Disney Cruise: Part 6... The Ports

There are typically three ports to visit on a 7 day cruise.  This past November, on the Disney Wonder, we sailed to Falmouth Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Ports, in general, are commercially scripted, generic stores placed by the big cruise lines. Whether you travel to Nassau, or Ketchikan or Cozumel you will find stores like Diamonds International, Del Sol, Cariloha, EFFY Jewellers etc.  The cruise ship (regardless of brand) will offer you a port shopping map of "approved" stores. Consider this your passport to paying the cruise ship a commission. You'll be able to but the same t-shirt in every port... just with a different location stamped on it. Hardly a taste of the local culture and products. www.portshoppingspree.com will give you an idea of the other shops.

As far as Disney Port Adventures, consider them a safe bet. A Disney Approved, family focused activity that has been proven worthy. YES, you can find cheaper "guided tours." YES, you can explore the port on your own, but, here's how I look at it... if I am going to be in a strange community, with my CHILDREN I do not need to take any unnecessary risks. That's great I have the Canadian Consulate phone number with my passport, but what on earth is that going to do for me in the first hour of a child abduction or a tragic accident?  Better safe than sorry. So, that's why I have chosen to pay the 10% higher Disney tour prices rather than trying to figure it out myself or choose something spontaneously at port based on my instincts.

The ports are literal points of entry to a country. Be prepared to declare your purchases, show your identification and submit to questions and inspection.

Most ports are very modern, very organized and very safe shopping districts policed by the Country's border security team, as well as the individual cruise line staff. This is one of the reasons that cruises are such popular ways to visit the Caribbean and island hop.

Fun fact: Each port visit, the Disney Wonder raised the flag of the country we were visiting.

Port of Falmouth Jamaica. A very modern, well-kept shopping district.
Many local artisans and food eateries were also set up here.
It was a safe, organized place to meet your tour guides and head out to explore Jamaica.