Below is a definitive list of the ports welcoming the world's main cruise companies in the Greater Antilles, offering a chance to explore which areas of this fascinating region would be a great addition to your next cruise itinerary.
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Cayman Islands
George Town
George Town lies on Grand Cayman, one of three Cayman Islands, which are a British Overseas Territory. Formally known as Las Tortugas due to the sheer numbers of tortoises and sea turtles found by Christopher Columbus when he accidentally arrived in the sixteenth century, the island is now better known for its stingrays. Stingray City is one of the best places in the world to interact with these fascinating creatures. Accessed by boat, this sandbar attraction is a must for animal lovers who are looking for a new and exciting Caribbean experience. Another interesting excursion is a trip to Hell. This black limestone formation is a sight to behold and gives you the chance to send a postcard literally, 'from Hell'. For those wishing to relax and soak up the island's beauty, Seven Mile Beach offers white sands, gently lapping waves and plenty of beach side bars, serving rum and fresh Caribbean dishes like conch fritters. If you're looking for a bargain, the Cayman Islands have no duty tax and so it's a great place to pick up anything from handbags and watches to your favourite tipple.
Cuba
Havana
Havana offers a different twist on the Caribbean lifestyle. With eras of colonialism, glamour, Soviet rule and revolution, there's a story to tell around every corner. Lying on the Northern side of Cuba, Havana faces both Cancun and Miami, but this city could not feel any different with its clash of socialist and American influences. Marvel at the old American cars driving past a mixture of baroque and art Deco buildings and the infamous Revolutionary Square, where Fidel Castro made his notorious speeches. Take time to relax in Havana's music scene, which is hard to miss! Rumba, salsa and reggae can be heard all around the city, and if you want to love like a local, try a Cuban cigar whilst you sit back and listen. Exploring outside the city is also extremely rewarding and it's possible to see coral reefs, tropical forests and white sand beaches all within one day. El Cubano Nature Park comes highly recommended with its lush trees, beautiful flowers and awe-inspiring waterfall.
Santiago de Cuba
Lying on the south of the island, Santiago de Cuba lies across the Caribbean Sea from Jamaica and Haiti. Cuba's second largest city is the birthplace of the country's thriving music scene, Bacardi rum and Castro's rebellion. Cuban beats engulf the city; find them on street corners, bars and residential houses and realise that it's completely normal, and expected, to move as the music takes you. In 1862, the Bacardi factory opened and today, you can visit the museum to learn more about this iconic product. One of the best neighbourhoods to visit is Barrio el Tivoli with its picturesque wooden houses and cobbled streets. Here, Cuban life is in full swing and you can forget being a tourist and transport yourself into a new culture. In this area, Museo de la Lucha Clandestina (Museum of the Underground Struggle) documents the socialist struggles in the city during the 1960s - a fascinating visit for anyone looking to uncover more of the history of the island. If you'd prefer to spend your day surrounded by the beauty of nature, head up to Gran Piedra, where the 1200m summit of an old volcano affords a view of the city and its gorgeous surroundings. The Pico Turquino National Park is another great option, offering the country's highest mountain, forests filled with orchids and ferns, plus a chance to see the rare native bee hummingbird.
Still unsure which island is for you? Explore more island insights here.
Dominican Republic
Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo, on the western side of the Dominican Republic, offers a serene Caribbean escape. Its name translates to 'Red Cape' after its unique geology, which you will see as you travel along the roads, which shine red with bauxite. In contrast, the beaches are as sparkelling white and pristine as you would expect and are home to the Caribbean Sea's best-preserved coral reef, which rare Antillean manatees and hawksbill turtles call home. Relatively new to tourism, the peace of Playa Bahia de las Aguilas is a must-visit. Here, there's plenty of opportunity to relax, plus diving and snorkelling trips. Head to Jaragua National Park for hikes through the hilly forests, where you can discover ancient Tiano rock art and begin a wildlife safari to find the endangered rhinoceros iguanas.
