Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean Cruise Tips and Itinerary
This guide includes Western Caribbean cruise tips and an itinerary based on my recent Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean cruise.
In the cruising world, the Caribbean is broken down into three regions: west, east, and southern. This guide focuses on Western Caribbean itineraries that visit countries such as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Bahamas. They often leave from Florida or south Texas.
I’ve taken dozens of Caribbean cruises, most recently to the Western Caribbean on the Harmony of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas.
I highly recommend a Caribbean cruise for many different occasions including a family vacation, girl’s trip, romantic getaway, or honeymoon.
Keep reading this guide for Western Caribbean cruise tips, port guides, general cruising advice, and everything you need to successfully plan a Western Caribbean cruise of your own.
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Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean Cruise Tips
If you follow this guide for Western Caribbean cruise tips and planning, you are setting yourself up for a perfect vacation. The below tips are other tidbits I’ve learned over the years that can make your trip even more enjoyable.
1. Book a Balcony – Although it’s more expensive, there’s nothing better than waking up with a view of the Caribbean
2. Download the Royal Caribbean App – The app will help you manage reservations, see the schedule, and even read the menu’s are different venues.
3. Do Quick Math to Determine if You Need the Drink Package – It’s much cheaper to pre-purchase the drink package. The breakeven point of the drink package is typically 6 drinks, so determine if it makes sense to purchase. Most cocktails are around $13 on board.
4. Get to Know Crew Members – They are more than just waiters and custodians; many of them are local guides who can provide unique insight about the islands you visit on your cruise.
5. Take Advantage of the Activities – Make sure to check out the nightlife activities on board, from movies under the stars to stand-up comedy shows and karaoke nights!
6. Pack the Essentials – Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for days spent lounging by the pool or exploring nearby beaches. Some essentials such as toiletries or medications are very expensive to buy on board.
The Best Cruise Line for a Western Caribbean Cruise
If you are planning a Western Caribbean Cruise, my #1 tip is to choose the right cruise line. The cruise line you choose will dictate the quality of food, onboard amenities, onboard activities, and excursion options.
While many cruise lines operation in the Caribbean, my favorite is Royal Caribbean, hands down.
Royal Caribbean Overview
Royal Caribbean is knowing for having the largest and most innovative ships. My recent cruise was on the Harmony of the Seas which is the second largest cruise ship in the world.
It has 4 pools, 20 bars, 10+ restaurants, multiple “neighborhoods”, an ice-skating rink, an aqua theater, and many other amazing onboard amenities. With the attention to detail that Royal puts into every ship, you are guaranteed to have a great vacation.
Even better than their “hard product” described above, the service on Royal Caribbean is unparalleled. Even onboard a ship of 4000+ passengers, the dining and stateroom staff memorized our names and preferences.
No request is too much for the accommodating staff. They will do anything from decorating a stateroom for a special occasion to providing off-menu items at the dining room.
In addition to the best ships and service, Royal Caribbean offers amazing itineraries to popular ports with limited sea days. They also have exclusive access to CocoCay, their private island in the Bahamas.
Learn more about Royal Caribbean’s (second) largest ship, the Harmony of the Seas.
Western Caribbean Cruise Port Guides
Planning a Port Day
The below Caribbean cruise port guides are based on the ports I visited on my recent Royal Caribbean western Caribbean cruise. Research is key for visiting cruise ports to maximize your one day at the destination.
When planning a day in port, I consider three things: what I want to eat, if I want to do an excursion, and what activities I cant miss.
For food, pick one lunch spot or snack that you want to try when you’re on shore. For example, a gyro in Greece or key lime pie in Key West.
Next, decide if you want to take a planned excursion or tour, or explore the port on your own. If there is one key activity or site to see in a destination, I typically opt for a tour since it allows you to learn more in a short amount of time and takes away the stress of planning.
If a destination is known for beaches, I’ll opt to explore on my own and spend time relaxing.
Cruise Line Excursion Vs. Local Tour
When deciding between a cruise excursion and an independently run tour, there are a few things to consider. Cruise excursions are typically more expensive, and there are limited options.
However, they are easy to plan, have guaranteed quality, and the ship will wait for you if you are running late.
Independently run tours are often more affordable, have more options, and have a more local presence. However, it can be difficult to coordinate your tour with the ship.
