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Several ports of call have emerged as culinary hotspots, so passengers cruising to these areas are in for a real treat. From food and beverage tours, eclectic dishes, and fabulous restaurant options, here are six epicurean ports on Caribbean itineraries that foodie cruisers will love.
Marigot, St. Martin
The self-proclaimed "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean" is St. Martin, the French side of the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. While many ships dock at Phillipsburg (on the Dutch side), luxury lines like SeaDream Yacht Club and Windstar often call in Marigot for a taste of French Caribbean cuisine. Quaint cafes serve pastries and breads while many waterfront restaurants offer French specialties and local seafood. At times you may even feel like you are cruising in the French Riviera.
READ MORE: Adventure Travel and the Foodie Culture
Nassau, Bahamas
For all things conch, the capital city of the Bahamas is a great place to try this local specialty prepared in several ways: conch fritters, conch salad, cracked conch and conch stew. Fresh fish served with peas and rice, Johnnycakes, and coconut-infused desserts are a few others that cruisers shouldn't pass up. An abundance of restaurants can be found in the downtown area surrounding the port of Nassau, but many travelers head to the Fish Fry - a collection of seafood shacks a short walk away. Several cruise lines also offer culinary tours of the city.
Fort-de-France, Martinique
The fast-growing port of Fort-de-France, Martinique showcases Creole specialties but takes other influences from Africa, India and France - making it an intriguing place for your taste buds. Explore the covered market for spices, fruits, herbs, vegetables and other treats (as well as handicrafts), or book an excursion to one of several rum distilleries. Sophisticated restaurants can be found on the island, and must try dishes include Colombo de Martinique (a curry made with a signature island spice), or octopus stew served with tomatoes, lemons and onions.
St. George's, Grenada
Grenada is known as the "Isle of Spice," because of its high production of nutmeg as well as turmeric, cinnamon, cloves and others. While exploring St. George's, be sure to try "Oildown," the national stew consisting of meat, onion, dasheen (root vegetable) celery, carrots, peppers, breadfruit and coconut milk.
Several cruise lines offer shore excursions that infuse a taste of the island, such as Royal Caribbean's "Golden Nutmeg and Diamond Chocolate" excursion that brings passengers to the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station and Diamond Chocolate Factory. Princess offers a tour of Fort Frederick that also bundles in a visit to a spice garden, rum distillery and lunch at a local restaurant.
Key West, Florida
Commonly found as a first (or last) stop on Western Caribbean itineraries, the Floridian island of Key West showcases its culinary prowess. Key lime pie (served traditional or on a stick dipped in chocolate), Key West pink shrimp, Florida stone crab, hogfish, Cuban sandwiches, homemade sauces from Peppers of Key West, and rum runners are just a few "must try" items on the island.
Brunch is as much of an art form as it is in major cities like New York - only it's often followed by boating, lounging in the sun or happy hour. Key West Food Tours has an outstanding culinary package that bundles iconic stops with a few local secrets.
READ MORE: 5 Must-Try Foods in Grenada
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Trinidad's cuisine takes heavy influences from Africa and India, in addition to China, Portugal, France, Spain and other regions - allowing a wide range of dining options. Roti, an Indian flatbread, is found everywhere in Trinidad and is used as the wrap for chicken, potatoes, beef or a number of other items. For breakfast, try Trinidad Doubles, a lightly curried channa (spiced chickpeas), chutney and zesty sauce. Port of Spain is the main cruise dock, and the hub of Ariapita Avenue is ideal for sampling local specialties.
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