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Tips for a Caribbean Cruise

by Karen Ellen

Overview

Palm trees, warm, azure water, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, good food and friendly people: you'll find very little not to like about the Caribbean. Fleets of cruise ships, large and small, sail these islands year-round, so just pick a ship you'll enjoy during your few days at sea, pack as little as possible because it's balmy year-round, and set sail to paradise.

St. Maarten
Destinations

Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Florida usually include St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico or the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. These destinations are good for first-time cruisers. Western Caribbean cruises can also begin in Florida, sailing to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. These ports are better for second cruises. Southern Caribbean islands such as Antigua, Grenada and Martinique are typically included in cruises longer than a week, or by ships sailing from San Juan.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30. If you cruise then, get travel insurance and be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes. The captain decides where it's safe to sail, and you're due no compensation for missed ports.
Kids

To avoid ships overrun with children or college students, don't schedule your cruise during school vacations, particularly in summer when families travel. Another peak time is between Christmas and New Year, and spring break lasts from mid-February to mid-April, with March being heaviest. Lines advertising themselves as "party ships" or "strictly casual" tend to attract kids.
Island Tours

Skip overpriced cruise line shore excursions on well-traveled islands like St. Maarten, where you can hire local drivers on the spot for a personal tour at minimal cost. For safety, team up with a few other passengers who are also at loose ends. The driver will welcome the extra fares, and you may even negotiate a discount. Just remember, if you're late returning to the ship, it's under no obligation to wait for you.
Currency

The U.S. dollar is generally accepted (Guadeloupe is on the euro). All but small vendors accept virtually all major American credit cards. Bring only a little cash ashore.
U.S. Customs

If you pack expensive electronics, such as a laptop or camera that's less than six months old, bring the receipt to prove ownership or you may have to pay duty when you return. U.S. Customs suggests completing a Certificate of Registration (CBP form 4457) if you have no receipt, and getting it approved at your departure port before sailing. It's good for as long as you own the item. Get receipts for all Caribbean purchases, and have them ready to show Customs upon your return. Your duty-free allowance from the U.S. Virgin Islands is $1,600 per person. If you make purchases in another country, it's still a $1,600 limit, but $800 in goods must be from a U.S.V.I. Original works of Caribbean art or antiques more than 100 years old may be brought into the U.S. duty-free, no matter what their value.