You’re trying to choose your upcoming Caribbean cruise itinerary and cannot decide on the best ports of call. You’ve heard rave reviews about certain ports—white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and thrilling activities. But you’ve also read mixed reviews about other ports—aggressive vendors, safety issues, and nothing to do. So, you’re left wondering how to pick the right itinerary for your dream cruise.
This guide breaks down the best and worst Royal Caribbean ports, ranked by cruise passengers who’ve been there. I’ve scoured many cruise forums and read hundreds of candid reviews on Caribbean ports—some ports are worth every penny. As for others, you’re better off enjoying a quiet day onboard the cruise ship with a cocktail in hand.
Read on to discover which Caribbean ports will make your cruise unforgettable—and which ones might make you wish you stayed onboard.
What Makes a Port “Best” or “Worst” for Royal Caribbean Cruisers?
Not all cruise ports in the Caribbean are created equal. But in my experience, even the “worst” stops can be enjoyable with the right mindset and planning. Some ports have an instant “Wow!” factor with stunning beaches, rich culture, and beautiful towns. Other popular ports may feel overcrowded or underwhelming.
I came across a comment on Reddit that perfectly sums it up: “A day in any port on a cruise vacation beats a day stuck behind a desk!”
Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Ports of Call
Based on genuine cruiser reviews, here’s how the best and worst Caribbean ports stack up—so you know where to explore and where to stay onboard.
Perfect Day at CocoCay (★★★★★ | 9.8/10)
The private island paradise consistently gets rave reviews for its stunning beaches, largest water park in the Caribbean, luxurious overwater cabanas, and water sports. Other attractions at CocoCay include the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, a 1,600-foot-long zip line, and relaxing lagoons. You can also enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine at exclusive restaurants.
The port of call is Royal Caribbean’s exclusive island, meaning no pesky vendors—just a relaxing time at the beach. One cruiser shared, “CocoCay is like a theme park and tropical getaway in one. I could spend an entire cruise here!” Another said that it was the best beach day they ever spent in the Caribbean.
Want the best experience? Book cabanas and Thrill Waterpark passes early—they sell out fast!
Bonaire (★★★★★ | 9.7/10)
Bonaire is a beautiful Caribbean island popular for its pristine reefs, calm blue waters, and laid-back island vibe. Unlike the more touristy islands nearby, Bonaire offers a more authentic, unspoiled experience—perfect for snorkeling, diving, or exploring the island at your own pace with a rented golf cart. The salt flats, flamingos, and rugged coastline add to its natural beauty.
Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands in the Southern Caribbean. Why does it rank so highly? Many online comments praise Bonaire for its crystal-clear waters and the beautiful port city of Kralendijk. One cruiser raved, “It was the best snorkeling I’ve ever done.”
For the best day, head to Klein Bonaire for world-class snorkeling or visit the 1000 Steps beach—spoiler: it’s fewer than 1000!
Aruba (★★★★½ | 9.5/10)
Aruba’s port city of Oranjestad is among the most walkable ports in the Caribbean. The beautiful island is known for stunning beaches, desert-like landscapes, and a lively downtown. Eagle Beach is consistently in the “Top Ten Beaches of the Caribbean,” while Arikok National Park offers rugged cliffs, natural bridges, caves, and cacti-studded trails.
The island’s Dutch-Caribbean charm, colorful streets, and incredible food scene make it a favorite for cruise visitors. One cruiser shared, “I loved walking the streets of Oranjestad and soaking in the rich Dutch-Caribbean culture.” Another wrote, “Riding an ATV through Arikok felt like something out of a movie—coastal cliffs, rugged terrain, and stunning ocean views. Exploring Quadirikiri Caves was unforgettable!”
For a unique Aruba experience, try a Dutch pancake at The Dutch Pancake House or sip a Balashi beer at a beachside bar.
