Carribian Cruise – Caribbean Cruise

Posts Tagged ‘caribbean cruises’

If you’ve recently taken advantage of a cruise deal to the Caribbean, it’s likely that you told everyone you know that you just took the best Caribbean cruise. What made it the best cruise, however? Was it the atmosphere? Was it all the amenities? All the great food? All the great people? Or was it a combination of all the above? It’s likely that your cruise deal to the Caribbean provided you with the ultimate in relaxation, fun and that tropical vacation experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

What Don’t You Get?

Instead of asking what you get on a cruise deal to the Caribbean, you should ask what don’t you get. When you book your cruise deal to the Caribbean, you get a cabin with a large comfortable bed, a steward who will come and clean your room everyday, you’ll get a TV and often refreshments. And that’s just in your cabin. The entire cruise ship offers food, fun, entertainment, pools, sunbathing and so much more than you’ll never get bored. The best part is that you don’t have to drive anywhere, cook anything, clean anything, or do any work whatsoever. All of your wants and needs are taken care of by the cruise line’s friendly and attentive staff. That makes any cruise deals to the Caribbean well worth the money.

Get Off The Ship

Cruise deals to the Caribbean don’t just involve the entertainment on the ship. There are also the ports of call you’ll be visiting. You can get off the ship at these ports of call and mingle with the natives, you can shop, or you can take part in excursions such as horseback riding, snorkeling and scuba diving just to name a few. These excursions and shopping cost extra so you’ll want to find the best cruise deals to the Caribbean so that you can save up for all of the extra things you want to do.

Cruise deals to the Caribbean are perfect for the entire family. Young or old, there is so much to do on and off a cruise ship that nobody will ever get bored. Between the delicious food, the entertaining and friendly staff, the other passengers you’ll meet as well as all the entertainment, shopping and tourist photo opportunities, there will be fun for everyone involved so that everyone can easily say they just took the best trip if their lives.

If you want to travel to the Caribbean, you will soon learn that you have many travel options. Two popular choices among travelers just like you include Caribbean cruises and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. Which is your best choice? How should you vacation? Continue reading on for the pros and cons of each.
The Ability to Move Around Freely
Although cruise ships do port and allow guests to explore the area, you are limited in time. Cruise ships are on tight schedules. You may have a few hours or an afternoon at most to explore. You will spend most of your trip aboard the ship. This is okay, but not if you consider yourself to be an on-the-go person. All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are designed so that you never need to leave. There is so much to do and see right onsite. However, you can leave and explore local attractions if you wish. You can do so when you want and go where you want. Want to eat at an offsite restaurant or visit a local museum? Go right ahead and do it!
The Crowds
It is no secret that both Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts are popular. For that reason, regardless of where you go, you will find crowds. However, the key is to avoid them in large numbers. With cruise ships you are confined. Although the area in which you confided to is large, it may still be too much for you to get the utmost level of privacy. At an all-inclusive resort, if there are too many people at the pool, you can opt for a walk along the beach instead. Of course, you can also retreat back to your room too, but on cruise ships your room is much smaller in size. In fact, it is actually referred to as a cabin. If planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, you may want to avoid large, clustered crowds.
The Costs
For the most part, you will find that Caribbean all-inclusive resorts and cruises are comparable in costs. They are very similar. If on a budget, you could opt for either and still walk away with extra money. The key is to focus on extra costs. How much of that extra money will you need to spend? Not all cruises are all-inclusive. This means you may need to pay to eat, drink, and snack. Some forms of on deck entertainment may cost extra too. With all-inclusive resorts, there is a long list of inclusions. When something is labeled as an inclusion it means it does not cost extra. Although inclusions vary from resort to resort, you can find a lot to do onsite without paying extra.
Who Is Allowed
All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are classified based on guest allowances. For example, there are family resorts or resorts where guests of all ages are welcomed. You will also find singles, couples, and adult only resorts. The same is true for cruises too. Some cruises are known as family cruises and others, known as adult cruises, prohibit children from being onboard. It is a lot easier to plan a special all-inclusive Caribbean vacation. Resorts, regardless of the classification, are always there. On the other hand, your cruise options are limited.
The Spread of Illness
Although Caribbean cruises are safe to take, it is common to hear reports of illness spreading. Why does it seem to spread so easy? You are in close corridors. While cruise ships are large, you regularly come into contact with others and their germs. All-inclusive resorts have the same risks, but they are much less. Also, with cruise ships, you must consider your ability to withstand motion sickness. Those prone to it usually find the best luck vacationing on land. Don’t let your fear of getting sick hold you back, but consider how it may impact your trip.
As you can see, Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are pretty comparable. Both have their pros and cons. Which choice you should make? If you like sailing on the open waters, opt for a cruise. If you like the thought of having the world at your fingertips, stay at a resort. If you decide on an all-inclusive vacation, visit Breezes.com to make your travel plans.

