Pay attention to the amount of time you will have in each port.
It’s important to consider how much time your cruise will spend visiting each island. Have you always dreamed of visiting Jamaica? Well, if your ship is only in Montego Bay from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., you might be disappointed that you don’t have time to see much. If you want to maximize your days in port, ask for the latest dinner seating (if your cruise offers timed sittings). That way, you don’t have to rush back to the ship for dinner.
The cruise lines really hype up their shore excursions, and for good reason: In addition to selling alcohol onboard, this is one of their main revenue streams. Many of the excursions are overpriced and can be put together on your own. If you’re just looking for a day at the beach, hire a cab and ask the driver to take you to the nicest one in the area. You don’t need the cruise line to plan this for you. You can also hire your own car or moped in many ports. In addition, many of the same-day trips can be booked with independent operators as soon as you get off the ship. Do consider the ship’s shore excursions if they offer opportunities to see multiple sites or if you have limited time in port. Also, if you are someone who will constantly worry about getting back to the ship in time for departure, go with the ship’s group; they will definitely arrive in time
Do some homework before shopping onboard or on land.
Oh, the Caribbean, land of duty-free shopping! You could go broke in one shopping trip! Luxury items such as jewelry, perfume, china and electronics are imported from all over the world and often offered up to 50 percent off what you would pay for them in the United States. But this is not always the case. It pays to consider what you want to buy before leaving home and checking on the prices in the United States. That way you will know if you are really getting a deal. Remember that you can bargain and should, even in established stores.
