Useful tips to have in mind before you go cruising
Going on a cruise is a lovely thing to do, especially when you do it for the first time. And because it’s your first time and you have no experience in choosing the best cruise deal, you need to be very careful. Nowadays, there are offers for a cruise ship on every corner and not all of them are trustworthy.
Before paying any money, check various websites, ask your friends for recommendations, and consult a travel agent specializing in cruises. Don’t jump to conclusions about something you’re not familiar with and be prepared to ask for help. In the end, you don’t want to be a fraud victim. So, pay attention to these useful tips!
Know how much time you’ll have in each port
It would be a pity if you’d always wanted to visit Jamaica and the only time your captain gives you is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You will probably be disappointed and angry with yourself because you didn’t read the offer well. To avoid that, you need to concentrate when the travel agent is explaining the timetables to you and write everything down. Know how much time you have on each island and in each port so you can plan your activities according to the scheduled hours.
Travel in the Caribbean’s offseason
Caribbean cruises are popular all year round, but there is no need to pay tons of money when everybody’s going there. Choose a low-season cruise, which is from September to mid-December. The beaches, the stores, and the restaurants are not so crowded, and you can feel the real spirit of the islands.
Don’t take the shore excursions the cruise line offers
The cruise line will try to convince you that you need to take a shore excursion with them. Firstly, they will be expensive, and secondly, you can usually do it on your own. When you get on land, get into a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the most beautiful beach. Or rent a car, a bike or a moped to move around the island and explore it for less and by your own.
In case you do like guided tours, find one in the port. You most likely won’t spend as much money, and you’ll have a local guide. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to be back on the ship before the time of departure. Be responsible and respect the time of other passengers.
Do some research before shopping onboard or on land
You don’t want to go broke on your vacation. Do some homework and check the prices back home of anything you want to buy. Sometimes there are huge discounts at the destination you’re visiting, but that’s not always the case. Be careful of how you spend your money and don’t buy something you don’t need just because it’s cheaper than in the States. Control your shopping needs and spend your time on some beautiful beach instead.
Keep in mind the hurricane season
You want to go on a cruise, but don’t want it to be the last thing you do in life. Inform yourself about all the possible weather storms before leaving the port. Don’t be paranoid, but be cautious.
Follow these useful tips before you deposit thousands of dollars in the cruise line’s bank account. Think twice about when and where you want to go, how much you want to spend, what islands you want to visit. Choose the cruise of your dreams because you’ve decided, not because a good-selling agent convinced you. Ask everything you need to know before the voyage. Finally, get ready for the experience of a lifetime and have fun. Good luck and safe travels!
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