Have you ever been to a cruise to the Caribbean? How was it?

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worknlakeside

I avoid Jamaica, I love Cayman Island it is very safe there. We did the sting ray tour and the snorkeling is great too. This is the Island that was in the movie the FIRM with Tom Cruise, remember hamburger reef? I really like Cozumel and Cancun they are next to each other. The other island I highly suggest is St. Martin and Tortola is nice too. We have been so much now that we don't book tours we just go to local beach. If your into snorkeling NCL has a private Island that is terrific. Holland America has a fantastic private Island is a best bet. RCCL not so much at least the side of the island that I was on was murky and it was the kids play area. We were not pleased but the other side might have been nice. What ever you decide these ships do their best to make sure you have a great experience you will get 5 star dining and accommodations. You will have a great time. You can find more info on islands on cruisecritic.com

FrogLady

Yes, I've been both to the Eastern Caribbean and the Western Caribbean. We took my daughter and her daughter when she was 6 months old.

A few things you may want to keep in mind when taking a small one is that most of the cruise lines won't have the activities for a small child. Some cruise lines you have to be 3 years old. You will be doing a lot on your vacation for your baby. They have a small amount of time allocated for play time in the mornings.

You may want to consider bringing someone who is willing to help you out so you can enjoy your vacation time as well.

Regardless of where you cruise to don't ever get off the boat on excursion by yourself or take a taxi by yourself and the baby. Always stay with an excursion set-up by the cruise line or shop with friends.

We all had a blast and my daughter got to enjoy some lime light herself.

talonboi02

I used to work in product development with a travel company, and have been on a Caribbean cruise. They are an excellent value for your dollar, but you also have to realize that some things are not included with your fare and can make cruising expensive if unprepared (not included items such as soda, shore excursions, spa treatments, and tips for your room steward, waiter, etc).

Carnival generally is most economical. They get the job done and fun can be had by all. Royal Caribbean is a notch or two above Carnival in terms of class and price. For a true family experience, Disney Cruises would be great.

I always told clients that whenever you travel, to use your best judgment. Having been to Cozumel, I can tell you that it will be hot, the port will be crowded, and there will be plenty of touristy-souvenir brokers trying to get you to buy their items. If you feel they are too expensive, it is okay to barter their prices down. Your cruise line will most likely offer an excursion to the Mayan ruins in Tulum. I really enjoyed going to see these ruins and it was worth the money.

I have never been to Jamaica or the Cayman Islands, but in terms of safety, as long as you use your best judgment, and do not go too far off the beaten path you will more than likely be fine. The Caribbean (esp now with the economy) highly relies on tourist dollars and I have found most islands to be no less-safe than places here in the US. The people I found very friendly and hospitable. It all depends on the type of traveler you are.

Or, some people choose to never get off the ship, and just use it as a floating hotel...or do their own excursions by getting a taxi, etc. This is fine, however, realize if the ship leaves at 4 PM and you are not on a shore excursion with the company, the ship will leave without you!

Generally speaking, cruises transport millions of people, and the number of reported incidents had by passengers in port are slim. Enjoy!

mcbobleonard

My family has gone on cruises for years since we live in Florida and take advantage of last minute trips. You will be safe if you go to major tourist destinations and do the things you'd do if you visited a large US city. The packaged group tours offered on cruises are often overpriced, but first timers probably should pick some of them.

The Cayman Islanders are wonderfully religious and hard-working people. I find them very honest. Jamaicans are loveable people, but as a big island with high unemployment, there are hustlers offering cheap trips. You will hit the beach resort towns of Jamaica, not Kingston which has lots of crime pockets. Cozumel is very packaged for tourists and it is hard to do anything wrong except spend too much money.

ctelly22

I've been on a few cruises, including one that went to the ports you mentioned. I never once felt unsafe while visiting any of those islands. My friends and I walked around by ourselves in all three of the places without a problem. Of the three Jamaica is probably the most poverty stricken, so some of the areas you see may not be the greatest looking. I found people to be friendly. Yes they will try to sell you things but just say no and keep it moving, never had a problem being harassed in any of those countries. Cozumel was my favorite. It has great shopping and is more of the party place. Grand Cayman is nice, but doesn't have much there and everything is expensive. As for tours you can often find taxi tours at the various ports that will take you around for way less than what the cruise ship charges. Often times you are on these tours with others from your ship or other ships in port. Rarely do I do excursions through the ship because I found them to be a rip off. Also they like to scare you into thinking that the ports are unsafe to find a tour or walk around on your own when this is usually not the case. The only time I would advise doing an excursion via the ship is if what you plan to see may take all day, ie. visiting Tulum. If there is a chance your sight seeing may bring you back late then book through the ship.

Jackson R

I've been to all of these places so I am talking from pure experience.

Don't get off of the boat in Jamaica (especially with a baby). The locals will do anything for money. They often approach you and ask you to buy their drugs and will follow you all day until you give them some money.

Cayman Islands are really rich and nice and beautiful so have a great time there! Also, they have a thing called Stingray City and you snorkel with stingrays there and it is so much fun!

Cozumel is big on partying, so expect to see underaged people drinking and very drunk people and people will be passed out around the boat later that day after the boat leaves port.

Overall, Cozumel and Cayman Islands are awesome but I dislike Jamaica so much now from my past experiences that I just never get off the boat.

Also, when I was in Jamaica once I was walking with my father, mother, and younger brother. My mother and younger brother got seperated so many locals were crowding around them and trying to grab them and steal from them and take whatever they can and they had both come out VERY SCARED. This is just one example of what happens in Jamaica.

Kim

Ive been to the Western Caribbean, and Eastern on cruises. To be exact, I went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel Mexico. Jamaica was fun, but it can be a little scary, people are crowded around you, and asking you questions and trying to get you in their shops. Grand Cayman is beautiful, its amazing, trust me. Cozumel, well..its okay. More of a shopping place, and cars are very fast. I would think that the Eastern Caribbean would be better. About two weeks ago i went on Carnival Destiny to Grand Turk, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, amazing ports, and they are not dangerous, very pretty, amazing, just jaw dropping. If you have any questions, just answer one of my questions randomly, and ask me them.

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