Rum punch, coconuts, jerk chicken and exotic locales--these are the staples of the Caribbean that attract tourists every year. Many people who have visited the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago or other Caribbean locations arrived at their destination via cruise ship. However, before you make plans to sail to the Caribbean, there are some pointers you should remember.
On a cruise ship, dining is a social affair and exercising proper etiquette makes for a more pleasant eating experience. Try to arrive on time when the dinner bell rings. On some cruise ships, you will dine with the same people every night, so if you order a bottle of wine, consider sharing it with them. They may do the same for you in return another night. Though it may be tempting to start eating once you have been served, wait until everyone else has been served before you dig in. Wear proper attire by following the ship's dress code guidelines.
You are ready to bask in the Caribbean sun, but keep in mind that the Caribbean sun is scorching during the summer. Avoid sunburn, especially early in your cruise, or you will spend much time recovering from it instead of enjoying your cruise. Protect your skin by applying waterproof sunblock and wear a hat to block the sun from damaging your scalp. Do not sit on the ship's rails, and walk carefully when strolling the decks, which can get wet and slippery. Refrain from wearing high heels, especially during chancy weather.
Cruises and ports are not immune to crime, so exercise appropriate caution. Do not accept drinks that are not prepared in front you and insist that all bottles be given to you unopened. If you or a companion are the victim of a crime, or if someone you know is missing, notify the proper authorities.
Some high-end cruise lines will not let you tip the staff, while others include tips in your bill. If you are uncomfortable with the latter, let the cruise line know that you would like to do your own tipping. The room stewards and restaurant staff earn their living largely from tips, so if tips are allowed, and if a staff member provides you with satisfactory service, it is only fair that you tip him. In the case of alcoholic beverages, a 15% gratuity is usually added to your bill, so no additional tip is necessary. However, if you frequent a specific bar and are appreciative of the bartender's continuous service to you, then you can tip her more. Most cruise lines have tip guidelines outlining the standard amount for each staff member per day, so find out beforehand.
Consider the weather when packing for your cruise, as most cruise ships travel through various climates, and be sure to pack a sweater as the air conditioning on ships tends to be powerful. For cruises that host formal events, there is no need to go through the hassle of packing a tuxedo, as most ships offer tuxedo rental. Use hard-sided luggage to pack your clothes and put a tag with your name and address on the interior and exterior of the luggage.
If you wish, you can leave the ship and explore each port at your own pace. Be sure to travel in a group whenever possible. Before choosing an excursion, get reviews from other cruisers. See the References for an excellent resource.
