Tag: CRUISE

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion- Insider Tips on Cruise Ports

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date August 21, 2021
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One of my favorite things about planning out my cruises is picking out my shore excursion(s). There is an abundance of things to do and sometimes it can be hard to narrow it down to just one activity each port! Selecting which cruise excursion is right for you, but we’ve outlined some of the best activities in the hottest ports of the Caribbean.

Each port lends itself to different activities. For instance, Belize, Costa Maya, San Juan, and Cozumel are excellent for experiencing ancient cultures however, they are also great for outdoor adventure activities.

Ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua are great for shopping and hitting the beach.

Of course, there are some ports, like Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay where you really don’t even have to book an excursion because they been developed by Carnival.

What is a Cruise Excursion?

A cruise excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion for YOU

Really, it all depends on your idea of fun. The great thing about cruise excursions is the fact there is literally something for everyone! I like to pick something adventurous and something cultural each cruise.

For the History Lovers

I’ve always been quite a bit of a history nerd so I really enjoy historic island tours and visits to Mayan ruins. In the past six cruises, I have visited 3 different sets of ruins and been on many island tours. I like doing island tours because you get to see a lot of the island/port, learn a bit of history and you still get time to shop and/or hit the beach.

Not all island tours are created equally though. I booked an island tour on Grand Turk and was really disappointed. The island doesn’t really have much to offer. I would have been much better off just staying at the port and enjoying the beach and pool area. However, islands like Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas all offer incredible island tours that are full of rich history.

Recommended Island Tours: Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Bahamas and San Juan

Recommended Maya Ruins: Xunantunich, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cahal Pech, Chacchoben

Ports where I don’t recommend island/city tours: Belize, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, Cozumel

For the Adventurers

Each cruise, I like to do something that scares me…. just a little. It’s a great opportunity to open myself up to new experiences, to conquer fears, and to try new things. I must admit, I have done some really, really cool things while traveling. I’ve zip lined, snorkeled with sharks and rays, explored caves in Mexico and Belize, gone off-roading, and been on high-speed boat rides.

Recommended Activities: Ziplining (anywhere!), Cave Tubing in Belize, 4×4 safari in Aruba (it was so amazing!), catamaran rides (anywhere!), Rio Secreto (Cozumel), snorkeling (Bonaire, St. Thomas, Belize, Grand Turk), and Sting Ray City (Grand Cayman), Swimming with Sharks and Rays (Belize).

You may have noticed that I don’t always book tours. There are some ports that have been really well developed by Carnival. Rather than just having the usual Carnival stores, they have added special features such as wide sandy beaches (with amenities), pools, bars, and restaurants. In places like Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove it isn’t necessary to spend your money on an excursion. Whereas I strongly recommend booking something for Belize as Belize City itself has absolutely nothing to offer.

There are other ports where I don’t book tours but I either hit the local beaches or shop at the local shops. Ports, where this is totally doable, include Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Turk. I hope this helps you get an idea of how I choose my shore excursions. I mix a little history, with a bit of adventure and outdoor activities to create the trip of a lifetime!

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Updated: 4/8/22

Tags CRUISE, CRUISE EXCURSIONS, CRUISE TIPS, CRUISE TRAVEL

Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Juneau Ketchikan Skagway United States

Reliving Our Alaskan Cruise Highlights

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date July 31, 2021
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I’ve had several friends ask me what the best part of my Alaskan cruise was. Choosing our Alaskan cruise highlights is just as impossible as coming up with my favorite Hanson song! The whole cruise was absolutely remarkable! We spent time checking out all of the sights in Seattle, explored Skagway, British Columbia & The Yukon, saw the Mendenhall and Dawes Glaciers, hiked countless trails, and took in all of the sights of the Last Frontier. How can I select just one of those as a highlight? To put it simply, I can’t. Here are some of my favorite things about my trip:

Alaskan Cruise Highlights

The Wild Life

How can you not appreciate the wildlife of Alaska? It’s so funny because everyone on the ship was hoping that they would see a whale on the cruise. I didn’t book a whale-watching excursion and I can’t even begin to tell you how many whales we saw on this trip! We saw humpbacks galore and even got to see some orcas frolicking in the water. Seaworld ain’t got nothin’ on Alaska y’all!

