What are the best ports?

[JRN77]

Hey everyone! Sorry if this thread doesn't go here. :)

 

What are the best port of calls in the Bahamas and Caribbean? I've been to Montego Bay and Grand Cayman Islands. Which ones should I stay away from? Thanks!

[Clarea]

We like the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao. Also Barbados.

[iancal]

We like Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.

[Cruisin'Christine]

I prefer the ports in the Eastern or Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries. I am not as keen on the Western Caribbean (Jamaica, Mexico). My favourites have been St. Maarten, Dominica, and Tortolla.

[cruiseonthebrain]

I like Roatan and St. Maarten the most. I'm not a fan of Grand Turk or the Bahamas.

[jagsfan]

I prefer Eastern and Southern. Especially the mountainous islands like St Thomas and St John.

 

 

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[Quilting_Cruiser]

You may want to let us know what you consider a good port. What's the best port to me might be something you hate. And, what you think is average, I might think is outstanding. What do you like to do? What are you looking for? What did you like or dislike about the ports you've been to?

[xxoocruiser]

Best ports varies based on the one's interests.

[cruzeluver]

I would add what you are looking for that would qualify as a "best port". I would also discount any reply that does not include the "why".

 

I am a total stranger, so what good would it do to tell you I like a particular port if no "why" is included? The very reasons I may like a port (still under-developed, no cruise-sponsored stores/restaurants) are the very reasons a lot of folks avoid certain ones.

 

For example, we went last year to Martinique for the first time and absolutely loved it! They do not pander to tourists (tourism is not their primary industry). The beaches are a bit away from the immediate port area and are not the white powdery types so many seem to favor. US dollars are not readily accepted. A lot of the population speaks little English. We felt very immersed in another culture and found it fascinating! However, an awful lot of cruisers hate it there for the very reasons we loved it.

[JRN77]

I've only been on one cruise so I'm just getting a general idea of ports others have liked visiting.

 

I guess I'm mostly interested in a nice, relaxing, beautiful beach. My mom is handicapped so she can't walk long distances. Grand Cayman was beautiful and I would definitely go back again. Whereas I wasn't impressed with Montego Bay.

[cb at sea]

Bahamas aren't "Caribbean"...they are in the Atlantic! So is Bermuda.

 

I think the ports you prefer depend on what you want to do in each! Some are better for snorkeling than others. Some have more "history" than others....some have ruins...some don't. Some have casinos...some don't. Some allow "clothing optional" beaches,...most don't!

 

Depends on what you want to do with your time ashore!

[iancal]

Forgot to include San Juan.

[lenquixote66]

My favorites:

 

 

Bermuda ,St.Maarten ,St.Croix

[geoherb]

My new favorite is Bonaire. We went there last month for the first time. Aruba and Curacao are nice. We have been to St. Thomas many many times but still love it. We like to go to quiet beaches there. San Juan has lots of history. St. Lucia has gorgeous countryside (including the Pitons). We had a great time in Antigua kayaking and snorkeling. The one place we try to avoid is Jamaica. We haven't gotten off a ship there since 1989. It was the one port where I did not feel safe.

[champagne123]

Our worst:

 

Freeport

Nassau

Belize

 

Everything else has been wonderful...and even though Bermuda is not in the Caribbean, it is often included in Caribbean cruises. We never get tired of Bermuda. Absolutely beautiful. :)

[navybankerteacher]

Any port in Jamaica, St. Thomas, and most western Caribbean ports are unimpressive. Favorites are A,B,C's, St. Maarten, St. John and Tortola.

 

As long as people like tossing in Bermuda, why not add Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket which are just a bit further out of the Caribbean?

[Anthomaniac]

I've only been on one cruise so I'm just getting a general idea of ports others have liked visiting.

 

I guess I'm mostly interested in a nice, relaxing, beautiful beach. My mom is handicapped so she can't walk long distances. Grand Cayman was beautiful and I would definitely go back again. Whereas I wasn't impressed with Montego Bay.

Relaxing beach days are our favorite!

 

Half Moon Cay! Private island with one of the most beautiful white powder sand beaches and crystal clear water.

 

Grand Turk: every beach on the island is public and free. Great sea glass hunting, gorgeous snorkeling. The Sandbar serves good food and cold beer on a lovely covered deck right on the ocean.

 

St Thomas: we went to Lindqvist beach ...You may recognize it from the direct tv commercial a few years ago with the supermodel and the white horse. Less than 50 people there all day.

 

Ymmv

 

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