When you take a cruise, you can quickly burn a hole through your wallet, between the drinks, casino and the day-spa onboard.
In addition to those fees, many people say yikes when they add up the prices of some of the day-trip excursions that are offered to cruise passengers. If you are worried about your budget, we have a solution to your problem with day passes to local resorts that are budget friendly.
Cruise day excursions range from playing an 18-hole round of golf, to scuba diving, sightseeing tours, 4-wheel ATV adventures through the rainforest, etc. While some of these options such as a sightseeing tour start around $50 per person, others go up to $500 a person.
On a typical seven-night cruise, you will have about 3-5 ports of call, with each port of call offering land and sea excursions for an additional fee. That can really add up and is also very time consuming. Think about, if you book a round of golf, you must get off the ship, get transportation to the course, get a rental set of clubs and get balls, tees, etc., set up and warmed up, then play a 4 to 5 hour round, then get transportation back to the cruise ship. All that together could add up to six or seven hours of your time in port. Most ships only stay docked in port between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so that means you would not have any time to see the rest of the island or even have time to have a cold one on the beach!
In addition, if your cruise ship is not the only ship in port, this seriously lengthens the wait times for transportation, dining, and shopping. Small islands like Grand Cayman, that offer beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and fantastic weather year round, can have four or five cruise ships all arriving on the same day. With each ship holding 3,000 to 5,000 passengers there can be a lot of extra people crowding this small 75-square mile island.
So we have an alternative that is not only less time-consuming, cheaper and by far more relaxing, resort passes! Such passes offer all-day access to resort amenities like pools, lounge chairs, water sports equipment, activities, food and beverages. Some even may include meals at upscale restaurants and daytime use of resort rooms, depending on the number of open accommodations. What's great about such passes is that they are affordable on just about any budget, are often less expensive than shore excursions and provide just enough extras to keep cruise passengers occupied, relaxed, well fed and very comfortable!
It is far better to pay a few bucks to have the comforts of a cool pool, towels, deck chairs, food and adult beverages at your fingertips than spend the afternoon in port killing time and getting hot and sweaty. What is great is that you can come and go as you please with these day passes, which means you can still sight see and shop, then come back to the hotel for a cold beverage and some R&R under their palm trees before heading back to the ship.
We do recommend that you hail a cab to most of these resorts from the cruise port. Cabs that are at the port are authorized to be at the port and are a far safer and cheaper option. Some resorts do offer transfers from the port for an additional nominal fee, which you can arrange prior your cruise. We suggest that you check out the links below to find a resort that offers the amenities you want, is within your budget, has the hours of operation you want and that it is close enough to the port so that it does not take up your day getting to and from the resort location. Checking these things in advance will provide you with a cheaper in-port option and a stress free vacation.
While some resorts like Sand Castle on the Beach in St. Croix are great for a bargain, some of the others we found others to be not economical, unless you're traveling with a large group or are planning on eating and drinking at the resort the entire day.
Remember that if you don't want to get off the ship, you don't have to, and ships usually offer significant discounts on spa treatments while in port. Plus ships keep their dining rooms open while at port, so you can still get a full-service meal for lunch and the bars usually offer 2-for-1 drinks during this time period.
Check out some of the resorts below. We think they are of great value and are a great way to see and experience some fabulous 4-and 5-star resorts, and their amenities, without having to pay their expensive nightly rates!
Please remember that just because we don't have every property in the Caribbean listed doesn't mean that a hotel you are interested in doesn’t offer a day pass to cruise passengers. Call your favorite hotel direct and see what they can offer you. You will usually have better luck with hotels offering deals and discounts in the off-peak travel seasons, especially during September and October.
Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua What They Offer: Pass prices varies depending on if you add on drink and accommodation options. Open from
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $110.50;
- 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., $88.50;
- 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., $188.
Prices include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks, but do not include accommodations. Sandals is a couples' resort , no children allowed. For More Info: Visit Sandals' Web site
Jolly Beach Resort & Spa What They Offer: This resort in Antigua offers lots of options for day passes.
