is only an hour away.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

2. Royal Caribbean Cruises from Civitavecchia

You can easily reach Rome from Civitavecchia and its iconic sights, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Sistine Chapel, which Michelangelo painted. Spending a few extra days in the Eternal City before or after your cruise is a great idea. Before returning to the ship, there's plenty of time to take in the city's many basilicas, manicured gardens, and crumbling ruins and sip a cappuccino in pretty piazzas. With a more extended stay, you can spread your sightseeing in this historic city and take some pressure off. Civitavecchia offers plenty for those who prefer to stay closer to the ship. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere and a slower pace, perfect for watching the world go by as you eat delicious Cacio e Pepe pasta.

Best Time to Visit: May-September

Also, Read:  What cruise lines offer large balcony cabins?

3. Royal Caribbean Cruises from San Juan

The cruise industry is based in Puerto Rico. Many cruises depart from this port in the Southern Caribbean , and many call at this port in the Eastern Caribbean. The U.S. territory will delight you no matter how you arrive. The island of Puerto Rico is one of the most historical in the new world, having been the landing site of Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. Also in Puerto Rico, one of the United States National Forest System's tropical rainforests is located, the El Yunque National Forest. A cruise to San Juan offers everything from history to natural wonders to picturesque beaches.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to June

4. Royal Caribbean Cruises from Barcelona

Barcelona is ideally situated on the Mediterranean as a perfect gateway to other Spanish ports, the Balearic Islands, France, and Italy. Inspired by the creative vibe reverberating throughout the city, Barcelona is one of the world's most culturally rich cities. You can walk to the city center from the cruise port in just 15 minutes. Despite its proximity to the action, it will still be impossible to cover all of Barcelona's sights in a single day, so you can always arrive a day or two early to see the city's many attractions or finish your cruise with a few days in the city to discover it all.

5. Royal Caribbean Cruises from Tampa

There is nothing better than the Port of Tampa for embarking cruise ships - sun, beaches, baseball, and a big city. During a day spent in Tampa, you'll discover many things to do and people to meet. The number of residents exceeds four million, and we mean that. While enjoying all that Tampa offers, you can meet people from all over the world and learn about all the different languages and cultures. The Tampa Bay Area, which includes Sarasota, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, has something for everyone. Spring Training for Major League Baseball is held in the region, known for its pristine beaches.

Best Time to Visit: November to May

Also, Read:  What is best tips for first time cruisers on royal caribbean?

For cruise deal updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter , Youtube ,  Pinterest and Instagram . Read more On  Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips , on Cruisebooking website.

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Top Caribbean Ports Reviews for Cruises in 2024

By: Insights Editor | Date: May 1, 2024

Discover where ships dock in the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. Find out all you must know about the cruise ports and top things to do. Learn how and what can be explored on your own.

Recently UPDATED

Top 12 Beach Day-Passes Nassau (the Bahamas)

 The Atlantis is the most famous resort in Nassau offering a beach day passes. But Margaritaville and Baha Mar have also opened resorts close to Nassau and offer day passes to passengers visiting the cruise port for the day.  Discover all 12 Beach Day-Passes in Nassau   ❯

The ABC islands

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are three Dutch islands in the South Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela, that are a delight to visit on a cruise.

Aruba has been a popular cruise port for over two decades, and many cruise ships also visit Curaçao . But it was only recently that Bonaire became a regular port of call by the most popular cruise lines.

Click on the photos below to dicover what these islands have to offer.

Aruba  ❯

Bonaire ❯

Curaçao ❯

Labadee cruise port.

Royal Caribbean's Private Enclave in Haiti

Unlike what you may read in less acurate reviews, Labadee is not an island. The cruise port of Labadee is in an enclosed peninsula in Haiti that is in reality a gatted resort for the exclusive privilege of passengers of Royal Caribbean. Read the full review  ❯

Recent Port Reviews

La Romana Dominican Republic

• Where is La Romana and Where Cruise Ships Dock • What's at the Cruise Terminal • How to explore La Romana • Top 15 Things To Do and Shore excursions • Must-know, Basics and more...  Read the full review  ❯

East Caribbean

Top Cruise Ports Articles and Reviews

Antigua St. Johns's Heritage Quay Downtown Beyond St. John's To See and Do

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Barbados Bridgetown Port and Terminal What's Close By To See and Do Landmarks

St. Lucia Castries The Terminals To Do and See Shopping Day-Passes

St. Kitts Port Zante Where Ships Dock Highlights Shorex On Your Own

San Juan - Puerto Rico

Port of Call and Home Port

 The Piers and Terminals of San Juan Calling and Embarking in San Juan, Which Cruise Lines Dock Where What's Within Walking Distance | Old San Juan Atractions Essential and Basic Information  Learn More  ❯

St Thomas (Charlote Amalie) Cruise Ports

After the devastation of both Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, St. Thomas and its two cruise terminals - Crown Bay and Havensight - were open one month after the island was hit.

Four years later, there are still a few attractions that have not yet been fully restored, but most highlights are fully operational. Discover what is open, what to do and see, where ships dock and much more ...

St Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) Overview

Read More ❯

Top 8 Things to Do and Visit

Read All Reviews ❯

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St Thomas Cruise Port Shopping

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Where to Have Lunch or a Quick Bite

St Thomas Cruise Port Top Articles and Reviews

① Docking and Tendering Where cruise ships dock or anchor in Charlotte Amalie, and which ships dock where ...

Learn More ❯

② Docking in Havensight Discover all you must and need to know about the Havensight Dock: Piers, Tourist Information Office, Shopping, Taxi Fares, Car Rental, Attractions Nearby...

③ Docking in Crown Bay Discover what's in Crown Bay Cruise Terminal: Amenities and Services, Tourist Information and Wi-Fi, Shopping, Quick Bites ...

④ Top 16 Historical Sites Reviews of Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle, Haagensen House, Villa Notman, Hotel 1829, Historical Museum, Pissaro's Building, The 99 Steps ...

⑤ Top 8 Tours and Shorex Review the Top Shore Excursions in St Thomas (USVI) including cruise lines price comparisson ...

⑥ History and Facts Brief History, Time Line, Trivial Curiosities, Geography and Demographics...

St. Kitts (Basseterre)

Port zante overview.

• Where is St Kitts and When to Cruise • Top Highlights and How To Explore On Your Own Read the full review  ❯

What's at the Terminal ❯

Top Things To Do ❯

The Old Town ❯

Off The Beaten Track ❯

Sint maarten (philipsburg) cruise port.

Sint Maarten (Saint Martin in French) was one the Caribbean Islands more seriously hit by hurricane Irma in 2017. However, the recovery was fast and St Martin is back on all major itineraries cruising the Eastern Caribbean. Learn More ❯

Amber Cove - Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)

 Overview: where is the port and where ships dock, to see and do, how to explore and get around, shops, lunch, wi-fi, maps, tourist info, basics ...  Learn More   ❯

The Cruise Center: activities & services ❯

Top Attractions Close to the Port ❯

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Saint lucia castries cruise port.

Overview ❯

Where cruise ships dock ❯

Miami: the top cruise port in the world.

 How to get to the Cruise Port and Around: from the Airports (mia and ffl) Driving to the Port, Shuttles, Taxis, Parking ...  Learn More   ❯

Top Things To See and Do ❯

Shops and Malls ❯

Nassau (the bahamas).

Port Overview ❯

Top Highlights ❯

Shopping ❯

Activities ❯

Landmarks ❯

Beach Day-Passes ❯

Nassau Shore Excursions

Discover the best Shore Excursions in Nassau, including cruise lines price comparisson, how and when you can book on your own, everything you need to know about each shore excursion.

Learn More ❯

Recently Updated

Cozumel - Puerta Maya Terminal

 Where is the Terminal, Basic Info, ATM, Pharmacies, Taxis, Shore Excursions, Car and Scooter Rental, Shopping, Restaurants, Bars, Grills and What's Nearby 

The 3 Cruise Ports

Depending on your cruise line, ships will dock in different ports in Jamaica.

Montego Bay ❯

Falmouth ❯

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Roatán (Honduras) Cruise Port

Carnival corporation cruise lines dock at Mahogany Bay, and all other cruise lines dock at Coxen Hole.

• Discover all you need to know about the two terminals in Roatán • Which cruise ships dock where • What's at the piers and terminals • Basic Services and Amenities   Learn More  ❯

Off Track Cruise Port Reviews

Bonaire (Kralendijk) Cruise Port

Explore: The Two Piers, Getting Around, What's Close By, Top Things To See and Do, How to Explore on Your Own, Shopping, Basics and more ...

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Cartagena (colombia).

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All Nassau Cruise Port Reviews

① Overview - Nassau is the most visited port in The Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean ...

② At The Pier - The harbor of Nassau is quite impressive and sailing in an interesting spectacle not to be missed ...

③ Highlights - Top Editor's picks such as the Cabbage Beach, the John Watling's Distillery, the Junkanoo Beach, the Fort Fincastle ...

④ Activities - Atlantis, The Adastra Gardnes, The British Colonial Hotel, the Junakanoo Beach the Fat Tuesday Beach Club ...

⑤ Landmarks - Sightseeing and exploring on your own: Parliament Square, the Garden of Remembrance, the Public Library and Museum ...

⑥ Tours - Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked 'independently' as savvy cruises like to say ...

⑦ Shopping - Nassau is one of the top shopping paradises for cruise passengers looking for duty free goods like jewlery, watches and accessories.

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Top Cruise Ports in Europe ❯

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Cruise Lines visiting the Caribbean

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Cruise Ship Ports - Full List & Map of US Departures [2024]

By jeremy camosse feb 2024.

Complete list of all United States Cruise Ship Ports (with map). Find your nearest port option and the cruise lines that sail from that port!

Here is a complete list of US Cruise Ship Ports We've also included a map. This should help find your nearest options for cruise daparture ports.

When deciding which cruise is perfect for your next vacation, one of the most important factors is "departure port." We're constantly asked the following.

What is the closest cruise ship port to me?

Here below is every U.S. departure port

Many cruisers start our search based on closest port . In an ideal world, our cruise would depart from one of the U.S. cruise port within driving distance.