What is there to do on a Caribbean cruise? The better question is what isn’t there to do on a Caribbean cruise? Whether you’re going by yourself on a singles cruise, you’re taking your significant other or you’re taking the entire clan, there’s something for everyone aboard these massive cruise ships. To maximize your fun, however, you should try to search for the best Caribbean cruise deal. This means getting your tickets for as cheap as you can while also getting the best perks for your money. There are cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deals offered all the time where you can take a relaxing trip to the Caribbean islands in style for much less than you’d normally spend. That means you’ll have more money for all the extras you may want to partake in or maybe you’ll be able to save some money for your next cheap Royal Caribbean cruise next year.

What Extras?

When you get a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deal, you’re not getting anything cheap; you’re just saving money. When you buy your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise ticket, you’ll get a beautiful cabin room, you’ll be able to eat at the buffets for free, you’ll be able to lounge by the pools, go see some entertainment shows and much more. There are some things aboard your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise that cost extra. These things include alcoholic beverages, food in some of the fancier restaurants, duty free shops and more. If you want to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to save as much money searching for a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise so that you have money left over to enjoy any extras you may want to take advantage of.

What About Excursions?

One of the best parts about taking a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise is when you stop at the ports of call. Depending on how long your cruise is, and where you’re going, you may have one, two or more ports of all. This is where the cruise ship docks and you’re able to get off to explore the island you’ve landed at. These ports of call often have excursions you can partake in. These excursions also cost extra but they’re a great way to get the most out of your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise and to explore the countryside. Some of the more popular excursions for cheap Royal Caribbean cruise lines include snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, tours of Mayan ruins and much, much more. The prices for these excursions vary but you should participate in at least one. That’s one more reason to find cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deals so that you can get the most out of your excursions, and of your cruise, as you travel to the Caribbean in style.

I have been on every Caribbean Cruise out there and for me there is one destination that stands out as the number one spot on any of the best eastern Caribbean cruises.  What makes it the top Caribbean cruise spot?  Is it the endless miles of gorgeous beaches?  Is it the amazing shopping and cute little stores?  Is it the unique snorkeling spots?  The answer is yes to all of them.  To truly be consider the top Caribbean cruise spot you really need to have all of those things.

The Number One Top Caribbean Cruise Spot – Saint Maarten

Some people love Saint Thomas and Saint Croix, but for me the one spot I always have to go when I am in the Caribbean is Saint Maarten.  There is so much to do here that there is no way that you can not consider it to be the top Caribbean cruise spot out of all the options.  Whether it is snorkeling, shopping or just laying on the beach Saint Maarten has it all.

Orient bay has almost one and a half miles of beaches so that you have more then enough real estate to pick you spot.  After a fun day relaxing on the beach you can go into town and try one of the many French Cafes that are all over the island.  Offering first class cuisine in a unique and absolutely original environment, this area has been called the French Riviera of the Caribbean.  

