5 Caribbean Resorts You Can Visit on a Cruise

 

Too hard to choose between a Caribbean resort vacation and a Caribbean cruise? Give your brain a rest and rejoice in the fact that you can do both!

Many ports in the Caribbean give you the chance to spend the day at a luxury resort — without having to pay those pricey room rates.

Imagine the best of both worlds: the exceptional value of a cruise, and the chance to kick back by the pool and enjoy resort service. Now, make it a reality.

Here are just 5 ports where you can visit some of the best Caribbean resorts while on a cruise. Check your itinerary and shore excursion options for more.

Nassau, The Bahamas

If you’ve ever considered a Bahamas vacation, we’re betting you’ve heard of Atlantis. It’s more than just a sprawling resort on Paradise Island; it’s home to the Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park and its own beach.

As a cruise guest visiting Nassau, you are able to enjoy these world-class facilities without being an overnight guest. Carnival offers a number of Atlantis shore excursion options, depending on how long you’d like to stay and what you’d like to see and do.

Once you’re there, you can check out 141 acres of pools, waterslides, lazy rivers and other water rides and features, or you can rent paddleboats and snorkel gear and swim in calm Bahamian waters.

There’s also shopping and a casino for the grown-ups, and the ever-appealing option of doing very little at all but reclining on the beach and enjoying the view.

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Mayan ruins are undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions along the Gulf of Mexico, but when you cruise to Yucatan, you may also feel like simply enjoying the beach to find out why this part of the world is known as the Emerald Coast.

If that’s the case, check out the All-Inclusive Reef Club Beach Resort shore excursion. For three hours, you can lounge by the pool, stroll along the sand, or plop yourself into the beautiful blue-green ocean for a refreshing dip.

Your resort access includes an open bar and traditional Mexican snack buffet, as well as the use of lounge chairs, umbrellas, showers and a kids’ beach club.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Couples looking for a little luxury, a romantic meal or simply time together by the pool can sign up for a visit to Secrets Resort when cruising to Montego Bay.

There are seven bars and restaurants to choose from, including an all-inclusive buffet, and plenty of activities such as beach volleyball, ping pong and snorkeling. Best of all, this is a postcard-worthy setting for stretching out on a beach lounger and enjoying the warm breeze and lilt of reggae.

Traveling with the family? Another Montego Bay option is an all-inclusive family beach resort getaway, offering similar resort amenities to adults and kids alike.

La Romana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beach resorts, and a cruise to La Romana invites you into one for a day while your ship is in port.

On this Bayahibe Beach Resort excursion you can visit the Be Live Canoa Resort and its pools, sun beds, activities and delicious BBQ buffet. It’s a great chance to walk barefoot on the sand, take a dip or even a leisurely nap in the shade of a palm tree.

Mahogany Bay, Roatán

The silky sand and crystal clear waters are some of Roatán’s biggest assets, so when you cruise to Mahogany Bay in this part of Honduras, you want to make the most of the beach. Spending time at the Mayan Princess resort will do the trick.

This excursion gives you access to the pool area and beach chairs — a front row seat to the best show in town (yes, the ocean!). Resort facilities such as showers are included, as is a beach buffet and all-inclusive beverages. We’ll raise a fruity cocktail to that!