On the ship, there was a naturalist that stood on the bridge of the ship and made an announcement anytime she spotted a whale, seal, bald eagle, porpoise, etc. It became kind of a game to rush to the side of the ship that she referenced in her announcement.

While we were in Juneau, we hopped on a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. As we were driving through downtown Juneau a mama bear and two cubs ran across the road. It was the coolest thing ever! I definitely didn’t expect to have a bear sighting- especially in downtown Juneau!

The Lakes & Snow-Capped Mountains

As a Florida girl, it was nice to see something other than palm trees, sand, brackish water, and flat terrain. I loved all of the gorgeous green lakes, evergreens, and snow-capped mountains. There were mountains galore! We even got to play in the snow… in the summer! And yes, I fought back the urge to sing songs from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The Glaciers

Seeing the glaciers was pretty rad too! We visited both the Mendenhall Glacier and the Dawes Glacier on this trip. We were amazed by how blue the glaciers were and how gorgeous the surrounding water was. It was pretty neat sailing by little icebergs on our way through the Endicott Arm.

The lush green hillsides stood out in comparison to the vibrant blue water. It was absolutely stunning! Another cool thing about the Endicott Arm was all of the waterfalls that lined the waterway. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere quite as beautiful as the Endicott Arm! It was truly that beautiful.

Yes, Even Canada, eh

Believe it or not, we actually spent about as much time in Canada as we did in Alaska! We spent several hours driving through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. We also made a pit-stop in Victoria, British Columbia. This part of Canada was just as gorgeous as Alaska! I’m so glad we made the drive from Skagway to Carcross!

I have a feeling we’ll definitely be back to The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve been formally introduced, we’d love to drive around and check out more of what Alaska has to offer. Going to Alaska was a dream come true, I can definitely see why people consider this a trip of a lifetime.

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Tags ALASKA, CRUISE, CRUISE TRAVEL

Caribbean Costa Maya Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mexico

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 16, 2021
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“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.

When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.

Although there is plenty to do at the port, if you want to truly experience Mexico, we suggest leaving the port area.

What are the highlights of Costa Maya?

Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
Souvenir shops
Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, & Carlos and Charlies, etc).
Tequila Bar
Aviary
Fish Spa
Kakaw Chocolate
Dolphin Encounter
SCUBA diving

Nearby Beaches

Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase, there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.

The beaches here are unique in the sense that many of the bars, restaurants, and hotels actually own the beach that their establishment is on. Often times this means that you can receive bar and restaurant services while soaking up the rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Recommended Excursions in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Maya Ruins & Blue Lagoon

This 6 1/2 hour tour combines Maya history, local culture, and a beach break at a blue lagoon with an open bar. The trip starts with an hour-long bus ride out to the ruins. Along the way, your tour guide will tell you all there is to know about the ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins and the three main temples before heading back to the coast for lunch and time at the blue lagoon. This tour won’t leave you much time to explore the port area.

Maya Adventure Park & Beach Break

Spend the day at the Maya Adventure Park (the faux temple you see on the horizon from the cruise ship). The park has 9 waterslides, 2 zipline courses, a ropes course, and a roller coaster. There is also a pool and a Cenote to cool off in. Afterwards, hit the Beach Escape Beach Club for a bit of fun in the sun.

Seven Colors Lagoon River Tubing

This tour will take you to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon known as the “Lake of Seven Colors”. You’ll spend an hour and a half floating down the picturesque river. The tour includes lunch at the pier pictured above.

Bacalar Fort & Seven Colors Lagoon

Want to experience the real Mexico? This is truly a hidden gem! You’ll head to the town of Bacalar home to Bacalar Fort and the Seven Colors Lagoon. The fortress was built in 1733 to protect the Spanish colonists from pirate attacks and rebellions by the local indigenous people. You’ll also get a chance to spend time floating on the lagoon.

Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach

Of course, you can never go wrong with a catamaran and snorkeling excursion. In fact, I have done this on several trips to Mexico and it never gets old.

