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We love gorgeous beaches and couldn’t think of a better way to see them than taking a cruise! With a Southern Caribbean cruise, we sailed to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. And since I’m all about saving money while taking a fabulous trip, I’ll share all the details to keep it transparent on what it really costs to cruise. (Read my tips on saving money during your cruise.) Wondering what you can do during a port day in other Caribbean destinations? Read what travel bloggers found to be their favorite port day activities!
We booked a seven-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. I really thought that sailing in May would be sufficiently off-season that we would get the ship to ourselves – was I wrong! Several categories of cabins sold out quickly after I booked, about two months prior to sailing.
And I can understand why – this itinerary is a big draw. I have a big birthday this year and I’d like to celebrate it by spending a week on some fabulous beach. But I have sooo many places that I want to see! Every time I looked at the internet and thought I had settled on a location (hello Bali Birthday Bash!), I would change my mind. But I really wanted to go to the beach and coming from the US, the Caribbean is a natural choice.
The Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary
Since I love getting my money’s worth, this particular sailing was a big selling point in tipping the scales in favor of going. Look at this itinerary:
- Saturday: Departure from San Juan, PR
- Sunday: St. Maarten
- Monday: St. Kitts
- Tuesday: Antigua
- Wednesday: St. Lucia
- Thursday: Barbados
- Friday: Day At Sea
- Saturday: Return to San Juan, PR
Because we knew we would be doing several shore excursions, we decided to save money by booking an interior cabin. We reasoned that with every day in port but one, the type of room wasn’t as important. (In case you’re wondering, we don’t regret it one bit!)
We’ve sailed on Royal Caribbean before but this was a different class of boat. I’ll admit that though I’m tempted by the huge floating cities, I’m a little afraid of them. (This from someone who has the floating residence “The World” on her dream board!)
We saved money on our Southern Caribbean cruise all along the way. We booked our cruise through Vacations To Go – a wholesale cruise vendor agency in Houston, Texas. Their prices were less than booking directly through Royal Caribbean or going through other vendors (Expedia, Cruises.com, etc.).
While sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, meant that we had to get plane tickets rather than driving, we got a good deal! We purchased our plane tickets through Expedia – which sent us to San Juan with American Airlines and returned us on Frontier. But on the other hand, we didn’t have to drive anywhere and pay exorbitant cruise port parking fees.
The cost of a Southern Caribbean Cruise
Here is what we spent on travel:
Cruise
- Fare ($554 each) – 1108.00
- Government taxes – 137.76
- Cruise Insurance – 56.00
- Tipping (14.50 each/day) – 203.00
- Total Cruise $1,504.76
Flights (for two, not each – Expedia)
- American Airlines – 368.80
- Expedia booking fee – 4.17
- Frontier – 168.00
- Travel protection – 44.00
- Total Flights $584.97
Expenses in Departure Port
- Cab in San Juan – 24.00
- Hotel in San Juan (Hotels.com) – 177.93
- Uber to Port in San Juan – 12.00
- Total extra in San Juan $213.93
Excursions
- St. Maarten ($44 each) – 88
- St. Kitts ($55 each) – 110
- Antigua ($16 each) – 32
- St. Lucia ($75 each) – 150
- Barbados ($48 each) – 96
- San Juan ($30 each) – 60
- Total Excursions $536
Extras onboard $256 (wine, drinks, lanyards)
Total $3095.66
I did not include any money spent during shore excursions, where we occasionally purchased a drink, and drink and food in San Juan before we left and at the airport. And while we left with $400 cash which was all spent, some of the expenses listed above were paid with cash (like the St. Lucia excursion), so, unfortunately, I don’t have an accurate list of how much extra we spent. (Note to self: keep track of everything next time!)
Could we have saved a little more money on our Southern Caribbean cruise? Absolutely!
Saving money on your Southern Caribbean Cruise
Here is what we could have done differently:
- Cruise – choosing a cheaper cruise itinerary; booking earlier (so that mandatory tipping is reduced), also traveling at a less popular time (lots of new graduates and Mother’s Day celebrations!)
- Flights – if we had spent more time searching or traveled on different dates
- Hotel – we could have saved some money by staying at an Airbnb or similar but we enjoyed the Casablanca Hotel
- Excursions – instead of booking tours, we could have hired a cab driver (like in Antigua)
I will post about each location. You can read along about St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and San Juan.
