Carribian Cruise – Caribbean Cruise

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As you are exploring Caribbean vacation options, do not look just at the islands and cruises traveling between them. Mexico has a beautiful Caribbean coast, complete with paradise beaches, unique cultural destinations, and luxurious resorts. A Caribbean vacation to Mexico might be perfect for you the next time you plan a getaway.

When planning a tropical trip to Mexico, look at locations on the Yucatan Peninsula. This peninsula is made up of Mexico’s Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo states, as well as parts of Belize and Guatemala. As found in much of the Caribbean, the climate in this part of Mexico ranges from sunny and warm to extremely stormy. This region is in the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, which means it is susceptible to wind damage and flooding. Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. Late August to the end of November is considered the off-season and rates to Mexico are usually lower. At all times of the year, however, you can visit some of the famous tourist destinations in this area.

If you like to dive, Valladolid in Yucatan is your ideal destination. This town is the site of a number of sinkholes, which are connected via underground streams and caves. In some of the safe spots, you can swim, as well as dive into these underground caves with a tour guide. This is a unique opportunity for any diver, as you can see locations different from the typical ocean dive.

The Yucatan peninsula is also famous for its Mayan sites, which you can find in archaeological zones such as Kabah and Labna. One of the most famous of these is the ceremonial Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes an observatory, a ball court, and pyramids where they put on shows. A number of the Mayan sites offer guided tours, while at some you can also explore on your own if you want.

If you are more interested in what the coast has to offer, you can check out any of Mexico’s beaches in this area. Cancun is an extremely popular destination for international tourists, as it has a number of resorts and hotels with direct access to the beach. Along with sunbathing, you can try snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and a number of other marine activities. The great thing about the weather in this area is that, with the exception of hurricane season, rain usually clears rather quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach.

Are you planning an upcoming trip to Mexico’s Caribbean Coast? If so, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:

¨ Apply for your passport early. Yes, United States citizens need a passport to get into Mexico and back home, even if you travel there via boat. You should apply for your passport at least three months prior to your date of travel, and it is better to apply about six month in advance if you can. Keep your passport in a safe place while on vacation, such as in your hotel safe.

¨ Do not drink the water. This is not an urban legend. When you are in Mexico, ask for bottled water, because the tap water contains bacteria that could make you sick. Locals have built up a tolerance, but as a tourist, you can become sick.

¨ Make sure you check customs laws. Without proper paperwork, there are certain items that you should declare when you come back into the United States. If you are going to shop while on vacation in Mexico, make sure you can keep your items! This can save much frustration and stress because by checking customs laws you know what can be brought back into the country.

You have a number of booking options when looking for a place to stay in Mexico. First, you can look for a hotel and plan your own activities. The cheapest options are inland, away from the coast, but remember that you may have to pay for beach access whereas hotels on the beach often give guests free access. You can also look at all-inclusive resort options. These can be very affordable and they give you more options with less time spent planning.

Even if you do not want to spend your entire Caribbean vacation in Mexico, you can use this as a starting point to for a cruise. Many Caribbean cruise lines spend time in Mexican waters before moving on to some of the islands you can find in this part of the world. Most people do not realize that Mexico is a prime location for a Caribbean vacation. This location should not be overlooked because along with unique cultural opportunities, Mexico can be more affordable than other island vacation options.

What better way to escape those cold weather doldrums than a relaxing cruise to a warm destination. Cruises offer all the amenities of home, and many more. The all inclusive nature of a cruise vacation makes it easy to relax and put the thought of cold weather and work behind you.

Choosing a destination to escape those cold weather blues can be a fun challenge. There are many options for warm weather cruising. Some may choose the more exotic routes such as the Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, or even the Nile River. Others may choose the allure of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. Still some prefer the South Pacific or the Mexican Riviera.

All of those destinations have a lot to offer, but the five destinations below are the top five for the warm weather seeker.

Multi-Destination Caribbean Cruise

This is by far one of the most popular cruise choices. The Islands of the Caribbean have so much to offer. They are as diverse as they are similar. The sandy beaches, blue waters, and lush jungles entice many visitors to jump ship at each port and explore the many offerings.

These cruises range from a 3 day excursion to 10 day island-hopping expeditions. Some cruises focus on only a couple of islands, while others make a swing around the entire area. On board the ship you can enjoy the entertainment and meals, while resting up for the day trips to the islands. Scuba, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, or simply exploring villages and mountain trails, are all examples of some of the adventures that await you on the islands.

While it is impossible to experience all the Caribbean has to offer in one multi-destination cruise, it does allow the traveler the opportunity to sample a little of each culture.This smorgasbord of experiences opens new opportunities for future vacation planning.

Barbados

While we are still in the Caribbean, Barbados is a superb destination. With nearly constant 80 degree temperatures, soft sand beaches, cool blue waters, and lush vegetation, this is a vacationer’s paradise; a relaxing cruise to the island makes it even more enjoyable.

Barbados offers a rich cultural history coupled with many modern amenities. Friendly, laid back people also make this a choice destination. Throw in some great water recreation, posh resorts, and a hopping nightlife and Barbados becomes an even better choice.

Hawaii

Although not well known as a cruise destination, Hawaii has always been a warm weather destination for travelers. The problem for most vacationers was choosing which island to spend their vacation on. A cruise through the islands eliminates that choice. You get to experience them all.

