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A large sign reading "I ❤️ Aruba" in a park with palm trees and buildings in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Aruba, Caribbean, Cruise Ports

Oranjestad, Aruba Cruise Port: Guide to an Amazing Experience

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Oranjestad, the vibrant capital of Aruba, offers a delightful cruise port experience with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and unique shopping opportunities. Moreover, known for its charming Dutch colonial architecture and a lively waterfront, Oranjestad is a prime destination for cruisers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Aruba is one of the “ABC” islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. About the Oranjestad Cruise Port Oranjestad Cruise Port is a popular stop for several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others. The port features two main terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, both of which are equipped to handle large cruise ships and offer a range of amenities for passengers. Terminal A is primarily used for cruise passengers and provides easy access to the city center. If you’re visiting Aruba, it’s important to note that civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage. What sets Oranjestad apart as a cruise port is its proximity to the city center and the availability of unique shopping experiences right at the port. The port area is well-known for its selection of Aruban cuisine, with local specialties like keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and pastechi (filled pastries) being favorites among visitors. Related: Learn how to prepare for port days.  A view of the Roatan cruise port from afar. From Oranjestad Cruise Port to the City Center The Oranjestad Cruise Port is conveniently located about a half mile from the city center, making it easily accessible by foot. For those who prefer not to walk, there are several other options. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available, offering a quick and convenient way to get around. Alternatively, shuttle services and taxis are readily available at the port. Taxis in Oranjestad are regulated with set rates, typically costing around $10 to $15 to the city center. Alternatively, public transportation is also an option, with buses running regularly and costing approximately $2 per ride. If you opt for a bus, the main bus terminal is conveniently located across the street from the cruise terminal. If you aim to visit the city center, however, your best option is to take the trolley, which is FREE.  The Oranjestad Trolley A great thing about this cruise port is its Oranjestad Downtown Trolley, which offers a convenient and free transportation option for cruisers in the downtown area of Oranjestad, Aruba. The trolley offers a scenic ride through the city, stopping at popular attractions, shopping areas, and historical sites. It is a great way for visitors to explore the city center without any cost, and it’s a “hop-on, hop-off” trolley, so cruisers have the freedom to explore the sites they want and for however long they want and skip the ones that don’t interest them. There are eight stops where passengers can explore the Archaeological Museum’s exhibits on pre-Ceramic, Ceramic, and historic cultural periods, view several historic 19th—and 20th-century Dutch Colonial buildings, and pass by the executive and legislative branches of the Aruban government. Other points of interest directly accessible include: Aruba Bank House, Huisje Wild, Cas Henriquez and the Archaeological Museum, the Protestant Church, Zoutman Straat #1, Government offices, House of Parliament, Fort Zoutman (Historical Museum), Hotel Colombia, Wilhelmina Straat #11, and the Cocolishi Building. Beaches at the Oranjestad Cruise Port If downtown Oranjestad isn’t your thing, and you want to enjoy a day at the beach to experience Aruba’s gorgeous sands and crystal clear waters, there are lots of great options. While there’s no direct beach access at the Oranjestad cruise port, several beautiful beaches are located nearby. At all of these beaches, you can expect to find local vendors on hand to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, and these prices are often negotiable.  Arashi Beach Arashi Beach, situated approximately 7 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port, is a beautiful destination known for its calm waters, pristine sandy shores, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Although it isn’t walkable from the port, unlike some other beaches, it may be worth the cost of a taxi or Uber to visit Arashi Beach due to its excellent swimming conditions and the likelihood of smaller crowds. Eagle Beach Eagle Beach, located approximately 1.5 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port in Aruba, is renowned for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters and is one of the most popular beaches in the city. Known for its serene atmosphere and ample space, Eagle Beach offers visitors a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.   The turqoise waters of Oranjestad, Aruba Palm Beach Palm Beach is situated approximately 3 miles from the port. It’s a short taxi ride away, costing around $10. This beach is famous for its calm waters and vibrant atmosphere, with numerous resorts, bars, and restaurants lining the shore. Druif Beach Druif Beach, located approximately 2 miles from the Oranjestad cruise port, is a picturesque spot in Aruba known for its expansive sandy shore and calm, clear waters. This beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, offering a peaceful environment away from the busier tourist areas. Things to Do at the Oranjestad Cruise Port There are plenty of activities for cruisers who prefer to stay in the cruise port and terminal area. The port area is home to several duty-free shops offering a variety of goods, from jewelry to electronics. There are also local craft stalls where visitors can purchase handmade souvenirs and gifts. Additionally, the port features a number of restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine, providing a great opportunity to taste some of Aruba’s culinary delights without venturing far from the ship. Several historical and cultural sites are within walking distance from the cruise terminal. These include the Museo Archeologico (Archeological Museum) and Exposition Hall, Fort Zoutman/Historical Museum, the Protestant Church (1950), the Town Hall building, and others. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Top Things to Do in Oranjestad Below are some of the top things to do in Oranjestad. Many of these are offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can opt to get yourself there and enjoy the activity on your own. Before