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Tags COSTA MAYA, CRUISE, CRUISE EXCURSIONS, CRUISE TRAVEL, MEXICO

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My Three Least Favorite Cruise Ports (and the Reasons Aren’t What You Think!)

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 12, 2021
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I have to tell you, I have experienced some pretty cool things and seen some incredible places. Some of my favorite places have been Alaska, France, and England and, of course, the locations I shared a couple of weeks ago in my 5 Favorite Cruise Ports post.

Today I thought it might be fun to share with you my least favorite cruise ports. Now, let me preface this by saying that I realize that I am extremely fortunate to be able to travel and this is, in no way, me whining. I should also say that none of these places are absolutely terrible, and it was impossible for me to come up with 3 places that weren’t spectacular. In fact, all of these places are actually nice, as I’m sure anyone who has visited them would agree, they just don’t rank high up on my list.

Alright, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?

My Least Favorite Cruise Ports

Nassau

I’ve been to Nassau six times and it grows on me more and more each time. This gorgeous island in The Bahamas is dotted with stunning beaches and a plethora of things to do. Nassau is a haven for tourists…which is actually why I don’t love it. For me, Nassau is far too crowded. Visiting the Straw Market is a nightmare due to the number of tourists that are jam-packed in such a small space. Will I return to Nassau? Absolutely. In fact, I’ll be there in 6 months time. The key to enjoying Nassau is getting away from the crowds. [7 Things for Cruisers to do Within Walking Distance in Nassau]

Grand Cayman

Again, I actually like quite a bit about Grand Cayman. The island features a lovely Sea Turtle Farm and phenomenal beaches. This is also a fantastic location for snorkeling and scuba diving. On one visit, I took a boat out to Stingray City where I got to swim with stingrays which was totally cool! The key to enjoying Grand Cayman is to get out and do things. If you stay around the tourist district you’ll just wander in and out of shops all day. Grand Cayman has a lot to offer. I do strongly recommend skipping paying for a trip to the tourist trap that is known as Hell. It’s not even worth a second thought.

Mahogany Bay/Roatan

If you’re a regular to 5 Suitcases you may be surprised to see Mahogany Bay on the list especially since I also included it in my Top 5. You see, although Mahogany Bay and Roatan are essentially the same places, they couldn’t be more different. Carnival develops many of its ports as destinations by putting in a ton of stores, restaurants, and bars and putting in an idyllic beach. Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay are all prime examples of this. I have to admit, Carnival has done an amazing job with these projects. However, it’s not authentic.

When I first started visiting Roatan there was nothing. Literally nothing. We were greeted at the port by guerrillas brandishing machine guns. Many people turned back, but we forged on and got to see how gorgeous the authentic Roatan really is. The only reason I dislike Mahogany Bay is that most visitors will not go beyond Carnival’s secure walls and discover how fantastic the island truly is.

The people of Roatan are some of the most pleasant, welcoming people you will ever meet. It’s a shame that many people will never get a chance to experience this simply because they remain at Mahogany Bay.

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Tags CRUISE, CRUISE TRAVEL

Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 19, 2021
1 Comment on The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

The beach next to the ship is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when planning your cruise is deciding when you’ll go. Cruises (traditionally) run 365 days a year- but some times of the year are better than others. There are things you need to take into consideration such as school breaks, hurricane season, and other factors. Join us as we explore the best and worst times to cruise.

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

January Through February

January and February are some of my favorite months to cruise. Since most of the ports have tropical or sub-tropical climates, the weather is absolutely gorgeous this time of the year. This is the perfect time of year to cruise if you live up north and want to escape the frigid winter temperatures.

The water temperatures are a tiny bit chilly, but you’ll adjust quickly and should be fun. Be advised that you can still get sunburned during this time of the year, so be sure to bring your sunscreen along.

March Through Easter

This is one of the most popular times for people to book a cruise thanks to Spring Break. I’ve been on many Spring Break cruises, and they really aren’t that bad. The crowds during this time tend to be younger- we’re talking lots of families and a ton of intoxicated college kids.

I will say I don’t sleep well on cruises during this time of the year because there are kids and drunkards running up and down the halls at all hours of the night.