Roatán, Honduras (★★★★½ | 9.3/10)
Roatán is a tropical gem with lush jungles, stunning beaches, and some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Sitting on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it’s a diver’s dream, packed with vibrant coral and exotic marine life. Beyond the water, the island offers ziplining, sloth encounters, and unspoiled beaches.
Cruisers love Roatán for its mix of adventure and relaxation. West Bay Beach is consistently praised for its powder-soft sand and turquoise waters. One reviewer said, “Snorkeling here felt like swimming in an aquarium.” Another on a Cruise Critic forum raved, “Holding a sloth was the highlight of my cruise!”
For an unforgettable day, head to Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout for a close-up with wildlife, then unwind at Little French Key—a private island with overwater hammocks and kayaking.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (★★★★ | 9.2/10)
San Juan in Puerto Rico is a favorite cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean—a city with a vibrant mix of history, culture, and stunning coastal views. The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan lead to colorful Spanish colonial buildings, lively plazas, and centuries-old forts overlooking the Atlantic. Beyond the city, the lush El Yunque Rainforest and local beaches offer even more to explore.
Cruisers love its walkability and rich history. One traveler raved, “Exploring Old San Juan felt like stepping into the past—so much history and the views from El Morro are breathtaking!” Another added, “Best port day ever! We wandered the streets of San Juan, ate amazing mofongo, and found a hidden rooftop bar with ocean views.”
Some Royal Caribbean passengers complain about docking at the Pan American Pier 1 because it requires a taxi ride to the Old Town. Smaller cruise ships usually dock at the cruise ship terminal in the heart of downtown.
Fun fact: The Restaurant Barrachina claims to have invented the piña colada in 1963. Why not check it out to see if it’s true?
St. Maarten (★★★★ | 8.9/10)
St. Maarten is a beautiful Eastern Caribbean island known for its stunning beaches and vibrant towns, which reflect both Dutch and French influences. It’s easy to walk to Philipsburg from the cruise center, where you can find lively beachside bars, streetside cafes, museums, and vibrant marketplaces.
Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock at Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten. The best beaches in St. Maarten are only a short ride from the cruise port. One of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean is Maho Beach, where planes land just overhead. Other popular beaches include Orient Beach, Grand Case Beach, and Green Cay.
One cruiser raved, “Watching a jumbo jet roar over my head at Maho Beach was an unforgettable experience!” Another added, “Grand Case had the best French food I’ve ever had outside of France.”
Grand Turk (★★★★ | 8.7/10)
Grand Turk is small, charming, and all about beautiful beaches. The moment you step off the ship, you’re greeted by crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and a relaxed island vibe. There’s no need to book an excursion—just grab a lounger at Margaritaville or wade into the turquoise sea right by the port.
Most cruise passengers describe Grand Turk as an easy, beautiful, and stress-free island. One happy traveler said, “This is the best ‘walk off the ship and straight onto the beach’ port ever!” Another raved, “Jack’s Shack had the best jerk chicken and rum punch—I could’ve stayed all day.”
For a perfect beach day, skip the crowds at the cruise center and get a taxi to Cockburn Town for a walking tour. Then, finish off your day at one of the nearby Grand Turk beaches.
Want adventure? Snorkel with stingrays at Gibbs Cay or take a tour to see the island’s iconic salt flats.
Curaçao (★★★★ | 8.3/10)
Curaçao is one of the favorite ports in the Southern Caribbean because historic Willemstad is walkable from the terminal. The city showcases colorful Dutch colonial architecture at its best. The island’s hidden beaches have some of the best snorkeling spots I’ve come across in the Caribbean, and, for me, the island feels less touristy and more laid-back than Aruba.
Curaçao’s cruise port gets high marks from visitors for its charming city and beautiful beaches. One cruiser remarked, “Willemstad was like stepping into a postcard—so colorful and vibrant!” Another cruiser recommended snorkeling at Playa Piskado to swim with sea turtles.
