Celebrity Cruises is a high-end cruise line known for getting things right—elegant ships, upscale dining, and some dreamy ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Galapagos Islands. Many ports of call are picture-postcard-perfect. You step off the cruise ship to a colorful colonial town and white-sand beaches or head off for an immersive shore excursion.
But not every destination on a Celebrity cruise itinerary hits the mark. I’ve read countless comments on Cruise Critic, Reddit, and Facebook posts from travelers who felt trapped in unsafe ports, packed on crowded, albeit beautiful beaches, and being pestered by pushy vendors. It’s hardly the type of cruise experience you expect after paying premium prices.
I’ve discovered that while Celebrity nails many things, even the best itineraries can have a weak spot. In this article, I’ve broken down the best and worst Celebrity ports based on real cruiser feedback. After all, you want your day ashore to be as enjoyable as the ones onboard.
What Makes a Port “Best” or “Worst” on a Celebrity Cruise?
What makes a port great on a Celebrity cruise really depends on the traveler. With premium ships come higher expectations—quiet charm, scenic views, and cultural depth. So when a port feels too commercial, crowded, or just underwhelming, minor disappointments tend to stand out more than they would on a budget cruise.
Most Scenic & Relaxing Ports on Celebrity Cruise Itineraries
Not every port of call needs a packed tour schedule to impress. Celebrity cruise ships dock at some of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean, where a day ashore promises beautiful scenery, calm vibes, and hassle-free exploring.
St. Lucia – The Pitons are an Incredible Sight ★★★★★ 9.2/10
Sailing to St. Lucia feels like entering a painting. Sailing from the south, you’ll pass the twin Pitons rising sharply from the sea, setting the tone for the day. The island’s dramatic beauty makes it one of the most photographed Caribbean ports. Cruisers describe being in awe when they travel through the lush landscape and volcanic mountains.
Popular shore excursions include the beautiful village of Soufriere, waterfalls, sulfur mud baths, and volcanoes. Cruisers describe how a day excursion to the Pitons was “unreal, and we couldn’t stop taking photos.” Some Celebrity guests recommend a catamaran trip that also includes a beach stop, snorkeling, and a trip to Marigot Bay.
Aruba – Dry, breezy, and beautifully easy ★★★★★ 9.0/10
As the ship docks in Aruba, you cannot help but gaze at the flat landscape that stretches to the horizon. The pastel colors of Oranjestad feel inviting, and downtown is just a short walk from the cruise ship. Many Celebrity cruisers share that it’s one of the most stress-free ports on their itineraries.
Celebrity passengers say that Eagle Beach or Palm Beach has the calmest waters for swimming and snorkeling. There’s also plenty of space. More adventurous travelers book excursions to the island’s east side to experience its rugged coastline, blowholes, and caves.
Aruba, with its Dutch colonial charm, strikes the perfect balance of adventure and luxury, and you’re never too far from the cruise ship. Why not check out my Ultimate Guide to Spending a Cruise Day in Aruba or my Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oranjestad?
Perfect Day at CocoCay – Private Island on Celebrity Cruise Itineraries ★★★★★ 9.0/10
Stepping off the cruise ship at CocoCay feels like everything a tropical Caribbean island should be. And it’s consistently rated as one of the best private islands on cruise itineraries. You’ll love the soft white sands, crystal-clear blue waters, and palm trees gently swaying in the sun. It’s the kind of stop where you instantly relax.
Celebrity passengers suggest heading to Chill Island Beach or Hideaway Beach—an adults-only beach for a relaxing beach experience. However, if you want to splurge, then the Floating Cabanas or Coco Beach Club are popular. But for thrill seekers, Thrill Water Park has plenty of fun, including Daredevil’s Peak—the tallest water slide in North America.
CocoCay is also regarded as one of the best ports of call on Royal Caribbean cruises.
Antigua – Beach day made ridiculously easy ★★★★☆ 8.7/10
Approaching Heritage Quay in Antigua is a memorable experience because you’re in the heart of a UNESCO-listed city. It’s an easy five-minute walk from the cruise terminal to the main historical attractions. It’s one of the easiest Caribbean islands for DIY beach bliss, with beautiful stretches of white sand.
One Celebrity guest shared online, “$10 to get to Dickenson Bay, cold beer, no crowds, and just ten minutes from the cruise ship—a perfect day in paradise!” Other ways to spend a day on Antigua are booking a catamaran trip for snorkeling, swimming with stingrays and turtles, or kayaking through mangroves.
St. Kitts – Green hills and room to breathe ★★★★☆ 8.5/10
Sailing into St. Kitts is a magical experience with the beautiful Basseterre in the foreground and emerald-green volcanic peaks in the distance. It’s easy to walk into the town, but many cruisers recommend booking a shore excursion as there’s not much to see near the port.
Outside of Basseterre, you’ll find lush countryside and beautiful views from the hilly terrain. Several Celebrity guests recommend a half-day island tour that includes Timothy Hill and Brimstone Hill Fortress. Almost all comment that the “views from the top are incredible.” The scenic train tour on St. Kitts is also popular with cruise passengers.