This is also the beginning of peak season so expect the prices to be a bit higher and the lines to be a bit longer at the buffets. These cruises were fun when I was in my twenties however, now that I’m a bit older I tend to avoid cruising during this time.

May Through August

Look, I get the appeal of booking a cruise during the summer. The kids are out of school, it’s the perfect weather for a day at the beach, and you’re guaranteed to get some color on your skin. Seemingly, this is the perfect time to cruise. However, believe it or not, this is my least favorite time to cruise.

“Why?” you might ask. There are fewer drunk college kids during the summer months, but more families. The pools, hot tubs, and food lines are swarming with young kids. There are children everywhere. And quite frankly, it’s rather annoying.

The weather in the Caribbean at this time of the year is dreadfully hot and humid, and this is coming from a Floridian. If you do choose to cruise during this time of year pack plenty of sunscreen and aloe and stay hydrated.

The prices this time of year are much higher, and quite frankly not worth it (in my opinion). At this time of the year, I’d much rather cruise to Alaska than to the Caribbean.

September Through October

Many people shy away from cruising during this time of the year because it is the peak of hurricane season. Sure, there there is a chance of having to deal with a storm (more on that below) but to me, it’s a chance worth taking.

This is my favorite time to cruise! The weather is fantastic, the water is absolutely glorious, and the prices are lower.

November Through December

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30th. The season tends to peak in September. Traditionally, this is when you’ll see the lowest cruise fares. Some people tend to steer away from traveling during hurricane season however, I’m not one of those people. Oftentimes, when there is a storm your itinerary will change a bit. I’ve had two cruise itineraries that were impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane. On the first one, we simply skipped a port and had an extra sea day. On the second one, we visited Grand Turk instead of St. Thomas.

Planning a cruise during the shoulder season, or off-season can help you save money on your cruise. Of course, you’ll see the highest cruise fares during holidays and cruising seasons. You’ll pay more money to sail during the December holidays as well as from late February throughout Easter, due to Spring Break.

Personally, my favorite months to cruise are September, October, January, and March.

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Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

Where Should I Cruise To- Eastern vs. Western Caribbean

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 12, 2021
1 Comment on Where Should I Cruise To- Eastern vs. Western Caribbean

Are you asking yourself, “Where should I cruise to?” One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when booking a cruise is deciding where you should cruise to. There are tons of options scattered all throughout the Caribbean. From the Bahamas in the northeast all the way down to Aruba in the very southern Caribbean.

The Caribbean is generally split into three regions: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. Each region differs primatrily by the departure port, number of ports on your itinerary, and the length of your trip. For instance, if you’re interested in going to the Southern Caribbean, you’ll probably want to/need to leave from Miami or Puerto Rico.

Caribbean cruises can range from 2-10 days (and sometimes even longer!) depending on the cruise line, departure port, and itinerary. It can be overwhelming to pick the itinerary for your family especially if you’re a first-time cruiser.

Where Should I Cruise To?

Western Caribbean

The Western Caribbean is a popular selection for first-time cruisers. The ports have a more exotic feel than those in the Eastern Caribbean and are a bit less glitsy. Western Caribbean cruises typically feature destinations such as Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, or Costa Maya. The week-long cruises will often times visit Belize and Roatan, as well.

The Western Caribbean is perfect for adventurers, history buffs, and beach bums. This is where you’ll find the Maya ruins of Tulum, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Chichen Itza, as well as many others. Snorkeling and diving are also top-notch here, especially near Belize and Mexico where you’ll find the Blue Hole.

Other popular excursions include off-road ATV adventures, catamaran rides, ziplining, and other cultural experiences.

Western Caribbean cruises tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. Due to the distance between ach port, you’ll typically have at least 2 full sea days where you can relax, enjoy onboard activities, or recover from your active days in port.

These cruises typically depart from ports in Florida, Texas, and New Orleans. The itineraries typically have 3 or 4 stops and last 7 or 8 days.

Eastern Caribbean

Eastern Caribbean cruises often feature ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Grand Turk, and The Bahamas. Itineraries typically range from the 5 to 7-night range, however, they can be shorter if you’re looking to just zip over to The Bahamas from Florida.

