Are you going on a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise on MSC? I’ve sailed in the Caribbean many times, and over the years I’ve learned a lot—how to save money on shore excursions, what to watch out for at the cruise ports, and how to stay safe while still having an amazing time.
Today, I’m sharing the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make—and the things I wish someone had told me before my first Caribbean cruise on MSC.
Don’t Underestimate the Traffic
Traffic in the Caribbean can get much heavier than you expect—especially during rush hour. If you’re taking a taxi to a public beach or resort—always build in plenty of extra time.
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is assuming the return trip will take the same amount of time as the ride there.
I learned this the hard way in Nassau. We took a taxi to Atlantis, thinking the trip back to the cruise terminal would be just as quick. I was wrong. We hit rush hour, and the bridge from Atlantis back into downtown Nassau was completely bumper-to-bumper. At one point, I honestly thought we were going to miss the ship.
Fortunately, we made it back just in time—but it was extremely stressful. Make sure you build in extra time to find a ride and extra time for traffic.
You Need the Port Agent Contact Info
Every cruise port has a port agent. The port agent is the local person you call if you have a medical emergency, run into travel issues, or—worst-case scenario—get left behind by the ship.
You can find the port agent information on the port shopping map. The contact details are listed under “In Case of Emergency.” Make sure to keep this map in your bag, and take it with you when you go ashore.
I also suggest taking a photo of the port agent information and saving it on your phone. That way, even if you lose the paper map, you’ll still have the details you need if something goes wrong.
Not Bringing Your Passport
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make on a Caribbean cruise is leaving their passport on the ship. Always bring your passport with you when you go ashore. That includes the kids passports too.
If you miss the ship, having your passport will allow you to fly to the next port and catch up with the cruise. Without it, rejoining the ship becomes much more complicated and stressful.
Non-Refundable Shore Excursions
One common mistake cruise passengers make is booking non-refundable shore excursions with independent tour operators. While these tours can sometimes be cheaper, you risk losing your money.
Cruise itineraries can change due to weather, and this is even more likely if you’re cruising during hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
Ports can be canceled and itineraries change, and if that happens, you may not be able to visit the port where your shore excursion is booked.
If your ship skips that port, you could lose your money because most independent, non-refundable tours consider it a no-show and won’t issue a refund.
If you want a safer option, booking shore excursions through MSC Cruises offers more protection. If the itinerary changes due to weather or operational issues, they will automatically adjust or refund your shore excursion.
That said, it’s important to know the cruise line’s shore excursions are rain or shine. If the ship is in port and you choose not to go because of bad weather, you typically won’t receive a refund.
Book Shore Excursions and Rentals Early to Save Money
If you’re planning to book shore excursions—or rent anything on Ocean Cay—it’s best to do it early through the MSC website before you board the ship. That’s when you’ll usually get the best prices.
You can take advantage of early-bird pricing, which can save you at least 10% or more compared to onboard prices. Once you’re on the ship, prices tend to increase and availability can be limited.
Beach Towels
You’ll get beach towels in your cabin on the first day of your cruise. You’re allowed to take these towels with you to the beach at port, but it’s very important to keep track of them.
If you lose a towel or forget to return it, you will be charged $30 per towel.
If your cruise stops at Ocean Cay, towels are not provided on the island. You need to bring your beach towels with you from the ship. Be sure to bring them back onboard when you leave Ocean Cay to avoid the $30 charge.
The good news is that there are towel huts on Ocean Cay near the ship where you can exchange used towels for clean ones, so you don’t have to bring sandy towels back to your cabin.
Lunch on Ocean Cay
If your cruise stops at Ocean Cay, don’t make the mistake of eating lunch on the ship and missing the island buffet. Lunch is served at Seakers Food Court, an open-air pavilion with picnic tables and a relaxed, tropical island vibe.
The buffet features classic favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, grilled fish, mac and cheese, and a variety of cold salads. You’ll also find complimentary, ice-cold beverages like lemonade, iced tea, and water.
Lunch is typically served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and it’s worth planning your day around. Even if you’re not going to the beach, I still recommend coming ashore just for lunch. It’s an easy walk from the ship and a fun way to experience Ocean Cay.
Don’t skip it—it’s part of the Ocean Cay experience!
Check the Calendar
Before your cruise, take a few minutes to check the local calendar for each port. You might be arriving on a special holiday, festival, or parade.
For example, one time we stopped in Nassau and were pleasantly surprised to find out we arrived on the same day as the famous Junkanoo Festival. We caught the tail end of the parade in downtown Nassau, which was a memorable experience—but it also meant heavier traffic and some road closures.
