Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Eastern Caribbean Highlights

Long known for their exotic natural landscapes, the islands of the Eastern Caribbean have more recently become renowned for their world-class shopping, lively entertainment, and recreational opportunities.

The islands that comprise the Eastern Caribbean are some of the most beautiful on Earth, which is one big reason why cruising to the Eastern Caribbean ranks amongst the world's most popular vacation choices. The Eastern Caribbean stretches from the Bahamas to those islands bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Rich in history and culture, Eastern Caribbean islands often play host to royalty and other celebrities who are vacationing (or even living) there.

Eastern Caribbean Activities & Attractions

Altos de Chavon: A quaint village located near Caso de Campos (Dominican Republic) featuring scenic views, museums, shopping, the Church of St. Stanislaus, and a Grecian amphitheater.

Anegada: An undeveloped British Virgin isle boasting beautiful beaches and watersports sites.

Anguilla: A short ferry ride from St. Maarten/St. Martin. Home to great beaches and great restaurants.

Bacardi Rum Factory: A short ferry ride from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Bahia Beach: Gorgeous golf course located near San Juan.

Bayahive Beach: Beautiful public beach located near La Romana (Dominican Republic).

Bitter End Yacht Club: A resort, beach, and watersports site in Virgin Gorda.

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour: Climb into a kayak and tour the Bioluminescent Lagoon! Available near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

BOB (Breathing Observation Bubble) Underwater Adventure: This guided underwater tour is offered in St. Thomas. No experience necessary!

Bubba Bottom Fishing: Spend the day fishing along the spectacular coastline of St. Maarten.

Buck Island National Park: Great snorkeling is available on this uninhabited island near St. Croix.

Butterfly Farm: A kid-friendly attraction located on St. Maarten.

Carolina Corral: Enjoy a donkey ride at Coral Bay, St. John.

Caso De Campo Golf: Regularly rated as one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.

Caso de Campo Horseback Riding Contact your cruise line for more information!

Caso de Campo Polo: Polo season, featuring competitors from around the globe, runs from November to March.

Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour: You'll enjoy this relaxing, water-based exploration of St. Thomas.

Charlotte Amalie: Shop St. Thomas duty-free! You can also pay a visit to Fort Christian, an historic national landmark built in the 1600s.

Christiansted: Historic highlights in this St. Croix city include Fort Christiansvaern and the Old Scalehouse (now the Visitor Center).

Coral World Marine Park: Located in St. Thomas, Coral World Marine Park features an underwater observatory tower.

Coki Beach: Terrific snorkeling is available at this beautiful St. Thomas beach.

Crafts Alive Marketplace: Located in Tortola, this marketplace features handmade Caribbean crafts and original works of art.

Cruz Bay: Upscale shopping. Located on St. John.

Cruzan Rum Factory: Popular attraction located in St. Croix. Tours are available free-of-charge.

El Yunque: Take a tour of Puerto Rico's world-famous rainforest!

Estate Whim Plantation Museum: Pay a visit to this restored plantation house and museum. Located in St. Croix.

Explorer Cruise: A scenic catamaran ride along the coast of St. Maarten (includes a bus tour of the island).

Gorda Peak National Park: Hike the scenic British Virgin isle of Virgin Gorda!

Grand Case: This quaint village, located 20 minutes from Marigot, is home to great beaches, restaurants, and shopping.

Havensight: A shopping area in St. Thomas (located by the pier).

Kayak Marine Sanctuary Tour: Kayak through the Virgin Islands near St. Thomas! Professional instruction is provided.

Loterie Farm Treetop Adventure Tour: The largest bird habitat in the Northeastern Caribbean also features "an adventure course."

Mahogany Run: A spectacular golf course located in St. Thomas.

Marigot: This French-influenced city in St. Martin features fabulous duty-free shopping.

Normal Island Snorkeling: A short boat ride from Tortola. Go snorkeling in caves!

Old San Juan: Historic highlights include El Morro Fort, San Cristobal Fort, the Cathedral of San Juan, and La Fortaleza – the oldest governor's mansion in the United States. Guided walking tours are available.