To plan a beach day, check out my Ultimate Guide to St. Kitts & Nevis Beaches.
Grenada – Spice scents and unspoiled charm ★★★★☆ 8.4/10
Grenada is a top choice on Celebrity Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries because the town is easily walkable from the port. Many visitors describe the island as more authentic and less commercial than many Caribbean ports. Others enjoy walking its hilly streets, admiring colonial buildings, and exploring spice markets.
Many Celebrity cruisers recommend booking a spice tour. They commented that it was simple, laid-back, and offered an authentic taste of island life. Others take a short ride to Grand Anse Beach for soft sands and relaxed swimming.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous cruise day, you could head inland to explore waterfalls and crater lakes or kayak through mangrove-lined inlets with a local guide.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Quiet coves and day-trip magic ★★★★☆ 8.3/10
Arriving on a cruise in Tortola, BVI, feels like stepping into a quieter Caribbean with tiny houses dotting the lush green hills surrounding Road Town. Some cruise passengers decide to stay in Road Town and take a self-guided walking tour. Then they relax in the shade in J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens.
According to many comments on cruise forums, getting the ferry to Virgin Gorda is an unforgettable experience. One cruiser shared, “Climbing through the caves and rock formations at Baths was an unforgettable experience.” But if it’s a beach day you’re after, Cane Garden Bay or Brewers Bay offers calm, shallow waters, beach bars, and sun loungers.
Roatán, Honduras – Beaches, reefs, and laid-back vibes ★★★★☆ 8.2/10
Stepping off the cruise ship in Roatán is like stepping into a tropical paradise, and many describe the island as having a “slower pace that feels refreshingly real.” Celebrity cruise ships dock at either Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay—in either case, you’re not far from stunning attractions.
Roatán is rightly described as a snorkeler’s paradise with the second-largest reef—the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—just off its western shoreline. If onshore adventure is your thing, then the island has a plethora of attractions like ATV jungle tours and zip lining. But if you want to get immersed in local culture, check out the Roatán Island Brewing Company or Roatán Rum Company, or stay on one of Roatán’s beautiful beaches.
Best Cultural & Culinary Ports on a Celebrity Cruise
Many ports on Celebrity cruise itineraries offer immersive cultural experiences. Historical Caribbean towns are a dream for cultural and history buffs that take you back in time to bygone eras.
San Juan – History, color, and cocktails on foot ★★★★★ 9.3/10
Walking the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, feels like stepping back into colonial times in one of the most culturally rich ports on a Caribbean cruise. You get to experience cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and the sea breeze bouncing off 500-year-old forts. And this is all within walking distance from the cruise terminal.
Several Celebrity cruisers echo sentiments similar to these: “Skip organized tours and wander San Juan on your own.” Highlights in the city are Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Calle Fortaleza, and local bars selling their version of fresh piña coladas. For foodies, there are plenty of authentic Puerto Rican restaurants a few blocks from the cruise terminal.
Create your own walking tour using my guide to Old San Juan for cruisers.
Willemstad, Curaçao – Pastel streets and island cool ★★★★☆ 8.4/10
When the cruise ship pulls into Willemstad, Curaçao, you’ll see the rows of candy-colored Dutch buildings across St. Anna Bay. It’s a ten-minute walk, crossing the floating Queen Emma Bridge to discover the heart of Willemstad. Many Celebrity cruisers describe arrival as one of the most distinctive on a Caribbean itinerary.
A walking tour of Willemstad is the best way to immerse yourself in local culture and discover Caribbean delicacies. One cruiser shared, “We walked the whole day and never got bored—it was charming from start to finish.” Others described the vibrancy of street art in the city’s Punda, Otrobanda, and Pietermaai districts.
Related reading: The top 37 activities to do on a cruise day in Willemstad.
Cozumel (for Tulum) – Port’s so-so, ruins are spectacular ★★★★☆ 8.5/10
If you’re on a Celebrity cruise with a port call in Cozumel, the best advice is to book an immersive shore excursion to Tulum on Mexico’s mainland. Seasoned travelers typically don’t like the commercialism of the island. But a day trip to dramatic Mayan ruins gets you immersed in ancient culture.
Several Celebrity cruisers shared that the ferry and bus ride was worth every minute to enjoy a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” If you don’t want to leave the island, there are Mayan ruins at San Gervasio and El Cedral, but they are busier on cruise days and not as impressive, in my opinion.
Further reading: What to Do in Cozumel for a Day: Ultimate Guide for Relaxation, Adventure, and Culture.
Colón, Panama – Culture tucked behind the cruise zone ★★★☆☆ 7.2/10
Arriving in Colón on a cruise is a hit-and-miss with Celebrity passengers. The port is industrial and offers nothing exciting. The key to enjoying a culturally immersive day is to book an exclusive shore excursion.
The best onshore tours include exploring Monkey Island in the Gamboa Rainforests, aerial tram over the rainforest and Panama Canal, and the Panama City tour and canal locks. Other cruisers rave about the fantastic experience of visiting Embera villages.
