Before boarding a Caribbean cruise, it’s important to keep a few concerns in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some of the main things to consider:
Documentation and Visas for Cruise Stops
Make sure you have all the necessary documents to travel to the Caribbean destinations. This includes a valid passport and, in some cases, specific visas for certain countries. Double-check that all documents are in order before boarding.
Travel Insurance for Cruises
Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended before taking a cruise. It will cover you in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Review the available options and choose a plan that best fits your needs. We recommend: Seguros Promo.
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
Be aware of hurricane season, which generally runs from June to November. If booking during this time, know that your trip may face disruptions. Hurricanes are more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere summer months, from July to August, but can still occur until November. We traveled in late October, and the weather was great overall, except for Jamaica, where it was cloudy.
Health and Vaccination
Before traveling to the Caribbean, check that you are up to date with all recommended vaccines. Some, like yellow fever, may be mandatory to enter certain countries. Visit the consulate websites of each destination to verify current requirements. Always carry your international yellow fever vaccination card with your passport—we keep ours together at all times.
Excursion Planning
One of the great advantages of a Caribbean cruise is the opportunity to explore different islands and destinations. Research and plan your excursions in advance to make the most of your time at each stop.
Pros and Cons of Booking Excursions with the Cruise Line
Pros:
- No last-minute stress trying to book excursions.
- Lower risk of missing the ship’s departure.
- Guaranteed spot on the excursion.
Cons:
- Lack of detailed information about the excursions on the MSC website.
- No departure times or full itineraries available.
- Difficult to plan activities due to limited information.
- Higher prices compared to independent options.
- No cancellations allowed due to bad weather.
We decided not to book the Blue Hole tour in Jamaica. When we arrived at port, the weather was bad and heavy rain had left the water brown. Those who had already paid had no option to cancel. We opted out after local taxi drivers confirmed conditions weren’t good.
For the stingray tour in the Cayman Islands, the boat transfer to shore started at 7 a.m., but our meeting time onboard wasn’t until 9 a.m. This meant our group would have waited two hours, considering the last return boat left at 2:15 p.m. When we booked, we didn’t have these details. In the end, the excursion was canceled the night before due to strong winds, with a full refund.
Drink Packages
The Easy Package offers house drinks, limited options, and only one beer brand (Heineken). Restrictions apply to brands and types of drinks available. Prices vary: Easy $57, Easy Plus $72, and Premium Extra $100 per day per person. Packages must be purchased for all cabin occupants of the same category, except minors, who cannot consume alcohol. Gratuities are included.
Estimated drink prices: Heineken $7.50, wine glass from $10, cocktails $8 (Easy), $10 (Plus), $16 (Premium).
One reason we chose the Easy Package was the lack of transparency about individual drink prices. Once onboard, we saw menus and realized our favorite spirits weren’t included in Easy.
At embarkation, we were offered an upgrade to Easy Plus. Since we had already purchased Easy, we decided to upgrade to get the drinks we wanted without extra charges.
In summary, Easy only makes sense for beer drinkers since it includes Heineken. If you prefer spirits, skip it, as only local brands (Gin, Rum, Vodka Skol) are included.
Because we spent long days off the ship, Easy Plus wasn’t worth it for us—we would have spent less buying drinks individually.
Internet Packages
Internet onboard is expensive and limited per device (though you can add a second device at a discount). We bought one device per person. When we received our voucher, we realized video streaming wasn’t included.
The service allows browsing, emails, sending/receiving images, and messaging apps like WhatsApp—but not video streaming.
This is especially useful on sea days when regular mobile service isn’t available. Activating the service took time, as instructions weren’t clear and there was a long line on day one.
What to Pack
The Caribbean is known for its tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity. Be sure to pack light clothing, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay protected under the strong sun.
By keeping these key concerns in mind before starting your Caribbean cruise, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy an unforgettable trip. Take in the beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history of this paradise region.
For more tips about Cruises, read:
Cozumel Travel Guide: Best Tours and Things to Do from the Cruise Port
Cruise Packing Guide: What to Bring and What’s Not Allowed
What to Do in George Town, Cayman Islands: Cruise Stop Tips
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