Category: Cruise Tips

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

5 of the Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Are you looking for the best beaches in St. Thomas?  Well, look no further!   Each year more than 500 cruise ships dock in the harbor of St. Thomas.  Thousands of Americans also travel here by air, since you do not need a passport to visit!  It is estimated that close to two million tourists travel to the USVI each year.

When people arrive in St. Thomas they have two things on their mind, shopping (it’s the shopping capital of the Caribbean), and the beach.  In this post, we’ll outline where to find the best beaches in St. Thomas!

Grab your snorkel gear, a towel, and some sunscreen and let’s get started!

The 5 Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Magen's Bay

We’ll start with the most obvious choice, first:  Magen’s Bay.  Magen’s Bay is often called the most beautiful beach in St. Thomas and frequently ranks as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean.  The one-mile-long horseshoe-shaped stretch of white sand is absolutely stunning.  While many cruisers book an excursion to get to the beach, it’s actually quite easy to get to the beach on your own– in fact, we suggest not booking an excursion.

There is also a rental shop where you can rent:

  • Beach chairs
  • Lounge chairs
  • Floats
  • Snorkel gear
  • Paddleboards 
  • Kayaks 

There is also a 1 1/2 mile trail, a coconut grove, a mangrove, and an arboretum.

Coki Beach

Coki Beach is another popular choice with tourists.  Though it is not as large as the nearby Magen’s Bay, it still offers the same soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters. 

Thanks to the calm waters, it is popular for snorkeling and diving.  You can even snorkel right from the beach! Over the years, tourists have been encouraged to buy dog biscuits to feed to the fish.  Because of this, the friendly fish are quick to approach swimmers looking for a little snack!  

The beach is right next to the Coral World Ocean Park.  There are plenty of amenities and little shops where you can purchase souvenirs, local food, and beverages.  Coki Dive Center is also located nearby.  They offer intro diving lessons for children and adult, certification classes, and beach and boat dives.  

You’ll also find options for renting SUP, jet skiis, beach gear, and more!

Sapphire Beach

This lively beach gets its name from the stunning shades of blue water that dance along the shore.  We love this beach because it has stunning views of the neighboring island of St. John. 

Sapphire Beach is popular with families because of the trees that provide shade.  Your little ones will love seeking out the iguanas and ducks that are known to hang out by the pond close by.

A nearby reef and rocky ledge make this a hot spot for snorkeling. In fact, some say that this is one of the best spots on the island to snorkel.       

Sapphire Beach is also popular for jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing because of its proximity to the marina.  The sports booth offers kayaks, windsurfing, snorkel gear, and chair rentals.  If you want to kick it up a notch, you can rent a jet ski from the local marina.

The best thing about this beach?  It doesn’t get nearly as crowded as the others!

Lindquist Beach

Lindquist Beach is another popular beach located on the East end of the island.  It has shallow waters marking it great for little ones!  Grown-ups will enjoy the views of nearby St. John and the British Virgin Islands.  There are restroom facilities, which is a huge bonus!

A lifeguard is on duty between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.  There’s an offshore reef that is wonderful for snorkeling.  Little ones will love playing in the tide pools and older kids will enjoy the shallow shelf.

Part of the beach is made up of land protected by Smith Bay Park.  Smith Bay Park is a 21-acre park managed by the National Park Service.  There is a $5 fee per person to enter the beach.  If you’re driving to the beach, plan on paying $2 to park.

Hull Bay

I learned about Hull Bay Beach from a local girl who told me it’s very popular with the islanders. According to her, it’s one of the best beaches in St. Thomas!   It’s really easy to get to via taxi for travelers but if you’re driving on your own, be sure to type in “Hideaway Hull Bay” rather than “Hull Bay Beach.”  If you do the latter, it will take you to private property.  Hideaway is the name of a restaurant that is located right on the beach making it an easy landmark.

The stunning beach has a snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks.  There is also a dive shop that offers snorkel tours in the protected bay.  

Don't Forget to Pack These Items!

We hope you’ve been inspired by our list of the best beaches in St. Thomas!  No matter which beach you end up at, we suggest you bring along snorkel equipment!  You’re guaranteed to find something interesting in the turquoise waters that surround the island.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Nassau The Bahamas

6 Free Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Downtown Nassau

Over our last 7 or 8 trips to The Bahamas, we’ve been collecting a list of all of the fun free things to do in Nassau.  You might be asking, “Why in the world have you been there so many times?”  The answer is simple, Nassau is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean.  Because of this, there’s a plethora of free things to do in Nassau…if you know where to look.

6 Free Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

Junkanoo Beach- Nassau, Bahamas

Hit the Beach

It goes without saying that one of the best free things to do in Nassau is hit the beach!   While Nassau may be known for it’s high dollar resorts, you don’t need to spend any money to spend the day on the beach.  Some of the best beaches in Nassau are free!   Here are three great options:

  • Junkanoo Beach- This beach is popular with cruisers because it is easily accessed on foot.  Although the beach is a little smaller than some of the others, you’ll still be able to find a spot to enjoy the rays.  The beach features public restrooms and changing facilities and it’s a hot spot for snorkeling.
  • Cable Beach- Wanna know how you know this is a great beach?  Look at all of the hotels that surround it!  There’s a reason the resorts have been built here- it’s breathtaking!  The beach stretches for over 2 miles along the coast and is free to visit.  There are plenty of restaurants and bars that dot the beach here, which makes it easy to grab a bite.  You’ll need to hop in a cab to check out this beach.
  • Cabbage Beach– This beach is drop dead gorgeous and located on Paradise Island, the same island as Atlantis Bahamas.  This beach has consistently been rated as one of the best beaches in Nassau. There’s plenty of white coastline to spread out enjoy your little slice of paradise. You’ll need to shell out money for a cab if you want to visit, though.
Parliament Square, Nassau

Stroll Around Parliament Square

This square is a great place to stop and snap a few photos.  A statue of Queen Victoria stands as a reminder of The Bahamas colonial days. The statue was erected in 1905 in honor of the Queen’s birthday.

