Cruise secrets: Cruise worker reveals passengers take this big ‘risk’ on Caribbean cruises

“I imagined them dredging the bottom of the Caribbean sea, only to cover the badly sunburned bodies of passengers with braided and beaded hair, each clutching their soggy boxes of Tortuga Rum Cakes, perfectly sealed bags of illicit Cuban cigars, unopened bottles of rum and their winnings from hermit crab races.”

Fortunately, Kinser’s fears did not materialise and the tale did have a happy ending.

“Eventually the seas died down and the tender passengers wobbling and dehydrated and ready to punch the lights out of the captain, stumbled back aboard the ship,” he wrote.

Kinser cautioned: “When you step onto a tender, you are putting yourself at the mercy of the sea.

“Do it at your own risk, and bring a paper bag, Dramamine, seasickness patches, and plenty of water, and be sure to check the weather report.”