You could choose a cruise that started in Honolulu and then hop to each island for a great cultural and entertaining vacation. The time aboard ship could be used to rest up between visits to the islands. This is a great way to experience all the islands have to offer in a short amount of time.

For those who enjoy the on-ship part of the cruise the best, there are cruises that depart Mexico or British Columbia and float across the pacific for a very relaxing trip. These are much longer excursions. The onboard time can be spent enjoying all the amenities the ship has to offer before embarking on the many island adventures.

Aruba

Another Caribbean destination, Aruba, is well known for its nightlife. Aruba has often been called the Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas, with its many lavish casinos and upscale resorts. This island relies on tourism to keep it going, with over fifty percent of its gross national product coming from tourism. That explains why the people are so open and friendly.

The trade winds help keep the temperatures down from the extremes, but the arid, dry climate promises plenty of beach weather. Days spent on the beach and in the warm waters, coupled with nights spent enjoying the resorts and casinos equals fun and relaxation. A low crime rate just adds to the air of relaxation.

U.S. Virgin Islands

This popular string of islands is a hotspot for cruise ship tourism. St. Thomas is the port of choice for shoppers. There are many other attractions and beautiful beaches, as well. Many cruise ships focus their trip on St. Thomas alone, and the passengers are not disappointed. However, the other islands cannot be ignored.

St. John is not a common cruise ship destination, but it is an easy ferry trip from St. Thomas. St. John offers a great look at the nature and history of the islands. And, if it is history you are looking for St. Croix is the destination of choice. It is rich in history with many historical attractions. And Water Island, although not on the cruise ship docket, is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas and offers a relaxing taste of paradise. With less than 200 residents it is an unspoiled gem in the chain of islands.

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.

A Caribbean cruise vacation is something everyone should experience. Waking up to a crystal blue ocean, greeting you as you make your way to a tropical island shore is reason enough to visit the sea to the south. However, as great as a Caribbean cruise can be, a little bit of planning before you cast off can make your cruise and island experience even more enjoyable. Pre-trip planning is crucial to ensure the most enjoyment from your cruise. There are many important points to be considered beyond just where to go, when to go, and how to get there.

The warm temperatures, sunny beaches and variety of cultures make the Caribbean a popular winter cruise destination. The Caribbean Sea contains over 7000 islands, inlets, and beautiful coral reefs. Since the hurricane season generally ends in November, the weather is a promising feature during the winter months. Cruises to the Caribbean can be a very relaxing, fun-in-the-sun vacation, especially when well planned and coordinated.

The Caribbean has something to offer for every cruise vacationer. The choice of destination should be determined by what the vacationer would like to experience. Some travelers look for popular nightlife spots, such as Aruba and Barbados, while others would rather focus on the inland jungles, mountains and towns a specific island may offer. The weather, of course, is huge draw to the Caribbean, and its pristine beaches are heaven on earth for many. It is a good idea to research several destinations and choose the one that appeals the most to you or your family.

If you are not traveling with children, you may also want to plan the trip to correspond with a special date such as a wedding anniversary, birthday, or perhaps even Valentine’s Day. This can easily develop into a tradition. The history and romance of the many Caribbean destinations help make them ideal for developing new traditions. A little research before the trip will help you plan the right vacation experience to make your cruise holiday perfect.

After selecting the date, you will want to pick the specific trip and cruise line. At this point you should have a basic idea of where you want to go. Also, most travelers have a set budget in mind. Considering these aspects you will be able to narrow down your choices and with a little digging you can find the best cruise to fit your specifications.

There are many online resources to explore when researching and comparing cruise lines and specific destinations. When investigating cruises it is important to consider the value of an all-inclusive cruise versus a regular cruise. For some the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive cruise is worth the expense while others would prefer to save the money and pick and choose their extras.

Packing for the cruise can require a little strategic planning. If you know you will be spending most of your days on the beach then swimwear, beach towels and suntan lotion will take up a lot of space in the luggage. Of course, it is important to pack some clothing for inclement weather, but even rainy days are warm in the Caribbean. If the cruise is mostly spent on the ship, then planning for on-board entertainment will be important. Swimwear, active wear, and formal wear are all essentials on a cruise ship.

Although there are many variables to consider, there are some crucial items to bring with you. Remember to bring important documents such as your passport, proof of citizenship and visa if necessary. Also, it is a good idea to bring along a few copies of your airline tickets and your cruise ship information. Your medical insurance cards and any record of medical history should be included as well. Many vacationers bring a pre-paid phone card if they will be roaming on their cell phone or will be unable to get reception in the tropics.

A currency conversion chart is also a great idea for those who will be visiting several islands. Most islands are specific countries or territories with their own money. Traveler’s checks have been popular for some time, and when you are away on you Caribbean cruise keep your cash separate from your travelers checks just in case you loose your wallet or bag.

The enjoyment you find on a cruise can last a lifetime. There are some specifics you should plan out before you cast off. A little planning can make the vacation even more relaxing. While planning where to go and how to get there is important, there are many other points to consider for the perfect vacation. To plan the perfect Caribbean cruise vacation, take a bit of time before so you can enjoy your time sailing through the paradise that is the Caribbean islands.