3 Favorite Caribbean Ports of Call and Excursions

Sunny skies and enchanting beaches of the Caribbean beckon all year round, but perhaps the most enticing time to visit is in the winter. When the winter doldrums get you down, a cruise to the islands of the Caribbean is the perfect remedy. Not only is it affordable to hop islands, it is also hassle free. Once you embark on your ship, all you need to do is unpack just once, and you'll be on your way to paradise. Most of the Caribbean cruises depart from Florida or Puerto Rico, just a few hours' flight away from most major airports.

The Caribbean islands are chock full of history, culture and heritage. You can learn more about these fascinating islands by exploring on your own or via shore excursions. Popular excursions sell out quickly, so pre-planning is a must. You can book them online when you book your cruise. Here are 3 favorite ports of call and excursions.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is a relatively small island with big money. Banks, insurance companies, and upscale shops line the streets in Georgetown. Liquors are cheaper here, so make room in your bags to bring some home. Stop by the Tortuga Rum duty-free liquor stores to sample some delectable rum cakes. An unforgettable shore excursion on Grand Cayman is snorkeling with the sting rays. A boat will take you to Stingray City, where you can snorkel and interact with playful sting rays in waist deep, crystal clear water. Locals have fed these sea creatures for years; as a result, the sting rays are so tame and friendly they swim over to greet you. Bring a waterproof camera to capture the memories of this incredible adventure.

Cozumel has some beautiful coral reef dive and snorkeling sites, and one of the most best is Palancar Reef. You can reserve your snorkeling excursion with the cruise ship or with a local dive shop in advance. History buffs will be thrilled with an excursion to the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum. Your adventure begins with a ferry boat ride to Playa del Carmen, followed by a bus ride to Tulum. The ancient Mayan ruins sit atop a cliff, with a magnificent view of the Caribbean sea. If you prefer to take it easy, you can hang out in the town square, shop at the countless stores, and stop at a café to enjoy a cerveza.

San Juan is a bustling city with an abundance of shopping, entertainment and dining options. Explore charming Old San Juan by foot to see beautifully restored 16^th and 17^th-century Spanish colonial building. Continue to the tip of Old San Juan to find the impressive Fort San Felipe del Morro, better known as El Morro. The massive fortress, with walls 140 foot high, has protected San Juan from its enemies attacking from the sea. A fort built in the 16^th century, El Morro is amazingly intact, and its commanding view of San Juan Bay is absolutely breathtaking. This is an excursion you can do yourself. The entrance fee to El Morro is only $3 per person. You can take the free trams from the cruise ship pier to get to El Morro and back.

Be forewarned that cruise lines do not wait for any one, so make sure you adhere to the schedule, and that your watch is set to the local time.

Sources:
Personal Experience
http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

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