Beat the Clock

Tips for Conquering Time Zones & Daylight Saving

Traveling through time zones can be tricky and daylight saving time (DST) can add an extra level of confusion. Cruise Planners is here to answer your most puzzling travel questions so you can make the most of every hour of adventure!

I’m cruising through different time zones, does the time on board change or stay the same?

When sailing in the Caribbean, ship time is usually the same time as the home port. For example, a cruise leaving from Miami will stay on ship time even if the port of call is an hour ahead or behind. In destinations such as Europe or Asia, the ship may observe local time – the time in each destination – so you may experience a time change or two during your trip. The captain will update you when this will take place.

I’m traveling during daylight saving time, how will this affect my trip?

When traveling during daylight saving or even through different time zones, it’s important to keep track of time in both your initial and end destination to make sure you’re where you need to be, when you need to be there. You’re travel agent is a great resource when trying to figure out any potential time changes you’ll experience.

How do I set my phone to have the correct time?

If you’re cruising and want to keep your phone on ship time, keep your phone on airplane mode. If you want your phone to automatically set to local time in your destination, connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible or keep cellular data on, but watch out for international fees! You can also change your time settings to “manual” and pick the time zone of your current location.

Where in the world do they observe daylight saving time?

Common travel destinations that DO:

-The United States

• When: The second Sunday in March and first Sunday in November
• Exceptions: Hawaii, Arizona, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

-Mexico

• When: the first Sunday in April and last Sunday in October

-Europe

• When: the last Sunday in March and last Sunday in November

-Australia

• When: the first Sunday in October and first Sunday in April
• Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, they fall backward when we spring forward!

These popular destinations DON’T:

-The Caribbean

• Exceptions: Bermuda, Bahamas and Cuba do observe DST

-Iceland

-Asia

Begin planning your global adventure with the help of a Cruise Planners travel agent…and don’t forget to set your clocks forward an hour Sunday, March 12!