9 ports of cruise ships in Mexico and the Caribbean who deserve a return visit

One of the many joys of the cruise is the possibility of sampling different destinations in a single trip. Then, if you are like me, you will fall so in love with a port that you plan a return visit.

With the Caribbean and Mexico as neighbors, we have access to limits and countries without limits – a handful for which many cruisers come back to spend more time exploring the culture and the awaiting adventure. As a passionate cruiser who visited more than 25 ports of cruise ships in Mexico and the Caribbean, I gather my favorites for a return visit.

1. Lucia

Take evoke a postcard of the Caribbean, and it will probably look a lot like Sainte-Lucie. The luxuriant island of the South of the Caribbean does not have families choose between adventure and relaxation, because it excels in offering both. The tropical forests and dramatic landscapes which include the famous pitons (volcanic arrows) have prepared the terrain for guided hikes and zip lines, while the beaches – many of which have shallow and calm water – are ideal for diving, swimming and relaxed water sports.

Where to stay: Several rooms guarantee that each family has privacy and space at the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort. The other key characteristics include six shared swimming pools, a children’s club with in -depth programming for young people and four restaurants.

2. Dominique

The southern Caribbean cruises which include stops in Dominique are generally more expensive, because this part of the region is more desirable and less prone to be affected by storms during the hurricanes season. Traveling on the ground and around the island, on the reverse, is more affordable. The lack of restaurants and bars of the Dominique tourist chain is almost as refreshing as its sea breeches – stimulated with the scent of the delicious Creole cuisine. Hiking to swimming holes and recalling waterfalls the thirst of family chills, and you can always slow down the pace to one of its beaches.

Spread: 8 Caribbean family complexes with villas that look like private holiday homes

Where to stay: Get closer and personal with nature to Rosalie Bay Eco Resort and Spa. Spacious accommodation, a lagoon style swimming pool and a turtle sanctuary – where families can attend sea turtles lay eggs, making it an unforgettable experience.

3. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Ask any cruiser who went to San Juan if he would come back, and the answer is almost always a resounding “yes”. The energy of the island is palpable, and its culture, its cuisine, its history and its dream landscapes add to its pace. As if direct flights from the United States do not facilitate the task, not needing a passport means visiting is almost effortless. Old San Juan is more than a neighborhood; It is also an experience that turns day to night. The other places not to be missed include the national forest of El Yunque, Luquillo and the day trips in Culebra or Vieques.

Where to stay: You do not have to sacrifice the proximity of downtown San Juan for direct access to a beach, at the Royal Sonesta. Resting on Isla Verde beach, the complex offers a massive swimming pool and proximity to the children’s museum, shopping and catering.

4. Anguilla

Only a handful of small luxury cruise lines call eel. The island of 16 miles long has no more than 25 minutes by boat from St. Martin is a hidden jewel of the region, but it reveals the curtain so that families explore its apparently preserved beaches, its unique culture and its small surrounding islands sprinkled like confetti. The stations themselves are attractions, addressing young people with carefully designed clubs and outdoor spaces – all supported by the universally suitable attitude to the children of the island.

Where to stay: Property and operated by the family, Frangipani Beach Resort will make you feel at home as soon as you arrive. Its location on the award -winning Mead bay means that most activities are centered on the water, and they have a lot to occupy families.

5. Curacao

Between the Balonmstad candy colored streets and the beaches of Magical Cove, Curacao ignites the senses – ageless. Between the attractions of the city as an aquarium and a museum for children, a myriad of snorkeling and swimming diving and a national park in Christoffel, the children will never be bored. There is even a restaurant, Hacienda Olivia, with farm animals and a playground (Curacao knows how to respond to parents and guards).

Where to stay: It is difficult to beat the value of the Avila Beach Hotel, which is at the distance of the city walking while retaining a feeling of isolation, thanks to two private beaches. A variety of accommodation at LOS Angeles, Suites and apartments offer something for each family size.

6. Puerto Vallarta

A cruise in Puerto Vallarta will give families a taste of its dynamic city center and easily accessible on foot (a nod to the city’s commitment to safety and cleanliness). And while the city offers days of pleasure, especially on weekends when its markets are in excitement, local beaches are undoubtedly its most attractive attractions. We recommend that you come back to take advantage of all the ways in which Puerto Vallarta is aimed at families, beaches with calm water and breathtaking mountain bottoms, walking and old town, where you will find a garden space for children.

Stay a moment: This Puerto Vallarta Resort is perfect for culture research families

Where to stay: The Hilton Vallarta Riviera seaside resort is a stone throwing in the city center and is delivered with its own private beach, its family swimming pool, its children’s club, and more. The childcare staff will also, with fun experiences such as camping on the beach, pizza lessons and picnics.

7. St. Thomas

Few Caribbean cruise ports make a first impression as memorable as St. Thomas. In fact, the point of view above the Charlotte Amalie terminal is one of the most emblematic (and photographed) in the region. As part of the American virgin islands, St. Thomas does not need a passport to visit. And although its neighbors of the USVI St. John and St. Croix are each special in its own right – although they do not see as much cruise traffic – I recommend St. Thomas to families for its variety of activities. Swimming with sea turtles in Buck Iceland National Wildlife Refuge and the interaction with Marinelife in Coral World Ocean Park are among the unique options of the island for families.

Where to stay: Apartment-style accommodation with private outdoor spaces, a freshwater swimming pool, a private beach, a scuba diving center and a plethora of restaurants are among the highlights of Secret Harbor Beach Resort.

8. Barbados

Superb beaches and reserves of wildlife are a recipe for family fun, but the secret ingredient of Barbados is its caves – in particular, the Harrison cave, an underground wonder that travelers from all over the world come to see. Head to the Barbado fauna reserve to meet green monkeys and other resident animals, savor many calm water beaches on the west coast, explore under the sea with world-class apnea diving and obtain a literal taste of culture at the Oistine fish market, a whirlwind of fresh seafood, music and camaraderie.

Where to stay: Turtle Beach is one of the most popular family pensions on the island. A children’s club and a swimming pool, family dance lessons and spacious suites are among the off -competition amenities of this Marriott property.

9. Cabo San Lucas

You might not see the whales during a call on Cabo San Lucas, one of the most popular cruise ship ports in Mexico. But you will certainly increase your chances by staying at least a few days during the migration season, from mid-December to mid-April. Los Cabos is a frequent stop for whales of the migratory peaceful, and the probability of locating them is high, especially by boat. Extending from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo to the most southern tip of Baja California, Los Cabos attracts families from around the world. Despite its high visits, especially during the whale observation season, the beaches remain quite little frequented.

Where to stay: About 30 minutes by car from the cruise terminal, you can do mosey on a lazy river, refresh yourself in an infinity pool and start a spacious suite at Villa la Valencia Beach Resort and Spa. An ultimate family program packages the stay with sumptuous advantages for those who have children.

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