Cruise vacations are perfect for enjoying several ports of call in a short period of time.  They are also fabulous for vacationers who want activities already planned for them.  From days at sea where one can enjoy the shows, shopping, gambling and bingo, there are several activities that can keep the passenger entertained, 24 hours a day.  While in port, shore excursions are provided by the cruise line for an additional fee.

So why then would a passenger need to make any plans for their cruise?  For one, there is the opportunity for pre- or post-trip travel.  Most ports of origin are exciting and interesting in themselves and should be explored.  Secondly, some passengers would rather go on their own than purchase the ship’s excursions, even if it is only to walk around the port.

I had just booked a seven day Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s Liberty that departs out of San Juan. I found a great deal through Vacations to Go but needed to find a flight that would work around the ship’s schedule. I had learned that Southwest Airlines flies to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I booked the flight in tandem with the cruise and we were all set for our trip…..except for planning our time at the various ports on the itinerary.

The most exciting part of the vacation planning process is researching what to do in each port.  There are a couple of research applications that I use so that I can select the best activities for each island I will be visiting.  My objective is to explore the ports I have not yet seen, check out any activities that may interest me and then maximize the time I have on each of the islands.

First, I visit the ship’s website and review the shore excursions that I find interesting. If there are specific attractions or points of interest, I make note of them.  I compare the cost of going out on my own to how much we would pay for them through the cruise line. I also determine the number of hours that I will spend on the excursion to see if it leaves room for me to explore the local town where the ship is docked.

Secondly, I check out my local library and search for various books and magazines that will give a thorough overview of the ports I will be visiting. I love the travel books that have pictures, but I found that Fodor’s Caribbean Ports of Call was one of the best resources for cruise vacation planning.  For each port, this book provides the following information:

• A brief overview of the island  (currency and use of telephone)
• Coming Ashore: This information is very helpful as it outlines how far the port is from the central town so I can determine if I need to take a taxi. Car rental information is also provided, In addition, there is a list of recommended items to purchase for each location.
• Exploring [Port of ???]: In this section of the book, there is a listing of attractions as well as where one would find the locations in regards to direction (North, East, South, West) or by major city. Fodor’s ranks the attraction as recommended and also let’s the reader know which places are great for families to visit. A small synopsis of each attraction or area is detailed along with the address to the location, its contact information such as phone and website, its hours of operation as well as the estimated cost for visiting. There is also a map of the island and may be a more detailed map of the port town for each. Of course there are also sections in regards to the best beaches, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and other activities that may be of interest.

Third, I will search the internet for the country’s designated tourist information website. I make a note of the attractions or activities that are of interest and compare it with the information provided by Fodors or other resources that I have read.  If I can download a visitor’s guide or order information ahead of time, I sign up for the tourist packet and wait for it to arrive.

At this point, I will also look at tour providers online and review the comments and/or recommendations that are provided by previous customers. Some of the best reviews include Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor.  Since the cost is somewhat important to me, I like to compare the amount I will pay versus the number of hours spent on the tour to see if I can find a great deal. Not all tours are alike. Some operators may include a sightseeing, beach and shopping tour while others may only include limited sightseeing, etc. For example, since I prefer not to shop but rather see as much of the island as possible, I am most likely to find a tour that focuses more on attractions with as little shopping as possible.  As I gather the information and begin to compare our options, I soon become aware of how overwhelming this process can be and narrow my focus to the top five things that we would like to do and then go from there. I also want to ensure that the places we want to visit will be open during the time the ship is in port.

Finally, I will do a search on maps of the ports central town to see if there are walking tours already outlined with the highlights of that port. I tend to move towards those sites that also include a map, making it easier for us to navigate my way through town and providing us with a summary of information for those attractions.

Here are some of the best walking tours that I found for our upcoming cruise:

San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – Part 1 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – part 2 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Hop Aboard the Free Trolley in Old San Juan

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI:   Historic Walking Tour

Barbados:  Walking Tour of Bridgetown

St. Kitts: Basseterre Walking Tour  with Map of Basseterre

St. Maarten:  One Day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten

While on the ship there are additional resources that can also be very helpful for my ability to enjoy the cruise. The first is picking up a copy of the ship’s deck plan.  The plan is usually posted on each floor and at each elevator, but having a copy in my back pocket can also be very convenient in deciding how to manage my way around the ship. There are also Port of Call sheets that are available at the customer service desk or in a kiosk nearby, which we find to be very helpful as well.

Once the ship has docked and cleared customs, the passengers will begin the process of disembarking the ship once it has arrived into port. Nine times out of ten, there will be a cruise ship representative handing out shopping related advertisements and a map, along with some helpful hints, when provided. I like to browse through them carefully and take in the information as there may be some recommendations for places to eat or local attractions that may be of interest. For those that enjoy shopping, these advertisements are for you! They provide a listing of all the cruise-sponsored shops and the specials that are offered at each of these shops. But, because I am not an avid shopper, I can still appreciate the map for reasons of my own. For example, the map details the downtown area to include the name of each of the streets as well as handy information such as how long it will take to arrive at the city’s center by taxi from the dock. It is also helpful in getting the passenger back to the ship in the event that they may become lost.

Finally, ask your room steward, bartender or wait staff for their recommendations and what they like to do when in port. This may lead you to the perfect restaurant or excursion that you have not experienced otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff on the island. While you are being served, ask them for places to eat and what to see and even where to shop. You would be surprised at the information you can gather, even at this stage of your trip!

I am never without a long list of recommendations, but I certainly appreciate someone who can lead me to an opportunity I may not have experienced otherwise.   With enough pre-cruise, on board and local planning, I am always sure to find the perfect solution for enjoying our day in port! And be flexible! You never know where the day could lead you!

Do you like to plan for cruise vacations? What are some of the resources that you use? I would love to hear your recommendations and tips on how to make the most of your time in port! Leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

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