EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Eastern Caribbean Ports of Call

St. Croix: Your cruise liner will dock in Frederiksted, St. Croix's second largest city, so some activities are within walking distance. However, many exciting attractions are located further away from the port and you'll a need taxi or shuttle to get there.

St. Martin: Smaller ships can dock in the St. Martin Harbor; larger vessels must stop at St. Maarten. You are let off in the heart of Marigot, so many attractions are within walking distance. For sightseeing on the St. Maarten side, taxis are available.

St. Maarten: Cruise ships to dock at A.C. Wathey Pier & Port Facility. Locally there are a few shops, but the main town, Philipsburg, is a short taxi ride away.

St. John: If your cruise ship is small enough to dock here, you will be unloaded at the National Park Dock, located very close to Cruz Bay, which has small attractions and eateries. Taxis are available.

St. Thomas: Havensight is the primary cruise ship dock site, though when it gets crowded you may dock at Crown Bay. Vans and trucks are available to take you to town from your port. You can also easily rent a car. Havensight has activity within walking distance, but Crown Bay is more undeveloped.

San Juan: Cruises dock either in the heart of Old San Juan or across the bay, where you'll need transportation to get into the main town.

Tortola: Cruises dock in Road Harbour, the busiest (and only) town in Tortola. Most activity is within walking distance.

Virgin Gorda: Boats have 2 options for docking: Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour near Spanish Town or Bitter End Resort near North Sound. Taxis and rent-a-cars are available for travel, but some places on the island cannot be reached by roads.

Jost Van Dyke: Your cruise ship will be anchored and tendered ashore when you vacation to Jost Van Dyke, landing you in either White Bay or Great Harbour. Most attractions on this small island are available within walking distance, though there are a few taxis that can be called.

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic: This cruise port is located near La Romana, and nothing significant is in the immediate area. Cruises sponsor shuttles to Caso de Campo and other local Dominican Republic tourist attractions.

Private Islands: The more popular cruise lines own islands in the Eastern Caribbean. When you dock here, you are usually the only ship to do so, and you can enjoy secluded beaches, watersports, and beach activities.

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Eastern Caribbean Highlights

An Eastern Caribbean cruise is a good choice for a first cruise – it offers a variety of shopping, eating and nightlife opportunities. These cruises are very popular, and there are many eastern Caribbean cruise excursions offered. If you want less time at sea and more time shopping and at beaches, then an Eastern Caribbean itinerary would appeal to you. The islands are relatively close together, smaller, and shore excursions tend to be more geared to beach or water activities. Nearly every cruise line travels to the Eastern Caribbean.

St. Thomas: This is the busiest port of call for cruise ships in the world. The area offers shopping, music and bars. There are several nice beaches located in proximity to the port. Watersports, such as windsurfing, diving, sport fishing, and parasailing, are also very popular in this exotic Caribbean island.

St. John: Many cruises can't stop here, but it is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas.

Tortola: Beautiful island in the British Virgin Islands, but it often becomes overcrowded with tourists.

Virgin Gorda: Second largest British Virgin Isle, offering scenic views.

Jost Van Dyke: A small getaway in the British Virgin Islands.

St. Croix: It is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving. There are a variety of shops, clubs, and bars as well as historic buildings.

St. Martin/St. Maarten: Half French (St. Martin) and half Dutch (St. Maarten), this is the smallest island to host 2 countries. It has an impressive amount of variety for a small island. Visitors can enjoy shopping, bars, and discos.

Casa De Campo: Resort village in Dominican Republic. Most activities here can only be arranged through your cruise line, as other options are limited.

San Juan: Many cruise ships initially depart from San Juan, but those that leave from Florida and other US locations may make stops in the Puerto Rican capital. This populous city is rich in history and culture and has a lot to offer.

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Eastern Caribbean Activities and Attractions

Coral World Marine Park: Features an underwater observatory tower; located in St. Thomas.

Coki Beach: This St. Thomas beach has snorkeling sites.

The Baths: Near the port of Tortola, you can snorkel and swim with prehistoric boulders.

Butterfly Farm: Kid-friendly attraction located on St. Maarten.

Havensight: This St. Thomas shopping district is conveniently located near where many cruise ships dock.

Charlotte Amalie: Duty-free shopping in St. Thomas. You can also take a walking tour to Fort Christian, a national landmark built in the 1600's.

Paradise Point Tramway: Climb up St. Thomas for spectacular island views and additional shopping opportunities.

Mahogany Run: Scenic golf course in St. Thomas.

St. Thomas Beaches: Megan's Bay, Sapphire Beach (for watersports), and the secluded Honeymoon Beach.

St. Thomas Windsurfing: Available at Renaissance Beach, Vessup Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Bluebeards Beach at the Ritz-Carlton.

Ultimate Island Experience: View all of St. Thomas in one tour. Sights include Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Magen's Bay, Drake's Seat, and Blackbeard's Castle.

Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour: A relaxing and enjoyable excursion in and around St. Thomas.

St. Thomas Helicopter Tour: Narrated tour lets you see St. Thomas from an elevated perspective.

Kayak Marine Sanctuary Tour: Kayaking through the Virgin Islands near St. Thomas; instruction is provided.

BOB Underwater Adventure: Guided underwater tour in BOB (Breathing Observation Bubble); no experience necessary; located in St. Thomas.

Screamin' Eagle Jet Boat: A St. Thomas with a thrill; after the twists, turns, and high speeds, learn a little bit about St. Thomas history and culture.

Trunk Bay: Beach on the north shore of St. John; snorkeling equipment is available.

Cruz Bay: Upscale shops on the island of St. John.

St. John Island Tour: Stops include the National Park, Annaberg Plantation, and Cruz Bay.

