Cruising the Caribbean isn’t just about visiting beaches. Royal Caribbean blends the thrill of its innovative ships with ports that offer authentic cultural experiences, shore excursions, and unique landscapes. This creates a perfect balance of onboard fun and onshore exploration.
The Caribbean is divided into three main regions:
Eastern Caribbean
Western Caribbean
Southern Caribbean
Each region includes ports considered among the top Royal Caribbean destinations. Let’s explore them in detail.
Below are the most iconic, most visited, and most loved Caribbean ports featured on Royal Caribbean itineraries.
The Eastern Caribbean is known as the postcard-perfect part of the region, filled with powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively island towns. Royal Caribbean ships frequently visit these top ports.
San Juan blends Spanish colonial charm with modern Caribbean vibes. It is both a departure port and a destination.
Colorful Old San Juan streets
Spanish forts like El Morro
Lively restaurants and historic plazas
Rainforest hikes just outside the city
Walking tour of Old San Juan
Rum tasting at Casa Bacardi
Beach hopping
Exploring Castillo San Cristóbal
One of the most visited islands in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Thomas is famous for its breathtaking beaches and world-class shopping.
Sapphire-clear waters
Magens Bay, one of the world’s best beaches
Amazing snorkeling
No sales tax—shop till you drop
Skyride to Paradise Point
Diving and snorkeling tours
Shopping in Charlotte Amalie
St. Maarten combines Dutch and French influences, making it one of the most culturally unique Royal Caribbean destinations.
Stunning beaches
Vibrant nightlife
Caribbean-European fusion cuisine
Famous Maho Beach airplane landings
Island tours
Snorkeling trips
Beach experiences
Watersports
No Royal Caribbean Caribbean list is complete without this destination. CocoCay is one of the top attractions in the entire cruise industry, offering thrill rides, beaches, serenity, and water adventures in one place.
Home to North America’s tallest waterslide
Largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
Thrill Waterpark
Beach clubs and floating cabanas
Perfect for adults, families, and couples
The Western Caribbean is known for its jungles, Mayan ruins, adventure experiences, and deep-blue waters.
Cozumel is one of the most visited ports across all cruise lines and a major Royal Caribbean hub.
World-famous coral reefs
Awesome Mexican cuisine
Beach clubs and water sports
Cultural attractions
Snorkeling tours
Visiting Chankanaab Park
Exploring Mayan ruins
ATV and jungle adventures
Roatán is an eco-lover’s paradise. It offers some of the Caribbean’s best marine life and diving spots.
Pristine beaches
Coral reefs
Lush jungles
Friendly local culture
Dolphin encounters
Snorkeling in West Bay
Zip-lining
Island wildlife tours
Costa Maya is less commercial than Cozumel but equally fascinating.
Mayan ruins
Beachfront relaxation
Quiet and authentic atmosphere
Visiting the ruins of Chacchoben
Swimming and snorkeling
Eco-park adventures
The Southern Caribbean is known for its exotic landscapes, colorful architecture, and vibrant cultures. These islands often deliver some of the most memorable cruise experiences.
Aruba is known for its unique desert-meets-ocean landscapes.
Constant sunshine
Eagles Beach, one of the world’s best
Casinos and nightlife
Off-road desert tours
Snorkeling
Jeep safari
Aloe factory tours
Shopping in Oranjestad
Curaçao’s pastel-colored waterfront is iconic.
Dutch-Caribbean charm
Excellent snorkeling spots
Colorful streets
Rich culture
Exploring Willemstad
Swimming in Blue Bay
Cave tours
Underwater marine experiences
Bonaire is one of the world’s premier diving locations.
Crystal-clear water
Marine sanctuaries
Peaceful beaches
Scuba and snorkeling
Mangrove kayaking
Eco-tours
Perfect Day at CocoCay
St. Thomas
San Juan, Puerto Rico
St. Maarten
Cozumel, Mexico
Roatán, Honduras
Costa Maya
Aruba
Curaçao
Bonaire
Each destination offers something unforgettable—from exotic beaches to cultural adventures and heart-pounding thrills.
Thrill rides
Beach clubs
Waterparks
Exclusive cabanas
Stunning beaches
Relaxing vibes
Shorter travel distances
Adventure
Jungle landscapes
Mayan ruins
Exotic scenery
Colorful culture
Longer, premium itineraries
1. Variety for Every Traveler
Families, adventure seekers, honeymooners—there’s a destination for everyone.
2. Year-Round Sunshine
Caribbean weather makes it an ideal cruise destination any time of year.
3. Private Island Experiences
CocoCay and Labadee offer exclusive island fun you can’t get anywhere else.
4. World-Class Excursions
Everything from snorkeling to wildlife tours to cultural adventures is available.
5. Ship & Destination Combo
Royal Caribbean ships amplify the entire experience with dining, shows, and activities.
From CocoCay’s unmatched thrills to the cultural charm of San Juan, the shopping of St. Thomas, the reefs of Cozumel, and the beauty of Aruba and Curaçao, Royal Caribbean has curated a stunning list of ports that showcase the very best of the Caribbean.
Whether you're craving beaches, adventure, culture, water activities, or relaxation, the Caribbean offers a dream experience for every traveler—and Royal Caribbean makes reaching these destinations easier, more fun, and more memorable than ever.
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