A Carnival cruise ship is seen through palm trees at Amber Cove in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Caribbean, Cruise Ports, Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata

Exploring Amber Cove: Free Activities, Beaches, and More

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Amber Cove cruise port is located in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and is named in honor of the amber found on its shores. If you’re sailing to Puerto Plata, it’s important to note your specific cruise port, as there are two popular ones here — Amber Cove and Taino Bay (pronounced Ty-ee-no). If you’re curious about which of the two your ship will visit during your cruise, you can often find this information on your detailed itinerary, provided by the cruise line, but generally speaking, Carnival Cruise Line brands Carnival, Holland America Line, and Princess all berth at Amber Cove, and most of the other cruise lines dock at Taino Bay. If you’re cruising to Amber Cove, you’ll probably want to decide if you want to just stay in port and enjoy the amenities there, or to get out of port and explore Puerto Plata. Unlike Taino Bay, unfortunately, Amber Cove is not within walking distance to many of the city’s top attractions, like Umbrella Alley and Paseo de Doña Blanca. Is Amber Cove Free? As noted, Amber Cove is primarily served by Carnival Cruise Line and what I love about this port is that it’s not a tender port, and in fact has a short pier, and there is a lot to do and see right at the port without the need to invest in an excursion. It’s also a smaller port, which can only accommodate two ships at a time, so you don’t have to worry about it getting overly crowded. What’s best about the Amber Cove cruise port is that it’s free… well, mostly. Use of the pool and its loungers is completely free, and cruisers do not have to pay any sort of admission fee to enter and use them. There are, however, additional amenities available for rent, and attractions for purchase, detailed below. Cruisers visiting Amber Cove can enjoy free pool access. Free Things to Do at Amber Cove As noted above, if you’re looking for things to do at the Amber Cove cruise port, you’re in luck, because there are a lot of great options to enjoy at no cost. In addition to the standard shops, bars, and restaurants (the legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18), there is an “Aqua Zone” with a zip line, over-water cabanas, and a pool with a designated splash zone, including a small water slide, for younger children. Cruisers can enjoy complimentary lounge chairs, hammocks, pool access, and many free fun activities, although some of the port’s activities, such as zip lining and the aqua bikes, have a cost, detailed below. Amber Cove Rental Pricing As of 2024, rental costs were $28 for unlimited zip line access, $5 for the big water slides (unlimited); $8 for all-day Wi-Fi (and no, if you bought Carnival’s Wi-Fi package, it unfortunately does not work here). Single or double kayak rental is $20 for a half hour or $35 for an hour; pedal boats for up to four people for $25 for a half hour of $45 for a full hour; aqua cycle pedal boats (4×4) for $40 for a half hour or $60 for an hour. Stand up paddleboards and hydrobikes rent for $20 for half an hour of $35 for one hour; solar catamaran for two people at $40 for half an hour or $60 for an hour. While use of the pool is free, umbrellas cost $22 to rent for the day, although use of chairs is free. All-day use of a pool float is $12 (although I always recommend to bring your own), noodles are $5, and all-day locker rental is $6 with a refundable $6 deposit. A sign at the Amber Cove cruise port displays the prices of activities at the port (click to enlarge).   Beaches Near Amber Cove Many curious wonder whether or not Amber Cove has a beach, but unfortunately it does not. There are beachfront views and over-water cabanas in the aqua zone, but no direct ocean access exists. There also aren’t any beaches that are really walkable from Amber Cove. If you want to visit one of Puerto Plata’s beaches, you will need to take a taxi, and -warning- taxis in Puerto Plata are pricey! Another option is to hire a private driver (more on that in a moment). If a beach day is really the thing you seek, there are several beaches with free public access that are accessible via taxi from Amber Cove. I have visited two of Puerto Plata’s public beaches: Cosita Rica and Playa del Pueblito. I would not recommend either of these beaches, though. They are both polluted, and the water is very murky and filled with seaweed. Look, I love a good beach day, but in my experience, Puerto Plata just is not the best cruise port for that. Can I Visit Taino Bay if I Port at Amber Cove? Cruisers sometimes find themselves wishing they were docking at Taino Bay instead of Amber Cove, or vice versa, due to a preference for the amenities available at the alternative port. Unfortunately, if you port at one, you are not allowed to access the other. As with all cruise ports, if you exit the port area, you must show your ship card ID to gain entrance back into the port, and they will verify that your ship is actually docked at that particular port before allowing you in. The two ports are far enough apart that they are not within walking distance anyway, so visiting the alternate port would require a taxi. As noted above, Puerto Plata taxis are expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend it anyway. Things to Do in Amber Cove If you choose to get out of the port and explore Puerto Plata, here are my top recommendations. Historic Puerto Plata Cruisers wishing to venture outside of port often visit the historic district, which is a great free option for cruisers. This area of Puerto Plata features the Paseo Dona Blanca, an Instagram-worthy Victorian pink alleyway, as well as the famous Umbrella Street. Unfortunately, Umbrella Street, Paseo Dona Blanca, and the historic

Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Caribbean, Philipsburg

Exploring the Unique Duality of Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port

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About the Port St. Maarten Cruise Port St. Maarten is a unique Caribbean island governed by both France and the Netherlands, so there are two spellings: The French side is “Saint Martin,” while the Dutch side is “Sint Maarten.” The cruise port is in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, and named “Port of St. Maarten”, or just St. Maarten for short. Cruise ships dock at the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility in Port St. Maarten, which can accommodate up to six cruise ships, although on busy days, some ships may anchor in Great Bay and tender passengers directly to the center of town. The official languages of St. Maarten are Dutch and English, and the local currency is the Antillean Guilder or Florin, although most of the vendors and shops accept US currency, credit, and debit cards. They may not, however, accept US currency if the bills are overly worn, contain marks, or are in any way torn or damaged, and they may provide change back in the form of the local currency. Port St. Maarten Cruise Terminal After exiting the ship, cruisers will walk down one of two short piers into the port area, where they will find colorful buildings and shops. The port area is new and clean, with local steel drum musicians playing to greet visiting cruisers.  There is a colorful “St. Maarten” photo opp and several bars and restaurants (the legal drinking age in St. Maarten is 18). If you have a prearranged cruise excursion, the meeting areas are clearly marked at the port, and if you choose to venture off on your own, hang a right out of port to the taxi stand area. The St. Maarten sign at the Philipsburg cruise port terminal Free Things to Do in St. Maarten St. Maarten’s capital city and Philipsburg’s center are about a mile from the port. Cruisers can take a free self-guided walking tour around town to enjoy the monuments, buildings, and architecture. The main drag of Philipsburg is Front Street, where cruisers will find shops, restaurants, and casinos. The Philipsburg Boardwalk runs down the Great Bay waterfront and makes for a scenic stroll. There are also free public access beaches, although some of the most popular ones will require a taxi. The famous “airport beach” (Maho Beach) in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. (Outfit: 3-piece floral set) St. Maarten Cruise Port Beach St. Maarten is the only country in the world with a beachside capital, and one of the city’s beaches, Great Bay Beach, is just a 5-10 minute walk from the St. Maarten cruise port. There, cruisers can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from locals and enjoy an easy beach day without having to pay for transportation. Cruisers who want to visit the world-famous Maho Beach, or “airport beach” on the Dutch side, or Orient Bay Beach on the French side will need to either take a taxi or arrange an excursion. There are many great beaches in St. Maarten, but some of the lesser-known ones are much less crowded. Note that some of the French side beaches have clothing-optional sections. Beach near the airport On a recent stop in St. Maarten, I visited Maho Beach. While it was a unique and fun experience and one that I’m glad I did, I wouldn’t do it again because it took about 40 minutes in traffic each way to get there and back from the cruise port, and the beach was much smaller and more crowded than I expected. The water was incredible, though, and watching huge aircraft fly so close overhead while in the water was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. St. Maarten Port Taxis Once at the port, cruisers can hang a right to the taxi stand, where taxis will be lined up waiting to take cruisers to the area’s most popular beaches. You’ll decide your location, and an employee will take your money in advance, provide you with a wristband, and direct you to your shared taxi. The process is smooth and efficient, and prices are affordable. Best Excursions in St. Maarten St. Maarten is a small island known for its beaches, so many of the top excursions in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, involve beach days. But if you’re looking for something different to do in St. Maarten, here are some top-rated activities: Speedboat, Snorkeling & Beach Tour ATV Tour of Dutch/French St. Maarten Catamaran Day Sailing Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour Jet Ski Experience Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port Ship Schedule As with most cruise ports, I recommend using Cruisemapper to access the ship schedule for the St. Maarten cruise port. St. Maarten Time Zone Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of its departing port, so for sailings off the eastern coast of the US, this is Eastern Standard Time (EST). St. Maarten’s time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), and they do not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the AST time zone may differ from EST — or it may be the same — depending on the time of year. Exploring St. Maarten Other Things to do in St. Maarten