These cruises generally depart from ports in Florida or from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ports of call on Eastern Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular ports so it’s not unusual to see 3 or more ships on the same day.

The Eastern Caribbean is full of colonial history, pirate history, shopping, beautiful beaches, and volcanic islands with lush green hillsides. These are easily some of the most stunning places in the Caribbean! What’s even cooler is many of these ports offer excursions that will take you to nearby islands such as St. John and St. Barths which are a bit more off the beaten path.

These itineraries are generally best suited for active travelers. Since the ports of call are fairly close to each other, you’ll often wake up in a new port each day. In fact, you may even need a vacation day to recover from your cruise!

The View from Shirley Heights Lookout, Antigua

Southern Caribbean

Last but not least, is the Southern Caribbean. These itineraries require a bit more time but trust me, they are totally worth it! Since the ports are further from the United States, the cruises tend to be in the 7+ day range and cost a bit more.

Cruises that venture to the southern Caribbean often feature Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, Guadalupe, St. Kitts, and the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) on their itineraries. These ports of call have a distinct European charm to them.

Many cruises that hit these ports are out of Miami or Puerto Rico, so it is important to consider that when booking the trip, as well.

These ports are steeped in rich colonial history that is evident as you wander around the island. This is a prime location for scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and zip-lining.

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Caribbean Central America Cozumel Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mexico

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 5, 2021
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“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Cozumel is an island off the coast of mainland Mexico. It is close to Playa del Carmen and the super-popular Cancun. The island is a cruise-goers paradise. Many people don’t realize that much of Cozumel is actually undeveloped. Cruisers tend to hit the downtown area or take a ferry to the mainland and very few actually venture out to check out the island, as a whole. The island is so undeveloped that much of the Atlantic-side doesn’t even have electricity.

What is an Excursion?

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?

The fact that there is a Hooters and a Starbucks at the end of the dock is a pretty damn good hint that you don’t need to book an excursion in Cozumel.

While in Cozumel we recommend snorkeling or taking a tour of the island via Beach Buggy or Jeep. One of our favorite things to do on the island is to spend the day sailing on a catamaran. Cozumel is also one of the top diving sites in the world!

Most of the time, we actually hop a ferry to head to the mainland. There are a ton of incredible things to do on the mainland- from Maya ruins, eco-parks, and even exploring underwater caves.

Nearby Beaches

Playa Mia Grand Beach

This is the perfect beach to visit with children! For just a small entrance fee, you have access to 20+ activities including a 200-foot long water slide, a 500 foot long Floating Park, and a play area with water cannons. This is also a fantastic place to snorkel and hit the white sand beach. There is plenty to do and eat at Playa Mia Grand Beach.

Chen Rio

This popular beach is on the southeastern shore of Cozumel. This area is not protected by a reef so the water can be a bit choppy- so it’s not the best place for snorkeling. However, there is a natural pool area that is separated from the open sea by jetties making it a safe place to swim. There are plenty of restaurants close by.

Punta Sur

Punta Sur is the highest point on the Yucatan. It is surrounded by impeccable ocean views, a sculpture garden and even an ancient Maya temple!

The Best Excursions in Cozumel

Ancient City of Tulum

Tulum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Mexico. Each year, more than 2 million visitors flock to the Yucatan to visit these ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Even if you aren’t a history nerd, chances are you’ll love the Tulum ruins simply because of the picturesque location.

The Complete Guide to the Tulum Ruins

You may also want to consider checking out the world-famous ruins of Chichen-Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world! There is quite a bit of traveling involved to get to Chichen-Itza. It is a 2.5-hour ride to the ruins, once you’re on the mainland. Although this is offered as an excursion, this site is better visited when you have more time (IE: Not as a cruise excursion).

Deluxe Beach, Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

This is one of our favorite excursions in Cozumel. I mean, is there anything better than sailing aboard a 65-foot catamaran to a private beach that has an AMAZINGLY fun Aqua Park? The Aqua Park has sea kayaks, beach floats, a water trampoline, and other water toys.