Once we get out of range, we have to start planning flights, ubers, and hotels . That adds a whole level of complexity and additional costs that we'd prefer to avoid.

Check out the map and list below to find your closest cruise port.

Make sure to pin that list to your "Cruise Search" board for easy reference!

Here's a complete list below by state. Also provided are links to find more detail on each departure port as well as links to shore excursions for each.

ALABAMA :  Mobile Cruise Port

ALASKA :  Juneau Cruise Port

ALASKA :  Whittier Cruise Port

ALASKA :  Seward Cruise Port

CALIFORNIA :  Long Beach Cruise Port

CALIFORNIA :  Los Angeles Cruise Port

CALIFORNIA :  San Diego Cruise Port

CALIFORNIA :  San Francisco Cruise Port

FLORIDA :  Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

FLORIDA :  Jacksonville Cruise Port

FLORIDA :  Miami Cruise Port

FLORIDA :  Port Canaveral Cruise Port

FLO  RIDA :  Palm Beach Cruise Port

FLORIDA :  Tampa Cruise Port

HAWAII :  Honolulu Cruise Port

LOUISIANA :  New Orleans Cruise Port

MARYLAND :  Baltimore Cruise Port

MASSACHUSETTS :  Boston Cruise Port

NEW JERSEY :  Bayonne Cruise Port

NEW YORK :  Brooklyn Cruise Port

NEW YORK :  Manhattan Cruise Port

OREGON :  Portland Cruise Port

SOUTH CAROLINA :  Charleston Cruise Port

TEXAS :  Galveston Cruise Port

VIRGINIA :  Norfolk Cruise Port

PUERTO RICO :  San Juan Cruise Port

WASHINGTON :  Seattle Cruise Port

You'll find that Mobile serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Mobile, Alabama Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Mobile, Alabama Port Info

You'll find that Juneau serves the following: Compagnie Du Ponant, Seabourne, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Juneau, Alaska Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Juneau Shore Excursions

You'll find that Seward, Alaska serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines.

HOTELS :   Seward, Alaska Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Seward, Alaska Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Seward Shore Excursions

You'll find that Whittier, Alaska serves the following: Holland America, Princess and Seabourn Cruise Lines.

HOTELS :   Whittier, Alaska Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Whittier, Alaska Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Whittier Shore Excursions

You'll find that Long Beach serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Long Beach, California Hotels

PORT INFO :   Long Beach Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Long Beach Shore Excursions

You'll find that Los Angeles, California serves the following: Norwegian, Princess, Crystal and Oceania Cruise Lines.

HOTELS :   Los Angeles, California Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Los Angeles, California Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Los Angeles Shore Excursions

You'll find that San Diego, California serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Silversea Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   San Diego, California Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   San Diego, California Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   San Diego Shore Excursions

You'll find that San Francisco, California serves the following: Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Cunard, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

PORT INFO :   San Francisco, California Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   San Francisco Shore Excursions

You'll find that Fort Lauderdale serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Silversea Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Fort Lauderdale Hotels

PORT INFO :   Fort Lauderdale Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Fort Lauderdale Shore Excursions

You'll find that Jacksonville, Florida serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line.

HOTELS :   Jacksonville, Florida Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Jacksonville, Florida Port Info

You'll find that Miami, Florida serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, MSC, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Miami, Florida Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Miami, Florida Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Miami Shore Excursions

You'll find that Port Canaveral, Florida serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Port Canaveral, Florida Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Port Canaveral, Florida Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Port Canaveral Shore Excursions

You'll find that Palm Beach, Florida serves the following: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Palm Beach, Florida Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Palm Beach, Florida Port Info

You'll find that Tampa, Florida serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Tampa, Florida Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Tampa, Florida Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Tampa Shore Excursions

You'll find that Honolulu, Hawaii serves the following: Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Compagnie Du Ponant, Crystal, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Honolulu Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Honolulu Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Honolulu Shore Excursions

You'll find that New Orleans serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   New Orleans Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   New Orleans Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   New Orleans Shore Excursions

You'll find that Baltimore, Maryland serves the following: Carnival and Royal Careibbean Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Baltimore Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Baltimore Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Baltimore Shore Excursions

You'll find that Boston, Massachusetts serves the following: Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Windstar Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Boston Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Boston Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Boston Shore Excursions

You'll find that Bayonne, New Jersey serves the following: Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Bayonne Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Bayonne Port Info

You'll find that Brooklyn, New York serves the following: Princess and Queen Mary Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Brooklyn Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Brooklyn Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Brooklyn Shore Excursions

You'll find that Manhattan, New York serves the following: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean, and Windstar Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Manhattan Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Manhattan Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Manhattan Shore Excursions

You'll find that Portland, Oregon serves the following: American Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Portland Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Portland Port Info

You'll find that San Juan, Puerto Rico serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, SeaDream, Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream, Viking Ocean and Windstar Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   San Juan Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   San Juan Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   San Juan Shore Excursions

You'll find that Charleston, South Carolina serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Charleston Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Charleston Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Charleston Shore Excursions

You'll find that Galveston, Texas serves the following: Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Galveston Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Galveston Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Galveston Shore Excursions

You'll find that Norfolk, Virginia serves the following: Carnival Cruise Line .

