One of the many joys of cruising is the chance to sample different destinations in one trip. Then if you’re like me, you’ll fall in love with a port so much that you plan a return visit.
With the Caribbean and Mexico as our neighbors, we have access to boundless islands and countries—a handful for which many cruisers come back to spend more time exploring the culture and adventure that await. As an avid cruiser who’s visited more than 25 cruise ship ports in Mexico and the Caribbean, I round up my favorite ones for a return visit.
1. St. Lucia
Conjure up a Caribbean postcard, and it’ll probably look a lot like St. Lucia. The lush Southern Caribbean island doesn’t make families choose between adventure and relaxation, because it excels at offering both. Rainforests and dramatic landscapes that include the famous Pitons (volcanic spires) set the stage for guided hikes and ziplining, while the beaches—many of which have shallow, calm water—are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and laidback water sports.
Where to stay: Multi-bedroom villas ensure every family has privacy and space at the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort. Other key features include six shared swimming pools, a kids’ club with extensive programming for youngsters, and four restaurants.
2. Dominica
Southern Caribbean cruises that include stops in Dominica are usually on the pricier side, as this part of the region is more desirable and less prone to being affected by storms during hurricane season. Traveling by land and around the island, on the flip side, is more affordable. Dominica’s lack of touristy chain restaurants and bars is almost as refreshing as its sea breezes—tinged with the scent of delicious Creole cuisine. Hiking to swimming holes and rappelling down waterfalls quench families’ thirst for thrills, and you can always slow down the pace at one of its beaches.
SPREAD OUT: 8 Caribbean family resorts with villas that feel like private vacation homes
Where to stay: Get up close and personal with nature at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort and Spa. Spacious accommodations, a lagoon-style pool, and a turtle sanctuary—where families can witness sea turtles lay eggs—all make for an unforgettable experience.
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ask any cruiser who’s been to San Juan if they would return, and the answer is almost always a resounding “yes.” The island’s energy is palpable, and its culture, cuisine, history, and dreamy landscapes add to its allure. As if direct flights from the U.S. don’t make it easy enough, not needing a passport means visiting is nearly effortless. Old San Juan is more than a district; it’s also an experience that transforms from day to night. Other can’t-miss spots include El Yunque National Forest, Luquillo, and day trips to Culebra or Vieques.
Where to stay: You don’t have to sacrifice proximity to downtown San Juan for direct access to a beach, at The Royal Sonesta. Resting on Isla Verde Beach, the resort offers a massive pool and proximity to the children’s museum, shopping, and dining.
4. Anguilla
Only a handful of small, luxury cruise lines call on Anguilla. The 16-mile-long island no more than a 25-minute boat ride from St. Martin is a hidden gem in the region, but it unveils the curtain for families to explore its seemingly unspoiled beaches, unique culture, and tiny surrounding islands sprinkled like confetti. The resorts themselves are attractions, catering to youngsters with thoughtfully designed clubs and outdoor spaces—all underpinned by the island’s universally, kid-friendly attitude.
Where to stay: Family owned and operated, Frangipani Beach Resort will make you feel at home as soon as you arrive. Its location on award-winning Mead’s Bay means most activities are centered around the water, and they have plenty to keep families busy.
5. Curacao
Between the candy-colored streets of Willemstad and magical cove beaches, Curacao ignites the senses—regardless of age. Between city attractions like an aquarium and children’s museum, myriad snorkeling and swimming opportunities, and Christoffel National Park, kids will never go bored. There’s even a restaurant, La Hacienda Olivia, with farm animals and a playground (Curacao sure knows how to cater to parents and caretakers).
Where to stay: It’s hard to beat the value of Avila Beach Hotel, which is walking distance to town yet still retains a sense of seclusion, thanks to two private beaches. A variety of accommodations a la rooms, suites, and apartments offer something for every family size.
6. Puerto Vallarta
A cruise to Puerto Vallarta will give families a taste of its vibrant and easily walkable downtown (a nod to the city’s commitment to safety and cleanliness). And while the city offers days’ worth of fun, especially on weekends when its markets are abuzz, the local beaches arguably are its most alluring attractions. We recommend returning to enjoy all the ways Puerto Vallarta caters to families, from beaches with calm water and breathtaking mountain backdrops, to the boardwalk, and Old Town, where you’ll find a children’s garden play space.
STAY A WHILE: This Puerto Vallarta resort is perfect for culture-seeking families
Where to stay: The Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort is a stone’s throw from downtown and comes with its own private beach, family pool, kids’ club, and more. The childcare staff go all out, too, with fun experiences like camping on the beach, pizza-making classes, and picnics.
7. St. Thomas
Few Caribbean cruise ports make a first impression as memorable as St. Thomas. In fact, the view above Charlotte Amalie’s terminal is one of the most iconic (and photographed) in the region. As part of the U.S Virgin Islands, St. Thomas doesn’t require a passport to visit. And while its USVI neighbors St. John and St. Croix are each special in its own right—though they don’t see as much cruise traffic—I recommend St. Thomas to families for its sheer variety of activities. Swimming with sea turtles at Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge and interacting with marinelife at Coral World Ocean Park are among the island’s unique options for families.
Where to stay: Apartment-style accommodations with private outdoor spaces, a freshwater swimming pool, private beach, scuba diving center, and plethora of restaurants are among the highlights at Secret Harbour Beach Resort.
8. Barbados
Stunning beaches and wildlife reserves are a recipe for family fun, but Barbados’ secret ingredient is its caves—most notably, Harrison’s Cave, an underground marvel that travelers from all over the world come to see. Head to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve to meet green monkeys and other resident animals, relish plentiful calm-water beaches on the west coast, explore under the sea with world-class snorkeling, and get a literal taste of the culture at Oistins Fish Fry market, a whirlwind of fresh seafood, music, and camaraderie.
Where to stay: Turtle Beach is one of the island’s most popular family retreats. A children’s club and pool, family dance lessons and spacious suites are among the standout amenities at this Marriott property.
9. Cabo San Lucas
You might not see whales during a call on Cabo San Lucas, one of the most popular cruise ship ports in Mexico. But you’ll certainly up your chances by staying at least a few days during migration season, from mid-December to mid-April. Los Cabos is a frequent stop for migratory Pacific whales, and the likelihood of you spotting them is high, especially by boat. Stretching from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo on the southernmost tip of Baja California, Los Cabos attracts families from all over the world. Despite its high visitation, especially during whale-watching season, the beaches remain fairly uncrowded.
Where to stay: About a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal, you can mosey down a lazy river, cool off in an infinity pool, and kick back in a roomy suite at Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa. An Ultimate Family Program package sweetens the stay with lavish perks geared toward those with kids.