OPTION 1-Valid 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.Includes full breakfast, house brand beverages, lunch, water sports (non-motorized) Price: US$75 per adult (Ages 12 and above) US$45 per child (Age 3-11)
OPTION 2- Valid 10:15a.m. - 5:00p.m. Includes continental breakfast, house brand beverages, lunch, water sports (non-motorized) Price: US$60 per adult (Ages 12 and above) US$36 per child (Age 3-11)
EVENING PASS- Valid 6:00p.m. - Midnight Includes dinner, house brand beverages and entertainment Price: US$70 per adult (Ages 12 and above) US$42 per child (Age 3-11)
ALL DAY PASS- Valid 10:15a.m. - Midnight Includes continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, house brand beverages, water sports (non-motorized) and entertainment Price: US$97 per adult (Ages 12 and above) =US$59 per child (Age 3-11)
A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS Valid for dinner 6:30pm - 10:00pm Includes food and house brand beverages during dinner Price: US$54 per adult (Ages 12 and above) US$33 per child (Age 3-11)
For More Info: Visit Jolly Beach's Web site
Aruba
Occidental Grand Aruba What They Offer: Passes are $80 for adults and about $40 for children, offer access to all amenities, including a buffet lunch, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price does not include use of a room. For More Info: Visit Occidental's Web site
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino What They Offer: The day passes offered at this Aruba resort include transportation to the resort's private island, a lunch and a drink. The cost is $75 per adult and does not include use of a room. For More Info: Visit Renaissance Aruba's Web site
Barbados
Turtle Beach Resort What They Offer: $100 per adult a day pass includes access to the resort's beach, pool and non-motorized water sports equipment from 7:30am to 6 p.m. Also included are breakfast, lunch and drinks. Kids are $50 per child. For More Info: Visit Turtle Beach Resort's Web site
Cozumel, Mexico
El Cid La Ceiba Beach What They Offer: $75per person for a day pass which includes access to the resort's beach, pool, drinks, and food. Passes do not include room usage. For More Info: Visit El Cid's Web site
Hotel Cozumel & Resort What They Offer: Passes include the beverages around the pool, food from the resort's snack bar, and access to the resort's beach. The cost is $30 per adult and $15 per child from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost does not include a room. For More Info: Visit Hotel Cozumel's Web site
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort What They Offer: Pass are for $12 per person. Included in the price are access to the resort's beach and pool, as well as chairs, towels and umbrellas. NOTE: This price may vary depending on the season. It could be as high as half of room rate. The price does not include a room, meals or drinks. For More Info: Visit Grand Cayman Marriott's Web site
Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa What They Offer: A Day Pass can't be purchase at the hotel, but apparently you will be able to purchase it through the cruise line. Price may be as high as 50% of room rate. For More Info: Visit Westin Casuarina's Web site
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sandals Montego Bay What They Offer: Passes come in three varieties:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $89;
- 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., $89; and
- 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., $130.
Prices include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks, but do not include accommodations. Because Sandals is a couples' resort for those 18 and older, no children allowed. For More Info: Visit Sandals' Web site
Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark What They Offer: Passes include access to resort pools, waterslides, white-sand beaches, activities and games, and non-motorized water sports. All meals and drinks are also included in the price, which is $60 per adult and $40 per child. An additional 5 percent discount is available to groups of 16 or more people. For More Info: Visit Sunset Beach Resort's Web site
Nassau, Bahamas
Atlantis Paradise Island What They Offer: Passes include most of the resort's must-see sights and marine habitats. You'll also have access to the beach which also includes a lunch. Passes are $69 for adults and $40 for children 4-12. NOTE: These tickets are first come first serve, Room is not included. For More Info: Visit Atlantis' Web site
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort What They Offer: For $25 (half price for children, ages 4 to 12), visitors gain access to the resort's beach (chairs and towels) and pool. Not included are meals, drinks and room usage. For More Info: Visit Sheraton Nassau's Web site
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Spa & Conference Center* What They Offer: Passes include access to resort pools, waterslides, white-sand beaches, activities and games, and non-motorized water sports. All meals and drinks are also included in the price, which is $60 per adult and $40 per child. An additional 5 percent discount is available to groups of 16 or more people. For More Info: Visit Sunset Jamaica Grande's Web site
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort What They Offer: Resort passes are valid from:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $85
Prices include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks, but do not include accommodations. Because Sandals is a couples' resort for those 18 and older, no children allowed. For More Info: Visit Sandals' Web site
Roatan, Honduras
Fantasy Island Beach Resort What They Offer: Four different resort pass options:
- $15 per adult for a welcome drink, live music, towels and chairs;
- $25 for a welcome drink, live music, towels, chairs and a lunch buffet;
- $30 for a welcome drink, live music, towels, chairs and transfers to and from the cruise port; and
- $40 for a welcome drink, live music, towels, chairs, a lunch buffet and transfers to and from the cruise port in Roatan.