The country’s main government buildings surround the square.  These flamingo pink buildings were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  They were constructed by Loyalists who came to The Bahamas from North Carolina.  

The House of Assembly is where the Prime Minister and two houses of Parliament meet.  

Behind the House of Assembly, you’ll find the Supreme Court.  Keep an eye out for judges or lawyers who still follow the tradition of dressing in the traditional British wigs and robes.

At the center of the square, facing Bay Street, is the Senate.  

Hidden behind the Supreme Court building is the Garden of Remembrance.  The garden honors the Bahamian soldiers that lost their lives during the two World Wars.

Queen's Staircase

Visit Queen's Staircase

The Queen’s Staircase, also known as the 66 Steps, is a major landmark in Nassau.  The rocks were chipped out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 1700s.  These steps gave a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City- an area notorious for attracting pirates.

 The steps were later named in honor of Queen Victoria after her role in ending slavery in the British Empire.  If you’d like to know more, there are always plenty of locals on hand that will share the history of the staircase and Nassau- for a small tip.

Walk Along Bay Street

Nassau’s oldest thoroughfare, Bay Street, is now the heart of the tourist district.  The street is lined with bustling shops, busy eateries and bars, and tourist sites.  Whether you’re looking to pick up a souvenir or a chick at the bar (kidding…kinda), this is the spot for you!  

Bay Street is home to the world-famous Straw Market, the Pirates of Nassau Museum,  and the cruise terminal.

Explore "Blackbeards" Tower

Pirates are deep-rooted in the history of The Bahamas.  Back in the Golden Age, between the 1600s and 1700s, Nassau was a mecca for pirates.  They preyed on the ships that passed through carrying their goods, gold, and other treasures.

One of the most popular pirates in his day was Edward Teach “Blackbeard”.  Blackbeard was an infamous and terrifying pirate who used scare tactics to get his victims for fork over their treasures.   

Blackbeard’s Tower once served as a lookout tower in the 1700s.  Today, it stands as a crumbling monument to the pirates of the Caribbean.

While there is very little to do at these ruins, they do offer a lovely view.

Tour John Watling's Distillery

John Watling’s Distillery is a rum distillery that creates the small-batch rum known as the  “Spirit of The Bahamas”.  The distillery is housed in a historic home known as the Buena Vista Estate, which was established in 1789 and overlooks the harbor. 

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

The beach next to the ship is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when planning your cruise is deciding when you’ll go. Cruises (traditionally) run 365 days a year- but some times of the year are better than others. There are things you need to take into consideration such as school breaks, hurricane season, and other factors. Join us as we explore the best and worst times to cruise.

Tulum Beach, Mexico

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

January Through February

January and February are some of my favorite months to cruise. Since most of the ports have tropical or sub-tropical climates, the weather is absolutely gorgeous this time of the year. This is the perfect time of year to cruise if you live up north and want to escape the frigid winter temperatures.

The water temperatures are a tiny bit chilly, but you’ll adjust quickly and should be fun. Be advised that you can still get sunburned during this time of the year, so be sure to bring your sunscreen along.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

March Through Easter

This is one of the most popular times for people to book a cruise thanks to Spring Break. I’ve been on many Spring Break cruises, and they really aren’t that bad. The crowds during this time tend to be younger- we’re talking lots of families and a ton of intoxicated college kids.

I will say I don’t sleep well on cruises during this time of the year because there are kids and drunkards running up and down the halls at all hours of the night.

This is also the beginning of peak season so expect the prices to be a bit higher and the lines to be a bit longer at the buffets. These cruises were fun when I was in my twenties however, now that I’m a bit older I tend to avoid cruising during this time.

Atlantis- Paradise Island, Bahamas

May Through August

Look, I get the appeal of booking a cruise during the summer. The kids are out of school, it’s the perfect weather for a day at the beach, and you’re guaranteed to get some color on your skin. Seemingly, this is the perfect time to cruise. However, believe it or not, this is my least favorite time to cruise.

“Why?” you might ask. There are fewer drunk college kids during the summer months, but more families. The pools, hot tubs, and food lines are swarming with young kids. There are children everywhere. And quite frankly, it’s rather annoying.

The weather in the Caribbean at this time of the year is dreadfully hot and humid, and this is coming from a Floridian. If you do choose to cruise during this time of year pack plenty of sunscreen and aloe and stay hydrated.

The prices this time of year are much higher, and quite frankly not worth it (in my opinion). At this time of the year, I’d much rather cruise to Alaska than to the Caribbean.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

September Through October

Many people shy away from cruising during this time of the year because it is the peak of hurricane season. Sure, there there is a chance of having to deal with a storm (more on that below) but to me, it’s a chance worth taking.

This is my favorite time to cruise! The weather is fantastic, the water is absolutely glorious, and the prices are lower.

Natural Bridge, Aruba

November Through December

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30th. The season tends to peak in September. Traditionally, this is when you’ll see the lowest cruise fares. Some people tend to steer away from traveling during hurricane season however, I’m not one of those people. Oftentimes, when there is a storm your itinerary will change a bit. I’ve had two cruise itineraries that were impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane. On the first one, we simply skipped a port and had an extra sea day. On the second one, we visited Grand Turk instead of St. Thomas.

Planning a cruise during the shoulder season, or off-season can help you save money on your cruise. Of course, you’ll see the highest cruise fares during holidays and cruising seasons. You’ll pay more money to sail during the December holidays as well as from late February throughout Easter, due to Spring Break.

Personally, my favorite months to cruise are September, October, January, and March.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Save a Pin & Start Planning your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

Where Should I Cruise To- Eastern vs. Western Caribbean

Are you asking yourself, “Where should I cruise to?” One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when booking a cruise is deciding where you should cruise to. There are tons of options scattered all throughout the Caribbean. From the Bahamas in the northeast all the way down to Aruba in the very southern Caribbean.

