16 unforgettable Caribbean vacation spots for your next adventure

Tulum proves you don’t have to travel far inland to walk in the footsteps of the Maya.  If you're visiting the Caribbean side of Mexico on a Western Caribbean cruise, the Tulum Mayan Ruins, Beach Club & Lunch excursion, gives you a rare chance to explore the once-bustling Mayan seaport — an ancient walled city that looks directly out over the timeless surf of Caribbean. After soaking it all up, you’ll make your way to a beach club for a buffet lunch and some well-earned hammock time. The day wraps up with a stop at a local artisan co-op, where handmade souvenirs add the final touch to your Mexican adventure. You won’t need a history degree to appreciate it, but you may still want to read up on the area; when you see something this jaw dropping, it never hurts to understand the context.

Grand Turk delivers underwater adventure in full color. Its coral reefs are alive with waving fans, spiky brain corals and an ever-moving cast of sea life. Book the Snorkel & Stingray Adventure, and you could spot angelfish, rays, maybe a turtle if it’s feeling cooperative — all just beneath the surface. Snorkeling tours are a laid-back way to explore this underwater world, and the island’s clear, warm waters make it easy for beginners to get the hang of things. Pro tip: Bring an underwater camera… or risk major regret when you miss your stingray-selfie opportunity.

If your vacation checklist includes soft sand, swaying palms and zero crowds, Princess Cays® should be on your radar. This private slice of Eleuthera in the Bahamas is reserved for Princess guests and packed with ways to relax or play. For next-level comfort, a Private Bungalow Rental has you covered (and shaded) with comfortable seating, air conditioning and your own private shower just steps from the beach. There’s even drink service and priority tendering, so you can start the day sooner and spend it lounging longer. Your biggest decision will be whether to swim first, or just dive straight into the nap.

A little bit French; a little bit Dutch; all Caribbean. St. Maarten ladles out a triple helping of culture and personality. The Easy Scenic Drive of Dutch & French St. Maarten takes you from lively Philipsburg to the relaxed café culture of Marigot, with plenty of scenic coastline in between. You'll pass salt ponds, hillside lookouts and border signs so subtle you might miss them. And while these locations might feel like the pinnacle of sightseeing, the opportunity to browse local markets and sampling Caribbean delicacies is the papaya on top of this St. Maarten sundae. 

If you've never seen a rainforest from the upper deck of a vintage railcar, Princess is here to change all that. The Scenic Railway Ride & Circle Island Drive excursion rolls through fields of St. Kitts, past backyard gardens and along dramatic coastlines. After the train, you’ll hop on a bus to complete your loop around the island. It’s a relaxed, immersive way to see this former sugar empire. You don’t need to pack your train conductor hat… but it couldn’t hurt.

As one of the most popular Caribbean vacation spots, St. Thomas is well known for its shopping — but its real treasures are underwater. The Wildlife Sanctuary, Kayak, Hike & Snorkel excursion puts you in the expert hands of a marine biologist as you paddle through mangroves, hike to coral beaches and snorkel over calm, nursery-rich waters. It's like a living choose-your-own-adventure. Equal parts relaxing and educational (with the occasional hermit crab race thrown in), this particular trek is beginner-friendly, so even first-timers can come home with stories worth bragging about.

In Grand Cayman, the locals include a few hundred stingrays — and they’re surprisingly sociable. The Stingray Encounter, Reef, Snorkel & Scenic Cruise takes you out to Stingray City Sandbar, where the water is shallow and the marine life is ready for its close-up. You’ll have the chance to interact with these graceful creatures before heading to a nearby reef for some classic Caribbean snorkeling.

Trade in some beach time for an ocean of tastes at Roatán Island Brewing Co., the island’s only microbrewery. Join the Local Connections: Tropical Brewery Tour with Expert Brewer and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process with founder Ilias Maier. Sample a flight of four beers, choosing from eight varieties and lagers, paired with a German-style snack plate of sausages, premium mustards and pretzel bites. Afterward, sleep it off in a hammock or enjoy lawn games before heading back to the ship.

Set sail on a state-of-the-art catamaran for an unforgettable Aruba Sunset Cruise. Departing from the pier, the friendly and experienced crew will have everything ready and waiting for you. As the captain navigates along the south and west coasts of Aruba, you'll pass by the famed Palm Beach, a sparkling stretch of white sand fringed by coconut trees and dotted with glamorous high-rise hotels and trendy restaurants. Enjoy an open bar with cocktails, sodas, fruit juices and snacks while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Pop quiz: How do you explore the dynamic underwater world of National Marine Park in Bonaire without getting wet? On the Glass-Bottom Boat Eco-Cruise! Board a 32-foot, glass-bottom boat at the pier and take a shaded seat along the transparent viewing panel. Cruise to the crystalline waters of the park and drift over some of the best-preserved reefs in the world, including sites like Nearest Point, Ebo's Reef and Buddy's Reef. Be on the lookout for colorful tropical fish, sea turtles and moray eels (among others) as a trained naturalist provides insightful commentary.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Curaçao on the Best of Curaçao: Hato Caves, Willemstad & Curaçao Museum tour. Begin at the Curaçao Museum in Otrobanda, showcasing contemporary and traditional art in a colonial-style building. Then, explore the dramatic limestone grottos of Hato Caves. Drive through the island's north side, passing flamingos and traditional villages, before returning to the colorful streets of Willemstad. It’s more sights and experiences than should be able to fit into a single day at port. 

Discover the natural beauty of Dominica on the Easy Dominica Rainforest, Waterfalls & Botanical Gardens excursion. Begin with a scenic drive through Roseau to Morne Bruce for panoramic views of the town. Visit the Botanical Gardens to see exotic flora and fauna. Then, travel to Jaco Falls, where a short, flat walk (we know climbing isn’t for everyone) leads to a stunning waterfall nestled in rainforest greenery. Enjoy local seasonal fruits and a complimentary rum punch or fruit juice before returning to the ship.

San Juan’s historic district is a living museum, brimming with centuries-old appeal and cobblestone charisma. The Old San Juan & Fortress Guided Walking Tour takes you through the heart of it all — starting with a visit to El Morro, the oldest Spanish fort in the New World, where cannons still guard sweeping views of San Juan Bay. From there, you'll explore the Ballaja Barracks and stroll past more than 400 restored colonial buildings, with stops at landmarks like Quincentennial Square, San José Church, San Juan Bautista Cathedral and Cristo's Chapel. History class never looked this good.

Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls is one of those places that feels almost too dramatic to be real — a 600-foot cascade that you actually get to climb. During the Dunn's River Climb & Zipline Over The Falls excursion, you’ll follow your guide up natural stone steps while the cool spray hits your face and the hot jungle brackets your ascent. Once you’ve reached the top, it’s time to take to the treetops on a series of zip lines and jungle bridges that stretch right over the rushing water below. It’s about as close as you can get to flying without growing wings.