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What are the top Royal Caribbean Caribbean destinations?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 3 December 2025

Caribbean Cruising With Royal Caribbean: What Makes It Special

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.

Top Royal Caribbean Caribbean Destinations You Should Absolutely Not Miss

Below are the most iconic, most visited, and most loved Caribbean ports featured on Royal Caribbean itineraries.

1. Eastern Caribbean Destinations – Tropical Beaches, Blue Waters & Island Charm

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.

Puerto Rico – San Juan’s History & Culture

San Juan blends Spanish colonial charm with modern Caribbean vibes. It is both a departure port and a destination.

Why Travelers Love San Juan

  • Colorful Old San Juan streets

  • Spanish forts like El Morro

  • Lively restaurants and historic plazas

  • Rainforest hikes just outside the city

Best Things To Do in San Juan

  • Walking tour of Old San Juan

  • Rum tasting at Casa Bacardi

  • Beach hopping

  • Exploring Castillo San Cristóbal

St. Thomas – Duty-Free Shopping & Stunning Shores

One of the most visited islands in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Thomas is famous for its breathtaking beaches and world-class shopping.

What Makes St. Thomas Special

  • Sapphire-clear waters

  • Magens Bay, one of the world’s best beaches

  • Amazing snorkeling

  • No sales tax—shop till you drop

Top Activities in St. Thomas

  • Skyride to Paradise Point

  • Diving and snorkeling tours

  • Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

St. Maarten – A Blend of Two Cultures

St. Maarten combines Dutch and French influences, making it one of the most culturally unique Royal Caribbean destinations.

What Travelers Love Here

  • Stunning beaches

  • Vibrant nightlife

  • Caribbean-European fusion cuisine

  • Famous Maho Beach airplane landings

Popular Excursions

  • Island tours

  • Snorkeling trips

  • Beach experiences

  • Watersports

Perfect Day at CocoCay – The Ultimate Royal Caribbean Private Island

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.

Why CocoCay Is #1 For Many Travelers

  • 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

2. Western Caribbean Destinations – Adventure, Culture & Nature

The Western Caribbean is known for its jungles, Mayan ruins, adventure experiences, and deep-blue waters.

Cozumel, Mexico – A Royal Caribbean Favorite

Cozumel is one of the most visited ports across all cruise lines and a major Royal Caribbean hub.

Why Cozumel Ranks So High
  • World-famous coral reefs

  • Awesome Mexican cuisine

  • Beach clubs and water sports

  • Cultural attractions

Best Things To Do in Cozumel

  • Snorkeling tours

  • Visiting Chankanaab Park

  • Exploring Mayan ruins

  • ATV and jungle adventures

Roatán, Honduras – Untouched Nature & Marine Beauty

Roatán is an eco-lover’s paradise. It offers some of the Caribbean’s best marine life and diving spots.

What Makes Roatán Special
  • Pristine beaches

  • Coral reefs

  • Lush jungles

  • Friendly local culture

Must-Try Activities
  • Dolphin encounters

  • Snorkeling in West Bay

  • Zip-lining

  • Island wildlife tours

Costa Maya – Mexico’s Hidden Gem

Costa Maya is less commercial than Cozumel but equally fascinating.

Why Travelers Love Costa Maya
  • Mayan ruins

  • Beachfront relaxation

  • Quiet and authentic atmosphere

Popular Activities
  • Visiting the ruins of Chacchoben

  • Swimming and snorkeling

  • Eco-park adventures

3. Southern Caribbean Destinations – Exotic, Colorful & Culturally Rich

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 – The Desert Island With Crystal Beaches

Aruba is known for its unique desert-meets-ocean landscapes.

Why Aruba Is a Top Royal Caribbean Destination
  • Constant sunshine

  • Eagles Beach, one of the world’s best

  • Casinos and nightlife

  • Off-road desert tours

Aruba Highlights
  • Snorkeling

  • Jeep safari

  • Aloe factory tours

  • Shopping in Oranjestad

Curaçao – Colorful Architecture & Blue Bays

Curaçao’s pastel-colored waterfront is iconic.

What Makes It Special
  • Dutch-Caribbean charm

  • Excellent snorkeling spots

  • Colorful streets

  • Rich culture

Best Things To Do
  • Exploring Willemstad

  • Swimming in Blue Bay

  • Cave tours

  • Underwater marine experiences

Bonaire – A Diver’s Paradise

Bonaire is one of the world’s premier diving locations.

Highlights of Bonaire
  • Crystal-clear water

  • Marine sanctuaries

  • Peaceful beaches

Popular Excursions
  • Scuba and snorkeling

  • Mangrove kayaking

  • Eco-tours

The Top 10 Most Loved Royal Caribbean Caribbean Destinations (Quick Overview)

  1. Perfect Day at CocoCay

  2. St. Thomas

  3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

  4. St. Maarten

  5. Cozumel, Mexico

  6. Roatán, Honduras

  7. Costa Maya

  8. Aruba

  9. Curaçao

  10. Bonaire

Each destination offers something unforgettable—from exotic beaches to cultural adventures and heart-pounding thrills.

How to Choose the Best Royal Caribbean Caribbean Destination for Your Vacation

Choose Perfect Day at CocoCay if you want:

  • Thrill rides

  • Beach clubs

  • Waterparks

  • Exclusive cabanas

Choose Eastern Caribbean destinations if you want:
  • Stunning beaches

  • Relaxing vibes

  • Shorter travel distances

Choose Western Caribbean destinations if you want:
  • Adventure

  • Jungle landscapes

  • Mayan ruins

Choose Southern Caribbean destinations if you want:
  • Exotic scenery

  • Colorful culture

  • Longer, premium itineraries

Why Royal Caribbean Caribbean Destinations Are So Popular

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.

What are the top Royal Caribbean Caribbean destinations?

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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