Frequently Asked Questions

A Smarty Ports guide is a practical, self-guided eBook for a specific cruise port. Each guide covers where to go, how to get there independently, what things actually cost, and the best local spots, all based on firsthand research by real cruisers. They are designed to replace expensive shore excursions with a better, cheaper experience you plan yourself.

Every guide includes: step-by-step self-guided itineraries timed to your ship's schedule, terminal-specific logistics, transportation strategy for getting around independently, local food and culture worth knowing, safety tips, and what to avoid. Guides intentionally leave out specific restaurant names, tour operators, and exact prices, since those change often. Instead, each guide links directly to current, vetted picks on smartyports.com, updated independently of the book.

Each guide gives you the framework: timing, logistics, and what to expect from every category of activity. For current, specific picks, which excursion operator, which beach club, and current pricing, every guide includes a direct link to a dedicated page on smartyports.com for that port. Those pages are updated independently of the book, so recommendations stay current even as vendors and prices change.

We research every guide with in-person visits and update them regularly. That said, port conditions, prices, and transportation options can change, we always recommend verifying key details before your sailing. If you spot something outdated, please let us know via the contact page and we will review it promptly.

Smarty Ports is fully independent. We are not sponsored by, affiliated with, or paid by any cruise line, and no cruise line or tour operator can pay to be included in a guide or influence a recommendation. Some booking links on the vetted-picks pages linked from inside each guide are affiliate links: if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list excursions and providers we have personally used or thoroughly vetted, regardless of whether a link is an affiliate link.

All Smarty Ports guides are available exclusively on Amazon Kindle. Click any "Buy Now" button on this website to go directly to the Amazon listing for that guide.

No Kindle device required. You can read the guides on any smartphone, tablet, or computer using the free Kindle app, available for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Download the app, purchase the guide, and it will sync to your device automatically.

Yes, and this is one of the key features. Once you download the guide to your device, it is fully available offline. No Wi-Fi or cellular data needed. We recommend downloading your guide before you sail so it is ready the moment you step off the ship.

Pricing is set on Amazon and may vary. Visit the guide's Amazon listing for the current price. Our guides are priced to be a small fraction of what you would spend on a single shore excursion, and the savings they help you find will far exceed the cost.

Returns and refunds are handled by Amazon under their standard Kindle content return policy. Amazon typically allows returns of Kindle books within 7 days of purchase if the content has not been substantially read. Visit your Amazon account or contact Amazon customer service for assistance.

We recommend downloading the guide at least a few days before you sail. This gives you time to read it, plan your day, and make any arrangements (like booking a taxi or reserving a restaurant) in advance. The guide will remain available offline once downloaded.

Most activities can be done without pre-booking, but some popular spots, especially beach clubs, may benefit from an advance reservation during peak cruise season. The guide will note where advance booking is recommended so you can plan accordingly.

Yes, with the right information and common sense. Every Smarty Ports guide includes a safety section specific to that port, covering which areas to stay in, what transportation is trustworthy, and what to be aware of. Millions of cruisers explore ports independently every year and have a wonderful experience.

We are actively working on new guides for additional Mexico ports and Caribbean destinations. Check the Port Guides page to see what is available and what is coming soon. If you have a specific port you would like us to prioritize, let us know on the contact page.

The best way to stay notified is to follow our Amazon author page, where new releases will appear automatically. You can also check back on this website regularly, the Port Guides page is updated whenever a new guide launches.