Isla Catalina
This tiny, uninhabited island, off the south-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is an absolute paradise for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Caribbean towns and truly immerse themselves in everything nature has to offer. Although previously inhabited by indigenous people, it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in the sixteenth century and named after his Queen's daughter. Like many other islands in the area, it also has a long history of piracy. Captain Kidd, one of the most famous English outlaw pirates, wrecked his ship off the coast of Isla Catalina and today there is an underwater living museum, which is a mecca for avid divers amongst some of the Caribbean's best coral reefs. The island is just 3.7 square miles and only a section can be accessed by cruisers as officials seek to keep its unique habitat safe. There are over 500 species of plant and 300 species of bird which call Isla Catalina home and visitors can expect to see turtles, snakes, wild hares and racoons amongst olive, gumbo and dwarf oak trees on the official hiking trails. Of course, Isla Catalina also offers amazing beaches, which are magical for a day of complete relaxation.
Puerto Plata
The city of Puerto Plata lies on the northern shores of the Dominican Republic. It's the country's oldest city and is a mecca for tourists looking to experience everything that the county has to offer. If you're in search of beaches, we recommend taking the short journey to Playa Sosua, with its perfect sand and crystal-clear sea. Here you will find facilities to ensure the perfect beach day, plus plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The city of Puerto Plata is overlooked by the tropical jungle on the 2,625 foot high Mount Isabel de Torres, which can be accessed via cable car. The summit provides an amazing Caribbean view under a statue of Christ the Redeemer. If you're taking the family, Monkeyland, in El Choco National Park, offers encounters with the native spider monkeys, who love to get up close and personal! Another great excursion option is the Damajagua Waterfalls - 27 falls that can be explored on foot, or, for the brave, by jumping and swimming through the waters. Museums are another way to spend the day: Puerto Plata is also known for its world-class amber deposits, with some excellent examples found in the city's museum and Fort San Felipe tells the history of the island within one of the first European forts built in the Caribbean.
Samana
The western peninsula of Samana is packed full of natural curiosities. Many cruisers choose to head straight for El Limón Waterfall, where the river falls 120 feet into a pool that's perfect for a dip, surrounded by luscious tropical forests. For further interaction with the beauty of this area, scuba diving is highly recommended, with a great chance of an encounter with lion fish, lobster and moray eel, or stay dry in a kayak through the mangrove forests inhabited by local birds and crocodiles. If you'd prefer to stay on land, Rancho Playa offers horseback rides through the forests and along white-sand beaches or, for those looking to speed up the pace, El Limón Zip Lines have twelve jumps across the forest. Despite all these options, those coming to Samana mainly want to see one thing - a whale. Between January and March, the waters around the peninsula are home to breeding humpback whales. Singing, rolling and breeching are all normal behaviours from these mammals at this time and make this excursion a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic lies in the south of the country on the Caribbean Sea. It was Spain's first colony in the West and the first city to be planned into a grid system, inspiring several cities thereafter. Time spent in the Colonial Zone will transport you back to this era. You will find the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and the ruins of Hospital of St. Nicholas of Bari - the first church and hospital in the New World. There's also Alcázar de Colón, the home of Christopher Columbus' son, who became the governor of Santo Domingo. Today, the site is a museum and art gallery, telling the fascinating history of the island. Whilst visiting these landmarks, you'll get to wander the bright Colonial Zone streets, which shout with joy and Caribbean vibes. A great excursion from the city is the Three Eyes National Park, home to deep, turquoise pools filled with turtles and fish, luscious jungle and indigenous artwork. With the former collapse of limestone caves, the rock formations in this area are extremely unique and ensure gorgeous views at every turn. There are also plenty of beaches to choose from just outside the city. Juan Dolio is a local favourite, with six miles of white sands and lots of shops and restaurants to ensure you can keep the whole family happy.