Xcaret Parks

This tour takes place on the mainland, so you’ll have to hop a 30-45 minute ferry and head to Playa del Carmen. Once you’re at the Eco-Archaeological Park, you can swim in the natural pools, lagoons, and cenotes. You can even take a slow-paced float down an underground river.

If you’re looking for something a little less commercial, we suggest checking out Rio Secreto. One of the Mexican Riviera’s best-kept secrets!

Adventure Jeep, Snorkel & Tequila at Punta Sur

Drop the top on the Jeep and drive off-road to Punta Sur. Once you’re at the beach club, you can explore the marine park, relax on the beach, or join a guided snorkel trip. Automatic vehicles are available upon request. Another option is the Beach Buggy & Snorkel Tour.

Thrill & Chill: Zip Line, Snorkeling & Beach

Soaring through canopies on zip lines is one of my favorite thrills! A short taxi ride will take you to a private beach club. After your safety briefing, you’ll walk a series of 6 suspension bridges (yikes!), and traverse 3 zip lines. You’ll conclude your adrenaline-pumping adventure with a 75-foot free rappel back to the ground. Next, you’ll grab your snorkel gear and cool off in the stunning turquoise water. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, there are also paddleboards, kayaks, wave runners, and other toys available at an additional cost.

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Caribbean Cruise Travel Grand Turk Turks & Caicos

5 Amazing Things to do in Grand Turk While on a Cruise

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date March 10, 2021
No Comments on 5 Amazing Things to do in Grand Turk While on a Cruise

Grand Turk is the perfect cruise port to kick back and relax. Like, Half Moon Cay, Mahogany Bay and Costa Maya, the Grand Turk cruise port has been developed as a haven by the cruise industry. The ship docks at an absolutely stunning beach that is surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, and a pool.

Another great thing about Grand Turk is the fact that there are never more than 2 cruise ships in port, meaning that it doesn’t get too terribly crowded like some other ports like, say, Nassau or Cozumel. Still, the port area isn’t that large so if you are looking to score one of the beach chairs that you see from the decks of your ship, you’ll want to get off the ship ASAP.

5 Things to do in Grand Turk While on a Cruise

Beach Day

Without question, this is the #1 most popular thing for cruisers to do when in Grand Turk. After all, the beaches here are some of the most stunning in the world! The beach by the pier is lined with gorgeous palm trees and a plethora of beach chairs. The sugary sand leads to crystal clear water.

There is an absolutely perfect beach right off the pier when you dock in Grand Turk.

Believe it or not, all of this is within a short walking distance from the cruise ships and you don’t have to spend a penny! That’s right, you don’t have to worry about cab fares or chair rental fees at this beach.

If you’re planning on spending time on the beach and are traveling with a large group, you’ll want to get off the ship early so that you can snag beach chairs close to each other. Most beachgoers are inclined to grab the beach chairs closest to the water. Sure, you’re close to the water…but this also puts you further away from the shade. We prefer to grab lounge chairs towards the back– they are closer to the shade, to the bathrooms, and to the restaurants…and bars.

Island Tour

Did you know that many people believe that Grand Turk was the first land Christopher Columbus spotted back in 1492? Whenever we visit a destination for the first time, we love taking island tours. Grand Turk has an interesting history and is home to a ton of wild horses and donkeys that you’ll most likely spot roaming the streets and beaches. We even saw a donkey’s head peeking out of the window of someone’s home!

The Grand Turk Lighthouse and Salt Salinas were pretty cool to see.

Guided tours can be booked through the cruise line or through a private company.

Margaritaville

If you’re looking for something a bit more lively, you can search for your lost shaker of salt at Margaritaville. The bar and restaurant is located right on the beach and is just a short distance from the pier. They even have several large swimming pools with swim up bars!

We suggest trying the Volcano Nachos, Jerk BBQ Pork Tacos, the margaritas, and of course, the key lime pie! The food is a little pricey but hey, you’re on vacation!

Hit the Pools or try out FlowRider

One of the main attractions at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, aside from the beach, is the FlowRider. Try your hand at surfing, body, or kneeboarding on this wave simulator. The minimum height is 55 inches.

