Staying on ship while in port questions

[kontraxed]

Some ports just don't interest us, particularly if we have to take a shuttle ashore instead of docking. We have found that the ship is a lot quieter and very pleasant. Sometimes the spa will have reduced rates while in port and I'll get a massage. As others have mentioned, we will often get off the ship and walk around the immediate port area. For instance, we are going to Falmouth Jamaica and there's really nothing that interests us there. We probably will get off the ship, have a drink at the Margaritaville, and then get back on the ship in time for lunch! You can have fun without spending a lot.

[Rocketlady]

We might just get off the ship to look at the shops right next to the ship. Sometimes they have beaches you can walk to .

 

We never go on the side trips. It is so limited of time and too expensive we skip it. And we really could afford it but we prefer not.

 

We always eat on board. Everything is over priced off the ship any way.

[mustangjoe]

We dedicate 1 port day to staying on the ship. We have the western carribean many times and still enjoy it. However, we have found that for whatever reason we don't care for the Grand Caymans that much. We done Hell, turtles, boats, rays, snorkeling, beach days & shopping, so we stay in the ship when we head there.

It is a very relaxing day and the bar service is great.:)

[palofmine]

My family of 7 (5 kids) are going on Jewel of the Seas the last week of October, and due to the size of our family, we are unable to go on excursions in every port. Are we allowed to stay on the ship and go swimming, and so on? What activities will be closed due to being docked? I'm guessing Adventure Ocean clubs will be closed as well.

 

Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

 

We stayed on last time , the glow rider opened later in the day.... Spa is on reduced prices... Main dining room is closed i believe...lots of activities going on , on the ship. You are not forced to get off the boat. I stayed on for the quiet, and you still get the same sun as the people paying for the beach

[davy jones]

As others have said, staying onboard is a viable, and enjoyable, option. However, excursions may not be required. Check out the ports of call boards. You may find some suitable options in port, or a short bus or taxi ride away.

 

As others have said, you can walk around port for a while and return to the ship for lunch and onboard activities.

[Big_G]

Our designated stay on-board stops are Nassau, Ochos Rios, and Montego Bay. We do get off in Falmouth but only for a little shopping and a cocktail at Margaritaville. Any place else we either take a cab to the beach or do some type of an excursion. We completely enjoy the occasional quiet time on a ship while in port.

[rednose83]

We have stayed on the ship in some ports.

 

We rarely do excursions and never a ship excursion unless there's a time restraint.

 

Most of the time, you can go to the beach for cheap. Also, in some places, you can try local food for a pretty low price (ie, Jamaica, Mexico)

 

We never visit places like Senor Frogs or Margaritaville. To us, the point of travelling is to experience the local stuff- I can eat a cheeseburger at home for a lot cheaper lol.

 

How old are your kiddos?

 

In San Juan, there is a free bus that you can take to the forts. Admission for adults is $5 and the kids I think are free - $3 depending on age.

 

I haven't been to Antigua. Our ship has been re-routed both times we attempted.

 

Curacao has some beautiful beaches. So does Aruba.

 

I've only been to Tortola once and we went to Virgin Gorda (DIY) but that would be $$$ with 7! It was our favorite excursion though.

Edited September 9, 2014 by rednose83

[mamato5girls]

I think we will go into port in the mornings, walk around and then go back in time for lunch just to see different places. Thanks for all your tips! I am so excited for my kids to experience this and see why we're hooked on cruising! :D

[mamato5girls]

OH you are headed on the deaf cruise! We are going the following week and just like you we can't afford excursions every day or we have already visited a particular port. We plan on staying on board too. I believe the shops and casino remained closed until they leave port but the rest should be open

 

Haha!! Yeah, I'm excited to go on the all Deaf cruise - over 2,500 deaf people have booked this chartered cruise. I'm surprised you knew that! How did you know? :)

 

I'm just excited to go on a cruise as the last one was in 2010.

[slyster]

You will have an awesome cruise! My mom and dad are deaf...and my partner is deaf....we all went on the first all deaf cruise in 2007. We considered this cruise but it was just a little too expensive and we visited the same ports two years ago.

 

Have a great cruise!