Umbrella Alley in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Caribbean, Cruise Ports, Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata

Uncovering Puerto Plata: Free Things to Do Near the Cruise Ports

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The Puerto Plata cruise port is in the Dominican Republic and is home to two cruise terminals: Amber Cove and Taino Bay (pronounced Ty-ee-no) Bay. If you’re curious about which of the two your ship will visit during your cruise, you can often find this information on your detailed itinerary, provided by the cruise line. Both ports have spots with free WiFi and feature free activities for cruisers, and both provide a great FREE experience for cruisers who wish to save money. These ports are both so big that I have dedicated blog posts to them both, so be sure to check out the one that applies to where you will be docking. Taino Bay Port Guide Amber Cove Port Guide Are Amber Cove and Taino Bay Free? Amber Cove is primarily served by Carnival Cruise Line and its brands (Carnival, Holland, Princess, etc.) and the port is named in honor of the amber found on its shores. Taino Bay is the newer of the two ports and most non-CCL cruise lines berth here. What’s great about both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports is that they’re free… well, mostly. Use of the pool and its loungers at both is completely free, and cruisers do not have to pay any sort of admission fee to enter and use them. There are, however, additional amenities available for rent, and attractions for purchase. Taino Bay also has a lazy river, free for use by cruisers docking there. About the Roatán Cruise Ports A sign at Taino Bay, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic displays taxi fares to local attractions (click to enlarge). Free Things to Do in Puerto Plata Puerto Plata is a great cruise location because both ports, Amber Cove and Taino Bay, are chock full of free amenities. Cruisers wishing to explore outside of the port areas, however, can enjoy many other free or low-cost activities and sites. Puerto Plata Beaches The Cosita Rica Beach in Puerto Plata is an easy walk from Taino Bay Neither of the Puerto Plata ports provides direct ocean access, although both offer a free “beachfront” experience, so if you’re seeking to just soak in the sun and have your body in the sand, you can do so at no cost –- right there at port. If you wish to get in the water, swim, or snorkel, you’ll need to venture out. There are several beaches with free public access that are accessible via taxi. I have visited two of Puerto Plata’s public beaches: Cosita Rica, which is walkable from Taino Bay (about 15 minutes), and Playa del Pueblito, which is not walkable from either port. I would not recommend either of these beaches, though. They are both polluted, and the water is very murky and filled with seaweed. Historic Puerto Plata Cruisers wishing to venture outside of port often visit the historic district, another free option for cruisers. This area of Puerto Plata features the Paseo Dona Blanca, an Instagram-worthy Victorian pink alleyway, as well as the famous Umbrella Street. Both of the areas are Tourists crowd the Paseo Dona