5 Best and 5 Worst Things About Caribbean Cruises. Know Before You Go!

The Caribbean is the most popular region for cruising. But, what are the good and bad things about going on a cruising vacation to the Caribbean,. I explore the 5 best and 5 worst aspects to a travelling around the Caribbean on a cruise ships. Some watch-outs and things to plan for. I love cruising the Caribbean and would recommend it despite the good and bad - but it is good to know before you go cruising so you can plan around these.
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[@dakg8034]

I have been cruising for years; sometimes even twice in one year, and I don't care if the port of calls are crowded, nor do I care if there are overcrowded shopping areas; it's part of the excitement IN MY VIEW. My only concern when visiting somewhere is crime and/or harassment. Safety comes first. Nothing else bothers me. I go to have fun, and fun I will have. My favorite thing to do in Caribbean ports is to mingle with the locals and see where and how they live; sharing a couple beers with them in bars, maybe even having lunch with them in local "non-tourist" restaurants. I have gone to places where I see local guys playing dominoes and ask to join. We play a few games, sip a couple beers and then am on my way.

[@jonbanks653]

You echo my sentiments exactly

[@Shanno_k]

Now that’s awesome ❤️🙌🇿🇦🔥

[@miriam1664]

I don't have a lot of free time as I work and am also a carer. Crusing is my favourite holiday and so the short 3 and 5 day taster cruises work for me. I actually do like shopping for little gifts to give to my work colleagues during cruises as well. I like your presentations also and learn a lot from them and thank you for all your efforts :)

[@jamesbolger6350]

Excellent video Gary. Your point about the homogenization of Caribbean culture is on point, particularly, for me, when it comes to cuisine. It’s nearly impossible to find any authentic food when passengers are enticed by Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe. One has to really make an effort to get away from the port to find some delicious “island” food.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Good to hear you agree. I am kind of expecting some disagreements in it but I think it is a real issue and missed opportunity.

[@jamesbolger6350]

Note to all Caribbean cruisers: “Volcano Nachos” are not native to any island, though the infamous Jim Zim might disagree with me.

[@marcphilippe3901]

Tell me about it. We were so looking forward to go to Jamaica for a good authentic Jerk Chicken although was quite disapointed with what Magaritaville had to offer. Not the same thing at all.

[@planedudea380]

@@marcphilippe3901 Happened to us in Falmouth, dissapoiting what was available nearby, we ended up eating at the port and nothing special at all.

[@rickb4806]

@@marcphilippe3901 Well this Margaritaville sounds so commercial from the get go, so I'm not surprised. What if you went to Hard Rock Cafe? Same deal.

[@TaylorTraventures]

That's my hardest thing with cruises. I really love seeing the authentic cultures and not what they think I want to see. Great video!

[@tubetop123]

Shopping agreed. Also many shops don't honor the coupons given by the cruise. Also the constant grabbing you for business. Very annoying

[@jennysaykwah690]

Once, in Barbados, they had been handing out leaflets for the emerald shop at the port. A necklace caught my eye, but when I went into the place they had increased the price by $100! I argued with them (politely) and they finally reduced it to the advertised price. The brochure had also mentioned a free gift with purchase, so I asked for that too. I fully expected to be told the reduced price was my gift. They gave me a lovely jade heart pendent over an inch long (no chain). BTW, the prices there were much better than Nassau AND they were willing to bargain! One more tip: Barbados rum is excellent, but much cheaper to buy the same brand and size bottle in the big liquor store St. Thomas.😊

[@patrickmooney4135]

Thanks Gary! Having been through the Caribbean many-many times, I completely agree.

[@Wezbomb]

A very accurate reflection. Having just returned from a Caribbean cruise myself (which we enjoyed immensely). I found the whole focus towards buying island branded tat in the ports a little unsavoury.

[@j.m.7056]

I 've been on both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises and agree with your assessments--too much emphasis on shopping and not enough interesting local food readily available.

[@rickb4806]

Fuck shopping!!

[@khevonchristopher8676]

It is available but tourism trys to keep ppl away from 'Poverty' so u dont feel bad while cruising. U could go to a street food place but then u gotta see what the not tourism places look like n not all are happy unfortunately.

[@thomasdosborneii]

Great advice! Two things about cruising I learned to completely avoid, the shopping on land and the art auctions on the ship.

[@paulhaley5344]

Tom Osborne ,, what are the issues with the art auctions ?

[@paulhaley5344]

What are the issues with art auctions ?

[@janiekcarney5482]

Paul Haley poor quality art. Impulse buying. Free champagne sometimes. Take the wine leave the art.

