How to Plan for a Caribbean Cruise

Posted by rlashea on July 12, 2010

Bermuda, Belize, the Bahamas, the Caymans, Jamaica; with their moderate climates, sandy beaches and crystal waters, these island destinations draw visitors by the boatloads. Literally. Numerous cruise lines have realized the pull of these tropical hotspots and offer regular passage to the islands. If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean, and don’t need to spend an extended amount of time on any single island, a cruise can give you a little taste of each. But make sure that you’re prepared before leaving home.

Make sure that you have your passport. Even when traveling to US territories, like the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, it’s not a bad idea to have your passport along for the ride. When traveling to non-US territories, a passport is required.

Choose a cruise line. Cruise lines that offer Caribbean cruises include Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Carnival and Disney. Check out each cruise line’s website to see the Caribbean cruises that are offered and the cabin prices for each. Pay special attention to the onboard activities offered. While cruise lines, like Disney, may seem more kid-friendly, most cruise lines offer a variety of activities for adults and kids alike.

Reserve your cabin on the ship. To reserve your cabin, go to the cruise line’s website and use the online booking system or call the booking line that is listed on the website. You should select the type of room to book on a Caribbean Cruise depending on your travel circumstances. Single rooms contain only one bed, either a single or double, depending on the cruise line, and are meant for guests traveling alone. Double rooms accommodate two people, either in twin beds or one double, queen or king bed. Triple and quad rooms have sleeping space for up to four people, making them ideal for families. Mini-suites, with separate sleeping and sitting areas, and full suites, which have larger sleeping and sitting areas and fancier bathrooms, and may even contain small dining areas.

Book your air travel if you plan on flying to the port city from which your cruise is departing. Caribbean cruises depart from a variety of ports in the eastern U.S. One of the easiest ways to book your airfare is to book a cruise/airfare package through the cruise line. This is usually more expensive than booking airfare separately, but can save on hassle, as the cruise line usually provides transportation to the port and picks up your luggage from baggage claim.

Plan your port stops. Research each destination to find restaurants where you would like to eat or attractions that you would like to see while on land. Make reservations at restaurants if they are accepted and buy attraction tickets before leaving home to make sure you get to do everything that you would like to do.