Last Minute Cruises to the Carribbean Save You Money This Summer

I'm fortunate enough to work from home and be able to take vacations without giving anyone notice, so I love booking last minute cruises. If you're retired, self-employed, or just able to get away on short notice, you can save quite a bit booking last minute. Cruise ships don't like to sail with empty cabins, so they will slash rates in the weeks leading up to the departure date to ensure as many money-spending passengers are on board as possible. And the Caribbean is a fantastic destination (and a great place to find deals, especially in the summer).

Taking Advantage of Cheap Last Minute Cruises to the Caribbean This Summer

Summer is a great time to take a vacation, especially if you have kids you want to take along, and the Caribbean islands are lovely to sail around. Rates are often great for a couple of reasons:

• Fewer people choose to vacation in the Caribbean during the summer -- We're often looking to beat the heat in the summer, and choose cooler vacation spots such as Alaska or Northern Europe, but the Caribbean is a lot like Hawaii in that it may actually be cooler and more pleasant (i.e. "perfect year around") in the summer than say Texas, Georgia, the Midwest, etc. Tropical climates rarely get above the 80s, making the temperature perfect even in July and August.
• People are concerned about hurricanes -- Folks know summer as the beginning of hurricane season, but it doesn't really kick into full gear until September or so, so there's little reason to worry about cruising the Caribbean in the summer. Even if there is a hurricane, a ship has a lot easier time steering clear of the weather than a hotel on land! And if you're booking your vacation last minute, you will probably already have an idea of what the weather is going to be like, as tropical storms can be predicted quite a ways in advance.
  
• People have the kids and don't think cruises are good family vacations -- In the summer, you have kids out of school, and a lot of folks assume cruises are just for romantic getaways for mom and dad or retired couples, but in truth, you can find kids of all ages on cruise ships. All the big mainstream ships have great kids' spaces which can include skating rinks, teen computer rooms, pools with slides, and other amenities for children, so you can indeed take the kids on a Caribbean cruise, and you can count on them having a good time.
  

All of these misconceptions about cruising the Caribbean in the summer serve to our advantage, because we're presented with great rates as cruise lines seek to attract folks. Add the deals you get when booking last minute on top of that and you can get a fantastically affordable vacation (and, for the record, "last minute" can mean a few weeks in advance--the prices start to drop as far out as a couple months, so you don't literally have to be packed and ready to go at a moment's notice).

How to Find Last Minute Cruises

I just keep an eye on sites such as Travelocity, where bookings (prices and what cabins are left open) are up-to-the-minute for all the major cruise lines. Prices can change from day to day, so it pays to check back frequently.

Also, if you have a favorite cruise line, signing up for their newsletter can also keep you appraised of last minute deals.

What Happens if There's a Storm When You're on a Cruise?

With hurricane season in full force in the Caribbean, it might make you think twice about scheduling a cruise for that area. After all, you must be pretty vulnerable when you're at sea and there's a storm, right?

Well, yes and no. I certainly wouldn't want to be in a hurricane while in a ship, but cruise ships don't hang out in places where hurricanes are due. Just as the weather stations are predicting where hurricanes will touch down days before the event happens, cruise ships are up on the latest weather too. If there's a big storm coming, they can and do simply steer out of the danger area.

People on land don't have as much luck. We were down in Cancun for a major storm a few years back, and it was a bit scary. I think I'd rather be in a cruise ship that could sail away from the storm than in a high rise hotel on the beach!

The worst thing that is likely to happen if there's a big storm while you're on your cruise is that you might miss some of your ports or be diverted to other ports. This can be a bummer, of course, but there are usually so many things to do on board a big cruise ship that you will still have plenty of entertainment.

Want another reason not to worry?

Cruise rates (as well as hotels, time shares, etc.) tend to be lower priced during that time of year. People scheduling their trips months out can't predict the weather but often don't want to take a chance. But if you're willing to be brave, you can get some good deals during hurricane season!

