Caribbean Cruises

Foremost among cruise destinations the world over, the Caribbean is home to the ships of cruise lines throughout the year. Taking a holiday on a Caribbean cruise is an excellent way for the visitor to immerse themselves in the region of the world, as the cruise offers a way to experience a variety of different sights and sounds over the course of a short period, often one or two weeks. Attempts to emulate a traveling vacation with the breadth of sites that a cruise can visit involve complex plans coordinating travel by plane or boat, lodging, and so on—quite an expensive prospect. The Caribbean is also an ideal to vacation for families, as both children and adults can appreciate the fantastic climate and the beautiful white sand beaches. What person would not be thrilled by the prospect of swimming with dolphins or snorkeling among reefs in the clear blue waters?

The Caribbean is home to thousands of islands, most of which are grouped into three geographic distinctions. To the east, travelers can visit Barbados, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and many of the “Saints”. To the west lie the Caymans, Mexico, and Jamaica. To the south, destinations such as the Dutch Antilles, Barbados, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago are available. Many cruise lines offer access to private islands, as well. For example, Disney cruises often stop for beach days at “Castaway Cay”. Due to overhead for the development costs, these ports can be quite costly for travelers, but they do offer a unique and secluded experience. Typical activities at the ports of call include snorkeling, beaches, hiking in tropical forests, swimming with dolphins, fishing, and experiencing Caribbean island culture in general.

Different cruise lines may be ideal depending on the circumstances of the travelers. For example, older adults or retirees may more thoroughly enjoy the routes and programming of the Holland America Line or Princess Cruises. Younger people who are looking for a more entertainment and activity oriented cruise might enjoy cruises from Carnival Cruise Lines or Norwegian Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line is of course an ideal venue for families with children, and other family oriented cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International. Smaller companies often offer more relaxing and laid-back cruises: examples include Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. For a more luxurious or upscale type of cruise, vacationers may want to look into smaller, boutique companies such as Silversea Cruises or the SeaDream Yacht Club. Budget friendly cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, the Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.

Tags: Cruise Caribbean Islands Vacation