Caribbean Enchantment

A visit to this one-of-a-kind cinematic city is a frantic, fascinating feast for the senses. Liberally scattered with familiar landmarks, world-leading museums, and with an atmosphere and infectious energy found nowhere else.

Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the stunning view of the New York skyline. There are three cruise ship terminals in New York City, the Manhattan cruise terminal located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Brooklyn cruise terminal located in the Red Hook neighbourhood and the Cape Liberty cruise port located in the Port of New York and New Jersey.

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a blend of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Begin your day exploring Charlotte Amalie, the island's capital, where you can wander through the historic district filled with 17th-century Danish architecture. Don’t miss Blackbeard’s Castle, a watchtower that offers panoramic views of the harbor.

For a more relaxed experience, head to Magens Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Adventure seekers can snorkel at Coki Beach, known for its colorful marine life. St. Thomas also boasts a range of duty-free shopping options, with boutique stores offering everything from local crafts to luxury goods.

Cruise ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock or the Crown Bay Dock which are both approximately 2-3 miles (3-5 kilometers) from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Start your day at the waterfront, admiring the Danish colonial architecture and visiting the vibrant Vendor’s Plaza. Climb the iconic 99 Steps to Blackbeard’s Castle for stunning panoramic views of the harbor and town. The port area offers duty-free shopping, with Havensight Mall near the West Indian Company Dock being a popular spot. Reliable transportation options include taxis and open-air safari buses, which are readily available at the port.

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.

The port town for the island of St. Kitts, Basseterre has centuries of history to explore in impressive estates and photo-worthy monuments. With more than a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and a rainforest that is growing rather than shrinking, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical island escape. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Basseterre:

• hike the Mount Liamuiga trail
• circle St. Kitts in a restored vintage train
• zip line in the Valley of Giants
• visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

In Castries, cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage. Both terminals are conveniently located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the city center, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. Pointe Seraphine is the primary terminal, featuring duty-free shops and a range of local craft stores, while La Place Carenage offers easy access to the central market.

To explore further, consider taking a taxi or a water taxi to Marigot Bay, roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) south, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, arrange for a guided tour to the island's iconic Pitons, which are 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, typically a 1.5-hour drive. Local buses are also an economical way to see the island's stunning landscapes.

Grenada, the Caribbean's "Isle of Spice," is renowned for producing nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. The island's fragrant aroma envelops its emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Start your adventure by snorkeling at the unique Underwater Sculpture Park, an underwater gallery of marine life and art.

For stunning views, visit Fort Frederick, then explore the lush landscapes of Grand Etang National Park. Spot sea turtles at Levera National Park and tour a spice garden to learn about the island's famous spices. For a thrilling experience, try river tubing down the Balthazar River. Grenada's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a captivating destination.

Ships docking in St. George's, Grenada, typically arrive at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal. This terminal is conveniently located just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the city center, a short 5-minute walk. St. George's is known for its picturesque harbor, historic forts, and vibrant market square.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Willemstad:

• explore Christoffel National Park
• snorkel in Caracas Bay
• ride the trolley train through Willemstad
• relax on Cas Abao Beach
• visit the Hato Caves
• join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.

Top Things to Do in Aruba:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal. 

Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:

• 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
• visit the National Archeological Museum
• climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
• swim and relax at Eagle Beach
• snorkel at De Palm Island

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Miami’s famous Art Deco buildings, family-friendly zoos and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants. Don’t forget about the white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, perfect for relaxing before or after your Caribbean cruise from Miami.