Checking the calendar ahead of time can help you plan your day, avoid getting stuck in traffic, and still enjoy any special events happening in port.
Don’t Buy from the First Store
When you arrive at a Caribbean port, it’s tempting to buy the first souvenir you see—but don’t! Most ports have outdoor markets and shops selling similar items, and prices can vary widely.
Take a few minutes to walk around and compare prices. Often, the best deals are in stores a little off the main tourist path. A little extra time browsing can save you money.
Bring the Free Gift Coupons
This is a fun activity for families, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Many chain stores, like Diamonds International will hand out free gift coupons on the cruise ship.
You’ll usually find these coupons on the port shopping map. Bring the coupons with you and stop by the store to pick up small gifts—like charm bracelets.
My daughter loves collecting charms from different stores at each port.
Don’t Let Freebies Pressure You
Those free charms and gifts might seem harmless, but stores often use them to nudge you into spending. Stay smart—don’t feel pressured to buy anything.
Put Away Your Cruise Card
When you’re out sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing on the beach, leave your cruise lanyard in your purse or beach bag.
Wearing it openly makes you stand out as a tourist, which can attract pickpockets. It can also work against you when bargaining in shops, since vendors know you’re on a cruise with limited time to return to the ship.
Keep your cruise card tucked away and out of sight to stay safe and avoid unwanted attention.
Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle
Negotiating with vendors is normal—it’s part of the shopping culture. Don’t hesitate to ask for a small discount. A little bargaining is not just accepted—it’s expected.
Not Checking the Travel Advisory
One mistake cruisers often make is assuming every Caribbean port is safe. Before going ashore, check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For example, the Bahamas currently has a Level 2 advisory due to crime and water safety concerns. Staying informed helps you plan smarter, avoid risky situations, and stay safe while enjoying your time in port.
Bring Cash
One mistake many cruisers make is not bringing any cash, but you’ll need it for souvenirs, snacks, and small purchases!
Many street vendors and local restaurants don’t take credit cards, and even if they do, using cash can help you avoid potential fraud.
Most vendors accept U.S. dollars, but don’t be surprised if your change comes back in local currency. To make things easier, bring small bills and coins so you’re not stuck with money you can’t use.
Not Buying Travel Insurance
It’s risky not to buy travel insurance. Many people assume their U.S. health insurance or Medicare will cover them abroad—but in most cases, it doesn’t.
If you get sick or injured on an international cruise, you could be responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills.
For example, my mother-in-law became seriously ill on a cruise and had to be rushed to a hospital. Thankfully, her travel insurance covered the costs—without it, she would have faced a massive bill.
Travel insurance is especially important for cruises during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Weather can be unpredictable, ports might be skipped, and rough seas can disrupt your plans.
For these trips, I personally choose a policy with a “Cancel For Any Reason” clause. It gives me the flexibility to cancel if conditions make me uncomfortable.
Don’t Leave Your Valuables Out in the Open at the Beach
When you’re at the beach, be smart about where you leave your valuables. Cell phones, cruise keycards, wallets, and other items should never be left on a lounge chair, especially since many Caribbean beaches are public.
The safest approach is to keep your belongings in a zipped beach bag and place it where you can keep an eye on it at all times.
Drink too Much
Bars are everywhere, and some shore excursions are like party boats with unlimited drinks. It might seem fun to spend the day with a cocktail in hand, but drinking too much under the hot sun can be dangerous.
Overdoing it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worse—you don’t want to risk missing the ship!
Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and enjoy alcohol responsibly. That way, you can make the most of your port day and stay safe while having fun.
Don’t Bring Designer Bags and Expensive Jewelry
It’s best to leave designer bags and expensive jewelry at home. Flashy items can make you a target for thieves—and constantly worrying about them can take the fun out of your trip.
Most of your time will be spent at the beach, on shore excursions, or walking through crowded ports, so keeping valuables safe at home is the smartest move.
Cruise passengers on MSC dress casual, so you really don’t need designer accessories.
Don’t Underestimate the Sun
The Caribbean sun is intense, and it’s easy to underestimate just how strong it is. Even if you’re not going to the beach, always apply sunscreen before leaving the ship.
Wearing a hat or sunglasses is also a smart way to protect your face and eyes from harsh rays. Trust me—you don’t want a sunburn ruining your cruise!
To save money, bring sunblock from home, because prices onboard or at the port can be surprisingly high.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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