HOTELS :   Norfolk Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Norfolk Port Info

You'll find that Seattle, Washington serves the following: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Oceania Cruise Lines .

HOTELS :   Seattle Cruise Port Hotels

PORT INFO :   Seattle Port Info

EXCURSIONS :   Seattle Shore Excursions

We hope that this list helped you find the closest port for your next vacation.

Please use the buttons below to help spread the word with your favorite cruising community!

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Popular Royal Caribbean and Carnival port on ‘reconsider travel’ list

A popular port for Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises is on the “reconsider travel” list.

When you leave the U.S. it’s always important to exercise caution.

Most places are not inherently dangerous, but there will be criminals looking to prey on people who make bad decisions.

That’s why it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings no matter where in the world you may find yourself. In most cases, that means taking common-sense safety measures like sticking to well-trafficked areas and making sure you don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket or hold your purse loosely.

Related: Carnival and Virgin Voyages make key change to make cruises safer

Bad things can happen anywhere, but the U.S. Department of State tracks general safety levels in places that American tourists visit around the world. It uses a sliding scale to report danger levels:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel
• Level 4: Do not travel.

Jamaica, a popular cruise destination for Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, has been under a Level 3 warning since July 2022. That’s something cruisers need to be aware of, but they also need to understand exactly what they’re being warned about as the advisory was recently updated.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Make careful choices in cruise ship ports

The State Department warning for Jamaica is very specific and has been recently updated.

“Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. Exercise increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have increased risk,” the State Department said on its website.

The warning did make clear that some parts of the country are more dangerous than others:

” Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica,” the warning continued. “Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.”

It also noted that U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory responses to serious criminal incidents.

“When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence,” it added.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Jamaica pushes back on the travel advisory

Jamaica’s ambassador to the U.S., Audrey Patrice Marks, has pushed back on the travel advisory. In a Facebook post earlier this year she said the advisory “distorts the reality and facts in Jamaica.”

In addition, Jamaican Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has said that since the advisory was issued, Jamaica has welcomed millions of visitors and continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the world.

“The crime rate involving visitors is extremely low at 0.01%,” he told TravelPulse .

Cruise ship passengers should be wary when visiting any country with a Level 3 advisory. In many cases, the port area itself is closed off from non-cruise-ship visitors (which is the case in Falmouth, Jamaica, where both Royal Caribbean and Carnival visit).

Those areas are generally considered safe. But when you leave the port area in a country with a Level 3 travel advisory, it generally makes sense to stick to cruise-line-sponsored excursions.

ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise

The State Department also gave some tips to anyone visiting Jamaica:

• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

In addition, the advisory contains language on health care and urged Americans to get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

“Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain,” it added.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.

The United Nations is cutting back its activities in Yemen in response to a crackdown by Houthi terrorists on staff working for the U.N. and other organizations.

The Biden administration beefed up the U.S. military presence there to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies and to safeguard U.S. troops.

United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights.

California firefighters had to douse a flaming battery in a Tesla Semi with about 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water to extinguish flames after a crash, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.

It’s pretty simple — leave no trace. But at least one person didn’t get the message and left behind a bag of Cheetos at Carlsbad Caverns National Park during a visit.

Officials say two people were badly burned and two others are believed to be dead after an explosion and fire destroyed a gas station in a small Idaho town Wednesday afternoon.

The jar has been on display at the Hecht Museum in Haifa for 35 years.

It comes a day after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed 14 people, including six U.N. staffers.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday bringing back tough criminal penalties targeting large-scale stealing schemes and smash-and-grab robberies that have fueled voter frustration across the state.

The jolt was felt as far as 45 miles (72 kilometers) away in Orange County, where people reported items moving in their homes.

Popular Royal Caribbean and Carnival port on 'reconsider travel' list

W hen you leave the United States it's always important that you exercise caution. Most places are not inherently dangerous, but there will be criminals looking to prey on people who make bad decisions.

That's why it's always important to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you may find yourself in the world. In most cases, that means taking common-sense safety measures like sticking to well-trafficked areas and making sure you don't carry your wallet in your back pocket or hold your purse loosely.

Related: Carnival and Virgin Voyages make key change to make cruises safer

Bad things can happen anywhere, but the United States Department of State tracks general safety levels in places US tourists visit all around the world. It uses a sliding scale to report danger levels:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel
• Level 4: Do not travel.

Jamaica, a popular cruise destination for Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean has been under a Level 3 warning since July 2022. That's something cruisers need to be aware of, but they also need to understand exactly what they're being warned about as the advisory was recently updated.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Make careful choices in cruise ship ports

The State Department warning for Jamaica is very specific and has been recently updated.

"Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. Exercise increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have increased risk," the State Department shared on its website.

The warning did make it clear that some parts of the country are more dangerous than others:

" Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common," the warning continued. "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from US. citizen tourists at resorts."

It also noted that local authorities that US citizens report slow or unsatisfactory responses to serious criminal incidents. 

"When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence," it added.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Jamaica pushes back on the travel advisory

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States Audrey Patrice Marks has pushed back on the travel advisory. In a Facebook post earlier this year she said the advisory "distorts the reality and facts in Jamaica."

