Ports of Call on a Seven Day Celebrity Eclipse Cruise (Antigua, St Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Plata)
"So bring me two piña coladas, I want one for each hand..." Garth Brooks
1/26/202614 min read
Sailing a seven day Caribbean itinerary aboard the Celebrity Eclipse offered a well balanced mix of classic ports and easy going beach days. Each stop felt distinct, with its own rhythm and personality, and together they created a week that moved comfortably between relaxation, culture, and light adventure. What we appreciated most was how flexible each port could be. You could keep things simple and close to the ship or head a bit farther out for a more local experience.
Antigua
Antigua was our first stop and very much a beach focused day. After exiting the port, it became immediately clear that the town itself is not the highlight. The area right outside the dock is busy, less developed than many Caribbean port towns, and filled with taxi drivers eager for your business. This is not a place to linger. Instead, Antigua shines once you get to the water. Make sure to bring some towels from the cruise ship. They don’t mind, as long as you bring them back.
We chose Dickenson Bay, one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is an easy taxi ride for about $20 and a good option if you want a straightforward beach day with food, drinks, and water sports close by. Two beach chairs and an umbrella cost us $22, which felt reasonable for the location. The beach shares space with a Sandals resort, so the beach is well maintained and water is calm. Jet ski rentals and kayaks are readily available. The one drawback is crowds. Dickenson Bay fills up quickly, and arriving early is essential. Beach chairs do sell out, and the later you arrive, the busier and noisier it becomes. The beach chairs are worn down and not all of them are in great shape.
There is a water taxi option directly near the port that costs about twenty dollars per person roundtrip, but it does not leave until it fills, which can take time. We opted for a regular taxi instead. Vans line up just outside the port gates, and prices are straightforward. We paid twenty dollars total for the two of us each way. Drivers are also willing to return at a set time. Our driver, Dwayne, was reliable and friendly. You can reach out to him prior to your arrival and arrange transportation via WhatsApp at +1 268 780 8188.
For travelers willing to go a bit farther, Valley Church Beach is worth considering. It is less crowded and more scenic, though it requires a longer drive. Regardless of which beach you choose, Antigua’s real draw is the water. The beach setups may not feel luxurious or polished, but the color and clarity of the sea more than make up for it.
St Maarten
St Maarten delivered a completely different energy and quickly became one of our favorite stops. The island is divided between two countries, Dutch and French, making it one of the smallest islands in the world to share dual nationalities. It is also a duty free shopping paradise, and that becomes apparent the moment you arrive.
Getting around was easy. A water taxi from the ship to town cost $7 roundtrip per person and ran continuously throughout the day and played music to get you into the mood. As soon as you step off the boat, beach chair rentals and umbrella setups are right in front of you. Great Bay Beach is the main stretch near Phillipsburg and offers a long boardwalk lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. We paid $25 dollars for chairs and an umbrella. If you want to coordinate transportation or beach logistics, Jean is a well-known local driver who can accommodate up to eight passengers and makes the process simple. He can be contacted via Whatsapp at +1 721 553 3683. The prices on this list are fairly standard with all of the drivers and taxis.
We split our day between Great Bay and Maho Beach. Maho is IG famous for planes landing just overhead at Princess Juliana Airport, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Tracking arrivals using the FlightAware app adds to the fun and helps you time your visit. A taxi ride between the boardwalk and Maho Beach cost us about twenty five dollars for two people each way, with prices decreasing for larger groups.
Back in Phillipsburg, we spent time walking the boardwalk and browsing souvenir shops. For lunch and a break from the sun, we recommend the Blue Bitch Bar. The Gouda balls are excellent, and if you can snag a seat upstairs, the view and live music make it even better. Many beach clubs offer package deals that include chairs, an umbrella, drinks, WiFi, and bathroom access, which is worth considering for a full beach day. For authentic European cheeses, skip the souvenir shops and head to local markets or the Armstrong Cheese Factory. For bourbon lovers, Lux Bar is a fun stop, especially if spotting a bottle of Blanton’s makes you smile. All types of Blanton’s can be purchased here and can are cheaper than in the United States. You are able to bring them back onto the cruise ship, but they will hold them for you until the day prior to your disembarkation. It is recommended and a local tradition, that if you buy one of these bottles, you must also buy one for me!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan brought a more historical and walkable experience to the itinerary. Old San Juan is compact, colorful, and easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy wandering without a strict plan. We focused on the highlights, starting with San Cristóbal Castle and the nearby Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis. The views along the coast are striking, and the sense of history is tangible. The Faro del Castillo San Felipe del Morro is another worthwhile stop and rounds out the area nicely. If you have a Parks Pass that allows you into US National Parks, then bring it. Since these are National Parks, you can get in free. Each pass will let in four guests so make a friend in line and share the love. It costs $10 per person to enter the San Cristóbal Castle and The Faro del Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
No visit to San Juan feels complete without stopping at Barrachina, (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHPYeMwQ6wZ7QazX9) known as the birthplace of the piña colada. Jorge, one of the bartenders has been working there for over 25 years and is fun to chat with. A small piña colada costs $10, with larger versions priced just under $13 US. Beyond the drinks, the food impressed us. The pork chop was outstanding, and the lobster tail was generously sized. For a quick local experience afterward, Chichaitos offers $1 shots and is located on Calle del Cristo, next door to Starbucks. Jorge from Barrachina pointed us in that direction, and it was a fun, casual stop.