The most iconic photo op in Willemstad is capturing the Handelskade waterfront buildings from the floating Queen Emma Bridge.
Why not check out my walking tour of Willemstad if you plan on visiting Curaçao?
Taino Bay, Dominican Republic (★★★★ | 8.1/10)
Taino Bay Cruise Port gets excellent passenger reviews because the Old Town is walkable from the port, and the city is rich in history.
Some cruisers decide to stay in the port area, where they enjoy a lazy river, swim-up bar, Monkey Island, and aviaries. It’s described as having a “relaxed, friendly atmosphere.” However, one cruiser remarked, “Staying at the port means missing out on everything that makes Puerto Plata special.”
Puerto Plata is walkable from the dock area, which is ideal for a walking tour. One fellow cruiser recommended taking the cable car up Mount Isabel to get some of the most spectacular views in the Caribbean. Another suggested a shore excursion to the Damajagua Waterfalls, where you can jump, slide, and swim in a series of 27 limestone waterfalls.
St. Kitts (★★★½ | 8.0/10)
Spending a cruise day in St. Kitts offers a little bit of everything—lush rainforests, historic sites, and scenic beaches. The highlight? Brimstone Hill Fortress is a well-preserved 17th-century fort with sweeping ocean views. For a more relaxing day, take the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a charming narrow-gauge train ride around the island’s coast.
Cruisers give St. Kitts mixed reviews, and I’d have to agree. On the one hand, it’s a beautiful Caribbean island, but I found it a little underwhelming. One cruiser shared, “Unless you take a tour, there’s not much to do near the port.”
To make the most of your visit, book an island tour to explore the fort and scenic railway, then relax at Cockleshell Beach. Looking for something unique? Take a water taxi to Nevis and visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton—one of the U.S. founding fathers.
Grand Cayman (★★★ | 7.5/10)
Grand Cayman is highly rated for its turquoise waters, upscale shopping, and the famous Stingray City. Seven Mile Beach is stunning, but cruise crowds in peak season make it feel packed. Another pain point with cruise passengers? There’s no pier for cruise vessels, meaning you’ll have to tender ashore, which some cruisers find frustrating.
Opinions are split—some love it, others find it overrated. One traveler raved, “Holding a stingray in the wild was unforgettable!” Another wasn’t impressed because the tendering took forever, and the island felt expensive.
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to the Grand Cayman Cruise Port in George Town and the Best Restaurants in Grand Cayman Near the Cruise Port.
Cozumel, Mexico (★★★ | 7.2/10)
Cozumel is a must-visit stop on many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries, known for beach clubs, Mayan ruins, and world-class snorkeling. While the island is beautiful, the port area feels overly commercialized, with high prices and pushy vendors.
I learned that the Cozumel splits opinions among cruisers—some love it, others hate it. One raved, “The snorkeling here is unreal—best I’ve done in the Caribbean!” However, many aren’t impressed as it can feel like a giant tourist trap.
For a great day on the island, book a catamaran snorkel tour or explore the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio.
Further reading: What to Do in Cozumel for a Day: Ultimate Guide for Relaxation, Adventure, and Culture and the Best Restaurants in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port.
Nassau, Bahamas (★★★ | 7.0/10)
Nassau is a love-it-or-loathe-it port with many Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. I’ve found that if you get off the ship early enough, you can enjoy a walking tour of the town, relax on beautiful beaches, or explore historic sites without crowds. But for many passengers, it feels chaotic—especially when seven cruise ships are docked simultaneously.
One cruiser advised, “Unless you book an excursion, the immediate port area can be underwhelming and pushy. Next time in Nassau, I’m going to stay on board.” However, another tourist said, “I started my walking tour of Nassau early and enjoyed the main attractions in peace.”
Want a smoother Nassau experience? Check out my guide to enjoying a stress-free day in Nassau.
