Sunday, March 31, 2024

25 BEST Costa Rica Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Costa Rica on Cruise Critic

carnival cruise costa rica

The experience can vary depending on which side you cruise along, with the Caribbean coast being less populous with more secluded beaches and nature preserves. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, on the other hand, offers more opportunities for popular tourists activities like horseback riding, fishing and surfing. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Norwegian Cruise Line's Costa Rica itineraries offer passengers the chance to experience the country's natural beauty through activities such as zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and wildlife tours. Their ships are known for their casual atmosphere, diverse dining options, and entertainment offerings.

Shopping Near the Puerto Limón Cruise Port

Cruising to Costa Rica is a great way to experience the country’s incredible biodiversity, from its rainforests and cloud forests to its beaches and coral reefs. Holland America Line's Costa Rica cruises offer passengers the opportunity to explore the country's natural beauty through activities such as zip-lining, river cruises, and wildlife tours. Their ships are known for their elegant decor, spacious staterooms, and exceptional service.

Colon, Panama

Celebrity Cruises also offers excursions to see the country's diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds. Unleash your inner eco-adventurer on a cruise to Costa Rica, a vibrant nation full of colorful scenery and breathtaking vistas. Fuel your wild side with a whitewater rafting tour through the jungle, or zip line over the canopy of a lush rainforest. For something a little less strenuous, catch a show at the National Theater or enjoy a scenic boat tour—just watch out for those playful monkeys! Like many Central American nations, Costa Rica has two major coastlines, the Caribbean on the east and Pacific Ocean on the west.

Costa Rica Triple Adventure

Carnival's newest additions, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Venezia each bring their own twist to cruising. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 22nd, 2024.

Costa Ricans are deeply committed to protecting the natural world, and you’ll find several activities that combine excitement with ecotourism. Visit a sloth sanctuary from Puerto Limón, or learn about the ecology of stingless bees at Api Agricultura. Visit Cahuita National Park with a naturalist, or find out about the conservation of macaws at the Natuwa Sanctuary at El Manantial. Bordering a gentle stretch of sand kissed by Pacific breezes, the former rough-and-tumble port town of Puntarenas, Costa Rica is now a laid-back seaside retreat. With a Puntarenas cruise, you can stroll the mile-long seafront Paseo de los Turistas boardwalk past restaurants, cafés and colorful souvenir stands.

carnival cruise costa rica

Later on, order up casado, a plate-style combo of rice, beans, tortillas, fried plaintains and your protein of choice — celebrate the ocean and opt for grilled fish. During your Puntarenas cruise, stop by a street vendor for a tamal, the Costa Rican classic of cornmeal and garlic wrapped in a banana leaf. Tour the 640-acre Arabica coffee plantation of Espiritu Santo in the charming mountain town of Naranjo. Walk across four suspended bridges and along the treetops and the forest fog of San Luis Park.

Costa Rica Unveils Plans for New Cruise Terminal - Cruise Hive

Costa Rica Unveils Plans for New Cruise Terminal.

Posted: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Go whitewater rafting, visit a sloth sanctuary, or trek through the Veragua rainforest when Holland America Line cruises to Puerto Limon outside San Jose. From Puerto Caldera — the port city for Puntarenas — you can get a bird’s-eye view of the cloud forest canopy, take a mangrove river cruise, or head to a coffee cooperative in the lush Naranjo highlands. Quepos is your gateway for adventures in Manuel Antonio, crown jewel of Costa Rica’s vast national park system. Discover the richness of the rain forest while you walk along beautiful trails, and the most amazing shapes of green vegetation will appear before your eyes.

If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. Costa Rica is blessed with both tropical rainforests along the coast and mist-shrouded cloud forests in the highlands. Both offer myriad adventures, from hiking to zip lining, aerial trams, and ATV excursions. Wildlife is abundant—look out for toucans in the trees or pairs of scarlet macaws soaring over the forest canopy. Butterflies here seem super-sized, in brilliant colors, while slow-moving sloths gaze down at you from the trees.

Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean. Prices for Costa Rica cruises vary depending on a number of factors, including double occupancy, taxes, fees, port expenses, fuel supplements, and more. It is important to carefully review the pricing information provided by the cruise line or booking agent to ensure that you are getting a fair and accurate price for your trip. Another popular option is the 7-day Western Caribbean cruise, which departs from Tampa and includes stops in Cozumel, Mexico, before arriving in Limón. This itinerary allows passengers to experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Mexico before exploring the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. When it comes to planning a cruise to Costa Rica, choosing the right cruise line can make all the difference.

Choose The Retreat for the ultimate in luxurious travel, with access to the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat restaurant and a serene private lounge. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Some of the major cruise lines that sail to Costa Rica include Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity, Holland America Line (HAL), Royal Caribbean, Princess, Oceania, Windstar and Carnival. Prices per person depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, the month you travel in and each line's included perks. For a quintessential Costa Rica souvenir, bring home a couple bags of Costa Rican coffee.

Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. Enjoy luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service as you discover Costa Rica, Cozumel, Colombia and Fort Lauderdale. Fill up for the day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto, a hearty combo of rice beans flavored with spices, cilantro and onions.

Princess Cruises has received high ratings from Cruise Critic for their onboard experience and shore excursions. The country is known for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica through a variety of eco-tourism activities. Costa Rica is a country that boasts a diverse range of natural wonders, from its lush rainforests and stunning beaches to its active volcanoes and abundant wildlife. For those seeking an eco-adventure, Costa Rica is a prime destination, and cruising is a great way to experience all the country has to offer. A cruise to Costa Rica offers lush rainforests, rugged mountains and abundant wildlife, making the destination ideal for cruisers looking to connect with nature.

Different from an all inclusive resort, you wake up at a new port throughout your vacation rather than the same scenery. The city center of Puerto Limon is an interesting and historic place to explore during your time in Costa Rica. The rainforest is one of the biggest draws of a cruise to Puerto Limon, and you have many options for how to explore it while in port. Take a river cruise with a naturalist who can explain the environment you’re seeing in depth. Embark on an open-air tram and go for a ride above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the trees.

Costa Rica is Reopening With Nine Cruise Lines Set to Return - Cruise Hive

Costa Rica is Reopening With Nine Cruise Lines Set to Return.

Posted: Fri, 09 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Norwegian Cruise Line has received high ratings from Cruise Critic for their onboard experience and dining options. Trafalgar offers a Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour that allows visitors to experience the country's natural beauty up close. The tour includes visits to national parks, hikes through rainforests, and even a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals. Princess Cruises' Costa Rica itineraries offer passengers the chance to experience the country's vibrant culture and natural wonders. Their ships are known for their exceptional service, diverse dining options, and entertainment offerings.

These make Limón, Costa Rica a top spot in the region for embarking on eco-adventures. When you cruise to Limón, don’t forget to check out the city itself, the source for millions of bananas that get shipped northward every year. Whether in the Caribbean waters or amongst nature on land, you’ll feel refreshed and invigorated by your cruise to Costa Rica. Shore excursions can vary in length and transportation options, with some tours offering bus or boat rides to reach their destination. Cruise lines such as Star Clipper offer passengers the chance to explore Cahuita National Park, a protected area known for its coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Taxi drivers in Puerto Limon are typically open to negotiating the price for where you want to go before you depart. Solo travelers looking to book European cruises have a range of options when it comes to cabin accommodations. Overall, there are plenty of onboard and shore excursion options to choose from when cruising to Costa Rica, allowing passengers to tailor their experience to their preferences and interests. Additionally, it is important to review any restrictions or requirements set forth by the cruise line or the U.S. Department of Transportation, particularly for Canadian residents traveling on U.S. cruises. Many Costa Rica cruise itineraries also include stops in other destinations in the region, such as Panama, Colombia, and the Caribbean islands.

THE 16 BEST Carnival Cruises to Costa Rica with Prices 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic

carnival cruise costa rica

A helpful map of the city is located right before you leave the port and has recommended walks on it as well. You’ll also see that the port has a large area focused on exporting, particularly Costa Rican coffee. Cruises to Puerto Limon take passengers to the second largest city in Costa Rica, after the capital city of San Jose.

Puerto Limon Shore Excursions

With so many options for adventure and relaxation, it's no wonder that Costa Rica remains a top destination for cruise vacations. Cruise to Costa Rica to discover why the locals have been called the happiest people in the world. Costa Rica’s abundant ecotourism treasures await when you board your Carnival cruise to Limón. From here you can soar above rainforests, feel the mist from tumbling waterfalls, and swim in clear Caribbean seas.

