There’s never a bad time to take a vacation. Cruising is one of the best vacation options for many because it combines life on the water with luxury accommodations, not to mention stops in a wide variety of ports. Use these tips to help you plan your next Caribbean cruise.
1. Decide When To Go
The biggest decision will be deciding when the best time to cruise Caribbean islands will be. Of course, there’s no bad time to go on a cruise, but there are times that will be less busy. If you’d like to avoid the largest groups of tourists, consider taking your cruise in November or early December. During this time, fewer people go on cruises, which means more intimates experiences for you on the ship as well as on land. The beaches will be quieter, the restaurants more accommodating, and the tours more in-depth.
2. Decide How Long To Cruise
After you decide when to cruise, you’ll need to decide how long you want to be on the water. Cruises can be as short as a weekend or as long as several weeks. Most people choose to stay on the water for about a week. A week gives you plenty of time to visit several ports without getting sick of being on the ship. Remember to factor in travel time too. You may want to stay in your original port’s city for a night before boarding the cruise to prevent having to rush from the airport to the ship all on the same day.
3. Get Your Documents in Order
You’ll need proper documentation when you go on a cruise to the Caribbean. Everyone who is on the cruise with you will need a passport, so be sure to get those well in advance of your trip. Depending on where you’re going, you may also need proof of certain types of vaccinations. It’s also a good idea to carry medical records for anyone who has certain disorders or diseases. This can help if there is a medical emergency while you’re on your cruise. Identification, such as state-issued IDs, is important as well.
4. Research Cruise Lines
There is a wide range of cruise lines that go to the Caribbean, each offering its own amenities. You’ll want to carefully research each line before committing to one. This way, you can be sure that you get what you’re looking for. Mega-ships, for example, will have more onboard amenities. However, they don’t offer as much variety in the ports that they visit. If you’d like to visit more ports, look at smaller ships or luxury ships.
5. Get To Your Port Early
You’ll want plenty of time to spare when it’s time to go to your departure port. Get there early to ensure you don’t miss the boat, don’t have problems going aboard, and have plenty of time to get situated before the boat leaves the port. If you’re flying in, this typically means getting to the city a day early, which means you won’t need to rush from the airport to the cruise ship port all on the same day.
6. Pack Well in Advance
Try to pack for your trip at least a week in advance. This gives you plenty of time to plan your outfits, remember essentials such as medication, and ensure you have everything that you need. If you decide to change outfits or remember something that you forgot to pack, you’ll have plenty of time to make the necessary changes without trying to rush to pack the night before you leave for your cruise.
Going on a cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. By packing in advance, doing your research, and ensuring that you create the cruise experience you’ve always wanted, you can be sure that you enjoy the surf, sand, food, and experiences of the Caribbean without experiencing stress of rushing the experience.