Western Caribbean Cruises
The Western Caribbean is the place to go for fun activities for the whole family. Just about every cruise line has a Western Caribbean cruises itinerary, especially those based in the United States.
Cruise ports visited in the Western Caribbean include the ‘funky’ Key West in Florida; Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Progreso in the Yucatan, Ocho Rios in Jamaica, as well as some other, more out-of-the-way places like Roatan, Honduras. These cruise ports present virtually unlimited activities for the entire family and many of them also present a great outlet for some good old-fashioned adult fun with their endless variety of bars and eateries.
The Western Caribbean is also a favourite for people who enjoy eco-type activities, including hikes through the jungles, climbs up waterfalls, and nature walks to explore the unique flora and fauna that can only been found on these Western Caribbean islands.
Just about every cruise line visiting the Western Caribbean will offer a variety of interesting shore excursions. These will often include “pub crawls” in places like Key West, Florida where participants visit several small and funky bars to sample the various drinks that made them famous. In Key West, don’t miss the Hog’s Breath Saloon, a place of national renown.
Another popular Key West excursion is the “Harley tour” where participants get a chance to display their wild side via Harley motorcycle. You must have a valid motorcycle operator’s license to participate, however.
In Belize City, one can go cave tubing or bottom fishing or even zip lining through the jungle canopy.
In Grand Cayman, don’t miss a visit to Stingray City where you can have a one-on-one encounter with these graceful creatures. A rather unique excursion in Grand Cayman is a visit to a world class skateboarding facility called Black Pearl Skate & Surf. This park contains facilities for both experienced and novice skateboarders and will even provide lessons, making it a great place to visit if you’re travelling with children who love the sport.
If your Western Caribbean cruise is making a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, don’t miss out on a chance to visit Dunn’s River Falls. You can climb the falls, up a series of rocks, or you can take the easy stone staircase up. Your reward is a chance to luxuriate under the cascading waterfalls, feeling the cool spray all around you. Be aware, though, that this climb is not easy, and even taking the stone stairway up can be treacherous. The rocks can become slippery and falls are common. So, this might be something to skip if there are very young children or people with mobility or other health issues in your party.
The Western Caribbean also has lots on tap for families who just want to laze around on a sandy beach for the day. Costa Maya in Mexico was designed as a cruise ship resort. The entire area right around the pier area has been developed into a place where cruise ship passengers can enjoy an entire day of diversions without ever needing to set foot in a taxi. There is a huge pool complex, complete with a swim-up bar. There are restaurants with all sorts of entertainment options. There are playground and water play areas for the children, and lounge chairs and sandy beach areas to enjoy. Most of the facilities are free and were designed specifically for cruise ship passengers, and a stop at Costa Maya can make for the perfect family day that’s very, very easy on the budget too.
The Western Caribbean is a lot different from the Eastern Caribbean, and the sheer variety of diversions offered there make it a perfect place to enjoy by modern cruise ship.
See all the great destinations you can visit in the Western Caribbean
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