Cruising the Caribbean - What You Need to Know
Cruising the Caribbean: What You Need to Know
Setting out on a Caribbean cruise? Here’s what you need to know to make it the best vacation ever, courtesy of Margaritaville Caribbean’s Island-time experts.
We’re just a short stumble away from your ship
Each of our locations are in Caribbean port cities and super close to your ship. In Falmouth and Grand Turk, we’re right in the cruise port area, and at Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman, a Cheeseburger in Paradise is just a short walk away. In Montego Bay, there isn’t much to see or do as soon as you disembark, so hop in a taxi, shuttle, or catamaran tour and meet us on the Hip Strip for a margarita or two.
Book Shore Excursions in Advance
Whether you want to make a splash at Dunn’s River Falls, zipline in Falmouth, or snorkel with rays along a reef in Grand Cayman, make sure you can actually do it by booking shore excursions in advance. You’ve only got so much time in port, don’t waste it chasing down tour operators. Many cruise lines offer online booking for excursions or have a discovery desk onboard that can help you book your adventure on land. Make sure to inquire about the Margaritaville Sail and Snorkel Catamaran beach break tour in Falmouth to get the full Caribbean experience. Or, if you’re looking to relax with a frosty drink on the beach in Grand Turk, why not ask your cruise director about booking one of our luxurious full-service cabanas?
Dress (or Undress) the Part
The weather down here? It’s hot, hot, hot! The coldest it usually gets in Jamaica during the winter is 76°F (25°C), so there’s no need for heavy clothing. Leave your jeans in your cabin—shorts and sundresses are ideal. And, if your hair has a habit of looking like Monica’s from that one episode of Friends in Barbados, consider bringing a hat or some extra product for that perfect laid-back, up-do.
Like a Boy Scout, Be Prepared
Don’t get caught rocking that lobster look after a day by the pool. Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats—bring them all to protect yourself from that shining Caribbean sun. Stay hydrated! Drink water in between rounds of margaritas so you can keep the party going and avoid getting dehydrated. When it comes to identification, you’ll be issued a passenger ID card onboard, which acts as your pass for getting on and off the ship. Most cruise lines suggest bringing an additional piece of photo ID in case your passenger card isn’t enough in some places. The drinking age is 18 on most Caribbean islands, so if you still have a sweet little baby face, we definitely recommend bringing some ID.
Ready. Set. Cruise! We can’t wait to welcome you to our Margaritaville Caribbean locations and show you what your Best Day Ever really looks like. Explore all of our locations here. Hopefully, we’ll see you at more than one. Cheers!