Step into the past with a cruise to the Caribbean Old Cities.
Past meets present on your best Caribbean ancient ruins vacation. Experience the unique mix of history and architecture while walking down streets lined with colorful colonial-era buildings in vibrant Willemstad. Explore the Castillo de San Cristobal fortress to glimpse sweeping views of Old San Juan. If adventure is more your thing, dive into the Great Blue Hole in Belize or float your way through the cenotes of Mexico. And if you're looking to cruise your way through history, venture off on an expedition of the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza. Discover the magic with a Caribbean cruise.
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SEAS THE THRILL
Ancient cities are scattered all around the islands and coastal regions of the Caribbean Sea. Exploration awaits you at the Mayan ruins in Mexico and the underwater oases in Belize during your vacation. There's no shortage of adventure when you cruise to the Caribbean old cities.
TULUM TREKKING
In the walled city of Tulum, accessible from the port at Cozumel, Mexico, you can spend the morning learning about the seaport's history of turquoise and jade trading and hiking along the ruins of the nearly half-mile wall. In the afternoon, venture down to Playa Paraiso for a taste of paradise, where you can enjoy a seaside massage or cool off with a fresh coconut.
BELIZE FROM ABOVE
Soar through the skies and over the lush treetops of the Belize Rainforest on an exciting zip line, or hop on an inner tube and float your way through limestone caves on a natural lazy river. If you're itching for a big vacation adventure, take a dive into the Great Blue Hole, an undersea sinkhole that can be seen from space.
EVERY COLOR UNDER THE SUN
A trip to Willemstad, Curacao isn't complete without wandering past the brightly-hued Dutch colonial buildings that line St. Anna Bay. And make sure you save some time to soak up the sun at one of the tiny island’s serene and secluded white-sand beaches, famous for their colorful coral reefs.
ANCIENT EXPEDITIONS
The cities of the Caribbean are filled with thousands of years of history. Discover colonial fortresses and cathedrals on your next Caribbean old cities vacation.
BREATHTAKING BASILICAS
Old San Juan is home to one of the oldest churches in all of the Americas. The Catedral de San Juan Bautista was founded in 1521 and is home to the tomb of Ponce de Leon. Visit the Caribbean and head here to see the final resting place of the mummified remains of St. Pio, a first-century martyr.
DOCK IT LIKE IT’S HOT
Grab your walking shoes and wander through the former British naval base Nelson’s Dockyard, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world. Or explore Betty’s Hope, the first and largest sugar plantation on the island of Antigua, built in 1674 and home to a fascinating museum.
COBBLESTONE CHARM
Once a New World home base for the Spanish, Old San Juan has maintained its colonial charm. Stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with pastel-painted buildings, and dine on local delicacies like tostones rellenos (fried plantains) at the restaurants on Fortaleza Street.
Best Cruise Vacations To
Caribbean Old Cities
A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Whether you choose Eastern, Southern or Western Caribbean, you will discover ancient ruins and old cities sailing onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.
TRAIPSE THE OLD TRAILS
Spend your days roaming streets, soaking up exotic sounds and smells and chatting with locals in the old cities of the Caribbean. Check out a local hot spot in Old San Juan for a taste of criolla cuisine before shopping at your pick of boutiques selling handmade products like lace and cigars. Savor traditional English fish and chips in the capital of Antigua, or explore the many historic districts of Curacao, dating from the 17th to the 18th centuries.
RACE TO THE RUINS
Step off the ship and land in the early times when ancient civilizations ruled the world. To see a unique mix of the modern and the ancient, explore ruins in Tulum, temples in Chichen Itza and palaces in Belize.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Caribbean Cruises Insider
Your Caribbean vacation adventure starts the second you embark on your cruise.
No matter how you choose to experience the coastal regions of the Caribbean, you'll be on your own expedition into the past. Roam the ruins of ancient empires, or wander the cobblestone streets of some of the oldest cities in the world.
From quick weekend getaways to seven-day expeditions filled with culture and history, the options for adventure are endless when you cruise the Caribbean.
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Whether you're exploring ruins or strolling down cobblestone streets, comfortable shoes are a must.
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Be sure to purchase bottled water at tourist sites so you can stay hydrated while exploring ancient ruins and cities.
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Many local vendors will not accept credit cards, so always keep cash on hand for souvenirs.
RELATED PORTS
All Caribbean Cruise Ports have something to discover. Go Southern and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. Go Western to dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ancient ruins of Tulum when you make port in Cozumel. The Eastern side will let you discover the best Caribbean’s old cities in St. Thomas, and the cobblestone streets of St. Maarten
