Cruise Tour from Miami 348

Puerto Rico

Language

• The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English. While Spanish is more commonly spoken, English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Time Zone

• Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, which is two hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (MST) and one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Electricity

• Puerto Rico uses the same electrical standards as the mainland United States, with Type A and Type B outlets. The standard voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz.

Climate

• Puerto Rico features a tropical rainforest climate with year-round warm weather. Temperatures in coastal areas average around 85°F, while the mountainous regions are cooler, averaging 70°F. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so plan accordingly.

Health

• While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and healthcare facilities meet U.S. standards, it’s still recommended to have travel medical insurance in case of unexpected medical needs. No specific vaccinations are required for travel. https://www.travelexinsurance.com/homepage?location=44-0110&go=bp

Tips

• Tipping in Puerto Rico is customary but not mandatory, and it’s a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge exceptional service. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the bill is standard for great service. For housekeeping staff at hotels, leaving $1-2 per day is appreciated. When using taxis, it’s common to round up the fare as a tip. For tour guides, consider tipping $5-10 per person if the service exceeds expectations. While tipping is not required, it is a kind way to show gratitude for excellent hospitality.

Currency

• Puerto Rico uses the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller establishments or remote areas.

Transportation

• Car rentals are a popular option for exploring the island, as public transportation is limited. Ride-hailing services like Uber are available in larger cities like San Juan but may not operate in rural or remote areas.

Cuisine

• Puerto Rican cuisine, also known as cocina criolla, is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences. Don’t miss local dishes like mofongo, lechón, and pasteles. Coffee lovers should try locally grown Puerto Rican coffee, known for its rich flavor.

Shopping

• Local artisans sell handmade crafts like jewelry, pottery, and wood carvings, which make for great souvenirs. Don’t forget to bring home a bottle of Puerto Rican rum, such as Bacardí or Don Q.

Philipsburg

Language

• The official languages of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, are Dutch and English. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easy for visitors to communicate.

Time Zone

• Philipsburg operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is the same as Eastern Standard Time (EST) during non-daylight saving periods and one hour ahead of EST during daylight saving time.

Electricity

• Philipsburg uses European-style outlets (Type C and F) with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 60Hz. Visitors from the U.S. will need a voltage converter and plug adapter for their electronics.

Climate

• Philipsburg enjoys a tropical maritime climate, with temperatures averaging 80-85°F year-round. The dry season runs from December to April, while the wet season, which includes hurricane risk, spans from May to November.

Health

• Healthcare facilities in Sint Maarten are of good quality, but travel medical insurance is recommended for unexpected medical needs. No specific vaccinations are required for travel. Travelex Insurance Vaccination Information.

Tips

• Tipping is appreciated in Philipsburg but not mandatory. In restaurants, tipping 10-15% of the bill is customary for excellent service. For hotel housekeeping, $1-2 per day is a thoughtful gesture. Tour guides often appreciate tips of $5-10 per person, especially for exceptional service.

Currency

• Philipsburg uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) as its official currency, but the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are also commonly used, but carrying some cash is helpful for smaller vendors or markets.

Transportation

• Taxis are the primary mode of transportation in Philipsburg, with set rates for common destinations. Car rentals are available and ideal for exploring the island independently. Public buses are limited but can be a budget-friendly option for short trips.

Cuisine

• The cuisine in Philipsburg reflects a blend of Dutch, Caribbean, and Creole influences. Sample dishes like Johnny cakes, conch fritters, and callaloo soup. The island is also famous for its fresh seafood and guavaberry rum, a local specialty.

Shopping

• Philipsburg is a duty-free shopping haven. Front Street is lined with stores offering jewelry, electronics, cosmetics, and designer goods at tax-free prices. Local markets also feature handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs unique to Sint Maarten.

Haiti

Language

• Haiti's official languages are Haitian Creole and French. Haitian Creole is widely spoken by locals, while French is used in formal settings and by the educated population. English is less common but may be understood in tourist areas.

Time Zone

• Haiti operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) and does not observe daylight saving time, so it is on the same time as EST year-round.

Electricity

• Haiti primarily uses European-style outlets (Type A and B) with a standard voltage of 110-120V and a frequency of 60Hz. Travelers from most countries will not need a voltage converter but may require a plug adapter.

Climate

• Haiti features a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Coastal areas average 80-85°F, while mountainous regions are cooler. The dry season runs from November to March, and the rainy season, which includes hurricane risks, spans from April to October.

Health

• Medical facilities in Haiti are limited compared to global standards, so it’s recommended to have comprehensive travel medical insurance. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and consult a healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. Travelex Insurance Vaccination Information.

Tips

• Tipping is appreciated in Haiti, though not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is standard. Hotel staff and taxi drivers appreciate small tips for good service. For tour guides, consider tipping $5-10 per person, especially for exceptional service.

Currency

• The official currency of Haiti is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). However, the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted, especially in tourist and urban areas. It’s helpful to carry small denominations for local purchases.

Transportation

• Taxis and tap-taps (shared minivans) are the main modes of transportation. Car rentals are available but may not be ideal due to road conditions. Organized tours often include transportation, which is the safest option for travelers.

Cuisine

• Haitian cuisine features bold flavors and a mix of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Popular dishes include griot (fried pork), tassot (fried goat), diri ak djon djon (black mushroom rice), and legim (vegetable stew). Fresh seafood and tropical fruits like mangoes and coconuts are also common.

Shopping

• Haiti is known for its vibrant art scene and handcrafted goods. Look for unique items like metal sculptures from Croix-des-Bouquets, colorful paintings, jewelry, and woven baskets. Local markets are great places to find authentic Haitian souvenirs.