If you are looking to go shopping you can take advantage of the great prices at the islands duty free shops.  Many of these stores will have prices at 25-50 percent less then what you would see in the United States in Europe.  Merchant compete daily for your business and prices on jewelry and gems is very aggressive, so if you are looking for mementos this is the time to get them.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous you can go to Shipwreck cove and explore endless coral reefs and tropical fish.  In addition there are actual shipwrecks that you can scuba to if you are a true adventurer.  You can also take a Kayak tour of the many lagoons, estuaries and rivers that empty into the ocean.  These trips offer a unique look at the many exotic birds and wildlife of the island.

As you can see Saint Maarten has a little bit of everything for everyone.  This makes it to me the top Caribbean cruise destination in the islands.  It is up to you, but whatever you want to do you can bet that you will find it here in Saint Maarten.

If you are looking to plan you cruise and want to stop at the best eastern Caribbean cruise spot there are many different locations to choose from.  For me there are many different ones and choosing the best eastern Caribbean cruise location will come down to personal preference.  While I can not tell you what the best eastern Caribbean cruise destination is, I can give you some advice on what to look for when finding your personal best eastern Caribbean cruise spot.  Many of these same things will hold true for finding the best southern Caribbean cruise spot as well, so take note when planning your trip.

Must Haves For The Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Spot

The first thing you need to have is beaches.  Beaches are what truly make the Caribbean great, and miles of white pristine sand are the most iconic representation of this paradise.  I would look for an island with extensive public beaches that are within walking distance of lodging.  These should be easy enough to find and almost all of the destinations have access to this.

Part and parcel with the beaches is snorkeling and scuba diving.  The coral reefs in the Caribbean are some of the fines in the entire world and if you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving then finding a location that has unique and fun dives is a must.  Several of the islands give you the opportunity to dive on a real shipwreck, and if you can I highly suggest taking the chance to take advantage of this.

Next up is shopping.  One of the best aspects sometimes overlooked on the Caribbean islands is the shopping.  Many of the islands offer duty free shops where you can get 25-50% the price you would normally see in the US or Europe.  Specialties of these shops include jewelry and gems, so if you are looked for a prized memento I suggest finding an island that has many shops where prices are competitive.

Last up is dining.  There are some islands that have unique restaurants and even more unique cuisine.  I would take some time to do research on the islands and their local cuisine and if you find some you like, be sure to plan a stop.

As you can see there are many things that go into planning the best eastern Caribbean cruise spot.  My personal suggestion is your first to the Caribbean to schedule as many different stops as you can.  This way you can see as many different things as you can and find what you truly enjoy to better plan your next trip to this paradise.

There are so many spots to go on your Caribbean cruise that choosing the best southern Caribbean cruise destination is almost impossible.  I say almost because in my mind there clearly is a best southern Caribbean cruise spot.  I have been on many a Caribbean cruise so I feel that I can with confidence say the best southern Caribbean cruise destination is Oranjestad in Aruba.

Why Oranjestad is the Best Southern Caribbean Cruise Destination

The best southern Caribbean cruise destination differs from the best western Caribbean cruise destination in that it is highly influenced by the Dutch settlers while the western spots have a distinct Spanish feel.

Located on the gorgeous southern coast, Oranjestad is the traditional Dutch capital of Aruba.  Historic, tall multicolored houses and windmills dot the landscape combining carved wooded structures with open air Dutch tiled open air patios.  This charm is in contrast to the natural Caribbean beauty of the island but appears to have been blended together perfectly to give Aruba its unique atmosphere.  Throughout the island you can find snorkeling, scuba diving, exotic beaches, unique restaurants and shops and a teeming nightlife.

If you plan to go to Aruba I can recommend a couple of activities.  The first must see is the open air market in Oranjestad.  Fruits and other tropical products are out and display for you to purchase and sample.  Stroll through this genuine market and see all that the Caribbean has to offer.  Unique wines, liquors and other exotic goods are all there for you to browse.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world is De Palm Island.  This is a private island paradise that offers visitors a barbecue lunch and snorkeling in some of the most pristine waters in the world.  This water is packed full of coral and exotic marine life for you to explore.

One of the biggest draws to Aruba is the shopping.  The island features duty free stores that let you purchase merchandise at 25-50 percent off of what you pay in the States or Europe, so pick up some souvenirs and save a bundle.