San Juan has plenty of shops and side streets worth exploring, and carrying a small umbrella is a good idea. Celebrity thoughtfully provided umbrellas in our stateroom, which came in handy during quick tropical showers.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Our final port was Puerto Plata, which felt more structured and tourist oriented right off the ship. The walk from the pier is long, but free red tuk tuks operate continuously and will take you to the main complex entrance. A small tip is appreciated. The initial area includes a duty free shop, followed by a long corridor of colorful stores designed specifically for cruise passengers. There are also pools and a lazy river available at no cost, though tipping the attendants is customary. Restaurants and bars are plentiful but clearly geared toward visitors. Make sure to bring some towels from the cruise ship and extra sun screen!
To see a more local side of Puerto Plata, continue past the main complex and exit where the buses are located. Local taxis gather here offering tours, but it is easy to explore independently. Cross the main street and head towards Umbrella Street (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2rHooi4CXNK9uGA9A). This area features local souvenir shops, cigar stores, small restaurants, and bars with better prices and a more authentic feel. Continuing on foot leads to the main square and church, both worth a brief stop.
Next head to the Amber Museum (https://www.ambermuseum.com/contacto/). It adds an unexpected layer of interest. Entry is just $2 and includes a tour guide. Amber from this museum was the inspiration for the movie Jurassic Park and that piece of amber was traded for the use of the logo. Dominican amber is especially fascinating. Real amber floats in salt water, emits a pine like scent when burned, and under ultraviolet light, Dominican amber glows blue, setting it apart from other varieties around the world.
Taken together, these ports created a well-rounded Caribbean week. From relaxed beaches to historic streets and small local discoveries, the stops complemented the onboard experience of the Celebrity Eclipse perfectly. Each destination offered simple choices that allowed the day to unfold at your own pace, which is exactly what a great cruise itinerary should do.
If you are considering a Caribbean cruise and want to explore which itinerary might be right for you, we would love to help. Contact Tacks Travels to learn more.
Sailing a seven day Caribbean itinerary aboard the Celebrity Eclipse offered a well balanced mix of classic ports and easy going beach days. Each stop felt distinct, with its own rhythm and personality, and together they created a week that moved comfortably between relaxation, culture, and light adventure. What we appreciated most was how flexible each port could be. You could keep things simple and close to the ship or head a bit farther out for a more local experience.
Antigua
Antigua was our first stop and very much a beach focused day. After exiting the port, it became immediately clear that the town itself is not the highlight. The area right outside the dock is busy, less developed than many Caribbean port towns, and filled with taxi drivers eager for your business. This is not a place to linger. Instead, Antigua shines once you get to the water. Make sure to bring some towels from the cruise ship. They don’t mind, as long as you bring them back.
We chose Dickenson Bay, one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is an easy taxi ride for about $20 and a good option if you want a straightforward beach day with food, drinks, and water sports close by. Two beach chairs and an umbrella cost us $22, which felt reasonable for the location. The beach shares space with a Sandals resort, so the beach is well maintained and water is calm. Jet ski rentals and kayaks are readily available. The one drawback is crowds. Dickenson Bay fills up quickly, and arriving early is essential. Beach chairs do sell out, and the later you arrive, the busier and noisier it becomes. The beach chairs are worn down and not all of them are in great shape.
There is a water taxi option directly near the port that costs about twenty dollars per person roundtrip, but it does not leave until it fills, which can take time. We opted for a regular taxi instead. Vans line up just outside the port gates, and prices are straightforward. We paid twenty dollars total for the two of us each way. Drivers are also willing to return at a set time. Our driver, Dwayne, was reliable and friendly. You can reach out to him prior to your arrival and arrange transportation via WhatsApp at +1 268 780 8188.
For travelers willing to go a bit farther, Valley Church Beach is worth considering. It is less crowded and more scenic, though it requires a longer drive. Regardless of which beach you choose, Antigua’s real draw is the water. The beach setups may not feel luxurious or polished, but the color and clarity of the sea more than make up for it.
St Maarten
St Maarten delivered a completely different energy and quickly became one of our favorite stops. The island is divided between two countries, Dutch and French, making it one of the smallest islands in the world to share dual nationalities. It is also a duty free shopping paradise, and that becomes apparent the moment you arrive.