The complex also has a massive pool, adjacent to Margaritaville. It’s the perfect spot to hang out for the day.

Snorkeling or Diving

While you can absolutely snorkel at the beach right next to the ship, there are lots of other great spots to snorkel on the island. The water surrounding the island is crystal clear and teaming with sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, sponges, and coral.

We suggest booking a tour that takes you to the Grand Turk Wall. This area is known as the Grand Canyon of the Caribbean. Divers come from all over the world to check out this 7,000-foot deep trench.

If diving isn’t your thing, but you’d like to snorkel nearby, we suggest hitting up Governor’s Beach.

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Updated: 3/20/22

Tags CARIBBEAN, CRUISE, CRUISE TRAVEL, GRAND TURK, Turks & Caicos

Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Grand Turk Turks & Caicos

The Best Excursions in Grand Turk

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date March 3, 2021
No Comments on The Best Excursions in Grand Turk

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Grand Turk?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Grand Turk Island is the capital island of Turks and Caicos. The island is dotted with salt ponds and windmills that are remnants of the island’s sea salt industry. Grand Turk is known for having stunning beaches with gorgeous waters. The island is also home to wild horses and donkeys. It’s really wild driving through Cockburn Town and driving past donkeys strutting down the street.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions in Grand Turk range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Grand Turk?

Grand Turk is definitely one of the cruise ports where you do not have to book an excursion. Quite honestly, there isn’t much to do on the island, aside from the beaches. On my first visit to the island, I did an island tour and it’s really quite barren.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend the day in Grand Turk, it just might be staying at the cruise area. The area as been developed as a mecca for travelers. It is home to Margaritaville, Harley Davidson Clothing, Starbucks, Ron John Surf Shop, and a badass pool. There is also a magnificent beach lined with beach chairs.

Pro-Tip: We suggest getting off the ship early and claiming one of the chairs on the back row. Sure, it might be a little further from the water but it’s closer to the bars, restaurants, and there is shade from the palm trees.

Nearby Beaches

Sure, there’s a gorgeous free beach right at the end of the pier, but perhaps you’re looking to get away from the crowd. We suggest checking out these fabulous beaches. You do not need to book beach excursions in Grand TUrk. The teaches are really easy to get to via taxi and there is an amazing beach right off the ship.

Cockburn Town Beach

First up is Cockburn Town Beach. This public beach is south of the cruise port. It is absolutely majestic and serene. It’s hard to believe this is a public beach! The waters here are crystal clear and then quickly transition to a deep, dark blue where the water plummets to 7,000 feet deep. This trench attracts divers from all over the world.

Governor’s Beach

This beach is absolutely incredible! This is the site of the Mega One Triton Shipwreck, which means a pretty rad backdrop. The further you get from the shipwreck, the quieter the beach becomes. The water here is crystal clear and full of marine life. This is a great spot to snorkel!

The stunning water surrounding Grand Turk

Pillory Beach

The northwestern part of the island is home to Pillory Beach. The beach is located near a popular resort so there are food and drinks available nearby (it’s a little pricey, though). There are also beach chairs, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment available for rent from the resort. The snorkeling here is great so bring your snorkel gear or plan on renting some!

Columbus Landfall National Park

Lastly, the Columbus Landfall National Park is not to be missed for history buffs. This is the largest protected area on Grand Turk. The National Park contains many of the best beaches on Grand Turk, including Governor’s Beach, Cockburn Town Beach, Pillory Beach, and the Cruise Center Beach (where the ship docks).

As the name suggests, this location is thought to be where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in the Americas.

Recommended Excursions in Grand Turk

To be honest, there aren’t a ton of excursions in Grand Turk. As I said before, the island is still developing as a tourist destination. The island was also hit by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria and received a significant amount of damage. However, if you want to book excursions in Grand Turk, here are our favorites.

Top 10 Best of Grand Turk

We first visited the island before the cruise area was developed. We booked this tour so that we could check out all this island has to offer. Board an open air safari truck and travel through historic Cockburn Town. You’ll visit Her Royal Majesty Prison, a stunning lighthouse, the space capsule and other local highlights.