Pros & Cons to Cruising to Private Islands

If you're taking a cruise that visits a new port of call just about every day, you can feel overwhelmed by all the sightseeing opportunities. Sometimes it's nice to have an excuse for a beach day, where fun and relaxation are the only priorities.

That's why the major cruise lines have purchased private islands and placed them on their Caribbean itineraries. With tons of resort-style activities to do, they're a great place for couples, families, and even the solo traveler just looking to relax on the beach.

Which Cruise Lines Operate Which Private Islands?

Here's the list...

• Catalina Island -- Owned by Celebrity Cruises, first used in 1995, located in the Dominican Republic
• Serena Cay -- Owned by Costa Cruises, first used in 1996, located in the Dominican Republic
• Castaway Cay -- Owned by Disney, first used in 1998, located in the Bahamas
• Half Moon Cay -- Owned by Holland America, first used in 1997, located in the Bahamas
• Cayo Levantado -- Owned by MSC Cruises, first used in 2005, located in the Dominican Republic
• Great Stirrup Cay -- Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, first used in 1977, located in the Bahamas
• Princess Bay -- Owned by Princess Cruises, first used in 1986, located in Mayreau, Genadines
• Princess Cays -- Also owned by Princess Cruises, first used in 1992, and located in Eleuthera, Bahamas
• Coco Cay -- Owned by Royal Caribbean International, first used in 1990, located in the Bahamas
• Labadee -- Also owned by RCI, first used in 1986, and located in Haiti
  

If your cruise includes a trip to one of these islands, here's what you can expect:

Benefits/Pros of Private Islands

• No natives, so no crime to speak of
• Crystal clear waters and great beaches
• Plenty of water activities such as snorkeling and scuba
• No one trying to hawk their wares at you
• No reservations to make or worrying about catching taxies
  
• Small boats and floating mattresses to lounge in the water on
• Hammocks and sometimes cottages where massages are available

Downsides/Cons of Private Islands

• As with anywhere else, you'll have to pay for most of the activities (even to rent a hammock)
  
• You'll be sharing your "private island" with everyone else on the ship (up to 3,000 passengers)

There aren't too many downsides to a day on a private island though so if your itinerary stops by one, plan on enjoying yourself.

Passports Now Required for Caribbean Cruises

In ye olden days (before 9/11 and heightened security around the world), U.S. citizens could head to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean without needing a passport.

Alas, those days are gone.

Thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, if you've got a cruise to the Caribbean planned, you will need to get a passport. This includes short weekend trips to the Bahamas too. Any kind of cruise that leaves U.S. waters will require a passport.

But if you're planning to be a frequent cruiser anyway (and many people who cruise once love it and cruise again), it's something you would have needed to take care of eventually anyway. Just remember to do all the paperwork well ahead of time, so your passport will be ready for you when your ship is scheduled to sail.

Can You Get Good Deals Shopping in the Caribbean?

If you like to shop, a cruise can be a great opportunity to spend money. You're visiting lots of different ports, often different countries, and you'll never have to go far to find shops. In fact, there are lots of shopping opportunities just on board the ship.

But are you going to find good deals?

Well, maybe.

Let's say you're taking a cruise to the Caribbean, a popular destination for U.S. ships and one that is known to be a shopping mecca. Here's the lowdown on what kind of deals you can find:

In the Caribbean, you can expect to save 20% on French perfumes and well-known brands such as Gucci, Fendi, and Vuitton. Be wary of prices lower than that since dealers of luxury brands will be dropped from distribution if they're caught undercutting. If a deal seems to good to be true, it's probably a knock-off.

Also be wary if during the port talks, they recommend certain stores in port, as they may be getting a cut. Deals in the ship's shops aren't necessarily that great either.

In truth, you can usually find as good of--or better--deals shopping in your discount stores and factory outlets back home as in the Caribbean.

That said, one area where you can get some good deals is when it comes to cigarettes and liquor.

The prices aren't necessarily lower but in the U.S. and many other countries these items are taxed heavily, so in the Caribbean you can get them for less.