[@chriswilliams6568]

@@paulhaley5344 I actually like to go to a coup,e of those, I have leaned a lot about artists, and found my favourite. It costs nothing to look, and sometimes free bubbly ( not Champagne, but Sparkling Wine)

[@limitlessreviews1]

Loved your podcasts and now I am getting to enjoy your KZbin videos, thanks!!

[@brixhildat]

Great video, very helpful as always. We have only done a couple of cruises but it's still hard to remember what we did in each island. Good point about islands becoming very similar.

[@stevecappella7358]

Very informative. Whenever I view one of your videos, they seem thorough enough to give me the idea to continue searching for more information about the cruise vacation I want or not. You always present an unbiased opinion which makes me feel confident in my decision. Thank you.

[@angelahorton5745]

Brilliant video Gary, I think you've saved me from making a huge mistake. I've been to Cuba, fascinating and Aruba, beautiful and I had a real desire to visit Caribbean Islands for the natural beauty but watching this I really don't think it's for me as my top hates are crowds, shopping & being hassled.☹️

[@petrfrizen6078]

Very many very helpful tips! Thank You very much, Gary!

[@babymoondancer]

It might be a good idea to ask the shore excursion people "What can I do here that is unique to this island?" I figure that would be a good way to combat "island blur" and actually learn about and remember the island better.

[@chantalpatenaude1459]

Very interesting. I really like all your videos. They are always very informative. I am actually heading to a Western Carribbean cruise next month so this video was right on point for me.

[@johnnolan5579]

Excellent as usual. I agree that the islands need to identify themselves more and stir up interest in their distinctive cultures. I am impressed when I find artisans who make crafts distinctive to the island. I can see an opportunity for some crafty entrepreneurs. I am also surprised how little money seems to siphon into the downtown areas to make them more appealing as well.

[@masteroftheuniverse9929]

You also need to mention that the jewelry industry in the Caribbean, will sell diamonds of lesser value and if you are not educated in diamonds you can and will be ripped off.

[@planedudea380]

The homogeneity and shopping are indeed a sad part. After several Caribbean cruises, you do see this. As we went on more ships, we tended to move away from the port areas to see the real country.

[@Dangic23]

San Juan is also a departure Port option since it's a USA posession, and it's no different from departing from Miami.

[@kimberleyanng.9638]

The island blur part is interesting, as I was considering booking the eastern Caribbean, but after this vid the western Caribbean sounds better.

[@MB-pt6lq]

Spot on, love your videos, could not agree with you more about shopping. 😊

[@tradearcservices7645]

A super video Garry as ever, lots of information which I enjoyed as we are going on our first visit to the Caribbean soon. I loved the fact that just as you were warning about traders and hawkers on the beach, up can some adverts that halted the video...great timing. Cheers once again Stephen.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Good to hear you enjoyed.. have a great trip. Spooky on the ads! A omen for sure........

[@gabrielabdul]

Can you make a video about which cruise lines is the best to choose from for first timers?

[@chriswilliams6568]

Every one has different tastes, e.g age group, traditional, party types, so one should maybe go with a friends recommendation, or better still, talk to a Travel Agent who asks you your preferences. Also cost comes into it.

[@DeeEss_on_YT]

Thank you for posting these videos

[@RaeMePlay]

Thank you so much! You are awesome!❤

[@blaxlandma]

Thanks Gary another great video

[@pollywells3603]

😀very informative, as ever, thank you .

[@bradsikkema4865]

Thanks. Good info for someone who has never cruised.

[@apocketfullofsunshine6060]

Thank you! Always informative and to the point!

[@travismayes23]

I got to start watching your videos they're so amazing every time I watch your video you make me want to go on a cruise LOL once again a great video love it

[@ganapatihegde1024]

Nice vlog! Great presentation!

[@amandapaige8713]

The Caribbean has my heart. I’ve been to Florida a million times. I’ve been to Mexico. I’ve been here and there and there’s no place like the Caribbean😍

[@anoncrazynonevilgooddecent7631]

Florida and Mexico are partly in caribbean lil

[@chriswilliams6568]

so while you keep repeating the destination, the rest of the world remains unseen. shame, there are so many more beautiful places.

[@TheOneTrueGriswel]

Thanks! Very timely for me, we leave Sunday for Bahamas so the increase in crime (it's been five years) is good to know.

[@Bluenoser613]

The number of diamond and t-shirt stores is astounding!

[@jestersdead6995]

Great Channel Thanks!

[@botcitizen]

Excellent review. I’ve never cruised before. This will help.