The Caribbean is generally split into three regions: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. Each region differs primatrily by the departure port, number of ports on your itinerary, and the length of your trip. For instance, if you’re interested in going to the Southern Caribbean, you’ll probably want to/need to leave from Miami or Puerto Rico.

Caribbean cruises can range from 2-10 days (and sometimes even longer!) depending on the cruise line, departure port, and itinerary. It can be overwhelming to pick the itinerary for your family especially if you’re a first-time cruiser.

Where Should I Cruise To?

God of the Winds Temple, Tulum

Western Caribbean

The Western Caribbean is a popular selection for first-time cruisers. The ports have a more exotic feel than those in the Eastern Caribbean and are a bit less glitsy. Western Caribbean cruises typically feature destinations such as Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, or Costa Maya. The week-long cruises will often times visit Belize and Roatan, as well.

The Western Caribbean is perfect for adventurers, history buffs, and beach bums. This is where you’ll find the Maya ruins of Tulum, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Chichen Itza, as well as many others. Snorkeling and diving are also top-notch here, especially near Belize and Mexico where you’ll find the Blue Hole.

Other popular excursions include off-road ATV adventures, catamaran rides, ziplining, and other cultural experiences.

Western Caribbean cruises tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. Due to the distance between ach port, you’ll typically have at least 2 full sea days where you can relax, enjoy onboard activities, or recover from your active days in port.

These cruises typically depart from ports in Florida, Texas, and New Orleans. The itineraries typically have 3 or 4 stops and last 7 or 8 days.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Eastern Caribbean

Eastern Caribbean cruises often feature ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Grand Turk, and The Bahamas. Itineraries typically range from the 5 to 7-night range, however, they can be shorter if you’re looking to just zip over to The Bahamas from Florida.

These cruises generally depart from ports in Florida or from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ports of call on Eastern Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular ports so it’s not unusual to see 3 or more ships on the same day.

The Eastern Caribbean is full of colonial history, pirate history, shopping, beautiful beaches, and volcanic islands with lush green hillsides. These are easily some of the most stunning places in the Caribbean! What’s even cooler is many of these ports offer excursions that will take you to nearby islands such as St. John and St. Barths which are a bit more off the beaten path.

These itineraries are generally best suited for active travelers. Since the ports of call are fairly close to each other, you’ll often wake up in a new port each day. In fact, you may even need a vacation day to recover from your cruise!

The View from Shirley Heights Lookout, Antigua

Southern Caribbean

Last but not least, is the Southern Caribbean. These itineraries require a bit more time but trust me, they are totally worth it! Since the ports are further from the United States, the cruises tend to be in the 7+ day range and cost a bit more.

Cruises that venture to the southern Caribbean often feature Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, Guadalupe, St. Kitts, and the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) on their itineraries. These ports of call have a distinct European charm to them.

Many cruises that hit these ports are out of Miami or Puerto Rico, so it is important to consider that when booking the trip, as well.

These ports are steeped in rich colonial history that is evident as you wander around the island. This is a prime location for scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and zip-lining.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Give me a like on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more great tips and tricks.

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

6 Benefits of Booking an Interior Cabin

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when booking a cruise is determining what kind of cabin you want to have. You can select from an interior cabin, an ocean view cabin, a balcony, or one of the many suite options. While balconies and suites are always fabulous, many times I’ll opt for an interior cabin. Why might you ask?

Honestly, there are a ton of benefits of booking an inside cabin. Although it is the more budget-friendly option (most of the time), you’ll still have the same level of comfort that you would in one of the more expensive cabins. All of the things that make a cabin comfortable (the bed, linens, etc.), are the same regardless of what type of cabin you book.

Benefits of an Interior Cabin

Save Yourself Some Money

These cabins are most often (but not always) the cheapest staterooms onboard the ship and often come with a chance for free upgrades. These upgrades typically occur when the ship is not sold out and the cruise line can offer you a more expensive cabin for little or no cost to you. Unless you book a suite or a spa cabin, you’ll have all of the same perks as everyone else on the ship at a lower cost to you. Winning! You could apply your savings to your next cruise because let’s face it- cruising is addictive!

Less Ship Movement

The higher you are on a ship, the more movement you’ll feel. Interior cabins are towards the inside center of the ship meaning you’ll feel less movement because, well, science. This is especially true for cabins on decks 1-3 and mid-ship cabins. If you’re worried about seasickness, interior cabins are the way to go.

Plenty of Space

Believe it or not, interior cabins tend to be a little larger than balcony cabins. When you are booking your room, you’ll notice that the square footage is listed- this square footage includes the balcony! They have to get the square footages from somewhere, right? The more space you have, the more storage which is always a win in my book!

More Opportunities to Explore the Ship

An interior cabin is essential a room with no windows aka nothing to stare at except for the four walls. It’s basically just a place for your to sleep and get dressed for dinner. Unless you’re a napper or plan on watching TV your whole trip. Booking an interior stateroom pretty much assures you’ll be out of the room more exploring the ship, seeking out activities and enjoying yourself a bit more.

The Best Sleep Ever

Speaking of sleep, you will have the absolute best sleep of your life in an interior cabin. Since there are no windows, it is pitch black. Oh my gosh, it’s glorious! The bright, hot morning sun won’t wake you up and you’ll be free to sleep as long as you want.

The Ultimate Privacy

As I said, balconies are great- especially on Alaskan or Mediterranean cruises but balconies themselves aren’t very private. You can easily lean over and see what’s happening on the balcony next door- and it ain’t always pretty! In an interior cabin, you have total privacy. There are no windows to peek in, no balconies to peer around, you could totally run around your cabin naked and nobody would know.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Packing

10 Tips for First Time Cruisers

Are you planning on heading out on your first cruise? Here are 10 tips for first-time cruisers that will help get your vacation started on the right foot.

Our Street…er… Sea Cred

We are a family of avid cruisers. In fact, we’re Platinum Cruisers meaning that we’ve spent more than 75 days at sea. I’m not telling you this to brag, just to let you know that I’ve got a bit of experience in this area. Unfortunately, we’ve had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way. Our goal is to help others learn from our mistakes!