Falmouth, Jamaica (★★½ | 6.5/10)
Falmouth’s cruise port is modern and well-kept, but beyond the gates, options are limited. The online consensus is that you must book a shore excursion if you want to enjoy time ashore. The most popular is Dunn’s River Falls. But it gets busy and crowded, mainly because of its proximity to Ocho Rios port.
Reactions are mixed. One traveler said, “Dunn’s River Falls was worth the shore excursion cost—an amazing experience!” Another warned, “Outside the port, the streets and buildings appear rundown, and pushy vendors hassled us.”
If you decide to disembark, my advice is to view Falmouth Port as a gateway to attractions in Jamaica rather than considering walking around the city.
Check out my article on the best cruise ports in Jamaica.
Belize City, Belize (★★ | 6.5/10)
Belize City is one of those Royal Caribbean ports where staying on board seems like the safest idea. A big gripe for many cruise passengers is the tendering process—an agonizing 20-minute ride from cruise ship to shore. I read on Cruise Critic that one passenger also reported seeing armed guards at the terminal exit.
The good news is you can make the best of this terrible port. Many cruisers rave about stunning shore excursions to visit Mayan ruins, tubing through ancient Mayan caves or ziplining under the jungle canopy.
Top tip: always book shore excursions in Belize through the cruise line or another trusted tour operator.
Costa Maya, Mexico (★★ | 6.3/10)
Costa Maya cruise port receives criticism from cruisers for being overly commercialized. There’s a saltwater pool, tourist shops, and bars, but no beachfront and little to do and see in the vicinity. The best attraction in the port area is the Danza de los Voladores—a flying performance on top of a tall pole.
For an authentic Mexican experience, visit Mahahual, a charming beach town 10 minutes away, or explore the nearby Mayan ruins for a cultural escape. One cruiser said, “The Chacchoben Mayan Ruins tour was incredible! Such a contrast from the tacky theme park at the port.”
Freeport, Bahamas (★★ | 6.0/10)
Freeport is an industrial port with little to do nearby. The cruise terminal is located in a working shipyard, so unlike other Caribbean ports, there’s no beach or shopping right off the ship. Most cruisers take a taxi or excursion to reach better areas like Lucaya Beach or Port Lucaya Marketplace.
Some enjoy it, but many don’t. One traveler said, “Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park was breathtaking!” Another warned, “If you don’t leave the port, there’s absolutely nothing to do.”
For the best day, book a tour to Lucayan National Park or a beach club—don’t expect much near the dock.
Colon, Panama (★ | 5.8/10)
Colón is one of the lowest-rated cruise ports, mainly because there’s little to do and safety concerns are real. The port area is gated, and cruise lines advise against exploring on your own. If you don’t book an excursion, this stop can feel like a wasted day.
Cruisers don’t hold back. One said, “The Panama Canal excursion was incredible, but Colón itself? I wouldn’t step outside the port.” Another added, “Everything worthwhile is an hour away, so we stayed on the ship.”
Note: Colón isn’t in the Caribbean, but it often appears on Panama Canal and extended Caribbean itineraries as a starting point or transit hub.
How to Make the Most of Any Port—Even the “Worst” Ones
Just because a port of call on a Caribbean cruise itinerary gets mixed reviews or warnings about safety, it doesn’t mean you must stay on the ship. The key to enjoying every port of call is knowing your options before you dock. Here’s how to ensure each day is memorable on your cruise vacation:
- Book a well-reviewed excursion instead of wandering without a plan.
- Research local beaches or restaurants away from tourist traps.
- Stay onboard for a quiet ship day if a port doesn’t interest you.
- Be mindful of safety in ports with high crime rates (e.g., Nassau, Falmouth).
Planning Your Perfect Royal Caribbean Cruise
A little planning goes a long way—even in a so-so port, you can still have a fantastic time. Wherever your Caribbean adventure takes you, make the most of every moment. Find the hidden gems, embrace the local flavors, and if a port isn’t your vibe? Check out the variety of activities onboard to enjoy your port day.
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