The Caribbean isn’t just about islands. Western Caribbean cruises take you along the coasts of Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, letting you sample Central America without the hassle of multiple flights and hotel bookings.
I sailed 11 nights on Celebrity’s Equinox from Fort Lauderdale, stopping at five ports between Florida and Panama. Here’s what made each one worth getting off the ship for.
Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman, the largest and most populous of the Cayman Islands, was the first stop on this Western Caribbean cruise.
George Town is pleasant enough for duty-free shopping, but the real draw is Stingray City – a shallow sandbar about 30 minutes offshore where you can swim with wild southern stingrays. These graceful creatures are so used to people that they’ll swim right up to you, rub against your legs and practically beg for their favourite snack: squid.
No one can accuse these stingrays of being shy. They’ll float around you, glide over your feet and let you stroke their velvety skin. Swimming with them was one of those experiences that costs a fair bit but delivers completely.
The other reason to visit Grand Cayman? You can go to Hell.
Yes, there’s a village called Hell, and yes, the postcards and photo opportunities are exactly as cheesy as you’d expect. But it’s worth the 15-minute detour for the novelty factor alone.
Colonial Cartagena, Colombia
What comes to mind when you hear “Colombia”? If it’s crime and cartels, you’re working from outdated stereotypes.
What you’ll find in Cartagena is a compact, colourful old town with zero drug barons in sight. I took a ship excursion covering the 16th and 17th-century Old Town and the imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish fortress built in their colonies.
The walled city is small enough to explore on foot, with bright colonial buildings, flower-filled balconies and enough street vendors selling handmade bags and Panama hats to keep you browsing for hours. It felt safe, manageable and far more interesting than another beach day.
Transiting the Panama Canal
The port of Colón itself is rough around the edges – guidebooks describe it as “a giant slum” – but it’s the gateway to something remarkable: the Panama Canal.
This engineering marvel, completed in 1914, saves ships from the long, dangerous route around South America’s southern tip. Our excursion took us through two sets of locks: Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. We crossed Miraflores Lake, then descended through the final lock system to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Watching the massive lock gates open, seeing the water levels change and sailing under the Bridge of the Americas with Panama City’s skyline in view made for an unforgettable day. It’s long (expect to be out from early morning until late afternoon) and involves a lot of sitting on a boat, but it’s one of those things you can’t really experience any other way.
Costa Rica’s Wildlife and Rainforest
Christopher Columbus expected to find gold when he landed in Costa Rica. He didn’t. But the country’s real wealth is its condensed natural beauty, and a cruise stop here is a brilliant taster.
My excursion combined Veragua Rainforest (a 4,000-acre nature theme park that could have been tacky but wasn’t) with a cruise along the Tortuguero Canals.
The park staff were enthusiastic and knowledgeable as they guided us through an impressive variety of wildlife. A gondola ride took us over the forest canopy down to the river for lunch, then we headed out on the canals to spot sloths hanging in the trees.
If you’re debating whether Costa Rica is worth a full trip, this day will answer that question with a resounding yes.
Cozumel, Mexico
With soft white sand, coral reefs and easy access to Mayan ruins, Cozumel is the perfect Caribbean destination (and better than its flashier neighbour, Cancún).
The downtown pier in San Miguel puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the main plaza. Alternatively, catch a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland if you want to explore beyond the island.
For Mayan history, head to San Gervasio, Cozumel’s largest archaeological site. If you’ve never seen a Mayan pyramid, this is your moment. The ruins aren’t as famous as Chichén Itzá or Tulum, but they’re far less crowded and still worth the trip.
I caught Cozumel on a stormy day, which limited beach time but didn’t diminish the appeal of wandering through San Miguel’s streets and trying Mexican food away from the cruise port vendors.
Why Western Caribbean Cruises Work
This was my first cruise, taken on the advice of a friend who cruises regularly. I’ve never regretted it.
Western Caribbean itineraries tend to be shorter and cheaper than Eastern Caribbean routes, with ports that focus more on culture and history than endless shopping and beaches. For first-time cruisers or solo travellers, it’s a relatively safe and easy way to sample Central America without navigating multiple countries independently.
The service levels are high, the ships are comfortable, and you get luxury travel on a budget, something that’s increasingly hard to find.
A word of warning: Don’t plan your entire cruise around one must-see port. My itinerary was meant to include Belize, but stormy weather meant the ship couldn’t anchor. We missed it entirely. This is why cruise veterans book for the overall experience, not individual stops.
Practical Information
Closed-loop cruises (starting and ending at the same US port) don’t require a passport for US citizens, though it’s strongly recommended in case of emergency.
Best time to go: December to April for dry, sunny weather. May to October brings higher humidity and hurricane risk, though you’ll find better deals.
What to pack: Lightweight clothes, good walking shoes for excursions, reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray if travelling in summer.
Planning your first cruise? Check out my other guides:
- How To Book Your First Cruise Like a Pro!
- 13 Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
- Are Single Cabins Good Value For Solo Travellers
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.