The view of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas from the SkyRide to Paradise Point

We’ve traveled all throughout the Caribbean from eastern ports like Nassau, St. Thomas, and Tortola to western ports like Belize, Mahogany Bay, and Mexican ports. We’ve also visited ports like Aruba and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean and sailed into southeastern Alaska. Our travels have allowed us to gain insight into the ins and outs of cruise travel– knowledge that we can’t wait to share with you!

10 Tips for First Time Cruisers

1. Check the ships dress code before you go.

Each ship/cruise line has its own vibe. Be sure to look into what is considered appropriate attire on the ship; especially in the dining room. You can check past cruiser photos on social media or on travel blogs to see how others dressed.

2. Designate a bag just for the beach or pool.

I always toss a backpack or beach bag to store my towel, Kindle Paperwhite, sunscreen, etc. I suggest taking a look at my 13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag to jot down all of the essentials. Oh, and that towel? Leave it at home.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

3. Have a well-thought out embarkation bag.

Making sure that you are organized from day one is the key to a successful vacation. Your embarkation bag should include your passport, boarding pass, medications, and these items.

4. Make sure you tie up loose ends before you go.

I strongly suggest taking a look at my 12 Things You Should Do Before You Cruise to help ensure you don’t miss any important steps! Part of being prepared is having everything you need on hand and easily accessible.

5. Pick up a map of the cruise ship as soon as you get on board.

Some of these ships are huge, y’all. They are like micro-cities. It’s a good idea to get acclimated to your surroundings on day one. If you get lost, there are almost always maps located at the elevator bays.

Get out there and explore! Embarkation days are my favorite! Here are some tips to help your Embarkation Day go as perfectly as possible.

Xunantunich Ruins, Belize

6. Pack medications, just in case.

I always pack medication for heartburn, upset stomach, allergies, and headaches. If you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, you’ll want to prepare for that as well. Sea-Bands are handy, but there are other ways to prevent seasickness, as well.

7. Pack a power cord.

Depending on what ship you are on, you may only have 1 or 2 power outlets. Think of all of the electronics you’ll be bringing on board with you! I pack an Anker PowerPort Cube that has 3 outlets and 3 USB ports.

8. Check your cell phone and data plan.

Phone calls from the ship average around $2 a minute. Consider getting an international plan that will give you a much cheaper rate, and often free data.

The internet on the ship is SLOW. We’re talking painstakingly slow. If you have a data plan that allows you to browse the web while abroad, you can use Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other apps to communicate with your loved ones at home.

I’m almost always able to find free internet in port. The connections typically aren’t secure and the speed may not be the greatest but I’m able to send off a few messages and upload a couple of photos.

Natural Bridge, Aruba

9. Be smart about the sun!

Guys, even as a Floridian I’ve been sunburned on a cruise. Trust me, there is nothing worse than nursing a sunburn while on vacation. Pack plenty of sunscreen, and make sure you’re using it regularly. While you’re at it, toss in some aloe and Chapstick with SPF. If you’re heading into the jungle or rainforest, pack some BullFrog Mosquito Coast in your bag, as well.

10. Go with the flow.

It is important to understand that things don’t always go as planned. The line at the buffet may take forever, you may be seated by really obnoxious people in the dining room, you may not be able to pull into a port because of the wind, or it might rain every day. These things happen. How you react to these circumstances will make or break your cruise! Keep things fun and light-hearted. Go with the flow and you’re sure to have an amazing time!

We hope you found these tips for first time cruisers helpful! Please don’t hesitate to drop any question you may have in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you 🙂

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

The Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise

How to Plan a Cruise– Are you dreaming of white sand beaches and turquoise water? You’re not alone! Cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel. You don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B, you get to travel to extraordinary places, and you get to experience incredible things. It truly is one of the best ways to travel.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or experienced cruise travelers, there are tons of little details that you need to think about when you plan a cruise. You’ll need to decide where you want to travel when you want to cruise, and what you’ll be doing in port. You’ll also have to consider things like the location of your cabin, what you should pack, and other ins-and-outs of cruising.

Does this sound a little daunting? No worries! We’ve created the Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise!

 

The beach next to the ship in Grand Turk is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

Here’s how to plan a cruise- everything from researching ports and shore excursions to planning your packing list– we’ve got you covered!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise

Step 1: Planning the Details of your Caribbean Cruise

This is one of my favorite parts of planning a cruise. During this phase, you’ll figure out when you want to travel, where you want to travel, and how long you would like to be out to sea.

When To Book a Cruise

There is plenty to consider when you’re trying to decide when to cruise. Firstly, since we’re focusing on the Caribbean here, it is important to note that hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30th. The season tends to peak in September.

Traditionally, this is when you’ll see the lowest cruise fares. Some people tend to steer away from traveling during hurricane season however, I’m not one of those people. Oftentimes, when there is a storm your itinerary will change a bit. I’ve had two cruise itineraries that were impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane. On the first one, we simply skipped a port and had an extra sea day. On the second one, we visited Grand Turk instead of St. Thomas.

Planning a cruise during the shoulder season, or off-season can help you save money on your cruise. Of course, you’ll see the highest cruise fares during holidays and cruising seasons. You’ll pay more money to sail during the December holidays as well as from late January throughout Easter, due to Spring Break.

Personally, my favorite months to cruise are September, October, January, and March.

[More Information About the Best Time To Book a Cruise]

 

Atlantis, Nassau, The Bahamas

How Long to Cruise

After deciding when to travel, you’ll want to figure out how long you want to be at sea. Cruises can last anywhere from 2 or 3 days to a week, and even longer! Depending on where you depart from, the shorter cruises will focus on the Western Caribbean, Mexico, The Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands. When you select longer cruises, you’ll be able to venture down to the Southern Caribbean to more “exotic” ports.

Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to account for your transit time! I like to arrive at my departure port a day in advance. That way I can wake up, leave the hotel, and hop right on the ship.

