Posts Tagged ‘caribbean cruise’
Great Cruise Vacation In The Caribbean
Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.
With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.
Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.
But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.
There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.
Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.
The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.
Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.
If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.
Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.
The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.
You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.
By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.
For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.
Great Cruise Vacation In The Caribbean
Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.
With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.
Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.
But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.
There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.
Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.
The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.
Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.
If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.
Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.
The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.
You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.
By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.
For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.
Great Cruise Vacation In The Caribbean
Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.
With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.
Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold.
But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting.
There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.
Let’s talk a little bit about these companies.
The Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau.
Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing.
If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn’t afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick’s Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships.
Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami.
The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded.
You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.
By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.
For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don’t forget to also plan your air travel so you don’t miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.
How To Truly Experience The Caribbean While On A Caribbean Cruise
One of the most popular destinations to cruise in the world is the Caribbean. While you are having fun and adventure of a life time on board, lets look at what the Caribbean is.
The word Caribbean conjures up visions of many beautiful sandy beaches, vacation paradise and a lifestyle most people can only dream of. There are more than 200 island territories in the Caribbean; it is home to millions of people too.
It would be extremely advantageous to understand the geography, history, diversity, economy of the region and what it can offer to the average tourist. This can only add to your experience as a visitor.
The Caribbean is defined as the Bahamas and the Antilles. The Antilles are further divided into the Greater Antilles, consisting of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. Many of the Caribbean islands’ original inhabitants were members of one or other of the two indigenous tribes, the Caribs and the Arawaks.
The Spaniards were the first to colonize the area, following the discovery of the West Indies by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The other Europeans namely the Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch follow suit. Power and control of the region changed hands in the various islands over the years, depending on the desirability of the particular location, and a given nation’s ability to defend it.
As a visitor, if you’re interested in the history of the region, your best bet would be the larger islands or territories; those whose history of European occupation is longest. A good example would be the Dominican Republic, where you can see where Columbus first landed on his maiden voyage to the New World in 1492.
If you can make it to Cuba, you will not be disappointed by the Spanish architecture in Old Havana. With the Cubans’ understandable economic priorities and pressures, if the ravages of time allow the buildings to survive, this will be a treat for generations of visitors to come.
To be sure, each of the islands and territories has its own place in the history of the region, but simply with a greater or lesser story to tell. The really small islands offer great scenery, mostly great weather in the dry season, and a sheer brilliance in tropical color that is a welcome shock to the senses. And yes, great beaches for you to enjoy. This stuff is so commonplace in the region that local inhabitants take it for granted.
As for nightlife; any resort will necessarily have its fill. However, if you enjoy things ‘closer to the edge’, the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is hard to beat. This occurs officially on the Monday and Tuesday just prior to Ash Wednesday.
But if you truly want to experience the Caribbean and all it has to offer, the absolute best advice is to befriend one or more local families. That is when you will experience true Caribbean hospitality. And a better ‘tour guide’ you will never find.
A Caribbean Cruise Is The Perfect Getaway
The Caribbean is the number one vacation spot for thousands every year. It appeals to so many because it offers so much. You’ll find sun, sand, warm water and multitudes of friendly souls. Keep reading to learn why the Caribbean is so popular.
The Caribbean generally consists of the group of islands that find their home in the Caribbean Sea. The east coast of Mexico is sometimes considered part of the Caribbean as well, most notably Cancun, Cozumel, and the Mayan Riviera. This area of the world enjoys wonderful weather year round and is one the hot spots for pensioners heading south for the winter, otherwise known as “snowbirds”.
With so many beautiful places and islands in the Caribbean, how do you decide which one to visit? Each island has its own unique charm and history. Many of the islands host fascinating ruins that are the artifacts left behind by the original inhabitants to the area. If you head to the Mayan Riviera, the archeological sites and the ruins are awe-inspiring. These ruins date back to Mayan times. Some of the islands have a multi-national population, such as the island of Saint Martin (Sint Maarten). Half of Saint Martin is Dutch, and half are French. The two territories are unique and offer tourists different sites to explore.