Destinations & Ports

For nature enthusiasts, there are excursions to rainforests, gardens, and wildlife reserves where visitors can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. Waterfalls, rapids, and beaches provide opportunities for adventure seekers to go white water rafting, surfing, or simply soak up the sun. No matter which itinerary you choose, a Costa Rica cruise is sure to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. From the lush rainforests and sparkling beaches to the vibrant culture and cuisine, Costa Rica has something to offer for every type of traveler. Itineraries will bring you either to Puntarenas on the Pacific coast or Puerto Limón on the Caribbean side. Whichever port you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the country’s natural wonders, from cloud forests to animal sanctuaries, jungle rivers, coral reefs, and sandy beaches.

Night Panama Canal Cruise

Visitors can soar above rainforests, feel the mist from tumbling waterfalls, and swim in clear Caribbean seas. They can also check out the city itself, which is the source for millions of bananas that get shipped northward every year. For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a stop in Puntarenas, which is a great jumping-off point for eco-adventures. Passengers can trek through lush rainforests in San Luis Park, discover tropical flora and fauna in Pos Volcano National Park, and shower under Costa Rica's tallest waterfall at Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date.

carnival cruise costa rica

Cruise to Costa Rica to stop by a beachside vendor and pick up a batik, a colorful dyed cloth traditional to the area. If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since its founding in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line — “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line®” — now carries millions of passengers every year.

Lima is a hidden gem offering a lot of history, beautiful architecture, sprawling beach front and a vibrant nightlife. Puntarenas, a seaside town near Puerto Caldera, is home to Paseo de los Turistas, where you'll find no shortage of restaurants, shops and -- as the name suggests -- tourist-friendly activities to partake in. In Puerto Limon, you can go to Tortuguero National Park, which is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Get off the beaten path and head to Isla Uvita, which is a 20-minute boat ride from Puerto Limon.

Night Southern Caribbean Holiday

The dryer months of December through April are the best times to cruise to Costa Rica. However, most places in the tourist areas take U.S. dollars, and you can even withdraw U.S. dollars at most of the ATMs in Puerto Limon. There isn’t an ATM in the cruise terminal, but there are several in the city of Puerto Limon. Cruises to Puerto Limon dock right by the city center, and the port is close to multiple forms of public and private transportation. For a cup of coffee brewing local beans, head to one of the many cafes located around town. While in Puerto Limon on your Caribbean cruise, you’ll likely enjoy pleasant weather due to its temperate climate that hovers around 77 degrees throughout the year.

Cruise Ship Runs Aground With 206 Passengers and Crew Onboard - Cruise Hive

Cruise Ship Runs Aground With 206 Passengers and Crew Onboard.

Posted: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For example, some cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale or Tampa and include stops in the Panama Canal before arriving in Costa Rica. Others depart from Valparaiso or Los Angeles and include stops in San Francisco before heading south to Costa Rica. The dry season, from mid-December to April, is the best time to cruise to Costa Rica. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing.

Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve in Costa Rica

A Carnival cruise features day and nighttime entertainment like stage shows, musical performances, deck parties, casinos and more. Guests enjoy this unique experience against the backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful seaports. Sail to the destination of your dreams from the departure port that works best for you. Similar to a traditional all inclusive vacation, food and entertainment on board is included in your cruise fare. Most cruise lines also offer a special and affordable drink package for your trip.

Or join a longer voyage between Valparaiso, Chile and Los Angeles, calling at Puntarenas on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. With its luscious greenery, steep cliffs, tropical beaches and nature reserves, Puerto Caldera is an amazing cruise destination for the adventurous traveler and beach lover. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. Overall, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for eco-adventures, and a cruise is a great way to experience all that the country has to offer.

The Tortuguero Canals, which were turned into a national park in 1975, were named after the local green turtle (called Tortuguero) which uses the canals to spawn. The national park also consists of lush foliage that makes for an intriguing boat ride down the slow-moving Colorado River that goes through the park. You’re likely to see sloths, monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles while in the Tortuguero Canals.

As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories. Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall. For families traveling with teens, there are options for excursions that cater to their interests, such as surfing lessons or poolside relaxation at a beach resort.

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