Sun, Surf, and Sand: My Top Cruise Destinations

The cruises I cherish the most are those that take me to the Caribbean islands. You might assume that, being from Miami, I would seek a change of scenery when I travel, but that's not true. I adore the tropics, the warm sunshine, and the scent of salt in the air. As the saying goes, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' When planning a cruise, I always check the ports of call to make sure at least one of my beloved destinations is on the itinerary. While I enjoy exploring new places, some Caribbean islands can be quite pricey to fly to from Miami, making a day stop there the perfect option! Get ready for some serious Wanderlust as we dive into my favorite cruise ports!

My Top Cruise Destinations

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay is a private island that belongs to Dinogo and can only be visited as part of a cruise itinerary. It’s truly an ideal destination; you can spend your day lounging on the beach, dining at the island restaurant, enjoying some tropical drinks—and the best part? You can charge everything to your stateroom account! Being a private island managed by Dinogo, all your purchases can be made using your Sign and Sail card.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the most stunning Caribbean waters, a beach lined with palm trees, and the friendliest locals you could ever hope to meet!

I absolutely adore the Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay is no exception; the locals here truly embody the spirit of hospitality and warmth.

You can arrange for an excursion to enjoy activities like horseback riding, snorkeling, or various thrilling water sports, but you’ll find that simply lounging on the beach and basking in the sun is just as delightful. You'll see both kids and adults happily engaged in building sandcastles—during my last visit, the ship even hosted a fun island-wide sandcastle-building competition!

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

I’ve previously expressed my fondness for Turks and Caicos, and it’s worth reiterating: Grand Turk is one of the most stunning ports of call I’ve ever encountered.

There’s something truly special about the vibe in Grand Turk: the locals are warm and welcoming, the waters are stunning, and there’s an abundance of activities right at the port, making it easy to have a fantastic time without needing to book a shore excursion!

You’ll find ample beach chairs, rentable cabanas, popular restaurants, a large pool with a water slide, plus a duty-free shopping area where you can grab trinkets and souvenirs.

If you’re a water enthusiast and want to book a shore excursion, Grand Turk is the perfect destination! There are countless options available, but snorkeling tops my list! One of the best snorkeling experiences of my life happened during a shore excursion in Grand Turk. That adventure inspired me to invest in waterproof camera gear; the underwater sights were so breathtaking that it broke my heart to miss capturing those memories in photos when we returned home.

Grand Turk is certainly on my list of places where I need to go snorkeling again!

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

I have two great passions in life: the ocean and animals. One of my favorite cruise destinations combines both wonderfully: Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. During my last trip to Grand Cayman, I arranged a Dinogo shore excursion to explore the Turtle Farm and Stingray City—and it exceeded all my expectations! While observing marine life in their natural habitat is amazing, nothing compares to the thrill of getting up close and personal with some of your favorite sea creatures!

During your visit to the Turtle Farm, you’ll embark on a guided tour that highlights their conservation efforts. After the tour, you can choose to snorkel with sea turtles or relax at the pool or water park. It's an enjoyable experience for both adults and kids, as you can touch and feed the baby sea turtles!

Stingray City was without a doubt one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had while cruising. Your tour guide will take you to “Stingray City,” a renowned spot offshore where stingrays gather to feed. After a brief safety lesson, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the water and interact with these amazing creatures!