One of the sights that you won’t want to miss when you visit the Caribbean is the island of Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe consists of two islands: Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The islands have a huge Creole influence and culture, merging a flamboyant blend of African and French traditions. Guadeloupe is famous for its wonderful beaches and resorts, as well as its rum! When you visit Guadeloupe you will be pleasantly surprised as you travel the islands visiting the many beaches, the modern cities, and the out of the way inlets.
Another of the Caribbean Islands that is a treat to visit is St. Thomas, which is known by sailors the world around as one of the yacht capitals of the world. The shopping in St. Thomas will keep you busy for hours before you head back to your private villa or exotic resort.
When you visit Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, you will be able to dine at one of the many restaurants that line the streets before talking a stroll along the boardwalk. If you are in the mood for staying out all night you can indulge yourself in one of the many bars that can be found along the coastal waters.
Regardless of which Caribbean Island you choose to explore, you can always be assured of blue pristine waters, beautiful beaches and amazing sunshine. You’ll always find something to grab your attention and make you want to keep coming back for more.
Escape the Cold-the Top Five Caribbean Cruise Destinations
The Caribbean is arguably the number one cruise destination in the world. The tropical chain of islands offers sun and fun with enough variety to keep it interesting and exciting. The tropical location keeps the temperatures warm, while the ocean breezes make it comfortable. The exotic beaches, mixed with luxurious accommodations, make these truly island paradises.
The Caribbean encompasses over 7000 islands, islets, cays and reefs with an island chain that spans 2500 miles. These islands encircle the Caribbean Sea. The ownership of these islands was contested during colonial times and many of the territories changed hands several times before reaching their current status. Due to their location along the Western trade routes these islands have a rich history.
The top five Caribbean destinations will depend on the goals for your vacation. Most of the islands offer plenty of beaches for sun and relaxation. The tropical waters offer plenty of underwater enjoyment as well. Some of the islands offer lush tropical forests to explore or tall mountains to hike. The cost of entertainment on most of the islands is reasonable. The following are five of the most popular cruise destinations from last year.
1.When deciding to take a cruise to the Caribbean to escape the winter cold and blues, the most popular choice has to be a multi-destination cruise. A cruise that swings through several of the islands in a nice 7-day vacation can give you the best variety. You will get a taste of the different cultures and each stop will leave you wanting just a bit more, as any good vacation should. The time spent on the ship can be used for rest and rejuvenation between beach excursions that may include diving, submarine voyages, hiking, biking, or any number of other exotic adventures. The rich history and cultural diversity in the region makes each beach excursion a trip in itself.
2.Another very popular cruise destination in the Caribbean is Barbados. Barbados has a fairly constant 80-degree temperature. This island has lush vegetation and great, white sandy beaches. It has a good mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The people are very friendly and approach life with a laid back attitude. Plenty of duty free shopping abounds. Also, water sports, great resorts and a hopping nightlife make this a great destination for fun in the sun.
3.If nightlife excitement is what you are looking for, then Aruba would be a good stop. The story on the seas is that Aruba is the Caribbean’s version of Las Vegas. Its upscale casinos and luxury-packed resorts will satisfy even the most expensive tastes. The trade winds help cool things off on the island, as well. The dry, arid climate promises sunny days for enjoying the beaches. This island knows how to treat its tourists, which is why half of their gross national product is earned through tourism. Add to that a low crime rate and you have a great destination to relax and have some fun.
4.St. Lucia is another great destination in the Caribbean chain of islands. This is a good choice for sheer beauty. The approach to the island on the ship is breathtaking and the undisturbed nature on the island provides a glimpse at the past. Trails through the secluded coves and lush, green vegetation offer a relaxing opportunity to reconnect with nature. The beaches are carpeted with golden sand. Don’t be mistaken, however, the capital, Castries, is a lively place. There are plenty of shops and attractions to keep even the most urban traveler busy.
5.The Dominican Republic attracts many people for its beaches. It does have the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the 10,164 foot Pico Duarte, but it is the beaches and resorts that attract most of the visitors. The fairly constant tropical temperature, ranging from 78 to 88 degree Fahrenheit, is also a popular attraction. It is also a good destination for shorter cruises due to its close proximity to the U.S. It has a good selection of all-inclusive resorts in the southeast. History can be found in the buildings in the capital city, Santo Domingo. If kiteboarding and windsurfing is your thing, then the North-central area of Cabarete would be a great place to visit. Overall, if you are looking for sun and relaxation the Dominican Republic is a good stop.