[@mustafabayati4761]

Useful video ... Thank you 😊

[@scotteddy5830]

Great video buddy, keep it up!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks 😀😀😀

[@katiavandam8435]

After getting back home from cruising (14-days) we had discovered on one of the islands we had visited St. John's, Antigua, our credit card info was stolen. We had purchased Pandora charm at one of the local shops and feel this was indeed the place in question due to all the information we were being asked when purchasing this item; almost too much info.

[@yan4kev369]

Yep, we loved the 14days Caribbean cruise we were on 2 years ago..will go again in the future and like to add Cuba to the port stop.

[@andrewaskew334]

I enjoyed reading your article on the cruise you did! Which cruise line did you go on ?

[@Stellaperez658]

Great info. I enjoy your channel.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Great to hear you enjoyed this one

[@Hawkeye2001]

Agree with the same same feeling regarding the Caribbean islands. They do blur together. The same items in the souviner shops, the same tours. I saw a T-shirt that summed it up nicely. "SSDI" Same Stuff, Different Island." We've been several times, and I'm not too excited about a return trip anytime soon.

[@oldgadfly8398]

Spot on, Gary, as usual!

[@b33p]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@ericleszkowicz898]

Very good tips and I agree about your assessment of the Caribbean islands I just like getting off at one port and stay on the ship for every other day.

[@iangill8984]

Gary, went on a mini cruise many years ago but the latest in that part of the world was part of a repositioning cruise from Barbados. We did several ports You make some very good points and to be honest, the Caribbean is no longer on my bucket list. Our last cruise went to Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Vietnam, Singapore again by accident and Malacca. Much more variety and a similar cost. It does depend on what you want from your cruise.

[@wdh47211]

Spot on. The worst pushy sellers that I found was in Haiti. The stop that Royal Caribbean makes. They grabbed me by the arm and pulled me....they learned quickly that I didn't like that.

[@SuperKenndog]

Lol. Did you break out the Stone Cold Stunner?

[@badugm5035]

I have no idea why any cruise would stop in Haiti tbh. Its a horrible place.

[@janmarieplus6459]

@@badugm5035 no it's not a horrible place.

[@riverflyswatter]

One thing you got wrong is the weather. When you live here you’ll find . Most single family homes outside of town don’t need air conditioning. Average temperature is 80 degrees. My home has no heat or ac. I never shut the widows.(except for hurricanes) The perfect climate is why I considered St thomas paradise

[@tazman572]

One bad thing about St. Thomas is that it's overrun with Americans.

[@williampolk9782]

Very well said 😀👍

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks 😀😀

[@marcphilippe3901]

You're dead on. Thank you.

[@ashamcalmont8972]

Yes beach vendors omg

[@jimdgrousedogs]

Cuba does not take the US dollar and when I was in Havana very few places took credit cards as well.

[@B-ch6uk]

I thought cruise ships stopped going to Cuba

[@cherylkoski7184]

Cuba takes everything: dollar, euro, whatever.

[@Drknnja]

@@B-ch6uk only cruises with Americans.

[@luciehrusova368]

Thank you 😊

[@cjhan47]

So we were talked into cruise line Cariloha sheets and they were disgustingly overpriced. They are in fact awesome sheets but if you order on line you get much better prices. we got 1 on the cruise and 4 more online because like I said they are awesome.

[@zeroshifter5273]

This channel got me hooked. Is there charts, maps or site that makes booking easy? Booking direct thru Princess or Carnaval or is something like Trivago better?

[@austincoyne610]

Your the best man

[@jeffross5424]

i enjoy the caribbean more cruising the eastern side with the french, dutch & british history as you get away from the ship and the surrounding area

[@michaelvoisey8458]

Have you heard about on the New Virgin cruise line which will have cruises from Miami from next year ?

[@SharonatSeaTravel]

We love going to the Caribbean in early Spring for perfect weather.

[@milagros77to]

In southern Caribbean cruises you can also go to Puerto Rico.

[@paulj8726]

Gary B...What do you think about late December ad Early January cruise. I’ve always wanted to skip Christmas at home and take a cruise during this period.

[@Shanno_k]

Thank u sir 🙌🙌🙌🇿🇦🔥☀️

[@Hawaiian_Shirt_guy]

cruise ship geography explanation: Eastern Caribbean = Bahamas (not in the Caribbean). Western Caribbean = Jamaica and Mexico (maybe the Caribbean, as long as you get past Cancun), and Southern Caribbean = actual Eastern Caribbean.

