Deciding Between Different Caribbean Cruises

Answer 1

Most people envision the Caribbean as an ideal cruise destination. It is because of the Caribbean’s exotic, laidback appeal that there are a plethora of cruises to the Caribbean islands offered at all times from practically every major cruise line around the world. While any selection of Caribbean cruise is bound to be a peaceful, memorable experience, exactly which section of the islands a traveler chooses to visit is an important part of the trip-planning process. After deciding to take a cruise to the Caribbean, the next step is deciding exactly which of the locale’s 7,000 islands to visit.

Eastern Caribbean cruises usually include popular, well-known islands such as St. Martin, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Islands in this part of the Caribbean are closer together than those in the Western Caribbean, allowing for more time on land and less time on a boat. Activities in this area of the Caribbean are usually more focused on water-related attractions.

Western Caribbean cruises incorporate ports of call like Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Key West, the Dominican Republic, and many more. Islands in the western part of the Caribbean are farther apart than those in the eastern, making for time sailing and less on land. This means less shopping and tanning, but more varied adventures, including hiking in rain forests, scuba diving, snorkeling, and observing Mayan ruins.

Cruises geared toward the Northern Caribbean islands often include stops at the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Antigua, and Guadeloupe. Northern Caribbean cruises boast some of the most scenic, relaxing beaches in the world, including many found on Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Ports of call during cruises in the Southern Caribbean often include Aruba, Barbados, Trinidad, and Tobago. Islands in the Southern Caribbean have slightly more reliable temperature than those in other parts of the area, but only by a difference of several degrees. The area receives a considerable amount of rain, creating lush vegetation and plentiful rainforests.

Choosing between cruises geared toward different areas in the Caribbean is an essential preliminary planning step. Whatever the specific part of the Caribbean cruise travelers choose to explore, the region’s exotic beauty will make for an unforgettable trip.