Whether the goal for your vacation is just relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the hills and jungles, the Caribbean has a lot to offer. While a single destination cruise gives you the chance to fully explore an island, a multi-destination cruise will give you a taste of many different cultures. If you want to escape the gold and grey winter a cruise to the Caribbean is a great choice.
Boomers, Seniors Eligible for Discount of up to 50 Percent on MSC Poesiaâs 2009-2010 Caribbean Cruises
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. â The calendar may say itâs nearly summer, but now is a good time for Baby Boomers/Seniors ages 50 or older and their families to plan ahead and save up to 50 percent on MSC Cruisesâ exciting Caribbean cruise fall and winter getaways.Boomer/Senior Saver prices are available on new bookings of select 3, 5, 7 and 10 night 2009-10 Caribbean cruises of MSC Poesia when at least one guest in the stateroom is 50 years of age on the departure date.Families can save even more off the retail price with MSC Cruisesâ âKids Sail Freeâ offer â kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults. Itâs a great opportunity for grandparents to spend some quality time with their grandchildren, too. Boomer/Senior Saver rates on 5 night Caribbean cruises begin at $399, with rates on 7 night Caribbean cruises beginning at $549 and 10 night Caribbean cruise rates beginning at $749. Rates on the 3 night Bahamas cruise itineraries begin at $239.Cruise-only rates are per person, double occupancy (government fees and taxes are additional) and are available for select sailings and stateroom types. Additional restrictions may apply.For more information, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com or a local travel professional.
About MSC CruisesMSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the â6 Golden Pearlsâ award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.
How To Choose The Best Caribbean Cruise
After availing the “Caribbean cruise” majority of people who love to travel will never ever forget the cruise. If you haven’t experience it, don’t wait and make your decision quickly. This is because a cruise will provide you lot of excitement, observance of different cultures, an amazing feelings and interaction with different people. Cruises to the Caribbean have been popular since long due to beautiful ports in its way especially Western Caribbean itinerary because it gives you the opportunity to spend more time at sea.
Just the sound of a “Caribbean cruise” is enough to excite anybody who loves to travel. You may suddenly find yourself thinking about the activities that you’re going to do and get excited even more. This is because a cruise offers opportunities to learn about different cultures, interacting with new kinds of people and having new experiences that you will cherish for life.
Choosing a Caribbean cruise itinerary is therefore important when you make this trip and that will depend on your budget, expectations, and interests. It is best to start deciding on the length of your cruise. Most would recommend seven days for first timers but it really depends on your schedule and finances.
Different itineraries are available for the adventurous spirit. A Caribbean cruise offers both short- (five-night) and long (seven-night) trip schedules, both with exciting itinerary lined up. For first timers, the Western Caribbean itinerary may be to your liking. It can give you the opportunity to spend time at sea usually for two days and visit Central American and island ports. You can also choose from several ports where you can embark so it really gives you great choices to plan for your trip easily. A western Caribbean cruise usually includes ports in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Jamaica; and Bahamas. There are opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, exploring the Mayan ruins and other scenic spots that you will truly enjoy.
There is another itinerary that you can consider as well: the one that cruises the Eastern part of the Caribbean. This time, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico are part of the itinerary stops. You will enjoy exploring the rainforests, swimming, combing the islands, rock climbing, or just lying on the beautiful, sparkling beaches. There are also two to three days at sea so you can enjoy the serenity and breeze. Cruise ships are packed with amazing amenities that include ice skating, boxing, fine dining, spa and fitness, mini-golf and swimming facilities. There are entertainment features as well so you will never get bored during the trip.
The Southern Caribbean itinerary presents different discoveries as well. Islands are far from each other and take a longer time to reach so an eight-day schedule is a wise option. Your day at sea may be shorter than other itinerary lists but you can enjoy the exotic beaches and visit Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, Grenada and St. Bart’s. You may need to depart from Puerto Rico or Barbados if you choose this trip.
There are so many more to choose from so if you have time and the money, why not just try them all out?
