Are you planning on cruising the Caribbean? If so, a trip around the western side of the islands could be the perfect way for you to spend your trip. Indulge in a break filled with golden beaches lapped by sparkling waters and explore all this corner of the world has to offer.

Cruising the Caribbean

There is nowhere quite like the Caribbean. Home to 13 countries, this idyllic cluster of over 700 islands is part of the North American continent. With so much to discover, it offers a range of unforgettable experiences. That’s why the Caribbean is best explored by region.

If you’re planning a cruise and you’re considering a tour of the western Caribbean countries, it’s likely that you will be one of many tourists in the region. There were 28 million visitors to the Caribbean in 2022, so it remains a go-to choice for travellers.

Begin planning your trip researching the islands and cities that you want to visit when you hop onto land. It might be that you want to head to Jamaica or take in the Cayman Islands.

The best way to work out what is classed as the western Caribbean is to establish where the ports are that are to the south of Cuba and to the west of Florida. Check out the itinerary on your chosen cruise line to see where they sail to. Some cruises will take in one or two ports, while others, such as MSC Cruises, will explore several destinations within the region.

Where to go

To help you find the cruise itinerary that suits you, it’s worth having an idea of the destinations that are in the western Caribbean. Here are some of the most captivating:

• Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful Caribbean island with its own laid-back vibe. If this is the island you long to explore, head to Ocho Rios. This port town is on the northern coast that features a sandy beach where you can lay back and relax or try your hand at watersports. There are also spectacular waterfalls for you to uncover while you’re there.

• Cozumel

This Mexican island is a must for those who love scuba diving. In fact, it’s been named one of the best diving spots in the world. But if diving’s not your thing, there’s also the wild east side of the island to explore. Here, you can wander along remote beaches and sip cocktails at one of the beachside bars.

• Bahamas

The Bahamas is not geographically in the Caribbean, but it’s still typically grouped together with the rest of the islands in the region. It is often one of the destinations on a cruise in the area and there is plenty to do if you hop off the boat here. Nassau is one of the major ports. It’s the capital of the Bahamas and sits on the island of New Providence.

It’s a bustling place, filled with vendors selling their wares and friendly locals. You might decide to hit the beach or tuck into some freshly caught seafood. Conch with peas and rice is a popular dish here.

Where will you visit in the western Caribbean?