[@michaelhartman2823]

Don't forget the price increases. The shop owners will double or triple prices when ships are in port!! As to the pick pockets I'd suggest a fanny pack little tip here, take duct tape and actually secure the snap area so it can't be easily removed

[@dteselle]

pacsafe and travelon make great gear and purses that protect your belongings.

[@jennysaykwah690]

I use a bright colored (hot pink) cross body small purse with a zipper top (and that zipper isn't easy to open).

[@ernestslade540]

Hi there ! big fans of your channel from the Rock of Gibraltar, surely you have been here before as we are a cruise port, question we are long time NCL cruises and would like to try Royal Carribean for a change however we cannot get past the extra expense for drinks and speciality dining when NLC offers these as free at sea almost all year round. Do RCCI offer anything similiar ? thanks !

[@jec1ny]

I am not a fan of large crowds or the 24 hr party atmosphere on so many of the bigger ships. If I decide to go for a cruise I am thinking it will be on a smaller ship that goes off the beaten track and hits some of the islands less visited, and hopefully less corrupted.

[@tipsfortravellers]

There are definitely some options that will do that!

[@karenbeattie6734]

@@tipsfortravellers so can you provide a list of ships which would provide such a tour / option ? Thx

[@peterchen8868]

@@karenbeattie6734 The list mentioned in the video tend to be the high end ships, at least 150% or more for your budget. I suspect that many of these reviewers, even though they claim they were invited and pay for a particular cruise to do a review afterwards, they will claim that as business expense for tax purpose but you and I cannot.

[@karenbeattie6734]

@@peterchen8868 thx I agree. I am not adverse to paying a little more but I do require value for my money so it's kind of a balancing act !

[@peterchen8868]

@@karenbeattie6734 Agree. Just have to check on the various website to have listings for comparison. My wife and I are booked on a Viking ocean cruise in Europe and I think I am happy with the "values" -- no casino, no photographer, no under 18 years old, no charge for specialty dinning, no charge for using the thermal suite (hot/cold cycles) in the spa, etc. (We have had 4 river cruises with Viking, so we know more about Viking.)

[@DavidM-cw3lh]

I just booked my first cruise with my wife and I. Western Caribbean for December 1st 2021, we can't wait to go. Your videos are a good source of info. Thanks

[@kellylee514]

Great info. Wondering if you have any tour companies that operate outside of the cruise line offerings that you recommend? I'm a bit reluctant to book an outside one incase something comes up and we miss our boat. Would love to hear your thoughts. I see one KZbinr uses Caribbean Island Tours. I don't know if they are good or bad? thank you

[@nikkib6604]

Turks & Caicos is good for safety, and lack of pan handling.

[@barryhaley7430]

I have traveled the Caribbean since the late 60s cruising and scuba diving the out islands and he is so right how they have all blended together. All the same. I wouldn’t even bother getting off the ship anymore except my wife makes me.

[@davva360]

Good video. I have been on a couple of cruises in the Caribbean and would agree. My biggest issue is the cruise lines keep making the ports look very similar. The same shops are in every port of call selling the same stuff. Not exactly an authentic experience. Same thing in Alaska too on the cruise I was on there, same shops, all the ports were similar unless you went off somewhere on your own exploring.

[@janicebell5254]

Hi Gary just booked a last minute cruise with p o on Arcadia flying to Australia for a few days then cruising back home to Southampton I’m really stressed because with it being a last minute thing didn’t realise about a visa for India is there any way round this getting desperate now flying in morning x

[@anthonyirvine6467]

What is the best phone sim cards for the Caribbean

[@Canuck1000]

As I did with the two cruises to the Caribbean with my extended family, we rented a taxi for the entire day and asked the driver to take us to places outside tourist areas. All the trips were amazing since we visited places that were of high cultural or historical significance (such as the small sea side town in Martinique that was destroyed by a volcano--sorry, I don't remember the name--, etc.).

[@slimshady1193]

you gotta buy this stock in this time

[@Goodmorningworshippers]

Are you familiar with MSC seaside.

[@clnre]

The currency of the French islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe etc.) is the Euro.

[@johnrourke365]

I get motion sickness will i get travel sickness on a cruise ship

[@DollyGarlandAuthor]

I am currently looking to book my very first cruise and your videos are so useful.

[@joshuanesbit]

I'm working on a cruise ship in the caribbean and been here five months. You're preaching to the crowd!

[@riverflyswatter]

Josh Nesbitt preaching to the quire?

[@jasonmccoy339]

@@riverflyswatter preaching to the choir?

