When considering a Caribbean cruise, the choices can seem endless. If you spend some time carefully planning your cruise vacation, you will be in a better position to get the most from it. This article will discuss a few things to consider while planning your dream Caribbean cruise. A good place to begin is by selecting the area where you would like to vacation. You can choose from three distinct regions:
Eastern Caribbean
The eastern Caribbean is comprised primarily of the British and American Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the divided island of Saint Martin. Many cruise lines will also incorporate a stop at Grand Turk in eastern Caribbean itineraries. Since you can cruise the eastern Caribbean anywhere from a weekend jaunt to a 10-night excursion, this region is an ideal choice for the time conscious. The most popular time of year to cruise the eastern Caribbean is from December through April. If beaches and water sports are your passion, you will find the British Virgin Islands an ideal destination. Old San Juan in Puerto Rico is full of historic monuments for your viewing pleasure. The dual-nation island of Saint Martin will allow you to experience two cultures in one stop. It is comprised of Sint Maarten, owned by the Dutch, on the southern half of the island and Saint-Martin, owned by the French, on the northern half of the island.
Western Caribbean
The western Caribbean includes the islands of Grand Cayman and Jamaica, destinations on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and Central American ports in Honduras and Belize. Most cruises to this area last between four and seven days. The peak season to visit the western Caribbean is December through March when the region is warm and typically free of storms. World class snorkeling in Belize, the Sting Ray City Sandbar in Grand Cayman, and hiking the breathtaking Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica are just a few of the highlights you will not want to miss in the western Caribbean.
Southern Caribbean
If you have a slightly more exotic inkling, the southern Caribbean might be your ideal destination. These islands are found off the coast of mainland South America. Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Barbados may not be familiar to you, but these southern Caribbean jewels merit your consideration. While some of these destinations are thought to lie below the hurricane belt, booking a cruise here from early June to late November is still not without risk. A traveler to this area will encounter a strong colonial influence as many of the islands continue to be related to the Netherlands, France, or the U.K.
You can depart for your destination from a number of cities on the eastern and Gulf Coasts of the Unites States with ports in Florida being among the most popular. All three regions of the Caribbean are frequented by the major cruise lines. If budget is a concern for you, keep in mind that cruising is considered by many to be one of the best values for your vacation dollar. When paired with the exquisite onboard dining, accommodations, and entertainment options offered by most cruise lines, a Caribbean cruise is almost sure to exceed your expectations of a dream vacation.
