Verified answer

I have been on about 20 cruises and been all over the Caribbean. Here's how it works when you get to each port. The day before you get to each port (actually each evening) you will receive in your cabin a flier type newsletter that gives the activities for the next day including what time you arrive at the port and what time the ship departs. There will also be announcements on ship when you get to the port and its all clear for you to get off.

YES you can go on your own at each port and you can even arrange your own tour at each port. But just be sure that you are back at the ship at least 30 minutes before sailing time. When its time for people to get off those who are going on a tour will be told where to assemble to depart the ship. All others can just get off and the only thing you will need for ID is your cruise card that you will be given when you check in at the departure port and an ID (either a driver license or your passport). Some places they ask for the ID, others they just want to see your cruise card but to be safe take them both. Usually the cruise line will tell you whether both are needed. I always take a photocopy of my passport and leave the original in the safe in the cabin.

When you get off the ship there will be taxi's, vans and tour operators on the pier who will take you to the beaches. The cruise line should give you information about the best beaches (or look to see which beaches they are selling tours to) and just go there. There is a small beach right in the town where you dock in ST Maarten. Its not as nice as some outside of town but its right there and free, no need for a taxi. The shopping is one block over from the beach.

In Aruba you can take a taxi from the pier to the beach. There is a small town with some shopping where you dock and the beaches are not far away.

I have not been to your other port stops but my bet is they taxi's and tours will be awaiting you on the pier.

I think you need to clarify a couple of things. Where are you going in the caribean? What islands.

I have completed 16 cruises, 14 of them in the caribean. I would say tha yes, you can go and explore on your own, I would highly recomend that you do this in a group of two or more, security is an issue. Tours are very interesting, but are expensive and you can usually get a tour on your own, however, the responsability of getting back to the ship on time is up to you. They leave on time, with or with out you. I personally saw this in St Thomas.......The wife was on the ship waving goodbye to the husband, who latter caught up with her on the next port of call, (at his expense)

Also bear in mind that the islands income is made fro tourism, so they will follow you around and maybe pester you, negotiate stating at half the price and settle for what you think is fair. Also bear in mind that a lot of what you see is also made in China so what are you buying......

I hope this will help you, crusing is done by Ship not Boat...

definately. I go on a cruise every year and we try to do maybe one or two shore excursions, but the rest of the time we just get off the boat and explore on our own. All of the islands are accustom to crusiers so you can often find people in the streets soliciting their tour services that will bring you to beaches and sight seeing. Be careful though!

You can absolutely walk around the town if you wish. Its more fun sometimes. If you are going to Jamaica, you might want to stay away from the downtown.

Ask the concierge on the ship about free beaches.

There are taxis all over the place that will take you on tours for very little money. They will also bring you to the best beaches, all you have to do is ask. Also on your ship, go to guest relations and ask them their advice or talk to other cruisers on the ship itself, they are usually a big help if you just ask

What ports will you be going to...

Yes you can walk around and some places that is great other places the ports are not where you want to hang around.

Depends on where you are going

Your invited to join

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddict/

Sure...you can get off and walk aroung...but remember the area close to the docks will take advantage of your budget..

Have fun