[@chriswilliams6568]

I think you mean “ preaching to the converted”

[@andreadiamond7115]

The Cayman Islands ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joannegoodman1388]

Would have liked to know which island was being reflected in the photos,In other words captions on the pictures

[@craftycrafter1960]

We have just booked a cruise on NCL for November, our first to Caribbean, am hoping it goes well but a bit worried about rainy season.

[@katd6580]

I have absolutely no desire to go to the Islands based mainly on the crowds and crime....I might as well stay in the big city!!

[@Love2Cruise]

Kat D Not sure where you’re located, but I’d rather take crime & crowds in 80 degrees than crime & crowds in 20 degrees weather with ice and snow. :)

[@B-ch6uk]

But the weather and gorgeous beaches are well worth it.

[@larrykramer2761]

My first cruise was the Mexican Riviera. I was so turned off by the pushy salespeople on the beach. Sounds like the Caribbean is the same. I'd rather just go to Hawaii to get a tropical vacation without being hassled to buy something I don't want or need. Also, I want to relax on vacation and not be worried about being robbed (or worse).

[@chriswilliams6568]

I would be more afraid in the States, of getting shot, instead of just robbed.

[@larrykramer2761]

@@chriswilliams6568 you're a special kind of stupid. Did you eat a lot of paint chips as a kid?

[@markmalasics8413]

"There's up to 24 different cruise lines that visit the Caribbean in some form or fashion during the course of the year." Yes, but all those cruise lines, while they may arrive at the same destinations, they all don't leave the same initial departure ports. Again, if you're blessed enough to have plenty of available piss-away money, you can fly wherever you want and catch a different cruise line. Unfortunately, this is probably not the case with the majority of cruisers. Adding another $1,000 - $2,000 or more depending on location and the number of people traveling, plus incidentals that go along with the flights, is well beyond the means of most people.

[@toddthegodhoward8219]

Don't forget to bring those elastic pants

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

Think I'll skip the Caribbean and stick to Pacific Ocean cruises. I want to go on an Alaska to Tokyo cruise.

[@LightOfReason7]

Pretty good video but you didn't even mention Galveston, most Texans would find that more convenient

[@sandradelvoie2716]

Do you need your passport when visiting the islands?

[@sandradelvoie2716]

Sorry, got my answer further in the video!

[@TopSecretInformations]

6:08 now you _know_ that's an inaccurate reenactment.

[@dominicwilliams989]

Never mentioned the worst one, the time it takes to fly there!

[@ariana6006]

Well that depends on where u live and some people enjoy flights

[@chrise.321]

@@ariana6006 I love flying but it is an added expense for the flights and hotel stay the night before departure.

[@ariana6006]

Chris E. true but I think it’s worth it. Takes away a lot of stress and gives you a night to relax before getting onto the cruise. That can be a long process sometimes.

[@steveoshortt4791]

What if you WANT some herb

[@kevinvantassell1036]

Never could understand how the islands can bring in so much money from cruises, and still have the average person still being so poor.

[@Narutocoolcat]

Because the only who see that money is the people who own the excursion company and the government

[@khevonchristopher8676]

Simple because it is a myth that cruise tourism brings in money..... Frankly its a myth that tourism is a money making endevour. Its not that it doesnt make money but tourism thrives on hiring as many ppl as possible for as little as possible to maximize profits. Take cruise tourism, the initial money obtained is head tax which is a few US dollars a per person thats useful money but still really isnt that much compared to what the company brings in n if governments ask for a raise o it, the ships threaten to not come to ur country, killing the industry. The next myth is that ppl spend alot of moeny when they go on cruises. You think youre spending alot of money but everyone on a cruise already gave their money to the liner n are trying to see as much of the place as possible for as little as possible. So u buy a t shirt for too much money but the tshirt sales arent enough to make anyone actually rich, u just know walmart has them way cheaper. Thats not even considering the fact that most cruise passengers view the islands as the same thing, so they may not even come off the boat at times or just take a taxi to the beach n then back on board. the ship is a floating amusement park.

[@jeannebissell7167]

Those big crowds and tourist drunk bars look like hell on earth. Thus, we end up paying a very dear price for a smaller luxury cruise.

[@emeraldkimble7602]

Bahamas is western Atlantic not caribbean

[@mountaincreek1177]

Cannot agree more. I went to Caribbean twice, didn't want to go any longer, it was boring. All I can remember is some islands along the way with beaches, palm trees, small shops and pushy people there who want to make the sell. From what I saw, island A = island B = island C=•••, no difference.

[@messageprocyber_techsonins5138]

I'm staying on thr boat and do things on it 😆😆😆😆

[@krystylsummers8749]

Nope gitmo