As you can see there are many features to Aruba that make it a popular destination for all types of people.  There is literally something for everyone on this island paradise, but you really have to go there to see it for yourself.  I recommend booking a cruise with a stop here so you can see all that it has to offer.

When you want to take a vacation, there are so many choices you have that it can seem overwhelming. You can take a road trip, you can fly by plane, you can even take a cruise. A Caribbean cruise is probably the best time you’ll ever have on vacation, even if you take the entire family along. When searching for the best Caribbean cruise deals, however, you still have a lot of choices. You can go online to try to find last minute cruise deals on Royal Caribbean or you can call your local travel agent and have him or her do all the leg work for you. If you’re looking for the best Caribbean cruise deal, have your travel agent find it for you as they’re often the first to know about the best deals available.

Do You Have An Agent?

If you already have a travel agent that you work with, finding the best Caribbean cruise deal shouldn’t be too difficult. If you don’t have one, however, you can find one by looking online or in your local phone book. Travel agents get paid to find you great deals on vacations. They do all the homework for you, they book your tickets and any extras and you don’t have to do anything but pay for it. They make taking vacations very easy and they make finding the best Caribbean cruise deals even easier.

Where And When?

Call your travel agent, or the one you decide to go with, and tell him or her when you’d like to leave. If your vacation dates are open, tell the agent that. Sometimes, you can find the best Caribbean cruise deals by going during an off peak time. This could include hurricane season, when a lot of people like to stay off of cruise ships in the middle of the ocean in case a deadly hurricane comes through. However, these are often when the best Caribbean cruise deals are offered. If your vacation dates are set and you’re limited to when you can go, just tell your agent what dates you have to work with, what you’d like to do on your best Caribbean cruise deal and how many people you’re taking with you.

That’s it. Soon, you’ll get a call from your agent telling you that your best Caribbean cruise deal is all set up and you’re ready to depart. All you have to do is pay for it, pack and get ready to go on the vacation of a lifetime.

There are many options available to you when you are looking for the best Caribbean cruise.   I think that perhaps the best way for you to start deciding what is the best Caribbean cruise for you and your companions is probably for me to just tell you about my favorite one.  I have tried several, but to me the best Caribbean cruise I ever went on was the Heart of the Caribbean from Royal Caribbean this seven night eight date cruise was jam packed with adventure and fun.  Royal Caribbean is one of if not the best Caribbean cruise lines in the world.

The Heart of the Caribbean – Best Caribbean Cruise Anywhere

This best Caribbean cruise starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico and does an eight trip around the Caribbean.  From Saint Lucia breathtaking peaks to seeing Saint Thomas in a min-sub, this cruise has it all.  Each and everyday has something new for everyone on board, unless it is you second time taking it.

Your first stop on the cruise is in Oranjestad, Aruba.  Located on the southern coast of Aruba, this historic Dutch capital features traditional, multicolored houses give a completely unique feel to this majestic island.  The Dutch and indigenous peoples have mixed to give Aruba a feel all to its own.  In addition to the traditional side are many beaches, snorkeling and robust nightlife.

Next stop on the best Caribbean cruise is Willemstad, Curacao.  Curacao is the larges of six islands in the Dutch Antilles.  It seceded and gained its freedom in 1954 but like Aruba before it there is still a very strong Dutch influence on this island.  On this island you will have the unique opportunity to explore the Hato Caves.  There you can fine a mystical underground lake.  Once you cross it you can enter two large cavers that have ancient Indian pictographs.  This is one of the most memorable spots on this best Caribbean and a must see for any true explorers.

The next stop is Philipsburg, Saint Maarten.  The Spanish originally inhabited this paradise, but they decide to leave in 1648.  After they left Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and shared its bounty amongst themselves.  The French and Dutch decided to split the island in two, and this is how it remains today.  Amazing beaches, landscapes and shopping are the hallmarks of this tropical get away.

As you can see it is all the unique stops you get to go to that makes this cruise one of the best in the world.