Children (11 years old and younger) are half price for each option. Rooms are not included. For More Info: Visit Fantasy Island's Web site
Mayan Princess Beach Resort What They Offer: Included with these $10-per-person day passes is access to the resort's beach, pools, chairs and towels. Not included meals, drinks and room usage. Children three years old and younger are admitted at no cost. For More Info: Visit Mayan Princess' Web site
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino What They Offer: Passes include access to the fitness center, pool area, lounge chairs and showers. Meals, drinks and rooms are not included. Children's passes can be purchased for $15 for those 12 years old and younger. For More Info: Visit San Juan Marriott's Web site
Intercontinental San Juan What They Offer: Passes are $199 per adult. However, pass-holders are entitled to use all resort facilities, as well as a room for the day. Meals, drinks and transportation to and from the port are not included. For More Info: Visit InterContinental's Web site
St. Croix
Sand Castle On The Beach What They Offer: Situated on a stretch of white sandy beach, you will find crystal clear, turquoise-emerald green water to swim, snorkel, scuba-dive or simply relax. Reserve early for umbrellas, lounge chairs, use of the hotel's facilities, pools and enjoy the convenience of the on-site beach front restaurant with delicious food, tropical and local drinks. Lunch served on the beach, at the pool or in the Beach Side Café!
$5 Per Person The Day Pass Includes: Hotel Facilities Located On The Best Swimming Beach On St. Croix. Outdoor Shower. 1 Lounge Chair Per Person. Restrooms.
Umbrellas are Available for $10 Each with purchase of 2 Beach Passes
Special Beach Package ** 2 Lounge Chairs, 1 Umbrella & 2 Rum Punch for $25
For More Info: Visit Sand Castle on the Beach Web site
St. Kitts
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino What They Offer: This resort offers with-room and without-room options. Daytime use of accommodations, the cost is $65 per person. Without a room, the cost is $35. Either way, pass-holders are entitled to use of the resort's pool, spa and restaurant. Meals, drinks and spa treatments cost extra. For More Info: Visit St. Kitts Marriott's Web site
Timothy Beach Resort What They Offer: This resort offers no day passes, but that's because cruise passengers are allowed to use the pool, beach chairs and towels FREE of charge. For More Info: Visit Timothy Beach's Web site
St. Maarten
Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa What They Offer: If you're traveling with your family or as part of a group, this resort offers day passes for up to five people for 50% of current, regular room rates. Current day-pass rates are about $271 (including taxes and resort fees). The price includes the use of a room for up to five people between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., as well as use of the resort's pool, lounge chairs and towels. Meals and drinks are not included. For More Info: Visit Westin Dawn Beach Resort's Web site
Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino What They Offer: Passes here include use of all resort facilities, including the pool, as well as all food and beverages during the day. Prices are $30 for children (ages 5 to 11) and $65 for adults. For More Info: Visit Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort's Web site
St. Thomas
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa What They Offer:
For $65 per adult, pass-holders receive lunch, two drinks, beach chairs and access to the pool, beach and spa. For $75 per adult, pass-holders get everything above, plus access to the resort's fitness center, sauna and hot tub facilities. For $83 per adult, snorkeling gear ($25 deposit required) and one activity (choose from a bumper-boat ride, a game of tennis or one round of miniature golf) are added to everything named above. And, for $90 per adult, pass-holders can choose two of the three activities named in the $83 pass package in addition to all other amenities previously mentioned. Children 12 and younger are admitted free, and those 13 to 17 are half price for each package. For More Info: Visit Wyndham Sugar Bay's Web site
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort What They Offer: Passes here run of the expensive side at $220 per party. It's a per-party charge -- not per-person. So, the more people in your group, the lower the overall cost per individual. With the pass, visitors have access to the beach and pool facilities. However, room access, meals and drinks are not included. For More Info: Visit Frenchman's Reef's Web site
Bestfares.com is not liable for inaccuracies as hotels can revoke or change these offers at any given time due to the capacity of the resort during certain time periods.
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