I alternate between the two based on what is offered and what sounds interesting.
Below, I have broken down what to do in each port by my recommended activity and other great options.
Since your time is short, focusing on one key activity is a great way to plan your day without getting overwhelmed.
Popular Western Caribbean Ports
Orlando, Florida USA
Top Activity: Disney World
Other Great Things to Do: Universal Orlando, Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral, outside Orlando, is a very popular embarkation port. My number one western Caribbean cruise tip is to arrive in the embarkation port a day or two early.
This allows you to explore the area, adjust to the time difference, and adds in a buffer for a missed or delayed flight.
The best thing to do in Orlando before a cruise is visiting Disney World. For each day you have before your cruise, plan to visit one park.
My suggestion of the parks to visit in order is Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, then EPCOT. If you only have a half day, EPCOT is my top suggestion.
Some other great things to do in Orlando are Universal Orlando or a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. Universal Orlando is known for the World of Harry Potter, which is well-worth a day trip.
Kennedy Space Center is an educational and inspirational activity, located on Cape Canaveral near the cruise port.
These are both great options if you have extra time in Orlando before or after your cruise.
Cozumel Mexico
Top Activity: Island Tour with Snorkeling, Beaches, Lunch & Tequila Tasting
Other Great Things to Do: Snorkel Boat Tour, ATV Jungle Tour
Cozumel Mexico is an island off the coast of Cancun. It’s a popular tourist destination and cruise port. Since the island is only 40 miles long by 10 miles wide, its doable to see the entire thing in one day.
It’s even more doable because the north part of the island isn’t accessible by land, isolating a perfect 40-mile loop to explore the island.
Since its possible to tour the entire island of Cozumel in one day, the best activity is a combo tour that circles the island and includes some of the best local activities such as snorkeling, the national park, and tequila tasting.
This buggy tour I took during my recent trip is a great way to do all of this! It’s the perfect combination of sightseeing and activities. This tour will allow you to leave Cozumel feeling like you saw everything.
Some other great activities in Cozumel are a boat snorkel tour or this jungle ATV tour. Although you won’t see the whole island like on the above tour, these are great options if you want to focus on one activity.
Cozumel is a popular diving destination, and the snorkeling is also spectacular. The island is covered in greenery, so an ATV tour is a great way to be immersed in nature.
Check out my complete guide to one day in Cozumel for more information.
Roatan Honduras
Top Activity: ATV Island Tour with Zipline, Animal Sanctuary, and Beach
Other Great Things to Do: Beach Horseback Riding, Customizable Private Tour
Roatan is a small island in Honduras. Like Cozumel, Roatan is small enough to see in one day.
The best activity to do in port at Roatan is an ATV island tour that includes a zipline, animal sanctuary, beach, and sightseeing.
This tour was a highlight of my entire Western Caribbean vacation. It’s a great way to see the highlights of Honduras with a bit of adventure mixed in.
If you like the idea of a mixed tour, but the above doesn’t appeal to you, this customizable private tour is great! When you meet the tour guide for the day, you can talk through your priorities for the day, and they will craft a personalized agenda.
If you want to stick to one activity in Roatan, this beach horseback riding tour looks super fun. It will give you extra time to explore the port on your own or head back to the ship for some pool time.
For more information on Roatan Honduras, check out my detailed guide.
Costa Maya Mexico
Top Activity: Chacchoben Ruins
Other Great Things to Do: Port resort day pass
Costa Maya is a port destination on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It is a very popular cruise port, but there isn’t much other tourism in the area.
The best and most popular activity in Costa Maya is a day trip to the nearby Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. I highly recommend this tour to visit the ruins and learn about the history of the area.
I learned a ton on this tour and enjoyed seeing the ancient Mayan pyramids.
If history isn’t your thing, the next most popular activity in Costa Maya is staying in the port at their resort. You can get a day pass to the resort that includes a large pool, bar, and restaurant.
There isn’t anything local or cultural about this option but its great if you want to relax.
For more details on Costa Maya, check out my quick guide to the port.
CocoCay Bahamas – Royal Caribbean’s Private Island
Top Activity: Thrill Waterpark
Other Great Things to Do: Beach Day, jet skis, kayaking
CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. Honestly, I expected it to feel gimmicky, overcrowded, and childish. I could not have been more wrong!
