Caribbean - East cruises - Cruises to Caribbean - East

The Eastern Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Part of the popularity is the fact that St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. is a typical port call on Eastern Caribbean sailings. St. Thomas is perhaps the single most visited island in the Caribbean and is well known for its excellent shopping, beautiful beaches and near-perfect year-round climate. Unlike some other Caribbean ports, St. Thomas is part of the United States of America, so your US Dollar will be welcome everywhere and if you pay in cash you will get American dollars in change.

Trying to accurately define which islands will be included in an Eastern Caribbean sailing (or Western/Southern for that matter) is difficult. Each cruise line defines their cruise destinations differently, so you may find some islands typically considered part of the Southern or Western Caribbean included in an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. The same is true of Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries.

Eastern Caribbean cruises almost always include a stop in St. Thomas, Nassau, St. Martin or any combination of the three. All three of these islands are excellent destinations and worthy of exploration. Your cruise line will offer many options for shore excursions. Here are some of our favorites:

Megan's Bay in St. Thomas offers excellent beaches and snorkling.
Take the ferry to St. John's from St. Thomas and walk around the state park.
The zip line tour in St. Martin is excellent, one of the best we have found anywhere.
The ATV tour in St. Martin is also excellent.
Plan some time to go to downtown St. Thomas to do some shopping. Great buys on liquor.
There are some new shops right on the pier in St. Martin. Downtown Phillipsburg is about a 30 minute walk or they have taxis to take you there from the pier.
If you love Indian Food, check out ShivSagar in dowtown Phillipsburg. I go there every time we visit!
The best place to buy jewelry is Ballerina Jewelers in St. Thomas or St. Martin. They do not advertise with the big cruise lines so their prices are better and their service is great. Tell them you heard about them on CruiseReport.com!
If you want a great traditional Caribbean meal in St. Thomas go to Cuzzen's Caribbean Restaurant at 7 Wimmelskafts Gade. It is one block off of the main street in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Ask any shopkeeper for directions.
If you have time in Nassau, walk from the pier over to Atlantis Resort and Casino. It is a strenuous walk, or you can take a taxi. They have a great aquarium that is open to the public (there is an admission fee).