6 Caribbean Cruise Ports You Can Avoid With Kids

One of the best parts of cruising the Caribbean with kids is the chance to immerse them in a handful of cultures that satisfy their curiosity, inspire adventure, and open their minds. Young minds also become exhausted more easily and may need a break. We never want to feel like we’re missing out, but sometimes not getting off the ship in a port is what our kids (and even us) need to recharge before the next stop.

Are you getting ready for a cruise and trying to determine the best and worst Caribbean cruise ports for families? Here is my list to help you plan better. My intention is not to dissuade you from booking excursions to these six islands; in fact, your family can still have amazing experiences through organized tours to these destinations. But as a cruise expert with more than a decade of experience and as a mother, I recommend families think twice before heading to these six cruise ports without a plan.

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Note: Some cruise ports anchor offshore, rather than dockside, and therefore require a small boat called a tender to transport guests from the ship to the terminal.

1. Falmouth, Jamaica

Jamaican cruise ports like Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are easy springboards for exploring some of the country’s top family attractions on your own (e.g. Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove and Doctor’s Cave). Falmouth, on the other hand, requires between 30 minutes and an hour’s drive to reach the main attractions, and taxis cost a pretty penny. The port city is also not particularly suitable for walking with children. (Note: No matter where you dock or anchor in Jamaica, be sure to use a licensed taxi service rather than a private taxi service.)

2. Grand Cayman (George Town), Cayman Islands

Consider whether it’s worth the juice to get you and your kids off the ship in Grand Cayman, which requires a 20-minute tender ride to reach port. Once there, you’ll quickly notice that the town doesn’t have much nearby for families to explore on foot. Much of the immediate terminal area feels like a tourist trap, with tacky souvenir shops and waterfront bars serving overpriced pina coladas. Beaches such as Seven Mile Beach and Smith Cove, as well as the Cayman Turtle Center, make for memorable visits, but are at least a 10 to 20 minute drive away.

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3. Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

This sounds crazy, but hear me out: if your cruise ship stops in Tobago, I highly recommend booking an excursion already. Yes, the island is full of raw, natural beauty in the form of rainforests and unspoiled beaches, but having a guide is essential to making the most of your time on the island. And bonus: Tobago also happens to be one of the islands you can safely visit during hurricane season, with a low chance of being affected by storms due to its location.

If you don’t have the budget or ability to arrange a tour, you might consider staying on the ship with your children. Pigeon Point Beach is the closest attraction, but it tends to get crowded and is not the best for swimming.

4. Nassau, Bahamas

Bahamas cruise ports, including cruise lines’ private islands, are popular stops on Caribbean itineraries. Nassau often comes up in discussions about the best and worst cruise ports in the Caribbean.—and it’s one that your family won’t have to give up due to FOMO. Although the city center has its hidden gems, you’ll have to wander around a bit (and bypass some aggressive hawkers) to find them.

The must-visit destination for most Nassau families is the famous Atlantis Paradise Resort on Paradise Island. But prepare to feel like packed sardines on its beaches and face long, tantrum-inducing queues for the water slides.

5. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands

Owned and operated by Carnival Corporation, Grand Turk is an island off the coast of the Turks and Caicos with your usual range of beach activities. It is one of several private cruise line islands found in the area. Swimming, water sports, shops and straw markets, as well as a few restaurant and bar establishments complete the offer. The atmosphere is very “five o’clock somewhere” and although the beaches are beautiful, they fill up quickly, especially if several ships are docked or anchored. Due to its overly touristy atmosphere, party atmosphere, and high rental prices, Grand Turk leaves much to be desired for families with young children.

6. Belize City, Belize

A history of high crime has increased security in Belize City, and even locals advise you not to venture outside the terminal gates alone. (The Central American city, which is part of some Caribbean cruise itineraries, has a small, contained tourist village. But it’s not worth the 15-minute tender boat ride to get there.) If you’ve booked a excursion through cruise line or another reputable company, you are in good hands. Belize is an ecological wonderland, home to several “must-see” experiences. But if spending more money to see them isn’t an option, consider staying on board instead.

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