The perfect cruise length will vary for everyone. My favorite cruises have always been weeklong ones. Shorter 5-day cruises may be more suitable for those traveling with children (especially if you’re going during the school year). When we plan a cruise, I tend to look for 7+ day cruises.

 

The view of Charlotte Amalie from Paradise Point, St. Thomas, USVI

Deciding Where to Go

This is my favorite part of the planning process. I love playing with my departure date and departure port to see what ports are available during the time I’d like to travel. Being from Florida, I have several ports to choose from: Jacksonville, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Tampa, and Miami. Even if you aren’t from Florida, you can consider leaving from different ports to see what options are available to you.

The Caribbean is generally split into three regions: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. If you’re interested in going to the Southern Caribbean, you’ll probably want to/need to leave from Miami or Puerto Rico.

View My Favorite Caribbean Ports
An Upclose Look at the Zones of the Caribbean– Western, Eastern & Southern

 

Xunantunich Ruins, Belize

Western Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean cruises typically feature destinations such as Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, or Costa Maya. The week-long cruises will often times visit Belize and Roatan, as well.

The Western Caribbean is perfect for adventurers, history buffs, and beach bums. This is where you’ll find the Maya ruins of Tulum, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Chichen Itza, as well as many others. Snorkeling and diving are also top-notch here, especially near Belize and Mexico where you’ll find the Blue Hole.

Other popular excursions include off-road ATV adventures, catamaran rides, ziplining, and other cultural experiences.

 

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean cruises often feature ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Amber Cove, Tortola, Grand Turk, and The Bahamas. Itineraries typically range from the 5 to 7-night range, however, they can be shorter if you’re looking to just zip over to The Bahamas from Florida.

The Eastern Caribbean is full of colonial history, pirate history, shopping, beautiful beaches, and volcanic islands with lush green hillsides. These are easily some of the most stunning places in the Caribbean! What’s even cooler is many of these ports offer excursions that will take you to nearby islands such as St. John and St. Barts which are a bit more off the beaten path.

 

New Natural Bridge, Aruba

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Last but not least, is the Southern Caribbean. These itineraries require a bit more time but trust me, they are totally worth it! Since the ports are further from the United States, the cruises tend to be in the 7+ day range and cost a bit more. Cruises that venture to the southern Caribbean often feature Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) on their itineraries.

Many cruises that hit these ports leave out of Miami or Puerto Rico, so it is important to take that into consideration when booking the trip, as well.

 

Research Cruise Lines

There are plenty of options when it comes to selecting which company you would like to cruise with. The most popular being Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Each cruise line offers a different experience, a vast array of onboard amenities, and even a handful of different ports of call. Take a look at all of your options as you plan for a cruise.

Picking a Departure Port

As I mentioned before, there are several departure ports from Florida. Florida is home to Jacksonville, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Tampa, and Miami. However, you aren’t limited to just leaving from Florida. You can also access the Caribbean from Galveston, New Orleans, Charleston, Baltimore, and even New York. Cruises also leave out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

If you want to plan a cruise to the Western Caribbean I would suggest leaving from Tampa, Miami, New Orleans, or Galveston. If you’re looking to plan a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean or The Bahamas you can really leave from any of the ports.

Step 2: Booking Your Caribbean Cruise

Awesome, so you’ve figured out when and where you want to go, now it’s time to start booking your cruise.

 

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Decide on the Ship and Dates

Alright, now it is time to narrow down your choices, do one last itinerary comparison and compare the final cost of each option so see which one works best for you.

For instance, if you want to do a week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise leaving from Miami in March, you’ll have several different options to choose from- the ship, the dates, the itinerary, the cost, etc. This is all part of the fun when you plan a cruise!

Once you have decided which cruise line to go with, you can use their search tool to add in your date ranges, departure port, cruise lengths, and any other parameters you want to search for. In doing so, you’ll see all of the details including which ships are leaving out of the ports during that time and where they will be heading.

 

Oceanview Cabin set up for 5 Passengers on the Carnival Elation

Select Your Cabin Type

Once you’ve narrowed it down to which ship you’ll be sailing on, it is time to select your cabin. Not only can you select what type of cabin you want but you can also select where on the ship you want your cabin to be.

The cabin options range from budget-friendly interior cabins to oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, and various suites.

Interior Cabins

Although the interior cabins are a bit more inexpensive, they do not have any natural light and may not be the best option if you get claustrophobic. Personally, I love interior cabins because I sleep like a baby without having the sun wake me up.

6 Benefits of Booking an Interior Cabin

Exterior Cabins

Exterior cabins will either have a window or a balcony. Balconies will cost you a little more than a window but are a nice perk. There’s nothing quite like waking up, stepping out onto your balcony, and taking a moment to soak in the view. I love ordering a pot of coffee and breakfast from Room Service and enjoying it on my balcony

Location

Trust me, location is everything! If you pick the wrong cabin, you can easily have many sleepless nights on your journey.

You’ll be able to choose between forward, midship, or aft. You’ll also be able to select what floor you want to stay on. Pay close attention to the floor plan of the ship. Rooms by the elevator bays tend to have more noise coming from the atrium. The same can be said for cabins near the clubs, pool, bars, etc.

Pro-Tip: Cabins that are located midship and closer to sea level will receive less movement if you are concerned about seasickness.

 

Temple of the Frescos, Tulum Ruins, Mexico

Make Your Travel Plans

Consider where your embarkation port is and decide on what travel arrangements will need to be made. For instance, if you’re leaving from San Juan, you’ll have to book a flight to Puerto Rico. Depending on where you are coming in from, you may need to fly or drive a substantial distance to get to your departure port.

You’ll also need to book a hotel room, preferably close to the departure port. Another thing you’ll need to look into is to see if the terminal allows Uber drivers to enter the port area, or if they allow permit taxis.

I typically arrive in town the day before my cruise. It would really suck to be stuck in traffic on I-95 when you’re supposed to be boarding your ship.