St. John Snorkeling: Great sites for the adventurous snorkeler are Watermelon Cay and Haulover Bay.

Reef Trail Hike: Guided scenic hike through undeveloped St. John.

Carolina Corral: Donkey riding in Coral Bay, St. John.

Tortola Beaches: Cane Garden Bay (top-rated), Smuggler's Cove, Long Bay, Apple Bay (for surfing).

Sage Mountain National Park: Located in Tortola; offers hiking trails and scenic views.

Crafts Alive Marketplace: Caribbean crafts and original artworks in Tortola.

Tortola Sailing: Yachts are always available, and most trips feature snorkeling, beaching, and/or lunch.

Prospect Reef Resort: Swim with the dolphins in Tortola.

Peter Island Resort: The sole attraction of Peter Island, which is a ferry's ride from Tortola. Private beaches and watersport equipment are available for day visitors.

Normal Island Snorkeling: Take a boat ride from Tortola and snorkel the caves.

Spanish Town: Shopping on the island of Virgin Gorda.

Tortola Scuba Diving: The RMS Rhone is an ideal scuba wreck site for certified divers.

The Baths: Secluded beach in Virgin Gorda; great for snorkeling.

Spring Bay Beach: Large and rarely crowded Virgin Gorda beach.

Bitter End Yacht Club: Resort, small beach, and watersports site in Virgin Gorda.

Gorda Peak National Park: Scenic hiking on the British Virgin Isle of Virgin Gorda.

Anegada: Undeveloped British Virgin Isle; full of beautiful beaches and watersports sites.

Old San Juan: Historic sites in the Puerto Rican capital include El Morro Fort, San Cristobal Fort, Cathedral of San Juan, and La Fortaleza (the oldest governor's mansion in the US); walking tours are available.

Juan Carlos: Flamenco singer and dancer in Puerto Rico.

San Juan Shopping: Artsy shop-lined streets include Calle San Jose, Calle del Cristo, and Calle Fortaleza.

San Juan Museums: Museo Pablo Casals, devoted to the Spanish cellist Pablo Casals, Puerto Rican Art Museum, and the Puerto Rican Museum of Contemporary Art.

Bacardi Rum Factory: A ferry's ride from San Juan.

Ponce: Puerto Rico's second largest city is just a 90-minute drive from the port of San Juan.

El Yunque: Puerto Rican rainforest; tours are available.

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour: Instructed kayaking tour to the Bioluminescent Lagoon near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Bahia Beach: Scenic Puerto Rican golf course near San Juan.

San Juan Baseball: It's no US Major League Baseball, but the games can still be entertaining.

San Juan Casinos: Most large resorts in Old San Juan have casinos inside.

Puerto Rico Ocean Trail Horseback Ride: Ranch trails, beach riding, and spectacular views.

Luis Munoz Marin Park: Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

San Juan Beaches: Isla Verde (a resort area), Condado Beach, Tres Palmitas Beach.

Philipsburg: Duty-free shopping in St. Maarten.

Proselyte Reef: Great scuba wreck site in St. Maarten.

St. Martin Mountain Bike Adventure: Depart Marigot, bike down the coast, and stop in Friar's Bay Village and Friar's Bay Beach.

Anguilla: A short ferry ride from St. Maarten/St. Martin; home to beautiful Caribbean beaches and tasty restaurants.

St. Martin/St. Maarten Beaches: Mullet Bay, Orient Beach (with nude bathing), Dawn Beach (for snorkeling), Cupecoy Beach, Great Bay Beach, Simpson Bay Beach.

Marigot: French-style city in St. Martin with duty-free shops.

Explorer Cruise: Catamaran ride through the coast of St. Maarten followed by a bus tour of the island.

Bubba Bottom Fishing: Hop aboard the Bubba fishing vessel and fish off the coast of St. Maarten.

Shipwreck Snorkel Adenture: Explore Shipwreck Cove off the coast of Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

St. Maarten Rhino River Adventure: Explore Simpson Bay Lagoon, Fort Louis, and Happy Bay.

Loterie Farm Treetop Adventure Tour: Explore the largest bird habitat in the Northeastern Caribbean, then traverse through an adventure course.

Grand Case: 20 minutes from Marigot, this quaint village sports beaches, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

Caso De Campo Golf: Rated as one of the best golfing locations in the Caribbean.

Altos de Chavon: Quaint, newly constructed village near Caso de Campos, Dominican Republic. Host to scenic views, museums, shopping, the Church of St. Stanislausis, and a Grecian amphitheater.

Bayahive Beach: Public Dominican Republic beach near La Romana.

Caso de Campo Polo: Polo season runs from November to March and draws international competitors.

Caso de Campo Horseback Riding: Contact your cruise line for more information.

Christiansted: Historic sites in this St. Croix city include Fort Christiansvaern and the Old Scalehouse (currently known as the Visitor Center).

Estate Whim Plantation Museum: Restored plantation house in St. Croix.

Cruzan Rum Factory: Free tours of this St. Croix attraction.

Buck Island National Park: An uninhibited island near St. Croix that offers great snorkeling opportunities.

St. Croix Horseback Riding: Available at Paul and Jill's Stable and Farm.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve: St. Croix scuba-diving site and scenic area.

St. Croix Beaches: Hotel on the Cay, Cane Bay (for snorkeling), Sandy Point.

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When to Visit the Eastern Caribbean

High season in the Eastern Caribbean typically begins in December and runs through April. Summer in the Eastern Caribbean endures a slightly warmer climate. Vacationers who travel in the summer and fall will enjoy the best bargains. When traveling during August, September, and October, be wary of Caribbean hurricanes.

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