Blanca. chronically crowded, however, but great for a quick visit and photo opp, especially as they’re located so close to one another, and just a stone’s throw away from the center of the historic town district, known as Central Park, or Parque Central, where there are beautiful buildings, most notable of which being the eye-catching St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral. Locals often populate the square with buckets of bird seed and accept tips from travelers who wish to feed the flocks of pigeons that populate the area. Of all the things we did on a recent visit to Puerto Plata, feeding the pigeons and having them eat from her hand was the highlight for my 11-year-old kiddo. Ambar Museum It might be a smidge generous to call this a “museum”, as it’s more like a glorified gift shop that entices would-be shoppers into the stores under the guise of a free activity, but on a recent visit to the historic Central Park, I decided to stop by since it was so close. This specific location to which I’m referring is the “Ambar Mine Museum,” not to be confused with the Amber Museum, which is a different attraction that charges a nominal entry fee, and it was worth the stop — especially as it’s free. There’s a small “museum” section, where a guide will describe Puerto Plata’s history of amber mining, and after exploring this area, guests exit into a gift shop offering amber jewelry and other trinkets. Fortaleza de San Felipe Fortress History buffs will enjoy a stop at Fortaleza de San Felipe Fortress because of its history and the incredible sight of the coast, including views of the ships docked at Taino Bay. Exploring the exterior grounds on food is free, but entering the fortress requires an admission fee, although it is nominal. At just $2 per person, it’s a bargain. Like the historic district and its sites, this landmark is walkable from Taino Bay at under a mile, but is not accessible by foot from Amber Cove. Damajagua Falls Probably the most popular Puerto Plata excursion is Damajagua Falls, and there’s a lot to love about this attraction, but it’s important for cruisers to do their research on this one before booking. While Damajagua Falls offers an exhilarating adventure with stunning natural beauty and thrilling water activities, it requires a good level of physical fitness and the hike can be challenging for some visitors. It also can be a bit of a risk in terms of experiencing a physical injury. This one is definitely geared toward more active cruisers, as it requires a one-hour steep hike in the hot and humid rainforest. Related: Read about my Damajagua Falls adventure. MonkeyLand A popular Puerto Plata excursion is MonkeyLand, where visitors to interact with friendly, free-roaming squirrel monkeys in a lush, tropical environment. I bought this excursion on my first-ever visit to Puerto Plata and I loved it, but note that it’s located a bit far from the cruise ports, approximately 9.8 miles and 30

The Visitor Center, housed in a windmill, at the Crown Bay Center at the cruise port of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Caribbean, Charlotte Amalie, United States

Discovering the Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Cruise Port in USV