Book Your Shore Excursions

Y’all, excursions are my favorite part of the cruise! An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money.

Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours. While you won’t need to book an excursion in all ports of call, it is a great way to get out there and experience what the port has to offer.

You’ll generally have between 5-10 hours in port, but this varies based on the itineraries. Depending on how much time you have in port, and what excursion you select you may have additional time to explore the port on your own or do some shopping, as well.

 

Cahal Pech Ruins, Belize

Historical Tours

The Caribbean is a treasure chest of history…literally. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to schedule at least one historical tour. These can range from bus tours, to walking tours. They are a great way to learn all about the local history.

Our favorite historical tours have been

 

Shark and Ray Alley, Belize

Adventure Tours

These tours are for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. There are tons of adventure options in each port. They do tend to be on the pricier side (due to insurance purposes), but they are typically totally worth the cost!

Our favorite adventure tours have been-

 

Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras

Beach and Snorkel Tours

Grab your sunscreen and snorkel gear and hit the beach! Or, even better- hop on a catamaran and head out to the reef. There’s nothing quite like spending the day at a beach in the Caribbean. The beaches there are some of the most gorgeous on the planet. Many catamaran tours include time to snorkel and time at the beach. It’s a win-win!

Our favorite beach adventures have been-

Booking Your Excursion

All of the excursions will be listed on your cruise company’s website. You can typically start booking once you’ve made your deposit. If you’re booking through the cruise line, it is a good idea to book in advance- the popular tours often sell out.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion?

Your best bet is to do a bit of research. There are some ports where you can absolutely get away without having to book an excursion whereas others you’ll regret not doing so.

Research your destinations and decide what you’re most interested in doing in each port. Then, set a budget and go from there.

We’re working on a series that will answer this question for you in EVERY PORT we’ve visited and we’re laying out our favorite excursions. We’ll be adding to the list below each time a post is released.

Do I need to book an excursion in…

See also: 5 Ports Where Cruisers Stay on the Ship

Booking Through the Cruise Line vs. Booking With a Third Party

Honestly, booking through the ship is truly the easiest way to book an excursion, especially for beginners. The tours are easy to find, select, and pay for. You can even book them right on board the ship! While you may pay a little more for these tours, one huge advantage is that the ship guarantees that they will wait for you if an issue arises on your tour and you’re late getting back to port.

Obviously, nobody is forcing you to book through the ship. You can absolutely book an excursion through a third-party vendor. Many of the larger vendors, like Shore Excursions Group, Viator, and Resort for a Day, may even guarantee that they’ll get you back on time or pay for your travel arrangements to get you to your next port of call.

One advantage of booking with a third party company is they typically have smaller tour groups.

When Should I Book My Excursion?

My rule of thumb is, if it is something I really want to do- I book it.

If it is something I am on the fence about, or if I’m toying around with different options- I hold off.

 

 

Rio Secreto, Mexico

Step 3: After You Book Your Cruise

Alright, sweet. You’re heading to the Caribbean. You’re stoked, I’m stoked, we’re all stoked. It’s time to start planning out those small details that will make your journal stress-free. Things like planning out who will take care of your pets, holding your mail, ensuring you have your medications, and of course- packing! Oh, and please….check the expiration date on your passport!

Here’s a list to help get you started:

12 Things To Do Before Your Cruise

Create a Packing List

This is something you’ll really want to put some thought into. You’ll want to consider what excursions you’ve planned, beachwear, evening wear, formal night, theme nights, etc.

Here are some lists for you to consider:

Bon Voyage!

That’s it, folks! Our step-by-step guide on how we plan a cruise! With some planning, research, and a positive mindset, you’re sure to have an amazing time checking out all of the incredible things the Caribbean has to offer.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 7/6/22

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Half Moon Cay The Bahamas

The Complete Guide to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Beach Villas Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Guide to Half Moon Cay– Half Moon Cay (HMC) is also known as Little San Salvador Island. It is one of 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. This private island, owned by Carnival Cruise Line/Holland America, is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau. The beach is famous for having crystal clear turquoise water, a 2-mile long horseshoe-shaped white sandy beach, and a massive pirate ship bar.

We hope this Guide to Half Moon Cay will help you plan out your trip and get your excited for all of the adventures that are to come!

 

Half Moon Cay

Things to Know Before You Go…

HMC is a tender port.

This means that the water surrounding the island is too shallow for the ship to dock. In order to access the island, you’ll have to take a water taxi from ship to shore. Guests staying in suites, as well as Platinum and Diamond cruisers, those with an excursion, and those that have purchased the Faster to the Fun pass, will have priority on the tenders.

If you aren’t one of those with priority on the tenders it can take awhile to get back and forth between the island and the ship. There are only four tenders (on a good day) and it can take upwards of 30 minutes.

Once you’re on board the tender, it is a quick 10-minute ride to and from the ship.

Pro-Tip: Pack a Seaband JUST in case you get motion sickness on the tender.

Things you should take ashore with you…

Guide to Half Moon Cay: Food & Drink

There’s a free buffet.

You can enjoy a buffet for free at the Tropics Restaurant. Since this is a private island, you get to have a free buffet-style lunch, just like you would on the ship.

It is important to know that the “tropical buffet” often runs out of food. If you want to take advantage of the free lunch, get in line as soon as it opens at 11:30. The buffet will close at 1:30.

Entrees

  • Hamburger
  • Cheeseburger
  • Garden Burger
  • Hot Dogs
  • Jerked Chicken
  • Cous Cous with Roasted Zucchini
  • Titi Shrimp and Beans with Tapenade

Sides

  • German Potato Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Medley of Mixed Greens
  • Roasted Yellow Squash
  • Chips n’ Salsa
  • Roasted Broccoli Salad

Desserts

  • Banana Rum Cake
  • Linzer Torte
  • Cookies
  • Brownies

If you don’t mind paying for lunch (and the convenience of not having to stand in a long line), consider buying lunch at the Lobster Shack, located next to the “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” bar.

