I've taken my last cruise to the Western Caribbean. It's not what I fell in love with in 2007 when we could walk right in and experience the country itself. We recently cruised there 2 years ago, and it was more like walking into South of the Border. A dozen tee shirt shops? Hooters? Starbucks? Hard Rock Cafe? Seriously? If I want to go to an amusement park I'll save a few thousand and drive to the nearest Six Flags an hour down the road.
I prefer hotel on land. I’ve taken a cruise, and felt the experience very lacking. The very nature of being bound to a large ship is going be sterile and mall-like. With a hotel, I can go into the tourist traps, or I can be more adventurous.
Native Floridian here. Each cruise line has their own team of meteorologists. The ships can out run a storm and the lines are not going to risk their very expensive ships. The only danger is you might have to go to another port of call and or your cruise might last a bit longer than you planned. Do not be afraid of hurricanes while cruising.
True. I have been on one cruise that outran a hurricane .....didn't even change the ports of call....just the sea day.....which turned to be the rainy day. Very smart.
We do all of our shore activities with local people. Some of the most memorable have been with local taxicab drivers hired for day trips.....you can really appreciate the pride they have in there island nations and the amenities they provide. Also, we visit the local pubs and bars, have local-style cocktails and food, talk to the locals and listen to their daily experiences........you will be very surprised how friendly and interesting they can be..........
Props to you for actually pronouncing Antigua correctly Gary! Once again great tip's and right on point. Thank's to you I am looking forward to planning my first Cruise.
#1 support the local craft makers by buying locally-made and handcrafted souvenirs sold on the sidewalks rather than the mass-produced Made-in-China 'souvenirs found in the malls
One way to limit your being stuck on the same itinerary and some of the issues that come with the big cruise ships (floating amusement parks, shopping malls, huge crowds etc.) is to look at smaller cruise ships that can go to some of the places that are off the usual beaten track.
I love your video's, they are to the point, no beating around the bush! You tell the people what they need to know to have the best time on a cruise vacation!
I've been to almost every island in the Carribean, mostly via cruise ship. I found them to be very different. I either used a local tour company, rented a taxi to drive us around the island, or rented a boat. The locals in the Carribean are a hoot. Their commentary and take on everything is a hoot. They are funny without trying to be and know how to enjoy life. Living in such a naturally beautiful place with , except for an occasional hurricane, has such benign weather it's easy to be happy.
On a Caribbean cruise I went on several years ago, I was with a group of friends (and it did happen to be a group of collector's), but I know we had specific time for a few gatherings in the theater, but to the best of my knowledge, our group did not interfere with the cruise experience of other folks.
Crime can be summarized as: act like you're in a major city and watch your back and surroundings. Don't act like you're home in a safe suburb where you can leave stuff out on your front lawn with little risk of it disappearing.
I find it strange that many folk think the suburbs are safer, when this is a fallacy. Didn’t that shooting in a school in Texas recently happen in a suburb.
I love going in January but yes the winds can get crazy on the ship but over all it’s not too hot or cold nice spring weather feeling where u need a sweater at night shorts or pants in the day either are fine
I think one way you can help the local economy is tipping your tour guide, and tipping them well. Even if the excursion is run by the cruise line, they are employing/contracting with local people. So tip your tour guide extra, tip the person driving the bus. While I think the immediate port areas can blend together somewhat, because of the homogeneous shopping areas like you mentioned, beyond that I think each island is very unique. Unique landscape, unique culture, that's what makes the Caribbean such a great area. So much history, opportunities to meet and mingle with new cultures. I think any destination is what you make of it.
Heading to the Bahamas in a few weeks. Been to Nassau so many times now, I'm probably just going to stay on board the ship. I like enriching the locals, though, so my wife and I might head to the Straw Market for a little while. I don't really need to buy any Bahamian goods, but many of the people working there are wonderful, and it's always nice to meet them. There's always someone back home who likes to get a set of souvenir wooden beads.
Hi.so I'm going to the bahamas Nassau and all them places this week will I be ok should there be anything to worry about it's just me and my wife..what should I do to stay safe and have a goodtime..my first time
As an avid cruiser I really love watching your videos. Many of your suggestions are exactly on point. I am currently planning 3 cruises for 2022, heading to Western Caribbean for first time in 15 or more years. I always do independent tours, like the smaller groups, vans instead of buses. And I always insist that I am back to the ship no later than 1 1/2 hour before re-boarding time.
Excellent. My wife and I can't agree more. Pet dislikes are the artificiality and sameness of ports and all those many and diverse sly ways we are induced to reach deeply into our pockets, having already done so for the cruise itself. Many of the criticisms also apply to other cruise destinations.