While visiting CocoCay isn’t going to be a cultural experience, it offers an incredible day of relaxation that rivals the most luxurious resorts I’ve stayed in.
CocoCay has multiple different areas including three beaches, an exclusive beach club, a large pool, and a waterpark.
The most popular experience on the island is the Thrill Waterpark that features the tallest waterslide in North America. Some other great activities are jet skiing, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach.
Since CocoCay is Royal’s Island, all excursions and activities must be booked directly. I recommend booking early because they will sell out.
Click here to learn how to plan your day at CocoCay!
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
Clothing
Daytime – During the day on a cruise, you will either be onboard at sea or exploring a port. During sea days, I spend most of my time at the pool, so pack a swimsuit with a cute cover up to wear when heading inside for activities or dining.
In port, shorts and a tank top with sneakers or sandals is great depending on if you are doing adventure activities or casual exploring.
Dinner Attire – Dinner most days is casual attire, but there are some dress code requirements. For the main dining room, men should wear a collared shirt, and women should plan to wear a sundress or nice blouse.
Formal Attire – A 7-night cruise often has two formal nights that fall on the sea days. For formal night, men should wear slacks and a sport coat and women a nice dress with heels.
If this doesn’t sound fun to you, visit a casual dining option on those nights instead and you can wear what you want.
Check out my complete packing guides for more outfit ideas: Men’s Packing Guide & Women’s Packing Guide.
Other Essentials to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
Other Packing Essentials – in addition to clothing, I recommend packing the above essentials for your cruise. Items such as the hat, sunscreen, and water are helpful with the hot sun. The portable charger and waterproof case will keep your phone dry and charged on long port days.
The book will keep you entertained on pool days, and the towel clips will keep your towel from blowing around. The Imodium and bug spray will protect you from bad water and mosquitos in port, respectively.
Reasons to Take a Western Caribbean Cruise
As mentioned above, there are many negative stereotypes about cruising. Trust me, they are all false!
I’ve traveled the world in every way possible from staying in luxury resorts, to road trips, to train travel, I have tried it all. For certain itineraries, such as the Caribbean, cruising is the best way to go.
I have fond childhood memories taking Caribbean cruises with my extended family. These memories involve playing in the kid’s club, eating a huge family dinner with unlimited food, visiting many great ports, and spending time with loved ones.
As an adult, I’ve taken cruises to Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. The below list of reasons to take a western Caribbean cruise are why I keep coming back to cruise travel and why you should too.
6 Reasons to Cruise
- It’s the best way to see multiple locations quickly– on a western Caribbean cruise, you will see 3-5 ports within one week. To see that many ports without a cruise would take at least double the time.
- Many ports can be very difficult to get to otherwise– on a Caribbean cruise, you can visit remote islands and locations that would take multiple flights to get to. With a cruise, you go to sleep then magically wake up at the next destination.
- Accommodations can be hard to come by – In addition to being difficult to travel to, some ports lack accommodation options. With a cruise, you have your luxury hotel traveling with you, saving you from trying to find something equally nice on land.
- Guaranteed great food every night – while sampling local food is a great way to travel, it can be stressful to find safe food in remote destinations. I love coming back to a guaranteed delicious meal on the ship after a day of exploring. And you can always try the local cuisine for lunch at the port!
- Activities for all ages– For kids, there is a kid and teens club, a splash pad, and waterslides. For adults, there are mixology classes, karaoke, night parties, gambling, and more.
- You can revisit your favorite ports for longer– one day is often not enough time to experience everything in a destination. Luckily, you can use a cruise to find your favorite ports then revisit them for longer on a standalone vacation.
Between these port guides, cruise line suggestion, and packing tips, planning a Western Caribbean cruise will be a breeze. If you have more questions, comment them below!
Related Posts:
- 7 Most Popular Western Caribbean Islands & Cruise Ports
- What To Wear On A Caribbean Cruise – 7 Day Cruise Packing List
- Cruise Outfits For Men | What Should Men Wear On A Caribbean Cruise?
- CocoCay Bahamas Things To Do & One Day Itinerary
- Top Things To Do In Roatan – What To Do In Roatan Honduras In One Day
- One Day In Miami Florida – The Top Things To Do And See
- Quick Guide To One Day In Cozumel For Cruisers And Daytrippers
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