You’re picturing the perfect Carnival cruise—white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively island streets. But not every port delivers that dream.
Some stops are pure paradise—think Half Moon Cay’s turquoise waters or Bonaire’s world-class snorkeling. Others? Crowded terminals, pushy vendors, or an uninspiring industrial port that make you wonder if staying on the ship with a frozen cocktail was the better move.
So, which Caribbean ports are must-visits, and which ones might sink your expectations?
I’ve analyzed hundreds of real cruiser reviews, combined with my own experiences, to rank the best and worst Carnival Cruise ports—from the breathtaking to the forgettable. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this guide will help you maximize your port days and avoid letdowns.
What Makes a Carnival Cruise Port “Good” or “Bad”?
The best cruise ports are safe, walkable, and packed with things to do right off the ship. Take Willemstad, Curaçao—a charming Dutch-Caribbean town steps from the pier. Or Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, where powdery beaches and cocktails await the moment you step ashore.
On the flip side, some ports like Nassau, Freeport, and La Romana get slammed in reviews for overcrowding, overpriced tourist traps, or lack of attractions near the dock. Nassau, for example, can see up to 30,000 passengers daily, making the port area feel like a tourist bottleneck.
The good news? Even an underwhelming port can be great with the right plan. Some destinations—like Jamaica, Belize, and the Dominican Republic—are better with an excursion to escape the chaos and experience the best of what they offer.
Now, let’s rank the best and worst Carnival cruise ports, starting with the ones that truly deliver a dream-worthy stop.
Carnival Cruise Ports Ranked from Best to Worst
How do the best and worst Carnival ports of call stack up? Read on to find out, starting with the star in Carnival’s crown—a private island in the Bahamas.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (★★★★★ | 10/10)
Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, is one of the best ports on the cruise line’s itinerary. Many visitors say it’s exactly how they picture a tropical Caribbean island. The exclusive destination features soft white sand, turquoise waters, and cabanas. Imagine: no high-rises, stress, or traffic—just miles of beach and tropical cocktails waiting for you.
Cruise passengers love Half Moon Cay for its tranquility and stunning beauty. Several cruisers comment that it’s the best beach day they’ve ever spent. Others rave about water sports activities, swimming with stingrays, and horseback riding. However, some note that there’s little to do outside of the beach.
If you want the best setup, grab a cabana early. They sell out fast, and once you see everyone else roasting in the sun while you’ve got shade, a fan, and a stocked cooler, you’ll know why.
Mahogany Bay, Roatán, Honduras (★★★★★ | 10/10)
Mahogany Bay is a stunning Carnival port where you can step off the ship and onto a tropical beach in minutes. The soft white sand and calm, clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling in the world’s second-largest coral reef. If you want more than just a beach day, there’s zip-lining, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters with sloths and monkeys.
Travelers consistently praise Roatán as one of the best, most relaxing port experiences since everything is right off the ship. Mahogany Bay beach is well-maintained, the water is crystal clear, and there are plenty of loungers. Others mention that while it’s a beautiful spot, it can feel crowded when multiple ships are in port.
Skip the crowded beach near the cruise center and take the scenic chairlift ride for a quieter, more relaxing spot.
Bonaire (★★★★★ | 9.7/10)
Bonaire in the ABC Islands has it all—crystal clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and a quaint colonial town on the cruise port’s doorstep. The island’s relaxed vibe, pastel-colored Dutch buildings, and waterfront promenades make it a great place to explore on foot. Shore excursions include salt flats, flamingo spotting, and exploring blowholes on the island’s rugged east coast.
Some cruisers share that Bonaire feels untouched compared to busier Caribbean ports, with a laid-back atmosphere and no pushy vendors. Others say the best experiences happen in the water—a trip to Klein Bonaire is among the top snorkeling spots in the world.
Unlike many Caribbean ports, you won’t be hounded by vendors here—just friendly locals and a peaceful island vibe.
Aruba (★★★★½ | 9.5/10)
One of the most stunning islands on a Carnival Caribbean cruise itinerary, Aruba is a must-visit island. Within walking distance, Oranjestad features colorful Dutch architecture and plenty of shops. Surfside Beach is within walking distance, and Eagle Beach, with its famous Fofoti Trees, is a short taxi ride away.
Some cruisers share that Aruba is one of the easiest ports to enjoy without an excursion, with plenty to see and do right off the ship. Many travelers find that while the beaches are gorgeous, they can get crowded when multiple ships are in port. A walking tour of Oranjestad’s charming streets is a relaxing way to soak up Dutch-Caribbean culture.
The free trolley in Oranjestad makes exploring easy—just hop on, hop off for a breezy ride through the colorful downtown. Or take a trip to the California Lighthouse for stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean and Aruba..
Curaçao (★★★★½ | 9/10)
Curaçao’s bright, pastel-colored buildings and scenic waterfront make it one of the most picturesque ports in the Caribbean. The famous Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge connects the cruise terminal to the heart of Willemstad, where you’ll find charming shops, lively cafés, and historic forts. For beach lovers, a short taxi ride takes you to some of the island’s best white-sand beaches with incredible snorkeling.
Some cruisers share that Curaçao feels like a perfect mix of Caribbean beauty and European charm, with plenty to explore on foot. Cruisers comment that the shopping and dining are great, but it’s worth leaving the downtown area to see more of the island. Many recommend visiting the floating market or trying the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur at a local distillery.
Willemstad is one of the most walkable cruise ports, with colorful streets, great shopping, and local eats just steps from the ship.
St. Maarten (★★★★½ | 9/10)
The cruise port in Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Sint Maarten), offers the best of both worlds—stunning beaches and a lively downtown area. Many cruisers suggest taking a walking tour of Philipsburg to enjoy local cuisine, explore historic buildings like Fort Amsterdam, and soak up the island vibes. Want the ultimate experience? Take a taxi to Maho Beach to watch planes land just overhead.
St. Maarten has plenty to do if you want to venture farther from Philipsburg. For example, the French side of the island has stunning secluded beaches and authentic French cafes in Marigot.
For the best panoramic view, take a short taxi ride up to Fort Louis—it overlooks both the Dutch and French sides of the island.