Now before you consider buying something illegal (I know that wouldn't cross your mind, but I've got to put this notice out for good measure), know that your packs and bags will be searched for security before you are allowed back on the cruise ship.

Can You Use U.S. Dollars in the Caribbean?

If you're an American planning a cruise to the Caribbean, you may be wondering if you need to exchange money or if U.S. dollars will work on the various islands you'll visit. Since each port you'll stop in is in a different country, it would certainly get confusing trying to exchange dollars for all those different kinds of currencies.

The good news is that U.S. dollars are accepted throughout most of the Caribbean.

You can also use traveler's checks and credit cards in most places. So there's really no need to change your money for the island's currency unless you want some colorful souvenir bills to bring back home.

Best Time of Year for a Caribbean Cruise?

Cruises follow the sun, and in the tropical Caribbean climate, that means you can find a trip pretty much all year around. But some times of year are considered off-season, while others are high-season.

If you cruise during the off-season, you can get great deals; on the other hand, if you cruise at the most popular time of year, expect to pay more.

The "high season" in the Caribbean (i.e. when you can expect good weather, when most people want to take vacations, and when you'll pay more) runs from Christmas to the middle of April and again from June 15th through August 15th. (Weather is actually better in the winter than in the summer, but since children are out of school in the summer, that creates a lot of demand during those months.)

Want to save money on your trip?

For Caribbean cruises, prices are quite low the first two weeks right after the Christmas/New Year holidays, so if you can shift your vacation back a bit, you can save big time.

Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Though cruises are increasing in popularity all over world, the Caribbean cruise vacation remains one of the most popular.

The islands are known for their white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, warm weather, lush gardens, swaying palm trees, and just about anything else that comes to mind when you think of the tropics.

And what better way to see the gorgeous Caribbean islands than by ship?

Instead of flying to one specific island and spending your whole time there, a cruise gives you the opportunity to see several islands in one trip. And, of course, the cruise itself is half the fun. (Okay, maybe more than half. Today’s mainstream ships feature everything from rock climbing walls, to comedy routines, to wine tasting classes, to beer gardens, to skating rinks. And, of course, there’s the pool, lots of lounge chairs, and endless yummy things to eat.)

There are several types of Caribbean cruise vacations to choose from. Most cruises leave from Florida, but it’s also possible to find ships departing from Galveston, Texas, and ports on the east coast.

Short excursions of three or four days, typically wrapped around a long weekend, are popular with those who live in or close to Florida. For those of us who have to fly to a cruise port, the one-week trip usually makes more sense.

You can choose to cruise to the eastern Caribbean, the western Caribbean, or the southern Caribbean. Any of these areas makes for a wonderful vacation.

The eastern Caribbean frequently features stops at the Bahamas, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, San Juan, the Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. The islands here are relatively close together, so this can be a great cruise vacation for you if you prefer less time at sea and more time on the beach (or shopping and seeing the sites on the islands).

A western Caribbean cruise vacation may visit Mexico, Cozumel, the Yucatan, Jamaica, Roatan Island, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Here, the ports of call are father apart, which translates to more sailing time. But since you often hit the Mexican mainland, too, the shore excursions tend to be more varied with visits to Mayan ruins and hikes in rainforests typical.

A southern Caribbean cruise often means taking more than a week for a vacation or flying to an island for departure (as opposed to taking off from Florida or another U.S. State). This part of the Caribbean tends to be less crowded, so if you’re looking to visit some more out-of-the-way spots, the southern islands may be an ideal vacation for you. Typical ports of call are Barbados, Antigua, Tortola, Puerto Rico, and the Grenadines.

No matter which Caribbean cruise vacation you choose (eastern, western, or southern), you’ll most likely have a lovely time and enjoy the beautiful seas, the diverse sites, and of course the delicious tropical climate.

10 Things to Do in Aruba

If your cruise ship is heading to Aruba or you’re just planning a vacation to this southern Caribbean island, you’ll be looking for things to do in Aruba while you’re there.