In addition, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has also shared that since the advisory was issued, Jamaica has welcomed millions of visitors and continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the world."

"The crime rate involving visitors is extremely low at 0.01 percent," he told TravelPulse .

Cruise ship passengers should be wary when visiting any country with a Level 3 advisory. In many cases, the port area itself is closed off from non-cruise ship visitors (which is the case in Falmouth, Jamaica where both Royal Caribbean and Carnival visit). 

Those areas are generally considered safe. When leaving the port area, however, in a country with a Level 3 travel advisory, it generally makes sense to stick to cruise line-sponsored excursions. 

ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise

The State Department also gave some tips to anyone visiting Jamaica:

• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

In addition, the advisory contains language on healthcare and urged Americans to get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

"Private hospitals require payment upfront before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain," it added.

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• East Coast USA and Canada New England Cruise Ports

Cape Liberty Bayonne (New Jersey)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-09-13 20:20

Port Cape Liberty Bayonne cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Cape Liberty Bayonne, New Jersey. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

The Port of New York and New Jersey occupies a large area in New York Harbor, encompassing the coastline within a 25-mi/40-km radius of the Liberty Statue. The Port (locode USNYC) has a total of three cruise ports - two in NYC (New York) and one in Bayonne (New Jersey). These ports have separate passenger terminals and docking infrastructure.

In New York City are the New York Passenger Ship Terminal (Manhattan Island's western coast, Hudson River) and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (~6 mi / 10 km to the south, on eastern Upper New York Bay, Buttermilk Channel, Brooklyn's Red Hook waterline).

Cape Liberty Cruise Port (part of Port Jersey) is also in New York Harbor (Upper NY Bay, fka MOTBY/Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne) but is part of Bayonne NJ.

IMPORTANT : Bayonne New Jersey Port's cruise terminal serves Royal Caribbean Group/RCG-owned ships from the fleets of RCG's subsidiaries RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises . The ships of RCG's subsidiary Silversea dock at NYC's Manhattan Terminal.

The Port of NY and NJ is also a district of the New York-Newark NJ Metro (part of the Greater New York (ranked the world's largest Metro by population/~24 million). New York Metro is a Tri-State region grouping 23 counties (13 in NY, 9 in NJ, and 1 in Pennsylvania/Pike County PA).

By annual cruise ship passenger traffic, Port NY and NJ's terminals are currently ranked the USA's 6th and the world's 16th busiest.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port (Bayonne)

Cape Liberty is an exclusive cruise port in New Jersey (Bayonne Harbor) featuring a 2 mi/3,2 km long dock/pier and a passenger terminal. Port Cape Liberty was inaugurated in May 2004.

Form Bayonne, Royal Caribbean-owned ships operate mainly roundtrip itineraries visiting destinations in the Caribbean (including Florida and The Bahamas) and Bermuda.

In the autumn are operated one-way "Fall Foliage" themed voyages to ports in Canada and New England USA.

On seasonal relocation (RepositionCruises.com) are often offered Transatlantic crossings between NYC-NJ and Europe (Mediterranean) and the UK ( Southampton ).

Cape Liberty is a convenient homeport for sea voyages because most of the tourists arrive by flight, and the cruise port is in close proximity (approx 10 mi/16 km to the east-southeast) to Newark Airport (around 40 minutes drive distance via Highway I-78E).

The Port's main tenant is RCI-Royal Caribbean International , which homeporting/turnaround operations from New Jersey started in May 2006 with Freedom of the Seas . In 2015, RCI's second QUANTUM-class vessel Anthem of the Seas was also homeported in Cape Liberty, replacing Liberty of the Seas .

In 2016, Cape Liberty reported a record number of handled cruise passengers - 509,306, which was 2,4% increase over 2015's 497,780 passengers.

RCI's roundtrips from Bayonne NJ are operated the whole year round. Cruise itinerary lengths vary between 5-12 nights. During summer, Celebrity Cruises also homeports one vessel at Cape Liberty. In 2023, in Bayonne were homeported RCI's ships Oasis OTS , Anthem OTS, Liberty OTS, and Jewel OTS , as well as Celebrity Summit . The Port's schedule 2024 listed the liners Anthem OTS, Liberty OTS, Symphony OTS , Odyssey OTS , and Celebrity Eclipse .

In October 2018, Bayonne City officials selected the company SeaStreak Ferry (1986-founded as TNT Hydrolines) to provide regularly scheduled high-speed commuter ferries for the NY-NJ route. The deal included leasing 65000 ft2/6040 m2 of land at Port Jersey's Marine Terminal. As of 2023, SeaStreak Ferry has a fleet of 9 vessels (double-hulled diesel catamarans) and operates on 3 waterways (Hudson River, East River, New York Bay) linking 8 terminals. On Hudson River, SeaStreak operates the routes linking Belford NJ (Monmouth County) with NYC's Manhattan (Battery Park City Ferry Terminal), and Jersey City (Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal) with NYC's West Midtown Ferry Terminal.