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About the St. Thomas Cruise Port St. Thomas is one of three islands, the others being St. Croix and St. John, that comprise this United States territory, and it’s a popular cruise destination serviced by most of the major cruise lines. Charlotte Amalie cruise port has two docks, Havensight and Crown Bay, and if the port is particularly busy, cruise lines may even anchor and tender guests to shore, although this is rare. Both docks have spots where cruisers can access free Wi-Fi. This port is great for cruisers who love to shop, as it’s home to the A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street, surrounded by some other unique shops, such as Turkish Grand Bazaar. It’s also the perfect port of call for a beach day, because along with the Bahamas and Grand Cayman, cruisers will find here some of the most pure sands and stunning clear blue waters.  Charlotte Amalie is home to great architecture and beautiful historic buildings, such as the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas building. Havensight Cruise Terminal Havensight is located in Charlotte Amalie East, and of the two, is the closest walk to the downtown area. Sometimes called the West India Company Dock, it’s home to the Havensight Mall, which is home to many of the shops, bars, and restaurants that cruisers can expect at a cruise port. Click here for a Havensight St. Thomas cruise port map. The benefit of porting here is that it’s a short 6-minute walk to the Skyride to Paradise Point; just hang a left upon exiting the terminal. Crown Bay Center Cruise Terminal Crown Bay is in Charlotte Amalie West and contains several duty-free shops, souvenir vendors, a prominent large Windmill, which makes for a great photo opp (and contains the Tourist Center within), coffee shops, and bars and restaurants. Exploring Charlotte Amalie on Foot Getting around on foot is a feasible option, but only if you’re porting at Havesight, as Crown Bay isn’t close to any major sites or attractions. In most cases, you’ll want to book an excursion, hire a private driver, or take a taxi to get around. If you prefer walking around to explore, consider taxiing to the city center and exploring from there. You can navigate using a downtown map, like this one, which features shops, bars, and restaurants. St. Thomas Cruise Port Beach A view of cruise ships docked at the Charlotte Amalie cruise port in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is a premier port for a beach day. It’s home to some amazing beaches, including the world-renowned Magens Bay Beach, along with Coki Beach, Brewers Bay Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Bolongo Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can ferry to St. John and visit the famous Trunk Bay Beach. You can find a St. Thomas beach guide here, courtesy of the US VI Tourism Authority. Tip: If you visit Magens Bay Beach, ask your driver to drop you off further down the coast. The beach is one mile long, but most visitors pack in near the Magens Bay Beach Bar, where they can access the bar, along with chair and umbrella rentals. You’ll find a much more secluded, tranquil experience going down further. Of all the St. Thomas Beaches, Brewers Bay is my favorite, as it’s always much less crowded, and holds a special place in my heart since this is the first time I ever got to snorkel Taxis in St. Thomas Taxis are readily available, but somewhat pricey, and are available from both docks at the Charlotte Amalie cruise port in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. On a 2024 visit, fares to Magens Bay were $15 each way per person, and taxis are open-air, shared vehicles, where drivers transport groups of cruisers all headed to the same destination. Taxi fares are regulated and typically non-negotiable. Uber and Lyft are not options in the US Virgin Islands. Given the limitations and cost of taxis, cruisers may want to consider hiring a private driver. My personal recommendation is Jammin’ Jeep Tours (more on that below). Best Excursions in St. Thomas The top things to do in St. Thomas of course include the island’s famous beaches, but there are also plenty of other great excursions and activities in Charlotte Amalie, including the following, which can be booked independently: Jammin Jeep Tours Private Tour of St. ThomasThis is the rare excursion that I’ve done twice because it’s just that good. There’s no better way to navigate St. Thomas and see everything you want without being herded like cattle with other cruisers. Luxury Catamaran Private CharterDon’t get sticker shock. If you can round up a group of 12 cruisers, you can enjoy a luxury and private experience for just around $125 each, cheaper than similar cruise line offerings! Parasailing ATV/UTV Tour of St. Thomas Sea Trek Helmet Dive World Famous Mountain TopIf you have private transportation, this is a cool place to visit, but I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip here. It’s basically a huge duty-free gift shop known for its size and its banana daiquiris. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Cruise Port Ship Schedules   As with all cruise ports, I recommend using Cruisemapper to access the ship schedule for St. Thomas, which can be found here.   U.S. Virgin Islands Time Zone Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of the departure port, so for sailings off the eastern coast of the US, this is Eastern Standard Time (EST). The Virgin Islands’ time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), and they do not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the AST time zone may differ from EST — or it may be the same — depending on the time of year. What to

Two cruise ships docked t the St. Kitts cruise port
Basseterre, Caribbean, St. Kitts

