Delicious Foods & Drinks You Must Try in the Caribbean

We understand just how incredible the buffet and various dining options are on your cruise ship. However, when you embark on a cruise—especially a Caribbean cruise—we hope you'll leave some space for indulging in food and drinks at port as well. This region is known for its array of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks, and it would be a shame to miss out on a taste or two.

Coffee

Several Caribbean destinations are renowned for their coffee, but none quite compare to Jamaica, where a cup of Blue Mountain Coffee is essential. It’s bold, smooth, and absolutely delightful, thanks to its origin at Blue Mountain Peak, the tallest point in Jamaica and one of the highest mountains in the Caribbean. You can enjoy this brew when you visit Jamaican ports like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth. Another destination coffee enthusiasts should explore is Costa Rica.

Coffee aficionados, join us in Jamaica this January aboard the Dinogo Breeze!

Fruit

Nothing compares to the taste of fresh fruit on a warm day, making it a perfect treat to enjoy during your port visit. Each cruise destination offers its own delicious local fruits, but here are a few highlights: in the Virgin Islands, you can try starfruit or carambola; in St. Lucia, green bananas are referred to as figs; and Jamaica features a variety of unique fruits, most notably ackee, commonly found on Jamaican breakfast plates. Dominica, celebrated for its rich natural environment, also boasts fantastic fruits, as does the Dominican Republic.

Peppers & Hot Sauce

If “some like it hot,” they’ll definitely want to make their way to the Caribbean, where nearly every island boasts its own unique varieties of hot peppers and signature hot sauces. To find out which ones to sample in your port, stop by a local restaurant and check out what’s on their tables—or simply ask a local. Jamaica and St. Lucia often rank high on the lists of spice lovers, alongside the Virgin Islands and Barbados.

Spice up your getaway by visiting St. Lucia.

Local Delicacies

Sampling local delicacies is a fantastic way to get an authentic taste of the islands you’re exploring. The Caribbean's rich and diverse history, influenced by cultures from around the world, means there’s a vast array of dishes to enjoy. Some highlights include: Bajan flying fish served with cou cou in Barbados; caldo in Belize; tacos and quesadillas in Cozumel; roti in Dominica; and jerk chicken in Jamaica. Don’t forget to grab some chocolate while you’re in Cozumel, too.

Whether you’re craving caldos in Belize or tacos in Cozumel, embark on a culinary journey aboard the Dinogo Dream.

Cocktails

Rum punches and various fruity creations are readily available in most Caribbean cruise ports. Think vibrant drinks with enticing names like Bahama Mama, Painkiller, Piña Colada, and The Goombay Smash! For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, fresh fruit juices and lemonades are excellent choices to keep you hydrated while you explore. You might have heard about the health perks of coconut water—make sure to experience it at its finest on your cruise, straight from the coconut!

If you enjoy piña coladas… don’t miss the chance to cruise to San Juan, the birthplace of this iconic rum, coconut, and pineapple cocktail.

Enjoy your meal and cheers!