On February 13, 2020, the NY-NJ Port Authority's commissioners approved a 10-year lease for the new commuter ferry service linking Jersey City (Cape Liberty's Military Ocean Terminal) with NYC's Lower Manhattan (Wall Street Pier 11, and East 34th Street Ferry Landing).

In 2018 was inaugurated the ferry route connecting Bayonne with Manhattan (across Hudson River). A US$650,000 federal grant was given to the city for building of a ferry terminal. The facility is on the southern part of Military Ocean Terminal, on an artificial peninsula east of Route 440. The 1,5-acre land site (former US Navy base) was purchased in 2010 and leased for ferry docking at US$200,000 per year.

In the previous year (2017) NYC Ferry inaugurated the commute ferry service linking Manhattan with Long Island (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx). In 2016, NYC Ferry's fleet consisted of 19 newbuild boats.

• On May 1st were launched the East River route (North Brooklyn to Midtown and NYC's Financial District) and the Rockaway route (Lower Manhattan to Sunset Park and The Rockaways).
• On June 1st was launched the South Brooklyn route (8 terminals/between Corlears Hook and Bay Ridge) linking Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• On August 29th was launched the Astoria route (between Western Queens and Roosevelt Island) linking Wall Street/Pier 11, East 34th Street, LIC/Long Island City Queens, Roosevelt Island Manhattan, and Astoria Queens.

In August 2018, NYC Ferry launched a link between Soundview (South Bronx) and Manhattan. The landing site in Bronx is at Clason Point Park (Sound View Ave's end). The nearest subway station (Morrison Ave-Sound View) is 2 mi (3 km) away. Ferry travel time Bronx-Manhattan is 45-min. In Manhattan, ferries stop at 90th St (Upper East Side), East 34th Str (Midtown), Pier 11 (Wall Str). Currently, NYC Ferry operates 6 routes.

Cape Liberty Bayonne cruise terminal

Port Cape Liberty is to the south of Hudson River, and approx 18 mi/29 km from Manhattan NY (via roads NY-9A S and I-78W, or around 45-min drive distance) and approx 11 mi/18 km from Newark NJ (via Highway I-78E, or around 40-min drive).

Cape Liberty can be accessed from Highway I-95 (exit 6, then NJ Turnpike's exit 14A). Drivers should follow the signs for New Jersey Route 440 South, then continue to "4 Port Terminal Blvd".

The following NY & NJ cruise port map shows the locations of all three cruise terminals (NYC's Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Bayonne NJ's Cape Liberty ).

The Port's address is "4 Port Terminal Boulevard Bayonne, NJ 07002".

Bayonne's cruise port is in close proximity to EWR-Newark Liberty Airport (10 mi / 16 km to the west, ~20-min travel time by car) and easy to access, skipping NYC's heavy traffic and bridges.

In October 2014, Royal Caribbean and NYC & NJ Port Authority dedicated a Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal for the RCI's ship Quantum OTS . The new terminal started operations on November 10, 2014.

The new facility is located at Port Terminal Blvd (Bayonne waterfront), adjacent to the Tear Drop Memorial (Russia-built, 10–story sculpture).

The US$55 million project included port expansion and also improvements to the existing docking pier. The new passenger terminal has a total covered area of 125000 ft2 (11600 m2) and has check-in, customs and immigration, luggage storage and processing areas, public restrooms, free WiFi (throughout), adjacent to the terminal parking area (capacity 950 cars, fitted with its own restroom).

Cruise parking costs US$25 per day (including taxes).

The new terminal building is adjacent to the 2004-inaugurated cruise terminal.

Directly in front of the Cape Liberty Cruise Port's terminal, there are designated luggage drop-off zones.

Fly-cruisers arrive in New Jersey via NYC's LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport, and also via New Jersey's Newark Liberty Airport. Royal Caribbean provides bus shuttles for direct airport-cruise port transfer on the embarkation day. This is the fastest, cheapest and most secure/guaranteed transfer option.

The alternative is NYC's public transportation system (trains/buses to either Newark (Pennsylvania Station) or Bayonne (45th Street Light Rail Station), then you need to taxi to the cruise terminal. Newark' Penn Station serves regularly scheduled Amtrak trains interconnecting numerous destinations along the US East Coast.

Taxis (as well as Uber and Lyft) are available from all the three international airports but are costly.

MOTBY (Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne) was operational and used by the US Navy in the period 1967-1999 The terminal was an upgrade/expansion of the former Bayonne Naval Drydock (1942-1967).

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Royal Caribbean to fix cruise infrastructure issue in Alaska — but it’s not what you think

Ah, scenic Juneau, Alaska — where the allure of lush forests, cascading waterfalls and majestic glaciers draws as many as 16,000 cruise passengers a day. The downside? The constant influx of visitors is putting a strain on local infrastructure.

Royal Caribbean Group — which operates Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises — has partnered with Alaska Native corporation Goldbelt, Inc., to eliminate the problem of slow, unreliable Wi-Fi in port by bringing Starlink to several public areas and Juneau businesses.

You might think connectivity isn't a big concern for people visiting the 49th state's remote, nature-forward capital, which can only be reached by air or sea, but it turns out that isn't the case. When the port is at maximum capacity, up to six ships can call there in a single day. With that many people in town, public Wi-Fi offered by local businesses is often difficult and frustrating to use for both visitors and locals.