Great tips! I'd like to mention that people need to do their research. This corresponds with your tip about weather. If someone doesn't like heat, they should avoid the Caribbean in Summer. I've read a number of complaints from people who seemed surprised that it was hot and humid in Mexico in August.
1) Overcrowded embarkation/disembarking port operations. 2) Limited itineraries - everyone goes the same places and locations are touristy 3) manufactured private islands 4) time of year affects crowds (spring break or school vacations) & weather (duh) ... 5) criminals that target tourists ... and you’re a target 6) shopping ... the ports are all malls with the same stores 7) impact of cruise ships (eco & economic) ... shop local
Went on an eastern Caribbean cruise beginning of December. Husband chose the itinerary because he wanted to do some diving. He dove at five of the islands and had a blast. I also had a wonderful time
Alaska is almost the same with the shopping! Instead of shopping in Juneau, I donate money to a soup kitchen that is less than a block away from Red Dog Saloon. I would look for something similar on Caribbean cruise too
I like to watch your videos, I have never been in a Cruiseship but I would love to go, I like that you are very straightforward in your videos and you give good tips. I suscribed to your channel! Greetings from México
I try to spend in local shops. The number 1 thing that I dislike is the amount of times you are asked by taxi drivers if you want a cab. On some islands it is worse than others and a few tourist authorities have recognised this and have tried to reduce the impact. I respect the taxi drivers need to earn a living but being asked 10-15 times (no kidding) in 10 minutes is annoying. This has been happening over the five years I have cruised in the Caribbean.
I have never been happy with a cruise ship excursion but I have had wonderful private excursions. Most guarantee if you miss the ship they will send you to the next port to catch up with the ship.
Great video! As always, preparation and research about the destination is key to avoid pitfalls and bad experiences. It's important to check by googling and talking to people who've traveled before you go.
Thank you for this information. I did a Bahamas Disney one so I did Nassau and Castaway Cay and enjoyed it. Watchng this though, next time I do Carribbean, I should look more at what the ship is going to do to woo me, rather than the ports, as they'll be the same in many cruises. (I'm not a shopper, just a massive fan of the sunshine.)
My birthday is in February so I go in February every year and I enjoy it ! I live in Friday so I can drive to all the ports but I normally leave the night before my cruise for the Miami port to make sure I extra time.
My wife and I have cruised for years and just came across your channel. You do a fabulous job; nail many points and provide very informative insights! And you're not peddling some cruise package!!!!
Thank you for this video! Still trying to decide the region/itinerary of my family’s first cruise , torn between Mediterranean and Caribbean and the things you mentioned I will keep in mind
@@JulieWallis1963 I'm based in mainland Europe so a bit of extra travel (be it by air) will be necessary anyhow, but yes agreed on the crowded airports part! Avoid if possible lol
vlommer ...what ever your final plan...just shoot for the longest cruise you can afford....the hassle is the same for a 3 day cruise...avoid the airfare at either end...
Been there done that. Got the tee shirt. Carribean is good for once only as every place is almost a duplication of the next. Seriously they all blurr into each other even when you do the three different Carribean cruises.
Been on 50 cruises. You have to try different things on each island and mix up the itineraries. We are never bored . if we are not fond of a port, we stay on the ship and enjoy less crowds at the pool, the spa etc
I went on a Western Caribbean cruise in April a few years back and you’re absolutely correct about things being busy. I specifically remember that the port at Grand Cayman had at least 4 or so cruise ships docked when we were there and things got extremely crowded and the line to get out of the port area when we initially got there might have been enough to make some people turn back and stay on the ship.
Define your definition of "good weather" in February and December. I would want to go to the beach. Is the temperature warm enough for that? Is the water warm?
a few years ago I did Jamaica, Cayman and Cozumel in December before Christmas and the temps were warm, easily shorts weather and beach is fine but the water was not warm enough for me, but I will admit to being a wimp when it comes to water temp. We have a state park nearby home with a natural spring that is 72 year round and I do not like that even in July/August so water temp is relative...
I have been to the Caribbean in January, February, and March from Canada and I have found the water temperature to be absolutely beautiful for swimming and snorkeling.
We are booked for the beginning of December 2021. This will be the first cruise for myself and my children. My husband has cruised before. We're so excited.
Honestly, we found all the ports all the same from cheap T-shirts to over priced jewelry even if it was duty free. Pushy exotic tour sales are overrated. Not many cruisers getting liquored up in the over priced bars. Observed a few shady characters checking people out. IMHO.
