Top 10 Caribbean Christmas Cruise Ports of Call
It has long been an established part of the cruise industry that many ships sail in Europe during the summer and then head over to the Caribbean for winter and whilst that has changed over the years so that many ships are based year around in those regions, it still holds true for many ships.
The region is a great destination for those who have done Christmas market cruises around Northern Europe and who are wanting a different type of getaway or for those who usually enjoy a sunny cruise in summer but who are needing a winter getaway this year.
By heading to the Caribbean in December, you can still enjoy lots of festive fun but with a Caribbean twist, but just which cruise ports offers the most options for those wanting to visit?
That is the question that we answer in this list where we look at the top 10 Caribbean cruise ports to visit at Christmas.
Our Top 10 Caribbean Christmas Cruise Ports of Call
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is not only a great destination to visit as a port of call, but it is also the leading turnaround port in the Caribbean region, so it is no surprise that it sits at the top of a list such as this one.
The old town of San Juan is full of cobble streets and historic buildings that are great for walking around any time of the year but at Christmas you get the added interest of seeing the great Christmas decorations that adorn them.
This is the perfect port for those who love to spend time in the region as you can add on a hotel stay before or after your cruise to enjoy all that San Juan has to offer including the Navidad en el Viejo San Juan that adds a festival atmosphere to the festive period.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Barbados is also a port where you can start or end your getaway and it is also a great place to add on a stay before or after your cruise.
There are also several lines that offer itineraries with overnight stays in the port, which allows you to be there at nighttime when all the Christmas decorations can be enjoyed at their best.
The cities Queens Park is the place to be for those who want a true Barbados Christmas experience as the locals bring a Caribbean flair to festive fun.
Castries, St Lucia
Castries is one of the most popular ports of call for cruise lines which gives plenty of choices for those wanting to visit there and best of all, Castries has plenty of holiday fun awaiting your arrival.
There are numerous festivals held throughout December and a big festival of lights in Derek Walcott Square that is well worth visiting.
Aside from festive festivities, there is plenty to do in the city and on the island as a whole which is why so many cruise ships call into the port.
St George’s, Grenada
St George’s is the focal point of Christmas celebrations in Grenada and the countries cruise port location, making it a must visit port of call.
For sun lovers, a visit to the Morne Rouge beach allows you to soak up the rays and then head to one of the many beachside bars and restaurants that have built up a reputation for offering a unique Caribbean festive experience.
For those wanting to stay in the city itself, there are lots of events held throughout December and the main shopping areas all join in with the Christmas spirit.
St John’s, Antigua
St Johns really comes alive at Christmas as the streets are adorned with festive lights, many house are decked out with decorations and there are lots of events held throughout December including carollers, street musicians and craft markets.
Heritage Quay really comes alive during the festive period and is a must visit whilst the Redcliffe Quay is the place to go for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Philipsburg is one of the highlights of any cruise to the Caribbean no matter where you visit, with its colourful houses making for the perfect photo, but it is also somewhere that really comes alive during the Christmas period.
Its main shopping district at Front Street comes alive with decorations, lights, displays and musicians for you to enjoy whilst you shop.
The city also has a large Christmas tree and a great mix of Dutch and Caribbean cultures that blends together for a unique Christmas experience.
Basseterre, St Kitts
Christmas in Basseterre leads into J’ouvert morning, so the party season goes from the start of December through to the end of Boxing Day and then the Parade season starts!
If that’s not enough of a reason to visit during the festive period, there is lots more to enjoy on the island including visiting local shops in and around Independence Square, heading for a Christmas themed train ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway but perhaps best of all, the island brings Christmas to you with lots happening at the cruise port.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba is one of the most popular destinations for ships visiting the Caribbean, with short breaks from the US mainline and longer cruises based in the region all visiting its main cruise port at Oranjestad.
The city is always a popular port of call but a visit during Christmas is something special as the city becomes full of lights.
In early December, Oranjestad Lighting Parade is well worth visiting but with many houses, businesses and attractions also lighting up for Christmas, your photos will be well worth showing off once you get home.
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola has lots to offers visitors during the holiday period including a Lights Parade, huge Christmas trees, Christmas beach parties and lots of decorations.
It can often be a quieter destination during Christmas than many of the destinations on this list but that works in its favour as it is definitely a case of quality over quantity.
Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Pointe-a-Pitre offers a mix of French and Caribbean culture which can be easily seen throughout the city and across Guadeloupe as a whole.
From Christmas shopping on the Rue de la Republique to exploring the Christmas Markets at Place de la Victoire, there is lots of ways to pick up last minute Christmas gifts or to grab something festive to take home with you.