Though small, the island has plenty to offer. Of course, there are beaches but there are a lot of fun historical destinations and there are plenty of scenic sites to take in as well. Here’s a great list to get you started:

10 Things to Do in Aruba

1. Ride a Horse Through the Gold Mine Ruins

In 1824, gold was first found in Aruba. Though it’s long gone, you can tour the old ruins via horseback. The Gold Mine Ranch has group and private tours available with prices starting at $55. Children and beginning horse riders are welcome.

2. See the Caves in Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park covers an impressive 20% of Aruba and features a cool series of caves. The Fontein Cave has brownish-red drawings left by Amerindians as well as graffiti etched by early European settlers. The 300-foot Baranca Sunu cave has a heart-shaped entrance, which has earned it the nickname the Tunnel of Love (it’s dark inside, so rent a flashlight to explore this one). The Quadirikiri Cave has two large chambers and a 100-foot tunnel that leads to a nesting area for bats. Roof openings in the main chambers allow sunlight in, so you won’t need flashlights for this one. Photos from the park at Trip Adviser.

3. Hit the Beach!

True, there are lots of things to do in Aruba, but it's hard to imagine visiting without taking some time to relax on at least one of the beautiful beaches. A favorite with cruise tourists is Palm Beach, which is famous for calm waters and is located in front of the major resorts. Try Baby Beach, located in Seroe Colorado at the SE end of the island, for a tranquil swimming cove. For terrific snorkeling, visit Arashi Beach, which is just south of the lighthouse near the NW tip of Aruba. More on Aurba beaches at Frommer’s .

4. Birdwatch at Bubali Bird Sanctuary

If you enjoy watching wildlife, you'll want to check out the winged inhabitants of the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. There are 80 migratory species including egrets, herons, gulls, skimmers, and cormorants. For information on more species and lots of great photos, visit Aruba Birds.

5. Shop Until You Drop at Caya GF Betico Croes

In Oranjestad, Caya GF Betico Croes is the chief shopping street. Here you can find duty-free boutiques selling items from around the world: jewelry, French perfume, German and Japanese cameras, English bone china, Swiss watches, and more. Watch out for aggressive vendors, which are especially noticeable on cruise-ship days.

6. Climb up Hooiberg for Great Views

This 541-foot tall peak at the center of the island can be reached via its 562 concrete steps. From the top, you can see twenty miles to Venezuela on clear days. More information on Hooiberg at Wikipedia.

7. Rent a Moped

For $30-$40, you can rent a moped and explore remote areas of the island. Note, Aruba traffic can be confusing for foreigners, so it’s probably not a good idea to use a moped as your sole means of transportation on the island.

8. Take a Submarine Ride

We’ve talked about plenty of land-based adventures you can partake in when visiting Aruba, but have you ever thought about exploring the water? Red Sail Sports’ Atlantis Submarine offers tours of the island’s coral reefs, shipwrecks, and don't forget the tropical fish. It costs about $100 for an hour ride, and you get a dive certificate as proof that you’ve delved down to 150 feet in depth. (If you’re coming in on a cruise, chances are there’s a shore excursion that sets everything up for you.)

9. Play for the Big Money at the Casinos

If you’ll be staying overnight in Aruba, you may be looking for things to do after dark. If gambling is your cup of tea, you could visit the Crystal Casino, the Alhambra Casino, or the Seaport Casino. The Aruba casinos aren’t as over-the-top as what you’d find in Vegas, but the colorful lights and constant sound and motion will still evoke the carnival-like feel. The 8,000 square foot Alhambra has an interesting Moorish theme.

10. Get up Close and Personal at the Ostrich Farm

If you don’t have an ostrich farm at home but wish you did, now’s your chance to visit one. The Aruba Ostrich Farm lets you see and touch these giant birds. They even like to be hand-fed. Learn about their behavior and natural instincts as you watch them stroll around the rugged Aruba landscape that is a perfect environment for them.

That’s it for this list of 10 things to do in Aruba. If you’ve tried any of them, leave a comment and let us know how it went!