A small tip... Never let someone walk up and put a "free" bracelet on your wrist...then they ask you for a small donation ... I was in Nassau recently and just started yelling scammer when a guy tried to do my wife he disappeared very fast.
Happy New Year!! Really enjoy your channel! As someone who travels as often as I do, I love hearing new perspectives on unique and exciting travel destinations. Your tips are great. Thanks for the quality content. See you in our travels! @stingsTravel
I lived in Puerto Rico for a few years and was able to do all Caribbean routes from there. Back then San Juan used to get new ships as homeport ......but this is no longer the case. Right now San Juan is home for just 2 older ships.
Dangic23 Puerto Rico is an economic and political mess. Not to mention the bad hurricanes and recent spate of earth quakes. Do you blame the cruise lines?
@@mattkennedy6115 Cruising expanded, and so did places serving as homeports for ships. San Juan had a monopoly in the region, and was not incentivized to improve facilities. I remember in the 90s seeing 8 and 9 ships at the cruise port on a Saturday night. When the port started to act to try to catch up with neighboring islands...it was way too late. Cruising had moved on.
The best point here is about shopping. It baffles me why people will go on a cruise just to go shopping for stuff they can buy at home for the same price (more or less). Sure there are some deals to be had (cameras and some electronics) but as Gary says you have to know how much the stuff costs at home. As for shopping with “the locals”, beware....they can put you together every bit as much as any chain store!
Gary, at 10:13 you mentioned reading a book about the negative side of the cruise industry in the Caribbean. I was wondering if you've ever read a book called Devils on the Deep Blue Sea by Kristoffer Garin? It's about how the cruise industry really got going. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it.
We said from Miami and it took us longer to get 2 the port. We wanted my little sister to experience the crowds and they were excited and got us more excited. We went wiv my friend who is from the carribern and we went her island and going round was awesome!!! We loved castaway quey!!! My freind said it was Disneyness but she knew that. We’ve now found feb is awesome as we’ve done it a few times. I’ve heard of the crime but never seen it but never let my Gaud down. I never thought of that the shopping advisors aren’t independent. My friend says that drunken ppl can affect the environment of the islands
🙏🏻❤️Hey Blue, I’m always fascinated with peoples choices and why. As in you can choose not to answer as well. 1) where WOULD you go 2) most of the world loves anything Caribbean, you’re different, or you’ve already been there lol. I’m 66, only been out of the US once-Cancun Mexico. You need to know I’m in Arizona-LANDLOCKED so MY escape would be beaches🌟hope all is well with you and thank you 🙏🏻 in advance for allaying my curiosity 😁 if not, I’m good with that as well and understand! BLESSINGS OF LOVE🙏🏻❤️
@@lindabuck2777 I grew up in California and was within a 45 minute drive of several beautiful beaches, as well as San Francisco Bay. I've seen my share of sand and palm trees! I'm an active vacationer - that is, I hate the thought of going somewhere to "lie in the sun" or do nothing but eat and drink. I have no desire to get tanned or wear next to nothing in a public place. I like history, places with stories, meeting strangers who ultimately are just like me in all the ways that matter and that make me feel more like a part of a fascinating whole. Right now, my dream vacation is a river and rail trip in Eastern Europe, though I'm in the process of booking a trip for the end of this year for me and my mother to the East Coast of the U.S. (she's always wanted to go to Cape Cod, and we both like historical places, so are well matched travel companions [she's in her late 70s, but we're a family of long-living ladies]). : )
I honeymooned in 1980 in Miami with NCL. Decided to wait to disembark. Sadly, all our luggage was stolen by the time we got off the ship. Tragic. All our honey moon film stolen. NCL gave us $300 per suitcase but a bad deal.
no matter where you cruise to the shops are all full of junk and not worth looking at. staying on the ship while in port they lower all their prices, while in port, even for spas less people you get more attention and can get around the ship so much easier.
beverly a thats what I love about cruises that stop in Nassau. The misses and I have been there about 5 times so we are done with it for the most part but staying on the ship that day is usually the highlight of the cruise in terms of service and lack of people.
Cruise two western itineraries during spring break, both were fine and crowds were large but manageable. Would prefer to avoid Costa Maya though the port is the smallest by far and they have started to tender 4 cruises a day!
It would be very helpful if you could do a map with the locations of these cruise owned private islands and what line they are associated with. I would like to avoid those when possible, but I would need to have a reference as to where they are located and what lines.