Here are some ideas for your next, or only Caribbean cruise. If you’ve been thinking about enjoying one, now is the perfect time. There are many ship lines providing excursions and that gives you some options to choose from. Want to take a cruise but need a reason? Actually, any reason is a good reason to go on a ship excursion! Do what a lot of people are doing and plan your vacation trip around a special event: For example, take a wedding cruise or for your honeymoon so that you can spend your time in the sun with someone you love. There’s nothing like the memories you share when you take a Caribbean cruise together.

But, if you’re still looking for love, why not consider a singles cruise. These trips are designed to help you find romance in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean with like-minded singles. Forget the world cruise; everything you want and need is yours when you book a reservation on a Caribbean cruise.

How to get there…booking Caribbean cruises has never been easier. With cruise websites online you’ll be able to find great deals and Caribbean cruise vacation times that work for you. Start with an online booking to find the dates that work for you. Once you’re on the site, find a port of origin that your Caribbean cruise is leaving from and see if that port is convenient for you. Caribbean cruise ships leave from many ports so you have many options to choose from in order to find exactly the right one for you. Cruise companies try to make it very convenient to get to their ships by docking in major cities so all you need to do is arrange air fare to get you to the port city and you’re off! Many people enjoy this convenience to make last minute plans.

Paying for your Caribbean cruise…Caribbean cruise discounts are available if you are able to book in an off season or at the last minute. Sometimes, you don’t have to book your Caribbean cruise in the off season to get a discount; you just need to find the right website to give you the bargain cruise you deserve. If money is still an problem, you can still enjoy a Caribbean cruise in a way you might not have imagined. Your Caribbean cruise can be entirely paid for if you work in a cruise job on the cruise ship itself! Help other people enjoy their vacation and you’ll get paid on your Caribbean cruise!

Here are a few other options: if you’re a global traveler, perhaps the Caribbean is simply too small for you. No problem! Forgo your Caribbean cruise for a world cruise on a massive ship that will show you the globe! Wherever you want to go, you’ll find a cruise trip to take you there. Not sure where to start? A Caribbean cruise will be a vacation you’ll never forget!

Caribbean cruises are the most popular of all cruise destinations. And there are good reasons that they are the cruise destination of choice. Caribbean cruises offer you intriguing ports of call, beautiful white sandy beaches with azure blue water, all while enjoying the supreme service aboard your magnificent cruise ship. Caribbean cruises offer many activities for all age groups, so it makes a great family cruise vacation. And don’t worry about cruise terms, we’ve included it here.

During family cruise vacations there are activities all day long and they’re free. You have already paid for it in the price of Caribbean cruise. You get all your meals, your cabin, and entertainment included in the price of you family cruise vacation. This is one of the many reasons Caribbean cruises are such a great value.

The best aspect of Caribbean cruises is that once you board your ship you unpack once for the entire trip. No schlepping bags from airport to hotel over and over again. You will be in a new island almost every day with the travel between each port done at night, while you sleep. What could be easier?

Most of the top cruise lines offer Caribbean cruises. Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America and Carnival all offer a great variety of Caribbean cruise vacations. There are very formal Caribbean cruises or the fun and casual party cruise. Caribbean cruises are good if you are looking for adventure, golf or scuba cruises. Or maybe you would like to go on a relaxing cruise to enjoy the sea on a sailing cruise. You could plan a Caribbean cruise as a second honeymoon, even the first honeymoon, or a family reunion, or a special anniversary. You don’t even need an excuse to take a Caribbean cruise, do it just for fun. Or do it because there is five feet of snow and you need to see the sun and the sand.

Be sure to inquire about any discounted cruises for special groups, like teachers, police or fireman, or nurses. Many times a cruise line sees a certain cruise at a certain time of the year is filling up slowly so they offer special discounts to these groups. And if you belong to one of these groups band together, says as teachers from Pennsylvania and get additional discounts.

Now that you have decided to take a Caribbean cruise here is a glossary of terms used on Cruise ships. It’s the cruise terms or cruise lingo.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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