We cruised on Royal Caribbean but Carnival offered a similar itinerary. Don’t forget to take some precautions to avoid getting sick during your trip!
Share your tips for saving money on a Southern Caribbean cruise in a comment below!
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
I love how well detailed your post wasm I’ve been thinking about cruising lately and weighing the costs. Being sble yo read about your trip and especially how nuch you spent is quite helpful. You all are brave for an indoor cabin, however it makes sense when every port stuff is filled with fun activities.
Thank you!
Wow! What a great itinerary! Going on a cruise is on my bucket list and what would be a better option than cruising the exotic Caribbean isles. Thanks for sharing the detailed price break up as well as the useful tips. Love your beautiful pictures. Barbados’ parliamentary building looks fascinating and the ruins of Fort Louis is a sight to behold.
Thank you!
OMG that is one dream Caribbean itinerary you’ve got! I wish to have a getaway at the Caribbean but the airfare from the Philippines are soo expensive. Which part of your vacation is your best favorite?
You’ve got some beautiful getaways near you! St. Lucia was my favorite.
Wow! That’s quite an itinerary! I’ve never done a cruise before, but reading about your experience is definitely making me think adjusting my bucket list pretty quick!
Also, lovely photos of St. Lucia’s Pitons! I’ve seen these in photos quite often. I’m hoping to see them in person as well!
My partner in crime just started cruising – we started with a long weekend cruise before committing to a full week. It isn’t for everyone but we enjoy it. Next time, I want to hike the Pitons.
This is a lovely and quite packed itinerary! I’ve never done a cruise before, but I think your was good value for what you paid for. We can always save money somewhere when travelling, but we always think about it when we come back! Great tips on saving though!
Thank you!
I am addicted to the cruise. I loved the shore excursions and the different experiences you get on board. I had the best time experiencing cruise life on Princess Cruises last year. I am sure that you had the time of your life at Caribbean cruise. Loved reading about it.
Thank you!
I love cruising around exotic islands. I did my first cruising experience near Greek islands which was amazing. I loved the breakup of Total costs given by you, involved in this travel plan. Ruins of Fort Louis is amazing sight. Thanks for sharing amazing post with all detailed information.
You’re welcome! A cruise near the Greek islands sounds amazing.
Amazing that the cruise is so popular even in shoulder season. I love your breakdown of what you spent, that’s super helpful and lets me see exactly what to expect for how much!
Thank you.
A cruise is always an experience which is altogether on a different level. Love cruises as it combines the pleasure of discovering new places with a relaxed time on board too. Of course a cruise in the Caribbeans would be a totally different experience. Would love to cruise on the Caribbean isles some day. The Royal Caribbean sounds like a great option for this cruise too.
Oh my, This is so wonderful. I want to visit here soon. Truly a bucket list material.
I am a fan of cruises. I did a Dubai (UAE) to Kochi (India) last year and loved it! I can only imagine how a Caribbean cruise must feel like. What better way to go beach hopping! I am surprised to see that it was full in off season! Perhaps, every one had the same idea as yours, haha. Antigua beach looks like my kind of place!
I’ll have to pick more off season (but not hurricane season!).
You visited so many islands in one week! $3000 for 2 people seems quite affordable. It makes sense that the largest costs are transportation and excursions. Which is your favourite island?
St. Lucia for sure. We’ll be going back!
I’ve never been on a cruise and part of the reason is I always thought it would be too expensive. This budget breakdown is really helpful, and I’m actually surprised at how affordable a cruise can be. I’m sure there are pricier options, but it’s good to know you can go on a cruise for a reasonable amount of money. Definitely something to consider for my future travels.
Certainly worth it!
Wow! This is such a wonderful experience. I am planning to gift my parents a Caribbean cruise vacation. I am sure that they will have a great time.
They’ll have a great time! What a thoughtful gift!
Travelling on a cruise ship is an amazing experience and you have given some great details here. From breaking down the costs to the itenary. Visiting all the beautiful island must be a great experience. My bucket list place Antigua wow. The beaches and the boat itself must have been a great experience. Thanks for sharing.
I love that you broke down the expenses (super helpful)! I can’t wait to read more about each destination – I’m a Caribbean (Jamaica) girl so I love reading posts like this (makes me miss my hometown so much!).