There is free water at the BBQ lunch, make sure you stay hydrated.

The drink package doesn’t work on the island.

You would think that since this is a private island owned by Carnival that you could use your drink package here…but you can’t.

If you want to sip on a run runner while looking out on the water, bring your Sail & Sign Card (for you Carnival cruisers) or you’re Stateroom Key Card (for the Holland America folks).

 

Captain Morgan’s Bar

There are 4 Bars on the Island

  • Captain Morgan’s Bar- The giant pirate ship themed bar is a popular spot with cruisers. Head up to the top for jaw-dropping views.
  • I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar- This is the largest bar on the island and probably the most photographed. It is located halfway between the Welcome Center and Tropics Restaurant (the free buffet).
  • Rum Runners Bar– This bar is located right next to the Fort San Salvador Welcome Center.
  • Lookout Bar-This is by far the least crowded bar. It overlooks Bonefish Lagoon. Head here if you want to avoid the annoying drunk guy from Captain Morgan’s Bar.

The Beach Chairs

There are hundreds of free beach chairs lined up on the beach. Most beachgoers are inclined to grab the beach chairs closest to the water. Sure, you’re close to the water…but this also puts you further away from the shade. Consider grabbing a chair on the last row. There are more trees the farther down the beach you go.

If you’re travelling with a large group, it may be difficult to find chairs together. Head down the beach and hopefully you’ll have better luck.

Even if you’re not traveling with a large group…you should consider the fact that although there are hundreds of chairs, there are also thousands of people on the ship. Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that you may not get a chair.

 

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Options Way Better Than Free Chairs!

There are other options, aside from the free chairs, that we feel are totally worth the cost! There are cabanas, beach villas, and private oases available. These will guarantee you a comfortable lounge chair, shade, and other perks.

 Cabana

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • Applicable for up to 4 guests.

Two-Story Beach Villa 

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • Five person hot tub
  • Applicable for up to 8 guests.

Private Oasis

  • Priority access to tender ashore
  • Refrigerator
  • Ceiling fan
  • Air conditioner table and chairs inside
  • Deck chairs
  • Misting shower
  • An assortment of soft drinks and bottled water
  • Fresh fruit, vegetables, chips, dip and salsa to snack on throughout the day.
  • Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included to use throughout your stay.
  • eight person hot tub
  • Butler
  • Bartender
  • Personal Chef
  • Steward
  • Lifeguard
  • Unlimited food and alcoholic beverage
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Applicable for up to 12 guests.

 

Half Moon Cay

 

Guide to Half Moon Cay: Activities

  • The island has several water toys available for rent including catamarans, sailboats, sailboards, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. 
  • You can also rent a clamshell, cabana or beach villa. All of these can be charged to your Sail & Sign card. I strongly suggest booking cabanas and beach villas in advance. See the section above for all of the perks.
  • Take a hike! There is a mile-long trail on the island. The cruise line is working to develop more nature trails.
  • There is plenty to do on the island, even without booking an excursion. If you do choose to book an excursion, you’ll get priority boarding for the tenders.
  • Check out our favorite excursions.
  • Shop the Straw Market.

 

The Sites at Half Moon Cay

What’s Not to Miss?

  • Take your picture in front of the iconic “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever” sign.
  • Grab a drink at the pirate ship. Make sure you head upstairs for remarkable views.
  • Walk along the horseshoe-shaped beach. The further you go, the fewer the people. Don’t worry about getting lost….it’s an island… you’ll be able to circle back.

 

Is Visiting Half Moon Cay Worth the Money?

If you plan appropriately, yes. I think nearly everyone who has been to the island would recommend it. You could get away without spending any money on the island and it could be a very, cheap, fun, relaxing beach day.

If you start adding on things like drinks, the drink package, excursions, clamshell shades, etc. things start to add up.

As long as you stay hydrated, remain patient while waiting for the tenders, and be diligent about applying sunscreen, we think you’ll have a blast.

Suggested Schedule

8:00-9:00 hop on an early morning tender
9:00-11:00 Excursion (totally optional)
11:00 – 12:15 Hydrate, make your way to Tropics Restaurant for the free buffet
12:15-12:45– While your food is digesting, take a walk around the island. There’s even a one-mile-long hiking trail!
12:45-2:00– Snorkel, swim, or play with some of the beach equipment
2:00-3:00– Dry off, check out the bars, or the Straw Market
3:00-4:00– Grab a tender back to the ship

We hope this Guide to Half Moon Cay will help you map out your trip. We can’t wait to hear about it!

FAQ About HMC

Is Half Moon Cay owned by Carnival?

Yes, Half Moon Cay is owned by the Carnival Corporation.  They also own Princess Cays, which is just 15 miles away.

Is food on Half Moon Cay free?

Yes, whether you’re sailing with Carnival or with Holland America, there is a free buffet available on the island.  See the section above for more information including food options.

Are drinks free at Half Moon Cay?

Unfortunately, the ship’s drink package doesn’t extend to the island…which is weird considering it’s owned by the cruiseline… 

Are there sharks at Half Moon Cay?

Well…sharks live in the ocean and you’re kind of hanging out in their domain, so yes, there are sharks at Half Moon Cay.  Lemon sharks are known to visit the area.  

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

 

 Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss out on the fun!  

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

 

Post Updated: 4/12/23

Categories
Alaska Cruise Tips Cruise Travel United States

What Should I Expect on an Alaskan Cruise?

I have to admit, I’m suffering from a bit of wanderlust. I’ve been dreaming of some of my favorite locations (Honduras, Belize, and Alaska) and I’ve been counting down the days until my next trip. Boy, let me tell you, it can’t come soon enough! Since Alaska has been on my mind so much, I thought I’d share some information about what you can expect on an Alaskan Cruise.

Which Cruise Lines Offer an Alaskan Cruise?

Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Crystal cruise lines all sail to Alaska. There are also some smaller companies that make the voyage.

When is Alaskan Cruise Season?