Paradise Point Tramway: Climb aboard a tram and soak up spectacular views of St. Thomas. Shopping opportunities are also available at Paradise Point.

Peter Island Resort: Ride the ferry from Tortola and pay a visit to Peter Island. Private beaches are available to day visitors.

Philipsburg: Duty-free shopping is abundantly available in the capital city of St. Maarten.

Ponce: The second-largest city in Puerto Rico is just a 90-minute drive from the port in San Juan.

Proselyte Reef: Scuba dive through this amazing shipwreck site that's located off the coast of St. Maarten.

Prospect Reef Resort: Swim with the dolphins in Tortola!

Puerto Rico Ocean Trail Horseback Ride: Ranch trails and beach riding. Spectacular views!

Reef Trail Hike: A guided hike through undeveloped St. John.

Sage Mountain National Park: Sage Mountain's hiking trails boast scenic views of surrounding Tortola.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve: A scenic area of St. Croix that's home to some sensational scuba diving.

San Juan Baseball: Very similar to U.S. Minor League Baseball!

San Juan Beaches: Options include Condado Beach, Tres Palmitas Beach, and the Isla Verde resort area.

San Juan Casinos: Most of the large resorts in Old San Juan include casinos!

San Juan Museums: Highlights include Museo Pablo Casals (devoted to Spanish cellist Pablo Casals), the Puerto Rican Art Museum, and the Puerto Rican Museum of Contemporary Art.

San Juan Shopping: Shop-lined streets include Calle del Cristo, Calle Fortaleza, and Calle San Jose.

Screamin' Eagle Jet Boat: Learn about St. Thomas' history and culture aboard a high-speed thrill ride loaded with twists and turns.

Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure: This St. Maarten snorkeling expedition explores Philipsburg's famous Shipwreck Cove.

Spanish Town: Go souvenir shopping on Virgin Gorda!

Spring Bay Beach: A large and beautiful Virgin Gorda beach (that's rarely crowded).

St. Croix Beaches: Options include Cane Bay (for snorkeling), the Hotel on the Cay, and Sandy Point.

St. Croix Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is available at Paul & Jill's Equestrian Stables.

St. John Island Tour: Stops on this tour include Annaberg Plantation, Cruz Bay, and St. John National Park.

St. John Snorkeling: Adventurous sites for the snorkeling enthusiast! Highlights include Watermelon Cay and Haulover Bay.

St. Maarten Rhino River Adventure: Pay a visit to Happy Bay, Fort Louis, and Simpson Bay Lagoon.

St. Martin Mountain Bike Adventure: Bike along the coast, then stop at Friar's Bay Village and Friar's Bay Beach. Departs from Marigot.

St. Martin/St. Maarten Beaches: Highlights include Cupecoy Beach, Dawn Beach (for snorkeling), Great Bay Beach, Mullet Bay, and Simpson Bay Beach.

St. Thomas Beaches: Options include Megan's Bay, secluded Honeymoon Beach, and Sapphire Beach (for watersports).

St. Thomas Helicopter Tour: A narrated tour. See St. Thomas from a bird's eye perspective!

St. Thomas Windsurfing: Windsurfing is available at Bluebeards Beach (at the Ritz-Carlton), Renaissance Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Vessup Beach.

Tortola Beaches: Highlights include Apple Bay (for surfing), Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay, and Smuggler's Cove.

Tortola Sailing: Yachts are available. Some sailing excursions include snorkeling and lunch.

Tortola Scuba Diving: The RMS Rhone shipwreck site is exclusively for certified scuba divers.

Trunk Bay: A beautiful beach located on the north side of St. John. Snorkeling equipment is available for rental.

Ultimate Island Experience: See all of St. Thomas in a single tour that includes stops at Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Magen's Bay, Drake's Seat, and Blackbeard's Castle.

The Baths: Swim or snorkel alongside prehistoric boulders! Located near the port in Tortola.

When To Visit The Eastern Caribbean

The main tourist season in the Eastern Caribbean usually begins in December and runs through April. Cruise travelers visiting in the summer and fall will enjoy the best bargains, but they'll also encounter a slightly warmer climate. Be wary of Caribbean hurricanes, which most often occur during the months of August, September, and October.