Skip to main content

7 Tropical Destinations to Visit on a Cruise from San Juan

Tropical Destinations on a Cruise from San Juan

  1. Barbados
  2. St. Thomas
  3. St. Maarten
  4. St. Kitts
  5. St. Lucia
  6. Amber Cove
  7. Grand Turk

 

A cruise to the Caribbean is always a fun and exciting trip, filled with possibilities for you, your family or friends to visit multiple popular cruise destinations. In fact, family and group cruises from San Juan offers great trips that suit your budget and provides your budget and provides activities for everyone to enjoy.

And if you’re wondering where to go in the Caribbean when you cruise from San Juan, don’t worry — Carnival cruise ships visit many ports of call. At each one, you’ll have the chance to explore these tropical destinations on your own or book some unique and memorable excursions.

There’s definitely no shortage of things to do in the Caribbean — check out some of the destinations you might visit…

the coast of old san juan

1. Barbados

The island of Barbados is well-known for its beautiful, pink and white sand beaches and lush, tropical landscape. The local population is very friendly and welcoming, and the local island cuisine is delicious!

While visiting Barbados on a cruise from San Juan, you can also engage in a variety of fun activities, such as touring amazing limestone caverns, viewing shipwrecks and marine life while snorkeling and taking a 4×4 safari across the island.

a view of a beach with palm trees and rocks in barbados

2. St. Thomas

One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a true Caribbean paradise. Featuring gorgeous beaches, an abundance of culture and history, lots of shopping opportunities and an exciting nightlife, this spectacular island is not to be missed.

All over the island you’ll find many amazing spots for photo opportunities, and there’s also numerous shore excursions to take part in. Spend some time on a legendary party boat in the harbor, go parasailing, view picturesque landscapes on a zip line tour and much more!

people spending a bright, sunny day on a beach in st. thomas

3. St. Maarten

The laid-back island of St. Maarten offers two distinctive cultural experiences, as one half is owned by the French, and the other half by the Dutch! Filled with secluded coves, lively resort beaches, exciting and flavorful cuisine and duty-free shopping, you can relax on a beach like the locals or go explore the fascinating landscape.

Sail on a catamaran and snorkel nearby the shoreline, go helmet diving, visit historical areas and forts or go horseback riding. There’s no shortage of unique and memorable activities on this island.

 sunny beach with limestone

4. St. Kitts

The island of St. Kitts is said to have some of the best beaches in the world. It’s also a prime destination for nature lovers with lush rainforests and alluring waterfalls.

There are also shipwrecks, volcanic peaks and coral reefs. When you stop here, consider swimming with the dolphins, riding through the countryside on an ATV or touring some of the island’s most notable landmarks and locations.

woman wearing a hat and sunglasses while laughing at the beach

5. St. Lucia

The captivating island of St. Lucia offers both plenty of action while on your family cruise from San Juan, and also some passion if you are on a romantic trip with your partner.

White sand beaches with crystal clear waters, authentic island dishes, colorful marine life, an expansive, scenic countryside and the remarkable Pitons are just some of what St. Lucia has to offer. Go on a zip line adventure, see St. Lucia by catamaran, or take a tour of some of the island’s 10 most exciting attractions.

an aerial view of boats sailing around mountains in st. lucia

6. Amber Cove

A paradise in the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove was founded by Christopher Columbus. This delightful port of call offers a variety of things to do in the Caribbean, including relaxing on the beach, shopping for island gifts and souvenirs, enjoying the local fare and, of course, exploring the tropical countryside.

Discover secret waterfalls, swim with dolphins, sharks and sea lions or visit historical museums, forts and rum factories.

girl looking at someone zip lining in the dominican republic

7. Grand Turk

It’s a small island, but Grand Turk should definitely be on your list of where to go in the Caribbean. Featuring famous landmarks and attractions, as well as charming historic towns, serene beaches and stunning scenery, the island definitely doesn’t disappoint.

While here, take a scenic boat ride along the coast and go snorkeling, take an off road ATV adventure or take part in an unusual and exciting stingray encounter.

the coast line of grand turk

As you can see, there are so many things to do in the Caribbean no matter which ports of call you visit on your cruise from San Juan. And don’t forget, there’s lots to do on the cruise ship as well. From exciting shows and entertainment to amazing food served day and night, refreshing pools and activities for all ages, the fun never stops.

couple socializing in the middle of a ship

Right now is one of the best times to book a family or group cruise from San Juan, and there are cruises of various lengths to suit your needs and budget. Pick a cruise ship that visits some of the destinations listed above and you won’t have to think twice about where to go in the Caribbean — all the fun and adventure will be ready and waiting for you to arrive!