Getting around was easy. A water taxi from the ship to town cost $7 roundtrip per person and ran continuously throughout the day and played music to get you into the mood. As soon as you step off the boat, beach chair rentals and umbrella setups are right in front of you. Great Bay Beach is the main stretch near Phillipsburg and offers a long boardwalk lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. We paid $25 dollars for chairs and an umbrella. If you want to coordinate transportation or beach logistics, Jean is a well-known local driver who can accommodate up to eight passengers and makes the process simple. He can be contacted via Whatsapp at +1 721 553 3683. The prices on this list are fairly standard with all of the drivers and taxis.
We split our day between Great Bay and Maho Beach. Maho is IG famous for planes landing just overhead at Princess Juliana Airport, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Tracking arrivals using the FlightAware app adds to the fun and helps you time your visit. A taxi ride between the boardwalk and Maho Beach cost us about twenty five dollars for two people each way, with prices decreasing for larger groups.
Back in Phillipsburg, we spent time walking the boardwalk and browsing souvenir shops. For lunch and a break from the sun, we recommend the Blue Bitch Bar. The Gouda balls are excellent, and if you can snag a seat upstairs, the view and live music make it even better. Many beach clubs offer package deals that include chairs, an umbrella, drinks, WiFi, and bathroom access, which is worth considering for a full beach day. For authentic European cheeses, skip the souvenir shops and head to local markets or the Armstrong Cheese Factory. For bourbon lovers, Lux Bar is a fun stop, especially if spotting a bottle of Blanton’s makes you smile. All types of Blanton’s can be purchased here and can are cheaper than in the United States. You are able to bring them back onto the cruise ship, but they will hold them for you until the day prior to your disembarkation. It is recommended and a local tradition, that if you buy one of these bottles, you must also buy one for me!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan brought a more historical and walkable experience to the itinerary. Old San Juan is compact, colorful, and easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy wandering without a strict plan. We focused on the highlights, starting with San Cristóbal Castle and the nearby Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis. The views along the coast are striking, and the sense of history is tangible. The Faro del Castillo San Felipe del Morro is another worthwhile stop and rounds out the area nicely. If you have a Parks Pass that allows you into US National Parks, then bring it. Since these are National Parks, you can get in free. Each pass will let in four guests so make a friend in line and share the love. It costs $10 per person to enter the San Cristóbal Castle and The Faro del Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
No visit to San Juan feels complete without stopping at Barrachina, (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHPYeMwQ6wZ7QazX9) known as the birthplace of the piña colada. Jorge, one of the bartenders has been working there for over 25 years and is fun to chat with. A small piña colada costs $10, with larger versions priced just under $13 US. Beyond the drinks, the food impressed us. The pork chop was outstanding, and the lobster tail was generously sized. For a quick local experience afterward, Chichaitos offers $1 shots and is located on Calle del Cristo, next door to Starbucks. Jorge from Barrachina pointed us in that direction, and it was a fun, casual stop.
San Juan has plenty of shops and side streets worth exploring, and carrying a small umbrella is a good idea. Celebrity thoughtfully provided umbrellas in our stateroom, which came in handy during quick tropical showers.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Our final port was Puerto Plata, which felt more structured and tourist oriented right off the ship. The walk from the pier is long, but free red tuk tuks operate continuously and will take you to the main complex entrance. A small tip is appreciated. The initial area includes a duty free shop, followed by a long corridor of colorful stores designed specifically for cruise passengers. There are also pools and a lazy river available at no cost, though tipping the attendants is customary. Restaurants and bars are plentiful but clearly geared toward visitors. Make sure to bring some towels from the cruise ship and extra sun screen!
To see a more local side of Puerto Plata, continue past the main complex and exit where the buses are located. Local taxis gather here offering tours, but it is easy to explore independently. Cross the main street and head towards Umbrella Street (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2rHooi4CXNK9uGA9A). This area features local souvenir shops, cigar stores, small restaurants, and bars with better prices and a more authentic feel. Continuing on foot leads to the main square and church, both worth a brief stop.
Next head to the Amber Museum (https://www.ambermuseum.com/contacto/). It adds an unexpected layer of interest. Entry is just $2 and includes a tour guide. Amber from this museum was the inspiration for the movie Jurassic Park and that piece of amber was traded for the use of the logo. Dominican amber is especially fascinating. Real amber floats in salt water, emits a pine like scent when burned, and under ultraviolet light, Dominican amber glows blue, setting it apart from other varieties around the world.
Taken together, these ports created a well-rounded Caribbean week. From relaxed beaches to historic streets and small local discoveries, the stops complemented the onboard experience of the Celebrity Eclipse perfectly. Each destination offered simple choices that allowed the day to unfold at your own pace, which is exactly what a great cruise itinerary should do.
If you are considering a Caribbean cruise and want to explore which itinerary might be right for you, we would love to help. Contact Tacks Travels to learn more.