Most cruise lines begin their Alaskan cruise season in May however, some may try to sailing in late April. The Alaskan cruise season will typically end by mid-September when the temperatures begin to plummet and the ice begins to form.

Rough Seas? Many people worry about experience rough seas while they are on cruises. If you cruise during the shoulder season (May or September) there is a greater chance of experiencing rough seas. This is mostly in part to the changing of the seasons.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

The weather in southeast Alaska is relatively mild during the cruising season. The average daytime temperatures are in the mid-60’s during the daytime and mid-’40s at night. Not bad, right? You should prepare for rain, however. Many of the cruise ports are located in the Alaskan rain forest.

If you plan on going to check out one of the many glaciers, you will definitely want to pack warm clothes; we’re talking coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. Even on bright and sunny days, these areas are super chilly!

It should be noted that if your Alaskan cruise itinerary includes a day sailing through the fjords that inclement weather/the presence of ice, may impact a fjord day. On my Alaskan cruise itinerary, we were supposed to sail through the Tracy Arm Fjord. Unfortunately, there was a ton if ice caps floating around so we were unable to successfully go through Tracy Arm, instead we visited Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm, which was awesome!

Seals

Since the summer months are mild, you shouldn’t have to worry about snow. There will be snow on the mountain tops, and maybe even some on the ground (we saw snow up in the Yukon, for instance) but it shouldn’t be snowing.

Will I see Whales?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions people that visit Alaska get. Chances are, yes, you will see a whale. We were fortunate enough to see countless whales on our weeklong Alaskan cruise. We saw several humpbacks (even some breaching the water!) and lots of orcas. The key to whale watching is being patient, paying attention, and focusing on the horizon.

Our Alaskan cruise had a naturalist on board that would announce when she spotted whales. She’d say “There’s a humpback fluke on the port side at 10 o’clock,” so people would know where to look.

We spotted most of the whales in the Inside Passage and right near the US/Canadian border.

Seals

What other wildlife is frequently spotted?

You’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing seals, and eagles in the fjords. I can’t even begin to tell you how many bald eagles we spotted. They literally dotted the entire fjord. We also saw quite a bit of them in Juneau.

As far as other animals, it will depend greatly on the excursions you choose. While we didn’t get to see any moose, we did spot some bears. In fact, we saw a bear sauntering across the street in downtown Juneau! You may also see goats and salmon.

What should I pack?

The key to packing for Alaska is making sure you have layers! I packed a long sleeve shirt or a sweater/cardigan for each day. Underneath this shirt, I also had a tank top or a short-sleeve shirt. I also wore a jacket every single day. I almost never took off my jacket so I could have totally gotten away with wearing the same thing every day! Make sure you pack a jacket and you are prepared for rain.

One cool thing about Alaskan cruises is that they are super laid back. You don’t have to worry as much about formal nights. This was incredibly handy since I had to worry about the weight of my baggage when I flew from Florida to Seattle.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 11/17/21

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

How to Prevent Seasickness on Your Cruise

I was born with sea legs so I never thought I would succumb to seasickness. Boy, was I wrong. You see, I come from a family of avid cruisers. We cruise at least once a year to places like Alaska, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Aruba, The Bahamas, etc. Cruising is our favorite way to vacation, and let’s face it, it couldn’t be any easier! Your lodging, meals, entertainment, and transportation and all rolled together in a sexy little package. Let’s face it, there’s one thing that can ruin all of that… seasickness!

There is nothing worse than being seasick and spending your entire vacation hurling in your cabin. Luckily for me, I have only been seasick twice- once crossing the English Channel on a ferry and once on a cruise ship that was sailing through a tropical storm.

What causes seasickness?

Before I delve into ways to prevent seasickness, let’s quickly touch on what causes the worst feeling in the world. Seasickness is caused when your inner ears and your eyes send different signals to your brain. Your ears are like, whoa! we’re moving! but your eyes see that you’re indoors (on a ship) so… you can’t possibly be moving. This wizardry is what causes seasickness. The brain gets all kinds of confused and bam! instant motion sickness. BLAH!

And my goodness, is it awful. It kind of feels similar to the flu. You get dizzy and nauseous, your body feels off-center so the whole room feels like it’s moving. You lose your sense of appetite and your body starts producing more saliva. It’s absolutely dreadful.

So what can you do to prevent sea sickness?

1. See your doctor before the cruise.

If you know that you’re someone who is prone to motion sickness do yourself (and your travel companions) a favor and get prescription-strength meds from your doctor before you leave. Better safe than sorry, right? Trust me… answer right on this one!

2. Stock up on OTC solutions.

There are all kinds of over the counter meds for seasickness. They range from pills to patches and sea bands. It won’t hurt to pick up a few before you leave. Amazon offers all of these solutions for a great price! We recommend Travel Wristbands, Motion Sickness Patches, Bonine, or Dramamine.

3. On-Board Solutions

Okay…so you didn’t heed your body’s previous warnings that you’re prone to motion sickness and now you’re stuck on a boat feeling the urge to ralph. Now, what do you do? Well… luckily the ships are actually full of remedies on the buffet line!

Natural remedies such as:

  • Green Apples
  • Ginger Ale/Sprite
  • Saltine Crackers
  • Peppermints
  • Pretzels
  • Bread

4. Other Preventable Measures

  • Spend as much time as you can on the deck. Use the horizon to maintain your equilibrium. Trust me, this works! This method helps you see the motion, which will fix those mixed up signals your brain is receiving.
  • Book a cabin in the middle of the ship. This is the natural balance point of the ship so you’ll have less movement.
  • Avoid trans-Atlantic crossings and the Caribbean during hurricane season.
  • Book your trip on a larger ship. The bigger the better! Larger ships have more stabilizers!
  • Avoid booze (sorry), spicy foods, and acidic foods.
  • Choose your excursions wisely. Trust me, you don’t want to go horseback riding, boating, or zip-lining while you’re nauseous!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Fingers crossed that these tips help you enjoy your vacation as much as possible! Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Exit mobile version