Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Western Caribbean Explorations: Grand Cayman

western caribbean cruise

She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously. If you’re planning a Western Caribbean cruise, I recommend first selecting a cruise line, then browsing itineraries. So, if you’re heading to Georgetown, you might want to plan your day a bit differently to make the most of it, especially considering these challenges.

Key West

western caribbean cruise

In Costa Maya, spend a day in Chacchoben to discover Mayan history and traditions dating back thousands of years. Altun Ha is home to the 60-foot “Temple of the Sun God” in Belize City, which is well worth a day trip. Visit Lamanai, one of Mesoamerica's largest Mayan ceremonial sites, on a riverboat safari excursion. Don’t miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Try an authentic slice of key lime pie in Key West, or experience the jovial atmosphere of Duval Street’s bars. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Belize, where you can go tubing in caves, snorkel alongside sharks, or zipline over a verdant jungle canopy.

Cruise Lines that Visit the Western Caribbean

I Was Among the First To Sail On The World's Biggest Cruise Ship—And Here's What I Thought - Southern Living

I Was Among the First To Sail On The World's Biggest Cruise Ship—And Here's What I Thought.

Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The main cruise port is the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, which is owned by Carnival Corporation. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the town of Coxen Hole. The port has modern facilities with duty-free shopping, restaurants and bars. There are plenty of local taxis to take you independently to Mahahual or other tourist attractions. Some cruise lines offer shuttle services to Mahahual, which has beautiful sandy beaches. If you'll be visiting Belize as part of a 7 or 8 day cruise to the Caribbean, you'll want to pack plenty of outdoor attire.

Night Western Caribbean Cruises

Most cruise lines also offer a special and affordable drink package for your trip. Different from an all inclusive resort, you wake up at a new port throughout your vacation rather than the same scenery. As I mentioned at the beginning, all of these Caribbean cruise ports are worth visiting at least once. However, I know vacations are special and you want to see the best when using your precious money and vacation time.

Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor. A Western Caribbean cruise may have you feeling "hot, hot, hot" -- but don't get careless; a bad sunburn can ruin your cruise. Be sure to pack plenty of reef-friendly sunscreen, sunhats, bathing suit cover-ups and after-sun lotion (just in case). Beware of hurricane season which runs from June through November, with storms most likely August through October.

Day 6: Cozumel

Lobster, conch, and the Honduran specialty of baleadas (flour tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and often, other ingredients) are must-tries. During your adventure to Grand Cayman, prepare for a delightful culinary journey. The island’s cuisine is a tempting blend of exotic flavors, with a noticeable emphasis on seafood. A must-try is the Cayman-style fish, a local favorite that combines fresh fish with flavorful local spices. Other delights include the crispy conch fritters and the sweet and delectable local cassava cake.

Facts about Antarctica and 7 Reasons to Plan a Trip

However, as many families and happy honeymooners flock to the Caribbean during the summer, prices don't tend to dip, and ships sell out despite storm possibilities. The Western Caribbean variety of itinerary options also lets repeat cruisers enjoy the area again and again while still discovering new places. Add a resort package to your Western Caribbean cruise and indulge in an unforgettable overnight before or after your cruise.

Pickleball at Sea

western caribbean cruise

Instead of the traditional motorcoach ride to the falls, consider a shore excursion that arrives at the falls via sea kayak. If you've done that, take the family to the Mystic Mountain rainforest adventure park for zip line swings, bobsled rides and twisty waterslides. Some of the most popular destinations and activities in the Western Caribbean are listed below for you to consider.

Discover the ultimate locations for planning a destination beach wedding in the Caribbean. The best kid-friendly places in Mexico include museums, leafy plazas and ancient ruins that kids of all ages will love.

Let’s break down the weather by month, so you can time your cruise just right. Get answers to your top questions on Caribbean weather, food, activities and more, so you can prepare for an unforgettable first trip. Drive off-road paths and hidden trails as you admire the lush landscapes of the Mexican Caribbean. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare a mouthwatering three-course Mexican meal. Feast on your dishes in the oceanfront dining room and enjoy a post-lunch swim or stroll.

Ocho Rios is a place where the island’s laid-back lifestyle blends seamlessly with its adventurous spirit, promising a unique experience. The allure of the Western Caribbean is brought to life in Roatan, Honduras. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a cultural heritage that dates back centuries, Roatan easily claims its spot among the best Western Caribbean cruise destinations. This small but enchanting island offers a unique fusion of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back Caribbean charm that leaves an indelible impression on every visitor.

It remains a pretty fishing port as well as a busy cruise terminal that is growing in popularity as a port of call. Relax and enjoy swimming and watersports on idyllic Seven Mile Beach, or visit Hell, a rocky area of jagged black limestone, and send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends. Located in the Western Caribbean, midway between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands. The cruise terminal is in the capital, George Town, on the sheltered west coast.

Once a significant trading post for the ancient Mayan civilization, Costa Maya now welcomes visitors with a rich history and a slow-paced coastal life. Despite its transformation into a tourist spot, Costa Maya still retains an authentic charm that allows travelers to appreciate its natural and cultural treasures. The best time to visit Roatan is during the dry season, from March to August, when the weather is warm, and rainfall is minimal.

From watersports that take full advantage of the Caribbean Sea’s pristine conditions to nature trails that allow exploration of the island’s diverse flora and fauna, there’s something for everyone. It’s no wonder why so many cruise lines dock cruise ships here every week. The Western Caribbean is home to all kinds of tropical delights, from some of the world’s best coral reefs to historic ruins and spectacular beaches.

Grand Cayman offers an extensive array of activities to entertain every type of traveler. Thanks to its location within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, the island is a prime spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Costa Maya is an exciting Caribbean cruise destination with an incredible number of attractions, including two biosphere reserves at Banco Chinchorro and Sian Ka’an. More reasons to visit Costa Maya include pristine beaches, jungle adventures and amazing watersports. There are few places more stunning and exciting than the islands found west of Florida's southern peninsula.

For the kids, there’s spaces just right for their age like Camp Ocean™, Circle “C”® and Club O2®. And outdoors, get ready for a very splashy WaterWorks™ and SportSquare™ featuring a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf and outdoor fitness center. So, while Costa Maya has its charms and is definitely worth a visit, keep in mind that you might have to travel a bit to get to the really cool stuff.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What Temperature Should You Set Your Air Conditioner in the Summer?

Table Of Content Spring is Here - Available for a Limited Time Unpacking the alleged crime that made Trump’s alleged crime a felony Fans Cho...