@@jtfikeThe US State Department softened it's travel advisory for most of Colombia, labelling it a Level 2 risk, on par with Germany, Spain, Burma and Denmark. Coastal towns where tourists venture are considered safe. So don't be surprised if you start to see some cruise ships visiting say Cartagena or San Andres Island.
I don’t know what you are talking about. Columbia is not as safe as germany. The us travel advisory has this sentence at the very top. “Exercise increased caution in Colombia due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. “. Germany does not have that in their travel advisory.
In another video you asked which cruise line would you choose ? I would choose Princess, I took cruise in 07" n it was wonderful n happy time. Because of Storm we missed 2 ports but since id been there in 97' It didn't bother me at all n got to spend time on board at Spa n getting great deck chair near pool.
I guess I’m in the 1% of people who hated their cruise experience. Not being a gregarious person I found it difficult to be around so many people trying to “Keep up with the Jones’s”. Not used to being waited on hand and foot by folk “Press Ganged” into working abroad and as a result absent from family for long periods. Finally the nitpicking by the Operator. I’m a big coffee fan, having to pay for a Latte as opposed to the stuff doled out in the Cafeteria was a bit rich. With all the ripoffs/scams going downhill from there. Least of which were the organised, should say orchestrated, shore excursions
I would not get off the boat in Jamaica if you paid me....and it's getting more and more that I don't want to get off the boat in the Caribbean at all. I have found and done the best excursions that there are there, and I have no interest in sitting on crowded beaches or walking down street swear people are pulling at you and calling to you to come in to see their shop that looks exactly like the 40 other shops on the Street. The cruise boats are interesting and comfortable even when in Port. I stay on the boat, and I enjoy the scenery (the best part of a Caribbean Cruise).
They are great and more cost effective. We have done a Transatlantic, Southampton to NYC, with 3 ports in Iceland, Shetland isles, Bergen Norway, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, it was fantastic. It was in Sept. and we saw the Northern Lights. There are many around the world.
@@chevy6166 sounds great. We have missed cruising, and had several cancel course. But we have a 10 day Caribbean on Celebrity booked for Feb 2022, a 16 day Norway on Princess for June 2022 and now a 15 day full Panama transit for Xmas 2022. Good luck cruising. SFO to SYD sounds great. We have done land travel in Oz, great fun, on another trip we motored around NZ, loved it even more.
While this is true, there are many well established companies with higher quality experiences that are much less expensive... book through your travel agent to find the best ones!
Generally well done Gary. A few comments. What brochure would ever highlight these things? Of course they aren't mentioned. Otherwise you would scare off potential cruisers! Immense ships give cruisers the ability to cruise at a budget price. For that reason, you will be subject to crowds. You have to accept this. When you stop at St. Lucia with a population of 185,000 with a ship that holds 5,000 passengers you have just let loose 3% of the population at the pier and if there are 4 ships in port, guess what. The manufactured islands. Two reasons for this. One, people who are choosing between a cruise and an all inclusive like that they can go to the beach, have a BBQ, get on a jet ski, swim in the ocean. Two, some cruise lines make money on this. If you don't want a floating amusement park on the ship or at the private island, you are on the wrong cruise line my friend. All the big cruise lines tend to go to the same islands and you see the Diamonds Internationals etc. If you want different islands you need to book the smaller boutique lines and pay a lot more. Shopping? You have to know what you want and know your prices. The Caribbean is like any place in the world. Buyer beware. Crime? Take the same precautions you would take on any trip. I concur with Gary for pricing. Your best pricing is late fall early December and late January through March.
The deeer into hurricane season you get , the higher the possibility there is of encountering storms as it takes all summer for the hurricanes to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Africa !!
Been on several cruises but never a shorter one. We are planning an April cruise on Norwegian Sky for 4 nights out of Miami. Any recommendations or suggestions?
Hi,, We've been on the biggest ships in the world and I have to say that the Sky is my favorite small ship.We've sailed on the Sky 5 times! Great shows,Delicious food,drinks made right, Try the sushi bar . We live in South Florida and hop on this ship for quick getaways.. Highly recommended.. Enjoy 😀
The POV that the cruise line passengers or companies do not help the local economies is amusing since this is prior to COVID and the 18 month moratorium on the business. I've been on 2 cruises in the last 3 months for a total of 21 days and 8 islands, and the locals uniformly have told us how much they suffered without the tourist dollars. How they had no incomes for over a year. The bottom line is the ships bring valued currency to the people, and while it is best to use local and small businesses, even shopping in Diamonds International helps because it is local people who work in those stores, and the cruise-approved tours are still run by locals.