Exploring St. Kitts Cruise Port: A Hidden Gem in the Caribbean

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Activities In the Basseterre, St. Kitts Cruise Port The Roatán ports are not tender ports. Cruise ships dock directly at the piers in either Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay, allowing passengers to disembark and embark without the need for tender boats, which I always like (I hate the tendering process and find it slow and tedious). Port Zante Cruise Port Nearly all the major cruise lines port in Basseterre, and almost all of them will dock at the Port Zante Cruise Port. It’s important for cruisers to know that St. Kitts is one of several Caribbean islands where it is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage. The currency of St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), but most tour operators and vendors, especially at the port, will accept US currency. However, they may not accept it if the bills are overly worn, wrinkled, torn, or have writing on them. Credit cards are also widely accepted. This port has a short pier, and once you exit into the terminal, you’ll find many of the standard cruise port shops, bars, and restaurants. Royal Caribbean‘s Explorer of the Seas docked at the St. Kitts cruise port. Port Zante Cruise Terminal The terminal is colorful and vibrant, with duty-free shops, local vendors, and a variety of bars and restaurants for those who prefer to stay at port (the legal drinking age in St. Kitts is 18). There’s a colorful “St. Kitts” sign immediately outside the terminal exit, a perfect photo opp for cruisers. This port generally checks ID upon return, along with your ship card, so plan for that. If traveling with kids, you just need their birth certificate, and I recommend a copy. There is a tram available for cruisers with mobility issues, and once you exit the terminal, there are vendors selling photo ops with monkeys ($10 per person), and there is free Wi-Fi at Port Zante. Exploring Basseterre on Foot Cruisers who want to save money on a formal excursion may choose to explore Basseterre on foot, although in my opinion, the best that this particular port has to offer isn’t available on foot. There are some things, however, to see but note that drivers in St. Kitts navigate on the left-hand side of the road. The Old and Historic Town of Basseterre features interesting landmarks, including churches, the National Museum, and Independence Square.   Honduras has three main cruise ports: Roatán (Coxen Hole), Mahogany Bay, and Puerto Cortés. Roatán and Mahogany Bay are located on the island of Roatán, about 6 miles apart, which is the most popular cruise destination in Honduras, known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Puerto Cortés is located on mainland Honduras and is less frequented by major cruise lines. Instead, smaller, expedition-style cruises and regional operators call here. While many major cruise lines call to the island of Roatán, Mahogany Bay specifically is owned by Carnival Corporation, so it is primarily served by Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. It features a private beach and various amenities for cruise passengers. Puerto Cortés, located on the mainland, serves as a gateway to explore the cultural and natural attractions of Honduras. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide.  The view of the pier of the Basseterre, St. Kitts cruise port. St. Kitts Cruise Port Beach There are numerous beaches in St. Kitts, but none of them are immediately at port or accessible by foot. South Frigate Bay Beach is the closest, about 10 minutes from the port, although Sand Bank Beach and Pinneys Beach are also great options that aren’t too far. The Cruisebound blog has a great summary of these beaches here.  Taxis in St. Kitts Most cruise-sponsored excursions have a meet-up spot at the end of the pier, right at the entrance of the terminal, but if you choose to take a taxi and explore on your own, there is a taxi stand available to the right once you exit the Port Zante terminal.  Best Excursions in Basseterre, St. Kitts There are some independent, third-party excursion operators at Port Zante selling tours, but it’s advisable to book your excursions in advance to ensure that 1) the excursion you choose is well-reviewed by a reputable vendor, 2) you ensure that it’s an excursion you will like, and 3) the activity you want to do isn’t sold out. Here are some of the top excursions in St. Kitts: Grand Tour of St. KittsI enjoyed this tour, but it was a slower-paced activity. It does provide stops at almost all of the top St. Kitts destinations, including Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor and Brimstone Hill Fortress. ATV Tour of St. KittsI loved this tour, but you will get dirty, so plan accordingly! Read my blog post about this excursion here. Catamaran Snorkeling Tour of St. Kitts Horseback Riding to Sofa Stone Palms Court Day PassThis is an affordable option if you’re looking for a relaxing day with a pool.  Best Excursions in Basseterre, St. Kitts As with many cruise ports, I recommend using Cruisemapper to access the ship schedule for Port Zante. The ship schedule for Basseterre, St. Kitts can be found here. St. Kitts Time Zone Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning for your stop at the port, especially for excursions. Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of the departure port, so for sailings off the eastern coast of the US, this is Eastern Standard Time (EST). St. Kitts’ time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), and they do not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the AST time zone may differ from EST — or it may be the same — depending

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