5 Tips To Make Your Caribbean Cruise A Success
Planning on taking a cruise in the caribbean? These five tips will help you make your cruise a great one!
1. Everyone thinks of only one clothing item to pack when planning a Caribbean cruise; their swimsuit. Eventually, several tank tops and shorts are packed, as well. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, so you should always include a light jacket and at least one set of warm clothing, as rainy days and cool weather can sometimes surprise the most well prepared travelers. When filling your suitcase, be sure to remember sun block, sunglasses and sun burn ointment, just in case. To ensure maximum enjoyment, bring your camera, some reading material and your favorite portable music player with music.
2. How much cash can you carry and still feel safe? A good rule of thumb is to carry as little cash as possible. ATMs have made this much easier and more convenient to achieve. Cash may be required for some island shopping excursions, as well as, for the customary tip at the end of the cruise. Try to use an ATM whenever possible, though, to avoid carry excess cash.
3. Leave your house in good hands while you are gone. This will help you relax and thoroughly enjoy your cruise. Make sure that you plan ahead of time for someone to watch your pets, if you have any. Also, it is a good idea to have a neighbor, friend or family member check on your house every few days while you are gone. Have them retrieve your mail regularly or place your mail on hold at your local post office for the duration of your stay. Leave close friends and family members contact numbers for the cruise line and any on shore locations in case of emergency.
4. Being sick is never a good way to enjoy a Caribbean cruise. Do your best to stay as healthy as possible before you leave on your cruise. Because sickness can pop up at unexpected times, bring any medications you’d need for different sicknesses. And, find out the best way for you to prevent sea sickness.
5. Above all, choose a destination that interests you and fits within your budget. Find out which durations and destinations best suit your interests and your cruise experience. A first time cruise passenger might find that a shorter duration cruise is more to their liking. Gradually work your way to longer cruises. Popular cruise destinations are popular for a reason. Stick to the main destinations for your first time, and let your experience guide you on future destinations.
Caribbean Cruises – Paradise Awaits – Part Two
Part One of “Caribbean Cruises – Paradise Awaits” covered the growing popularity of cruising and highlighted the Eastern Caribbean. Let’s move onto the two other areas of the Caribbean you might want to cruise to.
Western Caribbean A Diver’s Paradise
The Western Caribbean has a more tropical flavor than the Eastern Caribbean and is becoming increasingly popular with cruisers. Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel and Costa Maya are among the most popular destinations in the West. Most ships that depart from Texas and Louisiana ports usually travel to this part of the Caribbean because it is so close and you will probably find the departure ports less crowded than ports like Miami.
Beautiful weather abounds year round but be aware that hurricanes can occur around the end of October to early November.
Snorkeling and scuba diving is world renowned and is perfect for those looking to spend their time engaging in water activities. Unique to the Western Caribbean are magnificent ancient Mayan temple ruins that are well worth taking the time to visit.
The Grand Cayman islands are easily the most popular destination in the Western Caribbean and are made up of three islands; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Brac. As it is a British Territory there should not be any language concerns and because of their Westerly location the Caymans are normally hurricane free making them ideal to visit any time in the winter.
Southern Caribbean Unwind In Lush Tropical Beauty
Lastly, we have the Southern Caribbean which is considered to be one of the last unspoiled tropical regions in the world. Antigua, Barbados, Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands are the major tourist destinations in the area and they are all equally beautiful.
The dead of winter is the best time to cruise the Southern Caribbean and since this part of the Caribbean is not as popular yet it is less crowded and less expensive. The Southern Caribbean attracts the traveler that wants to get away from it all for some well deserved peace and quiet.
As temperatures in the Southern Caribbean remain pretty constant and tropical storms and hurricanes are unusual this is a perfect cruise destination for anyone wanting to see unspoiled natural tropical beauty. The Southern Caribbean is a perfect place to relax and unwind in some of the most beautiful settings in the world and the beaches will not disappoint.
With so many choices it can be hard to decide on which part of the Caribbean to sail to but rest assured you can expect a vacation you will always remember. Whether you plan to dive, shop, or just bum around on some secluded beach enjoying the sun you will find the Caribbean is just what the doctor ordered.