Haiti
Whilst stops in Haiti are a rare inclusion to cruise itineraries, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises share a private resort in the area of Labadee.
Read about Labadee resort here
Jamaica
Falmouth
Falmouth is a small town on the northern shores of Jamaica. Its population almost doubles when a large ship comes into port, making it an easy place to explore within a day. The port area offers plenty of shops in Georgian-style buildings with traditional music and dance - the perfect place for anyone looking for a quick excursion off the ship. Venture into the town further and you will find more from local artisans and get to witness local life, plus a chance to taste some of the Caribbean's most delicious foods - from jerk chicken to ackee and saltfish, plus the freshest tropical fruits and sugar cane. Heading out of the town will take you quickly into the Caribbean jungle. Float on a bamboo raft down the Martha Brae River to see fruits, flowers and hummingbirds. Take a tour of the Greenwood grand plantation house to learn about the history of slavery on the island. Swim in the gentle waterfalls of Dunn's River, which meet the sea at the gorgeous white sand beach or, explore the Hampden Sugar Estate, one of the Caribbean's oldest rum distilleries.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city. Known locally as MoBay, it's a great place to witness both the cosmopolitan and wild sides of the island. The city is well-known for its beaches and there's none better than Seven Mile Beach. The views here are perfect and well worth the short journey. There are plenty of bars and restaurants too, which not only sell delicious food and amazing cocktails, but rent out loungers for a day of pure sun-soaked bliss! If you're looking to keep moving and exploring, Gloucester Avenue or, the 'Hip Strip', is the perfect place. Here, a crazy selection of shops, restaurants and bars will ensure a day of excitement of all the senses! For something a little different, head on an excursion to Rose Hall Great House. The former owner, Annee Palmer is reputed to have murdered her three husbands and tortured slaves and today, lives on as the White Witch. Take a tour if you dare, or admire the gorgeous coastal backdrop with a round of golf in the grounds.
Ocho Rios
Orcho Rios, on Jamaica's northern shores, is a popular cruise port for its wide variety of nearby attractions. Dunn's River Falls offer some of the best views on the island - with turquoise water slowly cascading down to the sea from the tropical jungle. Another option is Konoko Falls & Botanic Garden, where more chances to swim in waterfalls await, along with a stroll through the glorious gardens, which house interesting tropical flora and native parrots. For a rare Caribbean experience, head to Mystic Mountain to bobsleigh through the kilometre long track, where the Jamaican team, portrayed in Cool Runnings, once trained. There's also a Sky Explorer chairlift, which has some of the best views of the area. A different way to experience the island is to head underground to the Green Grotto Caves, where pirates once stored their treasure and escaped slaves hid from their masters. Today, you can explore the area on a guided tour. A must before you reembark is to sample the local food. The Jerk Centre is an excellent spot to experience the spicy flavours that have made Jamaica internationally renowned.
Port Royal
If you were visiting Port Royal in the seventeenth century, you would have found the 'Wickedest City in the West!' Today, this area is far safer, but holds fascinating relics of its coloured past. Located at the end of the long tombolo named the Palisadoes, at the mouth of Kingston River, it was one of the first British settling grounds in the Caribbean and home to some of the most notorious pirates like Calico Jack and Blackbeard Teach. A huge earthquake in 1692 sank two-thirds of the city into the water and this area today is one of the best preserved underwater heritage sites anywhere in the Western Hemisphere - a great trip for divers! Head to Fort Charles to learn all about the history of the area and don't miss the Giddy House, which was once plunged into quicksand, making it a strange, unbalancing experience, as its name suggests. For history of a different kind, the Bob Marley museum is also extremely popular. It's based in his former home and features many of his belongings and a life-sized hologram. Many people choose to venture from Port Royal to the country's capital, Kingston. Here, you'll find something for everyone, offering a chance to experience all aspects of Jamaica, from its food and hospitality to its music and stunning views.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals . Search for your perfect Caribbean cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
