Cruising through the Caribbean is often associated with blue waters, sandy beaches, and unforgettable shore excursions. But not every port of call leaves cruisers with a smile.
After surveying nearly 1,000 cruise passengers in our newsletter, we’ve uncovered cruise ports that passengers found the least appealing.
Whether it’s the long taxi rides, crowded shopping areas, or pushy vendors, these ports often fail to provide the perfect day ashore.
Here’s a look at 11 Caribbean cruise stops that cruisers say fall short of expectations—and why.
1. Freeport, Bahamas
Freeport often disappoints cruisers because it feels more like a shipping area than a vacation spot. There aren’t many things to do near the port, and getting to the beaches, shops, or restaurants usually means paying for a taxi and driving for a while.
This makes some visitors feel it’s too much trouble for a short stay, especially if they hope for a more relaxed and easy-going day.
A Cruiser’s Thought: “It feels like a commercial shipping port, not a vacation spot. I just don’t get that ‘Caribbean vibe’ here.”
2. Nassau, Bahamas
Some cruisers find Nassau to be crowded and overwhelming, especially when multiple ships are in port at the same time. The constant offers from local vendors can feel pushy, making it hard to enjoy the surroundings.
While there are beaches and activities available, some visitors feel that it lacks the wow factor compared to other stops in the Caribbean.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “There are just too many people, and it gets stressful with all the vendors approaching you.”
3. Progreso, Mexico
Progreso’s appeal is often lost on cruisers due to its industrial feel and limited attractions near the port. Progreso, Mexico, is known for its long pier, but the walk or shuttle ride from the ship can be a hassle. Many visitors prefer ports where they can easily step off the boat and find things to do nearby.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “It felt like I spent more time getting to the town than actually enjoying it.”
4. Cozumel, Mexico
While Cozumel is a popular port for its beaches and diving, some cruisers feel it’s too commercialized, with the same chain stores and restaurants they can find back home.
The downtown area can get crowded, and haggling with vendors isn’t for everyone. Some visitors find it hard to relax and enjoy the day.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “It feels like I’m in a tourist trap instead of experiencing the real Mexico.”
5. Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios can be a mixed bag for visitors. While some well-known attractions exist, cruisers often mention being approached by many vendors and feeling pressured to buy souvenirs or book tours. Although Dunn’s River Falls is very close to the cruise port, it is easy to climb a waterfall.
Some also find the area a bit run down, with seedy people known to aggressively approach cruise passengers offering illegal substances, which takes away from the experience.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “I felt overwhelmed by all the people trying to sell me things as soon as I got off the ship.”
6. Belize City, Belize
Cruisers often find Belize’s tendering process a hassle, involving a long boat ride from the ship to the shore. Once there, some feel that the options for things to do aren’t as exciting as other ports, especially if you’re not interested in excursions like cave tubing or visiting Mayan ruins.
Many also reported getting seasick on the tender ride from the ship to shore.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “The tendering process took so long, and there wasn’t much to do once we got there.”
7. Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada sometimes doesn’t meet cruisers’ expectations because it lacks the beachside feel they hope for in Mexico.
The town is more known for its shops and restaurants, but some visitors find it doesn’t offer enough variety or special activities. It can be a letdown for those who are just looking to relax by the water.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “There wasn’t much to do except walk around and shop.”
8. Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini, Bahamas, is a smaller island with limited activities, which can make it less appealing for those who want a variety of options. While the beaches are nice, some cruisers feel there isn’t much else to explore, leading to a shorter, less eventful day in port.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “Once you’ve seen the beach, there’s really not much else to do.”
9. Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Amber Cove is a newer port built by Carnival Corporation that focuses on shopping and poolside relaxation.
Still, some cruisers feel it lacks the cultural experiences and adventure they seek in a destination. The port is very developed, making it feel less like an authentic Caribbean stop.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “It felt more like a resort than a real place to explore.”
10. Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya’s main area near the port is designed for tourists, with shops and bars that don’t always offer an authentic experience. In fairness, the cruise line built and developed Costa Maya as a purpose-built cruise port as another place to stop.
Some cruisers feel they are visiting an outlet mall or shopping center instead of a unique destination. With multiple ships present, the crowds often deter many cruisers from stepping off the ship.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “It just feels like a place made for tourists, not a real part of Mexico.”
11. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay has a reputation for having many vendors and tour operators eager (aggressive) for business, which can be overwhelming.
The city also has areas that some visitors find less appealing, and there have been occasional safety concerns, which make some cruisers hesitant to explore on their own.
A Cruiser’s Thoughts: “The vendors were just too pushy, and it made it hard to relax and enjoy the day.”