"The number one complaint from this summer was a slow-down of internet speed during busy days downtown," McHugh Pierre, Goldbelt's president and CEO, said in a press release. "We are excited to collaborate with Royal Caribbean Group to explore a solution and add satellite internet capacity to town. This project will help locals and visitors have a better internet experience every day of the week."

Installation began the week of Aug. 26 at the Goldbelt Tram Lower Terminal and will continue north on Franklin Street. The pilot program's full range will be activated in the coming weeks. As each new hub becomes available, passengers, other visitors and locals will be able to connect for free and stay connected via one seamless network as they move about Juneau's downtown.

Royal Caribbean isn't new to Starlink, which was developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX company. In 2022, the Royal Caribbean family of brands was the first to commit to adding Starlink to its ships for faster connections at sea that allow everything from surfing the internet and checking email to video calling and streaming.

Cruise terminals where Royal Caribbean home ports its ships also provide connectivity for passengers, but this is the first time a cruise line has outfitted a large part of a downtown port area ashore with Wi-Fi.

"We are constantly striving to find innovative solutions to support our communities and enhance the travel experience for residents and cruise guests alike," Preston Carnahan, associate vice president of West Coast destinations for Royal Caribbean Group, said. "Our new pilot program aims to alleviate internet congestion and provide additional bandwidth for locals while providing internet connectivity for our guests from ship to shore."

The line's statement also stresses the need for user feedback to evaluate the program's effectiveness and determine whether similar initiatives will be rolled out in other ports.

For years, Juneau's borough officials have heard complaints that the influx of cruise passengers detracts from everyone's enjoyment of the city. On June 3, several major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line and others that are members of the Cruise Lines International Association — agreed to limit the total number of ships per day to five and the total number of passengers to 16,000 Sunday through Friday and 12,000 on Saturdays.

Want to learn more about Alaska cruises? Check out our other articles below.

• Alaska cruise guide: Itineraries, planning tips and more
• Top Alaska cruise shore excursions
• The best time to cruise to Alaska
• The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler
• Alaska cruise packing list: Here's everything you should bring
• The best Alaska cruises for families
• How to see the northern lights on a cruise

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Best Eastern Caribbean Family Holiday Idea

All the ingredients for the best family vacation.

By Heidi Sarna | Last Updated on September 4, 2024

The best family holiday is all about balance; plenty of relaxation and excitement and just the right mix of sea days and port visits. My vote for the right sailing for a fun-loving family with kids of various ages? An  Icon of the Seas ℠ seven-night cruise. It checks every box for the ideal all-inclusive eastern Caribbean family holiday.

With this ship as your home base for the week, you and your entire family can enjoy three days at sea and three full days exploring destinations. Sailing round-trip from Miami, Icon of the Seas  calls on some of the best beaches for families throughout the Caribbean with stops at bucket-list destinations, including St. Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Thomas and Royal Caribbean's very own private island paradise, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Not only are these eastern Caribbean ports world-renowned destinations, but  Icon of the Seas  is a dazzler too, with the largest waterpark at sea, eight exciting themed neighbourhoods and Royal Caribbean's largest number of family-focused accommodations to date. This cruise has all the ingredients for the best family island holiday out there. Why not make the most of your time and book a back-to-back cruise!

Do What Floats Your Boat In Port

Whether it's getting down in the cool, soft sand to build a castle or working on your tan while dozing off in the comfort of your beach chair, life is good on this eastern Caribbean family holiday. You'll sail to some of the world's most coveted islands, famous for idyllic shores that invite you to put down a beach towel and stay a while.

And if your best trip involves history or exploration, you'll find that the ports Icon of the Seas  visits on eastern Caribbean sailings are some of the best places for nature hikes and heritage sites, from national parks to trails that lead to waterfalls and even colonial homesteads.

Lazy Days In Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

This island, with its French and Dutch sides, is all about fun in the sun. Spread your towels out on some of best beaches for families in the Caribbean, including Long Bay, Cupecoy Bay and Baie Rouge. Simpson Bay, the largest saltwater lagoon in the Caribbean, is often called the "Great Pond." It's an ideal spot for families with young children.

Or combine a beach day with one of the best family activities in Sint Maarten — plane-spotting. Head to Maho Beach to watch the jets land at nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. Aeroplanes making their final approach fly less than 30 metres above the beach right overhead. The experience is thrilling.

Perhaps you're more in tune with a bit of peace and quiet. If so, go to Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve deep in the island's interior. It's a tranquil place to spend a few hours, including a dip in the lovely multi-level pool that qualifies as an architectural marvel. Or choose a self-guided hike through the tropical forest and maybe zip line across the property from tree to lovely tree. Keep your ears trained for the sounds of local birds and watch for the monkeys who call the surrounding forest home.

Another worthwhile pursuit is a hike to the top of Mount Concordia at the French and Dutch border. It's one of the best places for panoramic views of the entire island and also a historic location. The Treaty of Concordia was signed here in 1648 by the two island governors who represented the Kingdom of France and the Dutch Republic, officially dividing the island of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten into the two halves that still exist today.

