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?

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.

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!

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.

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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.

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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For me, organization is the key when it comes to packing. I like to have everything I need at arms reach. I use packing cubes and individual bags to help me keep everything nice and organized. That way when it’s time to hit the beach or pool, I have exactly what I need. The same can be said for when I’m spending time in the jungle or on a walking tour. The faster I can be out the door, the better!

Today I’m going to share with you what I keep in my 13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag. I mean… after all, that is the reason most of us go on a cruise, am I right? I fill my beach bag with both the essentials and items that you may not have thought about.

13 Things I Keep in my Cruise Beach and Pool Bag

1. Sunscreen- The first thing I always stash away in my bag is sunscreen. Cruisers often underestimate the UV Rays in the Caribbean. Even as a Floridian, I can easily get color in the islands. I carry around sunscreen of various strengths so I can switch it up depending on how much color I have already gotten during my trip. Trust me, there is nothing worse than being burnt like a lobster on Day 1 of your cruise. Don’t forget to protect your lips, as well!

2. A Towel– Of course, you have to bring a towel along, right? I don’t bring one of my own personal towels from home rather, I use one of the ship’s towels. Quick-dry beach towels come in handy if you plan on doing more than just hitting the beach (ie: shopping, fitting in an excursion, etc.)

Pro- Tip: These towels can be taken off the ship as well, just make sure you don’t lose it! There will be a fine if you do.

3. Aloe– I always, always, always pack aloe with me on a cruise. I keep it in my fridge when I’m in the cabin and take it into port with me. I got absolutely fried in Aruba. Despite the fact that I was wearing sunscreen, I got burnt to a crisp. I was miserable in my next port, Grand Turk. Since then, I always make sure I have aloe on me juuuuuuuusssssssstttt in case.

4. A metal tumbler or water bottle– Remaining hydrated is super important while traveling, especially if you’re going to be drinking. I bring a water bottle with me into port and carry a tumbler around when I’m poolside. I use a metal tumbler so it stays cold longer and I replenish it with water or juice throughout the day so I don’t risk getting dehydrated.

5. Towel Clips– Towel clips are the latest addition to my beach and pool bag. They are most definitely a novelty, and not totally a necessity but it is nice to not have to worry about your towel flying overboard.

6. Hair Brush– I hate how tangly my hair gets after swimming in saltwater. I like to run a brush through my hair before leaving the beach or before leaving the pool area. I travel with a collapsible brush so that it doesn’t take up much space.

7. Hair Tie– Ladies! Always, always, always bring a hair tie along. The decks of the ship can be very windy and your hair will be a hot tangled mess if you don’t wear it up. This is always super handy to have when you’re going on boating excursions.

8. Sarong/Cover Up– I bought the cutest sarong in St. Thomas and I bring that thing with me everywhere. It’s great to have on hand so you can throw it on real quick if you need a refill or some fruit (or pizza!) from the buffet. Sarongs are super versatile! They can be used as a cover-up, a scarf, a headwrap, an extra storage bag, and even a sling (trust me, I’ve done it!).

9. Ear Buds– Bust out your earbuds and crank up your beach playlist! Earbuds are a great way to drown out background noise and get the most of your “me time”. If you don’t have earbuds at the pool, no worries- there is usually a band or some tunes playing.

10. Kindle Paperwhite– I used to always have a book on hand when I’m on vacation! Now I travel with a Kindle Paperwhite. It has an adjustable screen so that it is easy to read outdoors and it is waterproof making it the perfect e-reader for the beach or pool. Easy reads like The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich and anything by Chelsea Handler are great to read while relaxing in the sun.

11. Gallon Size Bag- I pack a handful of these when I cruise. They are great for keeping documents and phones safe and dry, preserving small souvenirs, and for storing wet bathing suits and clothes. They take up practically no space and are super lightweight- so why not?

12. A Hat– Hats are a must for the beach or pool. They are a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes and for keeping your hair somewhat tamed.

13. Snorkel Gear- Okay, so obviously I don’t use my snorkel gear in the pool (that stops being cool at like the age of 12) but it is great to have on hand at the beach. If you book a snorkeling excursion, the company will most likely provide you with the equipment however, I still like to bring my own. It’s also great to have on hand when you’re just doing a beach day. I bought this full face snorkel mask and it worked perfectly!

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Be sure to save this pin and pick up these items for your next cruise! You’ll be thankful you did! Give me a like on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more great tips and tricks.

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]]> https://5suitcases.com/13-things-i-keep-in-my-cruise-beach-and-pool-bag/feed/ 2 1421 https://5suitcases.com/preventing-sea-sickness-on-your-cruise/ https://5suitcases.com/preventing-sea-sickness-on-your-cruise/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:34:04 +0000 https://5suitcases.com/?p=1107 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!

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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**

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