Have you been considering a Caribbean spring break cruise? Tempted by the endless amount of food, the entertainment on board, spending endless hours under the Caribbean Sun sailing to a different island every day?
Warning! A Different Kind of Spring Break Cruise
There are a few facts you need to know before you start dreaming of sailing the high seas with thousands of other college students. The first thing is, many times advertised Spring Break cruises really amount to smaller boats that only take you from Florida to the Bahamas.
You are only on the boat for a few hours as you literally taxi from the U. S. to the islands of the Bahamas, where you will stay on island hotels for the duration of your Spring Break, and then return at the end of your week.
Yeah, you can still drink and eat your way through the entire ship, but you will not be on the boat for too long. Check the details with your booking agent before you spend the money!
A True Cruise
Here are some things to think about before you book a true Spring Break cruise:
These rules apply to a 'typical ' 3, 4, or 7 day cruises where you will have a state room for sleeping and cleaning up and where you will also have your meals and regular evening entertainment. Be prepared to board with your passport, a credit card for incidentals, and your luggage tagged and ready to go!
Age requirements in a cabin
Clipper, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises
- All passengers in a cabin must be 18 or older, or If anyone in the cabin is younger than 18 years old, someone in the cabin must be 21 or older.
- All passengers in a cabin must be 21 or older, or If anyone in the cabin is younger than 21 years old, someone in the cabin must be 25 or older
One exception to these age requirements is made for underage married couples, who as long as they are both 18 are allowed to board unaccompanied. These couples may be asked to show proof of their marriage. Hopefully this does not apply to you and your buddies on your Spring Break cruise!
Your age on the date of sailing is generally considered your age for the length of the cruise.
The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all ships is 21. One exception may be ships that cater just to Spring Breakers heading out to international waters. Make sure you check before you book, I can't think of a bigger let down.
For the High Rollers
Gambling also has age restrictions. On Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, passengers must be 18 or older to play in the casinos. Norwegian and Princess, travelers must be 21 and older to be allowed to play in the casinos. Costa's requirement is 25 or older.
What to Expect on Your Spring Break Cruise
A spring break cruise on a typical cruise ship would include your cabin, your meals and snacks in between, even 24-hour room service, on board activities (rock climbing, golfing, etc.), fitness center, shows every night as well as bars and lounges, pools. Drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions are not included.
You'll sail different Caribbean ports and have a chance to shop, explore on your own, or choose amongst the varied shore excursions available. Some popular options include catamaran/snorkeling cruises, river tubing, horseback riding, and jeep safaris
Visit our preferred Caribbean Cruises Guide website to learn more about the itineraries, the ships, the islands, the shore excursions and much more.
Just In Case You are Heading to the Bahamas.
On the other hand, a non-typical spring break cruise would be what is commonly called 'A Bahamas Party Cruise '!
This cruise usually departs from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. You'll sail for 5 hours to Grand Bahama Island, typically on a 500-foot long cruise ship holding about 1300 students! You can relax by the pool, enjoy the free buffet meals and the entertainment.
The ship arrives in the Bahamas at 2 pm, and transportation to your hotel is provided. You will be spending 5 days at the hotel of your choice. Do what you want, party non-stop, enjoy the beaches, go parasailing or snorkeling.
The drinking age is 21 while in local waters and 18 when the cruise ship reaches 3 miles out into International Waters. The drinking age is 18 in the Bahamas .
Your spring break cruise ship leaves the Bahamas around 2-3pm and arrives back in Fort Lauderdale between 9 and 10pm. A delicious all-you-can-eat buffet dinner is served on the return trip.
As you can see, you have a choice of 2 very different spring break cruise lifestyles. Which one will you pick?
Additional Information for Your Jamaica Spring Break
Don't just take our word for it, check out some of these other great sponsors for more detailed information: