Avoid These Tourist Traps On Your Caribbean Cruise, According To Travelers

Travelers often encounter jewelry stores near cruise ports banking on the impulsive decisions of tourists. These stores are strategically located to attract visitors fresh off the ships, showcasing dazzling displays that can be tempting at first glance. However, the prices at these establishments often far exceed what one might find a little further away from the tourist hubs.

To avoid overspending on jewelry that may not be worth its price tag, do your research ahead of time. Learn where to find local jewelers or the name of a local merchant. Also, consider waiting to purchase until you can verify the value of what you're buying. This ensures you get more for your money and allows you to locate unique pieces that are not mass-produced for the tourist market.

Allie Hubers, writer for the unofficial fansite Royal Caribbean Blog, wrote, "While purchasing affordable jewelry in the Caribbean is a common practice, Diamond's International is one tourist trap you should rethink visiting." She continued her statement by reminding readers that Diamond's International "is likely receiving a financial kickback from the cruise lines," which is why many cruise lines advertise their store throughout their ships and marketing materials.

While familiar, international chain restaurants near the port offer the same fare you can find back home. Traveling is an opportunity to try something new, and these chain restaurants lack local flavor and charm. Dining at these establishments means missing out on the region's culinary culture and unique dishes. Local eateries provide a taste of the area's gastronomic delights and support the local economy. Ben Souza of cruise-focused website Cruise Fever wrote, "I've never understood why someone would travel to a foreign country that is loaded with cultural experiences and natural wonders but spend their time at Senor Frogs or Margaritaville. There's a reason why they put these right by the piers at many cruise ports, to suck you in."

Experiencing local cuisine is a crucial part of traveling, offering insights into the culture and traditions of the place you're visiting. It's an opportunity to explore new flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods, enriching your trip far beyond what any international chain could offer. One Tripadvisor user commented on a popular restaurant in Jamaica, Floyd's Pelican Bar, writing, "Tourists trap where you pay $40 returns to go on a boat that leads to this nightmare bar where drinks and food are expensive, music is super loud and you are stuck drinking and eating on the side where there is no sun."

Excursions heavily marketed to tourists can sometimes fall short of expectations, offering a diluted version of the "authentic" experience they promise. High prices and crowded groups can detract from enjoying what could otherwise be a highlight of your trip. While booking an excursion through your cruise line may be more convenient, everyone else onboard is probably thinking the same way you are.

Allie Hubers wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog that Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is "a top attraction for visitors and cruisers alike," which has only added to the overcrowding issue there. "If you're taking an excursion through the cruise line, you can expect dozens of other tours visiting at the same time. You even need to form a human chain to navigate the falls with your guide to ensure your group stays together," she explained.

Researching and choosing excursions that align with your interests and offer a genuine insight into the destination can significantly enhance your venture. Smaller, locally run tours often provide more personalized and immersive experiences, allowing for deeper exploration and interaction with the local culture and environment. Choose your excursions wisely, or choose none at all and explore the destination in your own way.

While similar to generic souvenir shops, street vendors and their businesses are entirely separate. They are often located near popular tourist spots, like restaurants and bars, and they frequently hike up their prices to capitalize on the high foot traffic of those looking for quick souvenirs, drinks, or snacks. While grabbing something as you explore is tempting, be cautious and aware of their price-gouging tactics. Not all vendors overcharge, but it's wise to compare prices or seek recommendations from locals to find the best deals. This approach helps you avoid overpriced items and discover quality products at fair prices.

Ben Souza advised that certain shops, like the ones at the ports, have a financial relationship with the cruise lines, which is why the cruise lines "recommend" them. He also shared that tour drivers can occasionally partner with local vendors to get a kickback for bringing tourists to their shops. "What I like to do is find stores that sell locally made items. Instead of helping the cruise lines make more money, you are directly contributing to the local economy of the cruise port that you are visiting," Souza stated.

While themed parks offer a day of fun and entertainment, they are often highly commercialized and crowded. These themed parks know they have captive audiences with cruise travelers and charge exorbitant admission fees for a few hours of fun. "If your cruise ship docks in Nassau, you'll see many excursions to Atlantis offered. As such, prices to visit Atlantis for cruise ship passengers have skyrocketed in recent years. Considering you won't have more than a few hours at the resort when visiting on a cruise ship, it's tough to justify the price," Allie Hubers stated. 

For those looking to explore beyond manufactured thrills, local attractions offer an opportunity to dive into the destination's culture, natural beauty, and history. Supporting local attractions often comes with the added benefits of smaller crowds, lower costs, and a more relaxed pace. Not to mention, you can feel confident the money you've spent is helping the local economy instead of circling back to the cruise line.

Believe it or not, some travelers believe they'll get great deals on regular purchases if they make those purchases in another country. Sometimes, that is the case, but it's not usual at malls near cruise ports. Shopping malls are convenient for travelers looking to pick up essentials or spend time in a climate-controlled environment. However, they can have inflated prices and stock international brands found almost anywhere in the world. These malls often lack local charm and unique finds.

A Tripadvisor user described a local mall in the Bahamas as "More than a passable shopping centre for residents of New Providence but not worth the trip for any visitors." To capture the essence of a destination and support local economies, exploring local markets and boutiques can be a more rewarding option. These places often offer goods unique to the region, from handmade crafts to local fashion, providing a more meaningful shopping experience that reflects the culture and creativity of the area.

Visiting historical sites is a highlight for many travelers. Historical sites offer so much value and education, but unfamiliarity with the location may allow you to get caught up in a tourist trap. Some of these sites come with high entry fees that can add up, especially for families or groups. Researching less expensive yet equally enriching historical sites or looking for discount passes, free entry days, or combined tickets can provide cost-effective alternatives. Additionally, make sure you are not being taken advantage of by paying an admission fee where there is none. 

A Tripadvisor user shared that she felt that El Cedral in Cozumel was a "total ripoff." "You pay $3/person to gain access to a depressing, dinky little town surrounding a Mayan ruin that has no signage explaining it's significance. What a lost opportunity." Many destinations also offer free walking tours or have lesser-known historical sites that are free or request a minimal donation, allowing visitors to explore rich history without the hefty price tag.

Cable cars and funiculars are types of transportation systems that involve a cable attached to a car or trolley, but cable cars are not permanently attached to those cables, while funiculars are. Funiculars depend on a pulley system and are typically seen on mountainsides as they can climb steeper grades than cable cars. These unique modes of transportation may seem like a novelty or a must-do because of their uniqueness. While they offer spectacular views and easy access to elevated points of interest, they can sometimes come with a steep price tag. Regarding the Skyride to Paradise Point in St. Thomas, one Tripadvisor reviewer shared, "Paradise Point is way overpriced. $21 to ride the tram, $21 to ride the ridiculous Ferris wheel, $15 frozen drinks. Shops are expensive and nothing is original."

Before deciding on these transportation options, consider whether the view and convenience are worth the cost. In many destinations, alternative viewpoints can be found via hiking trails, offering equally stunning vistas without the expense. Exploring these alternatives saves money and adds an element of adventure and physical activity to your trip, allowing for a more immersive experience of the natural landscape.