Want to get away from the cold weather, or planning on 2012 Caribbean Cruises and not sure whether to go to the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean? Here is some port information that can help you make a decision.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay, known as “Mo’ Bay” to the locals, is Jamaica’s second largest community. Gorgeous white-sand beaches and mangrove wetlands surround the old town, which rests at the bottom of lush green mountains. Montego Bay and the surrounding area offer the best of the Caribbean, including the nearby, historic town of Falmouth and its beautiful Georgian architecture. Surround yourself with the essence of Jamaica in the island’s friendliest city.
Nassau, The Bahamas
It’s easy to see why Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is also one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean: picture an idyllic place with stretches of perfect white-sand beaches, gracefully swaying coconut palms offering oases of shade and warm, crystal-clear waters revealing the secrets of incredible multicolored marine life. Whether you spend the day shopping for duty-free gifts and mementos, taking a carriage ride past sorbet-colored buildings or touring in a glass-bottom boat, chances are you’ll leave this happy place in the Bahamas with lots of beautiful memories.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The Spanish originally called it ‘Los Chorreos,’ but nowadays many call Ocho Rios, a former banana and fishing port, the cruise ship capital of Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls is both a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water and the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios. Looking for sheer natural beauty? Look no further than Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, which offers 32 acres of indigenous trees, flowers and shrubs, and even picturesque streams and waterfalls. In addition, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing and golfing.
St. Maarten
Where else can you experience the food, style and hospitality of two separate countries in an exotic West Indian setting? St. Maarten is divided between French St. Martin in the north and Dutch St. Maarten in the south. Both sides of this 37-square-mile island offer beautiful ocean vistas, gourmet cuisines, first-rate water sports and beaches, and some of the best duty-free shopping in the world.
St. Thomas
Pirates once roamed the alleys of this beautiful island, which is today besieged by a treasure trove of shopping options. But there’s more to this shopper’s Shangri-La than an international grab-bag of perfume and electronics. This U.S. Virgin Island also claims not only one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – the heart-shaped Magens Bay – but a world-renowned golf course and simply spectacular nightlife. You can don a snorkel to explore coral reefs bright as a wildflower meadow, or take in the amazing views on a soaring aerial tram ride to Paradise Point. You’d be surprised at just how much of the above fits into just 32 square miles!
