Robin Sweat, Owner, RLS Travel Boutique
August 2023
Caribbean cruises are fun, beautiful, & there are islands a plenty, but there is so much more to cruising! Have you ever wondered what your options are for itineraries & ports of call?
First, another vocab lesson! Don’t worry, I won’t quiz you at the end!
When I mention cruise destinations, it will usually regions to cruise to (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Polynesian, etc.) at least in this post. An itinerary is the list (sometimes shown as a map) of ports of call, in the order that you will be traveling. Ports of call are the individual ports (stops) that your cruise will travel to (Grand Cayman, Turks & Caicos, etc.).
An example of an itinerary (not all cruises are this long, this is just an example):
Day 1: Port Canaveral, Florida
Day 2: At sea
Day 3: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Day 4: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Day 5: San Juan, Puerto Rico Wed 9:00am 6:00pm
Day 6: At sea
Day7: At sea
Day 8: Port Canaveral, Florida
Let’s dive into some itinerary/destination options for cruising!
Caribbean
We’re diving into a world of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and a whole lot of fun! Caribbean cruise itineraries offer travelers the chance to explore the diverse and vibrant islands of the Caribbean Sea. These cruises often depart from major ports in Florida (like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral) or other East Coast cities and venture into the tropical paradise of the Caribbean. Here’s a breakdown of the types of destinations and experiences you might encounter on a Caribbean cruise:
Eastern Caribbean Itineraries:
If you’re all about beautiful beaches, amazing food, and a mix of cultures, the Eastern Caribbean is calling your name! Explore the colorful streets of San Juan, shop till you drop in St. Thomas, and dance to the rhythm of St. Maarten. It’s like a paradise sampler!
Ports: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Tortola, Grand Turk, etc.
Highlights: This itinerary usually includes stops in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports, shopping, and explore the rich cultural history of the Caribbean.
Western Caribbean Itineraries:
Snorkel with stingrays in Grand Cayman, go back in time exploring Mayan ruins in Cozumel, and kick back with some reggae vibes in Jamaica. Get ready for an adventure-packed escape!
Ports: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel (Mexico), Belize, Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya (Mexico), etc.
Highlights: This itinerary offers a mix of beautiful beaches, water activities, and cultural experiences. You might visit ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, enjoy water sports in Jamaica, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Grand Cayman.
Grote Knip Beach, Curacao
Southern Caribbean Itineraries:
Feeling like an off-the-beaten-path explorer? The Southern Caribbean has your name written all over it. This itinerary often explores less-visited islands that boast unique cultures, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for diving and water activities. You’ll find colorful colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and a variety of outdoor adventures. This has been my personal favorite itinerary to date!
Ports: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, etc.
Bahamas:
Short on time but craving that Caribbean charm? The Bahamas and private islands have got you covered. Swim with dolphins in Nassau, hit up your own private paradise on CocoCay, and live the good life on Half Moon Cay. Grab your shades and let’s soak up the sun! (Pssst. A little hint; “Cay” is pronounced “Key”, despite what Royal Caribbean says)
Ports: Nassau (Bahamas), CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), Freeport (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Carnival Corporation’s private island), etc.
Southern Caribbean Deep Dive Itineraries:
Ready to dig deeper? The Caribbean’s lesser-known islands are waiting to be explored. From Dominica’s rainforests to St. Kitts’ history, it’s all about authenticity and new experiences. Get ready to make friends with locals and discover hidden beaches.
Ports: Lesser Antilles islands like Dominica, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Martinique, etc. Another fun fact, Dominica is not Dominican Republic. They are two different islands and countries.
Alaska
Get ready to dive into Alaska’s incredible nature and cool culture. Let’s check out different routes that promise a super cool adventure:
1. Journey through the Inside Passage Imagine cruising on calm waters surrounded by tall trees and cute towns. You’ll also get to see huge glaciers at Glacier Bay National Park!
2. Glaciers Everywhere! If you’re into giant ice formations, this is for you. See glaciers up close in Tracy Arm Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. They’re very large and amazing!