Stingray and Snorkel Excursion

On this excursion, you’ll join a guided snorkel tour around a gorgeous reef. Just one peek underwater and you’ll understand why people come from all over the globe to snorkel and dive in these waters! This tour will also take you to the uninhabited island of Gibbs Cay. The waters surrounding the cay are home to wild stingrays that come to feed.

Underwater Power Scooter & Beach Break

This tour takes you to the Bajari Beach Club where you’ll be fitted with snorkel gear. From there, it’s a short boat ride to the edge of the famous 7000-foot wall called the Columbus Passage. Columbus Passage, also known as Turks Passage, is a deep channel known for being one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Thousands of sea turtles, eagle rays, fish, and even whales frequent the passage! You’ll be able to explore the area using a hand-held power scooter before heading to the beach to dry off.

Whale Watching

Next up, whale watching. Yes…WHALE WATCHING! Between January and April, more than 1500 Humpback whales pass through the Columbus Passage on their way to warmer waters where they’ll give birth. Grand Turk sees lots of whale activity so perhaps you’ll get lucky! Trust me, seeing whales in the wild is absolutely incredible!

Poolside Cabana Rental

Lastly, if you don’t want to travel far from the port area, yet don’t want to deal with all of the people, you can rent your own poolside cabana! Each cabana comes furnished with a table and comfortable seating. There is also a small covered deck overlooking the pool. Waiter service is available courtesy of Margaritaville.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

I hope our list of the best excursions in Grand Turk has helped you start planning your trip! Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

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Updated: 3/20/222

Tags CRUISE, CRUISE EXCURSIONS, CRUISE TRAVEL, GRAND TURK, Turks & Caicos

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Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Belize?

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date February 13, 2021
1 Comment on Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Belize?

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Belize?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

What is an Excursion?

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Belize?

Belize is one of those ports where you will definitely need to book an excursion. Outside of a handful of shops at the port, there’s really nothing to do and quite frankly, the city isn’t safe to explore on your own. In order to truly experience how magnificent Belize is, you’ll have to get out of the city.

Nearby Beaches

Most people probably assume there are beaches in Belize City…considering it is on the coast. Unfortunately, they would be assuming wrong. Most of the coastline is covered in mangroves and beaches are few and far between. In order to hit the beach in Belize, you’ll have to travel north towards Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye or south to the Placencia Peninsula. If you plan to hit the beach while you’re in Belize, your best bet would be to book an excursion.

Recommended Excursions in Belize

Xunantunich

These are ruins are, without a doubt, my ultimate favorite! Xunantunich is home to the tallest Maya ruins in Belize. Scale to the top of El Castillo (if you dare!) for remarkable views of the Belizean and Guatemalan countryside.

Sharks, Rays, & Barrier Reef

This tour begins with a scenic boat ride along Belize’s barrier islands to the beautiful island of Caye Caulker. You’ll have a chance to snorkel the reef before heading to Shark & Ray Alley where you’ll come up close and personal with nurse sharks and rays in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll have lunch at Lazy Lizard located at the world-famous “Split”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZEHMDsE6_I

Rainforest Zip Line & Cave Tubing

This excursion combines two of my favorite activities I’ve ever done in Belize- zip lining and cave tubing. You’ll start off by zip-lining through the canopy, which is such a cool experience. After taking a short hike through the rainforest of the No Hoch Chen Reserve, you’ll come to the cool waters of the Caves Branch River. From here, you’ll allow the current to whisk you into the caves. It is such an awesome experience! This has probably been my favorite excursion in Belize.

Altun Ha Ruins & River Wildlife Cruise

This tour begins with a 90 minute riverboat tour where you’ll have a chance to scope out the local wildlife. Be on the look out for howler monkeys and iguanas! Next, you’ll make your way to the Maya city for Altun Ha. If the weather is nce, you’ll be able to climb the temples.

Snorkel at Rendezvous Caye

If snorkeling is your thing, you’ll want to head to the Barrier Reef, which is the largest in this Hemisphere. Rendezvous Caye is a private island right in the heart of the reef. The reef has been designated as an International Heritage site by the United Nations. It is absolutely exquisite and one of the best snorkeling excursions available.