Ready to plan your Cruise Port Days?
Cruise port days go by fast, and a little planning can make the difference between a “meh” day and one you’re still talking about long after you’re home. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering cobblestone streets, finding the perfect beach, or keeping it simple with a DIY day near the ship, these port guides are here to help you make the most of every stop.
Browse the destinations below for real-world tips, easy ideas, and what’s actually doable in the time you have. And if you’re still looking for inspiration, head over to my Cruise Port Days board on Pinterest or join the conversation with fellow cruisers on Facebook.
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- A Cruise Port Day in Villefranche-sur-Mer: Nice, Monaco & French Riviera Magic
- How to Spend a Perfect Cruise Port Day in Portofino, Italy
- A Day in Florence & Pisa from the Celebrity Equinox: Worth the Cruise Excursion?
Shore Excursions
Where to book your shore excursions (or with whom) can be a big point of stress for new cruisers. While you may feel comfortable booking directly through the cruise line, consider alternatives that may provide you with a smaller group and a better price. Just make sure the vendor offers a “return to ship guarantee” like Shore Excursions Group.
Bridgetown, Barbados
The Boatyard – Walk through the town of Bridgeport to a great beach day at the Boatyard. The cost of admission includes a short boat excursion to snorkel, chairs/umbrella, and a welcome drink. Taxis are readily available to return you to the ship.
Cozumel, MX –
- Family fun at Chankanaab Park – There is something for everyone at Chankanaab Park. It’s an excellent option for families with children of varying ages. At the time, our teenage son loved the zip line, and our daughter loved the manatee experience.
- Nachi Cocom Beach Club – Kids are welcome, but it is especially well-suited for couples or other adults. The service is excellent and a very relaxing option for your cruise port day visit.
- Paradise Beach – Paradise Beach has something for everyone! There are plenty of active options as well as opportunities to relax by the pool or beach. Whether you are traveling as a couple or with a large family group, Paradise Beach would be a great choice! See more pics from our day on my YouTube Video for Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach has become our favorite and it’s a place we return to over and over!
Roseau, Dominica
Royal Caribbean tour – The natural beauty of Roseau, Dominica, is breathtaking. Our guide for “Dominica’s Favorites” was very knowledgeable and kind. It was worth the price! (And we typically do not book through the cruise line)
St. George’s, Grenada
Historical sites and beach – A cruise port day exploring Grenada.
Key West
First visit – This was our first visit to Key West. We experienced the Trolley Train, the Southernmost point, Lighthouse, and the marina. All of the details are in the post and you can see a short video here!
Nassau, Bahamas
- Queen’s Staircase – A great, family-friendly option in Nassau is to explore the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. It’s a comfortable walk (about 3/4 of a mile) from the cruise terminal and quite budget-friendly.
- Junkanoo Beach – If you are looking for a budget-friendly beach option, there is a public beach a short walk from the cruise terminal. However, it can be a little vendor intense. The blog post also includes a visit to Pirate’s Republic Brewery and Senor Frogs.
Puerto Costa Maya – Mahahual, MX
- Chacchoben Maya Ruins
- Maya Chan Beach – You can see more pics in the video.
- 10 Things to Do during your port day in Costa Maya
- Visiting Mahahual Boardwalk – A cruise port day in Costa Maya
Roatan, Honduras
Victor Bodden Tour – We scheduled a private tour for our group of 8. We visited Victor’s Monkey Business (to see sloths!) we toured Roatan and ended up at Bananarama Beach Resort for the afternoon.
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Exploration and beach time – We headed out with our wonderful driver up the mountain to Timothy Hill. Here you can see both the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. It’s a great photo opportunity. From there we went on to Cockleshell beach for a day of fun in the sun.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten on a budget – A short walk to the boardwalk on the Dutch side. A local bus to the French side to explore. Relaxing on the beach with a view of the ships.
St. Thomas/USVI
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Walking tour of Old San Juan – San Juan is an easy port to walk around on your own and explore.
Europe
Naples – Wine tour booked through Viator
Florence/Pisa – Tour booked with Celebrity Cruise Line
Nice/Monocco – A Cruise Port Day from Ville Franche Sur Mer –
Three Days in Barcelona! – Various tours and events