Tired of the same old ports of call when it comes to cruising the Caribbean? The cruise industry is enticing bored cruisers with a roster of renovated and newly developed ports created to shake up its predictable itineraries.
Die-hard cruisers may still enjoy the mainstay ports, but others are looking to experience new territory.
“I love cruising the Caribbean and have been on six cruises to prove it,” said Janet Certa, a retired teacher from Burtonsville. “But I’m looking forward to visiting some of the new ports for cruise No. 7.”
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New ports of calls in Tortola, Bonaire and Turks and Caicos are currently welcoming visitors looking to expand their Caribbean horizons. When it comes to any port, though, most cruisers look for the same amenities.
“I’ve found that what’s preferred are ports that aren’t too exotic and that have key features like nice beaches, good shopping, fun bars and restaurants,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruisecritic.com.
The $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Centre in Turks and Caicos was created by Carnival Cruise Lines, and although opened in 2006, it continues to expand. The 13-acre complex features an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool and FlowRider attraction that offers body boarding and stand-up board surfing in addition to multiple retail outlets.
Jamaica is upping the ante with the development of its fourth cruise destination on its northern coast. By late 2009, the Port Authority of Jamaica expects to debut Falmouth as a major cruise port.
“Cruise visitors are looking for more memorable experiences, and that’s what Falmouth will deliver,” said William Tatham, vice president of Cruise and Marina Operations at the Port Authority of Jamaica.
Falmouth is being designed and built to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s mega-ship Oasis of the Seas. “It’s easily the most anticipated new port,” said Brown. “But it won’t be on the ship’s itinerary until 2010.”
When it comes to cruising, are travelers more interested in the port or the ship? Brown said, “The bigger vessels, which have room for so many more options, activities and amenities are definitely more interesting than the itineraries they cruise.”
