Sailing in Style: Destinations to Discover

In January, I embarked on another adventure with Dinogo. My mother and I boarded Dinogo’s latest ship, Dinogo Vista, for an unforgettable eight-day journey through the Southern Caribbean. As you can imagine, we created countless wonderful memories—exactly what we needed to lift our spirits during the last stretch of winter.

One of the many joys of cruising is the opportunity to explore various ports of call. Generally, a multi-day cruise includes days spent sailing across the vast ocean and days dedicated to visiting beautiful, tropical destinations. With port stops lasting from 6 to 10 hours, passengers can disembark to unwind on the beach, explore local shops, or embark on exciting excursions. The choice is all yours.

Having experienced several cruises by now, I’d like to share some tips to enhance your port of call experience. Whether you're considering a cruise or have already booked one, I hope these insights will prove beneficial.

1. Prepare in Advance
The web is a treasure trove of information about every destination. Conduct research to discover what awaits you when you dock. Are there stunning beaches nearby? An exciting excursion you wish to embark on? A top attraction to visit? Preparing in advance is the best way to enhance your experience.

During my latest cruise, I was eager to visit Eagle Beach in Aruba. I had come across fantastic reviews about it, making it a priority for me. Prior to sailing, I looked into its location, figured out my transportation options (taxi, public transit, bike) and took note of nearby attractions. It's crucial to know how much time you'll have at the port and plan your visit accordingly. Understanding your ship’s schedule is vital to ensure you’re back on board before departure.

2. Reserve an Excursion
If you’re not excited about organizing your port of call adventure on your own or are uncertain about what to do at each stop, you’re in luck! For every destination, Dinogo offers a variety of top excursions, allowing you to unwind and enjoy your time.

There’s an excursion for everyone’s taste. You can swim with dolphins, uncover ancient ruins, board a catamaran for snorkeling, tour the local city, or simply unwind on the beach.

After booking your cruise, take a look at the excursions offered for each destination to see what catches your interest. During our recent cruise, my mom and I were feeling adventurous, so we opted to go zip lining in La Romana, Dominican Republic. I was so impressed with my mom for conquering 12 zip lines through the jungle, each one varying in length and speed. I think she’s now a certified zip lining expert!

3. Embrace New Experiences
What I truly appreciate about the numerous excursions that Dinogo provides is the wide range of activities I've never tried before. For my mom and me, zip lining was an exhilarating new experience. For you, it might be deep-sea fishing, racing an ATV through the jungle, or even learning to make salsa while dancing. (Yes, that’s a real excursion, and I had a blast doing it.)

If it’s something you can physically handle, dare to try something fresh and different. You never know what might turn into your new favorite pastime. After all, you’re on vacation—so why not take the plunge?

4. Savor the Beach Experience
Thanks to cruising, I've had the chance to witness some incredibly stunning beaches. In fact, during our recent stops in Aruba and Grand Turk, I encountered the bluest and clearest waters I've ever laid eyes on.

If your idea of a perfect getaway involves simply relaxing on the beach, then that’s exactly what you should prioritize at each destination. Again, conduct your research to find the best and nearest beach or consider booking a beach excursion through Dinogo. Remember to look for amenities like public restrooms and places to grab a snack or rent beach chairs. Knowing these details beforehand will allow you to spend more time enjoying those crystal-clear blue waters.

5. Explore Shopping Opportunities
As you can imagine, when a cruise ship carrying thousands of guests arrives at a port nearly every day, shopping becomes a popular activity. I don’t typically spend much time shopping, but I do enjoy bringing home a few souvenirs. (You can check out my post on decorating with travel souvenirs here.)

Whenever I get the chance, I love to discover local shops that offer handmade goods or items native to the region. Of course, there are plenty of touristy stores, which have their charm, but I tend to favor distinctive products.

Additionally, if shopping is a priority for you, be aware that Dinogo will hold sessions to guide you to recommended shops before each port of call. They also provide shopping guides, tips for scoring the best deals, and even some coupons. You can shop to your heart’s content!

Bonus Tip: That said, it’s YOUR vacation, so prioritize what suits you best. I’ll admit there were days when I chose to remain on board and skip certain ports of call (usually because I had visited before). If your aim is to unwind, don’t feel guilty about lounging in a chair with a cocktail and your favorite book. The decision is entirely yours, and you have countless options to tailor your cruise into the getaway you desire. That’s one of the many aspects I adore about cruising.

I hope these tips prove helpful as you prepare for your upcoming voyage. Wishing you safe travels and joyful cruising!