After all that hiking, you might need a bite to eat. If you're lunching ashore, go for grilled lobster, stuffed crab or cod fritters.

Scenic St. Kitts

Some itineraries call on St. Kitts & Nevis, a pair of perfect little islands separated by only three kilometres of ocean. When you call on the port of Basseterre in St. Kitts, you can look forward to some of the best family activities in the region.

Explore the seventeenth-century seaside Brimstone Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved forts in the Americas.

If you enjoy breaking a sweat, spend a few hours hiking the long and narrow Mount Liamuiga trail through towering trees and tropical flowers. It's a bit further afield, but the crater of this 1,155-metre dormant volcano provides explosive views.

Hop aboard the double-decker railcars of St. Kitts Scenic Railway's "sugar train" — it's a top kid-friendly activity. The scenic two-hour ride travels along the route used a century ago to transport sugarcane across the island.

If a laid-back day of sunbathing and snorkeling is more your thing, the narrow peninsula in the southeast contains the best beaches in St. Kitts, including Frigate Bay with its powdery sand. Or expand your horizons on a 30-minute ferry ride to the sweet little sister island of Nevis.

If you're staying onshore for the day, snack on conch or spiny lobster grilled over an open fire or look for West Indian specialties like pepper pot and Arawak chicken.

Reach The Top Of St. Thomas

An eastern Caribbean family island holiday could hardly be complete without a visit to Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. A classic Caribbean port of call, the city's harbour is dotted with sailboats and lined with colourful houses and shops — and there are beaches aplenty.

Just a short drive from town on the north shore is popular Magens Bay" , home to a horseshoe-shaped beach that has appeared in many "best beaches" lists over the years. To the east are even more appealing stretches of sand, including Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach.

A tiny gem, lush St. John lies just a few miles east of St. Thomas across Pillsbury Sound. More than half of the island comprises Virgin Islands National Park, part of the U.S. National Park Service. To get there, hop on a ferry to Cruz Bay in St. John, and then it's just a 15-minute ride to the gorgeous white-sand beach at Trunk Bay, consistently rated one of the Caribbean's very best. You'll want to try out the marked snorkeling trail, where you can read about the sea life and coral from underwater signs.

For those who dig history, head just off Charlotte Amalie's bustling main street to find pockets of the past. These include the charming, 19th-century brick-and-stone St. Thomas Synagogue and the 18th-century Frederick Lutheran Church, each among the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The nearby Fort Christian, which dates back to the 1670s, was named after Danish King Christian V and rises from the harbour to dominate the town centre.

Stop by Blackbeard's Castle, built in 1679 on Government Hill, to see the world's largest collection of life-sized pirate statues. Or climb the legendary 99 Steps built by 18th-century Danes using bricks that once served as a ship ballast.

St. Thomas' central mountain range offers endless opportunities to snag the ultimate panoramic selfie. On scenic Skyline Drive is Drake's Seat lookout, a must-stop spot named after the famous explorer. From here, the views of Magens Bay and the St. Thomas coastline are breathtaking.

Just down the road is the lookout at Mountain Top, which rises over 450 metres above sea level — the highest point on St. Thomas — with sweeping views of more than a dozen islands, including St. John and the British Virgin Islands.

Closer to town, take the gondola to Paradise Point, which sits 200 metres up with a hilltop restaurant and bar overlooking the island.

Local culinary favourites in the U.S. Virgin Islands include conch fritters, johnnycakes (cornmeal flatbreads) and chocolate-dipped coconut patties that are impossible to resist.

The Way To Perfect Day At Cococay®

When it comes to the best all-inclusive family holidays in the Caribbean, a day spent on Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean's aptly named private island paradise in The Bahamas, should be at the top of your cruising bucket list.

Just as meals, most entertainment and activities are included onboard Icon of the Seas , when you're in port at CocoCay, there are many complimentary activities. When you need to fuel up, there are also five complimentary dining venues for sandwiches, salads and even churros.

The whole family can swim in the sprawling Oasis Lagoon pool, complete with a convenient swim-up bar serving refreshing drinks. The kiddos will squeal with joy at the nearby Splashaway Bay℠ aqua park with its waterslides, fountains, pools and giggle-inducing drench buckets. Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary at Chill Island℠ beach and South Beach — two of the best spots on the island to plant your group for the day.

For those who crave a bit more, it'll be worth the extra charge to access the private island's Thrill Waterpark® and have a go at the 13 waterslides, including the towering Daredevil's Peak slide. If you find heights to your liking, whiz across the 480-metre-long zip line and go for a helium balloon ride for breathtaking views of The Bahamas in all directions.

For families wanting to truly live it up in luxury, book a spot at Coco Beach Club® with its coveted floating cabanas. The entry fee includes access to an infinity pool, an exclusive restaurant, beach bar and more.

Written By HEIDI SARNA

"Heidi Sarna, a freelance writer who specializes in cruising, is a contributor to Frommer's, Travel Weekly, CNBC.com and The Points Guy, among others. Heidi has taken more than 125 cruises and has visited 78 countries and counting."

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