Caribbean Cruise From Jacksonville to Jacksonville

Known to locals as Jax, Jacksonville is Northeast Florida's hub for culture, music, sports and outdoor activities. The city stretches from the Atlantic Coast to both sides of the St. John River, making it ideal for water-based adventures and scenic vistas.

Choose from one of its numerous golden beaches to unwind or explore its idyllic parks - Jacksonville boasts the country's largest urban park system. Or dive into local culture by touring museums, visiting historic neighborhoods and savouring delicious cuisine. With a wide range of attractions, finding something new and wonderful to do here is a breeze - whether this is your first or fifth visit to Jacksonville.

Nestled in the Bahama’s Berry Island chain is a 250-acre uninhabited paradise waiting for you. Great Stirrup Cay is a private retreat designed specifically for cruise guests enjoyment. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay:

• go on a wave runner guided tour
• visit Stingray City Bahamas
• go parasailing
• swim with the pigs at Treasure Island
• hire a cabana to relax in
• kayak the turquoise waters

Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular in The Bahamas chain, with its postcard-perfect beaches made of sand that shimmers like pearls, fronting clear waters in every hue of blue. Alongside its beaches, the island is known for its reef-lined coves, mangrove swamps, golf courses and friendly locals. Ships will dock at Lucayan Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Grand Bahama Island:

• explore Lucayan National Park
• enjoy the local speciality, Conch Salad
• shop at Port Lucaya Marketplace
• swim with the pigs at Crystal Beach

When you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you'll have plenty of great places to shop. Whether you are looking to splurge on yourself at one of our onboard boutiques or you want to shop for gifts for your friends and family on shore, our friendly staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Check your Freestyle Daily for shopping seminars, special sales and more on shopping while you cruise with us.

Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, offers cruise travellers a blend of history and natural beauty. Visit the Amber Museum, with its fascinating amber artefacts, or explore the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress overlooking the harbour. For panoramic views, take the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, where you'll find a botanical garden and a replica of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

Stroll along the Malecón, a lively waterfront promenade perfect for soaking up local culture and enjoying fresh seafood at seaside restaurants. Nearby, Playa Dorada offers golden sands and clear waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss the Damajaqua Cascades, also known as the 27 Waterfalls, for an adventurous trek and refreshing dips in natural pools.

Samaná, located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life. The town serves as a gateway to some of the region's top attractions, including the famous El Limón Waterfall, which cascades down 130 feet into a natural pool.

Boat excursions in Samaná Bay offer the chance to see humpback whales during the breeding season from January to March. The nearby Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, features pristine beaches perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming.

The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is known for its shimmering beaches, oleander and hibiscus-covered mountainsides, and quaint towns tucked along coves. This early home to Blackbeard and Captain Kidd maintains its salty pirate legacy and rum-making traditions today. Ships will dock or anchor in Road Town Harbour.

Top Things to Do on Tortola:

• snorkel Anegada, the BVI’s only coral island
• hike Sage Mountain
• explore the Baths at Virgin Gorda
• take a catamaran to Jost Van Dyke Island

Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.

Cruise ships dock at the St. John's Cruise Port, a bustling gateway mere steps away from the city's vibrant streets and markets. The terminal's location is ideal, placing visitors within a short walking distance (0.5 km, 0.3 miles, about 5 minutes) from the heart of St. John's. Here, colorful colonial architecture and local eateries welcome travelers seeking a taste of Antiguan culture.

For those looking to explore beyond the city, public buses and taxis are readily available. A popular destination is Nelson's Dockyard, roughly 19 km (12 miles, about 30 minutes) away, offering a glimpse into the island's rich naval history amidst stunning scenery. Remember, Antigua boasts 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - making any coastal excursion a must-do.

Sint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.

For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and it's port is conveniently located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from downtown Philipsburg, taking roughly 5 minutes by car or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Visitors can explore the vibrant Front Street, known for its duty-free shopping, colorful boutiques, and lively cafes. Transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Don’t miss a visit to the Great Bay Beach, just steps from the main shopping area, or venture to Maho Beach to watch planes land dramatically close to the shore.

San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in San Juan:

• explore the El Yunque Rainforest
• visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
• visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
• play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
• sail in San Juan Bay

NCL's ships feature up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. Dance to the ultraviolet energy at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Sip champagne, sake or scotch. Lounge poolside with an umbrella drink. Play pool at the pub. Or chill at the Ice Bar. Follow your mood and mingle.

Known to locals as Jax, Jacksonville is Northeast Florida's hub for culture, music, sports and outdoor activities. The city stretches from the Atlantic Coast to both sides of the St. John River, making it ideal for water-based adventures and scenic vistas.

Choose from one of its numerous golden beaches to unwind or explore its idyllic parks - Jacksonville boasts the country's largest urban park system. Or dive into local culture by touring museums, visiting historic neighborhoods and savouring delicious cuisine. With a wide range of attractions, finding something new and wonderful to do here is a breeze - whether this is your first or fifth visit to Jacksonville.