3. Meet Wildlife and Explore Nature Nature fans, listen up! Watch orcas, whales, bears, and eagles as you cruise through Alaska’s wild landscapes.
4. Explore Denali and More Want to see Alaska’s tallest mountain? Check out Denali National Park. After that, jump on a cruise to see even more cool stuff in the sea!
5. Discover History and Culture Step back in time in places like Juneau and Skagway. These towns have stories from the Gold Rush days. You’ll also learn about native people and their culture.
6. Escape to Untouched Wilderness If you like quiet places, this one’s for you. Visit less-known spots like Sitka and Kodiak. You’ll see untouched nature and peaceful shores.
7. Food and Fishing Fun For food lovers and fishing fans, this is a treat. Enjoy tasty seafood and even try your luck at fishing in Alaska’s super rich waters.
So, ready to start your Alaskan adventure? Each trip shows you a special side of Alaska. Grab your excitement, a warm jacket, and a sense of wonder, and let’s get cruising for an amazing Alaskan experience!
Alaskan Itineraries are available during the Summer months. Alaska is gorgeous and offers some of the most beautiful views in the world. Here, you will see glaciers, wildlife, and unique towns. You can book a dogsled excursion, fishing, train rides, and more. Seeing Alaska by ship offers a unique experience, it is one thing to stand on land and look out into the ocean, but to be on the water and look onto the land offers breathtaking views, and pictures do not do it justice! It is no mystery why Alaska is a bucket-list cruise for so many people! When choosing an Alaskan cruise, you will leave out of a US port or a Canadian port. If you are a US citizen, and you are leaving out of a Canadian port, you will need a passport, and vice-versa. Typical stops on Alaskan itineraries are Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka.
The ships that travel throughout Alaska are not mega-ships, this is due to the area not being able to support larger ships, but the smaller ships allow you to feel more connected to the environment.
Mediterranean
Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you through a treasure trove of cultures, landscapes, and stories. Mediterranean cruises are magic carpets, whisking you away to coastal wonders, ancient histories, and vibrant bazaars. Ready to dive into the whirlpool of excitement? Let’s set sail!
The exact itineraries can vary depending on the cruise line, duration, and starting/ending ports, but here’s a general overview of the types of destinations you may encounter on a Mediterranean cruise:
Western Mediterranean Itineraries:
Ports: Barcelona, Marseille, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Nice, Monaco, Ibiza, Valencia, etc.
Highlights: You’ll explore the coastal cities of Spain, France, and Italy. Experience the artistic treasures of Florence and Rome, the vibrant culture of Barcelona, the glamour of the French Riviera, and the historical sites of Naples and Pompeii.
2. Eastern Mediterranean Itineraries:
Ports: Venice, Dubrovnik, Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Kotor (Montenegro), Split, Istanbul (Turkey), Rhodes (Greece), etc.
Highlights: This itinerary typically includes the stunning Greek Islands, the ancient ruins of Athens, the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, and the historic sites of Istanbul. It offers a blend of rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant local cultures.
3. Southern Mediterranean Itineraries:
Ports: Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Tunis (Tunisia), Algiers (Algeria), Gibraltar, etc.
Highlights: This itinerary often explores the less touristy regions, providing an opportunity to discover unique cultures and historical sites. You might visit ancient ruins in Carthage, explore the charming streets of Valletta (Malta), and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean’s southern coasts.
4. Greek Isles Itineraries:
Ports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, etc.
Highlights: Focusing on the Greek Islands, this itinerary lets you soak in the beauty of the Aegean Sea, stroll through white-washed villages, lounge on beautiful beaches, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that these islands offer.
5. Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast Itineraries:
Ports: Venice, Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor, Zadar, Hvar, etc.
Highlights: This itinerary showcases the stunning coastlines of Croatia and Montenegro, offering a mix of historic cities, scenic landscapes, and beautiful islands. You’ll have the chance to explore charming old towns and experience the local way of life.
Where will you go next?!
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