Stunning Alaska Ports on Celebrity Itineraries
Celebrity does Alaska differently. Think fewer crowds, longer stays, and ships that feel made for glacier viewing. These standout ports bring big landscapes and quiet beauty—places where you can hop on a historic train one day and spot bald eagles the next. It’s the wild, with a bit of polish.
Skagway: One of the most popular ports of call on Celebrity’s Alaska cruises. The city has a feel of the Gold Rush, with its wooden sidewalks. The White Pass Railway travels through snow-capped peaks and past stunning waterfalls. One cruiser wrote that the train ride was worth the entire cruise.
Icy Strait Point: Experience the real Alaska at this port of call. It’s a remote spot that’s an adventure lover’s dream. View snow-capped mountains and glaciers, enjoy zip lining at 60 mph, or go kayaking through sheltered waterways.
Galápagos Ports for the Bucket List Cruiser on a Celebrity Ship
Celebrity is the only mainstream cruise line sailing the Galápagos year-round—and it shows. Cruises to the islands provide experiences you cannot get anywhere else. From lava fields to sea lions, each island offers raw, up-close nature in small groups with expert guides. It’s the most exclusive adventure they offer.
Isabela Island: Swim with sea turtles, hike past marine iguanas, and spot penguins on lava rocks. It’s raw and rarely visited—one of the Galápagos’ most immersive stops. One Celebrity cruiser shared, “We were the only boat for miles—it felt completely wild.”
Santa Cruz Island: A genuinely unique port of call where you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Santa Cruz blends education with surreal landscapes that feel prehistoric. Several travelers shared how seeing giant tortoises up close was something they’ll never forget.
Fernandina Island: This is Galápagos at its most untouched: lava fields, nesting cormorants, and no human settlements. The terrain is harsh, the wildlife is bold, and it’s unforgettable. You’ll rarely find another port of call like this on the planet.
Worst Ports of Call on Celebrity Cruise Schedules
Not every port on Celebrity itineraries promises a premium, luxury experience. For some destinations, seasoned cruisers say they are best enjoyed from the comfort, safety, and opulence of the cruise ship. Here are the worst offenders.
Grand Turk – Crowds, chaos, and not much else ★★☆☆☆ 6.2/10
Grand Turk usually gets rave reviews from other cruise line passengers, but the port doesn’t cut it with the high standards Celebrity cruisers expect. Although the beach is right at the cruise terminal, it gets packed when two ships are docked. Some describe the experience as more “spring break than a tropical paradise.”
The online consensus from seasoned Celebrity cruisers is that it’s worth visiting once. But after two or three stops, there is nothing really to see.
If it’s your first visit to Grand Turk on Celebrity, why not check out my walking tour of Cockburn Town or the surprising 34 things to do in Grand Turk during a cruise day? If it’s your second visit, what is my advice? Stay on the ship and enjoy its amenities.
Belize City – Tendering and tours or bust ★★☆☆☆ 6.0/10
The reason why Celebrity cruise passengers dislike Belize City? The arduous tendering process. Cruisers comment how the 20 to 30-minute boat ride eats into their day, and the immediate area at the terminal isn’t walkable. Without a booked excursion—diving, Mayan ruins, or cave tubing—there’s not much to do.
Falmouth, Jamaica – Polished port, not much beyond ★★☆☆☆ 5.8/10
Falmouth gets a bad rap from many Celebrity cruisers because most organized tours are far from the Cruise terminal. Although the port itself is colorful, safe, and clean, there’s little to see. Several cruise passengers commented that it felt like a mall with fences. The best shore excursion is Dunn’s River Falls, but it’s a 90-minute bus ride from the port.
Costa Maya – Manufactured fun that feels off ★☆☆☆☆ 5.4/10
Designed for cruise passengers, Costa Maya has a staged feel that turns off many Celebrity cruisers. Shops, photo ops, and crowds—without much authenticity. “Felt like a fake village,” one guest said. Some enjoy the beach clubs, but many say one visit was enough.
Nassau, The Bahamas – Overcrowded, overbuilt, and underwhelming ★☆☆☆☆ 4/10
Nassau is one of the Caribbean’s busiest ports—and worst in the opinions of Celebrity cruisers. With up to seven cruise ships in port—we’re talking around 29,000 passengers—it gets busy. Some travelers said that the city was packed with tourists, and they headed back to the comfort and tranquility of the ship fairly quickly.
Unless you’re headed to a resort, Nassau is often a skip for Celebrity travelers unless it’s their first time in the Bahamas. In that case, my article, The Ultimate Nassau Walking Tour and the Best Things to Do in Nassau will be handy in beating the crowds on busy cruise days.
Choosing Ports That Match The Celebrity Experience
You’ve paid top dollar for a Celebrity cruise experience, and you want to spend time in a port that matches your expectations. The best cruise ports offer culture, beauty, or calm without needing a schedule. The worst? They leave you wondering why you even got off the ship. Knowing the difference means fewer regrets and more moments that actually feel worth it.
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