Arizona

What You Should Know About Caribbean Cruises?

"Have you ever wondered why many prefer the Caribbean to other cruises? It is no surprise to me. The Caribbean indeed offers the perfect setting for a great holiday. The Caribbean extends from 'Cuba to South America' place with vast expanses of sea and beaches. The interesting ports of call are more than thirty. The beaches and adjacent lands indulge you in varied activities and treat to cuisine's from all countries.

The Eastern Caribbean is usually the choice of first-time cruisers and those veterans who relish more at sea days. Three, or sometimes four, ports of call generally include St. Thomas/St. John, St. Martin/St. Maarten, San Juan, St. Croix, or various cruise lines private islands for a beach party.

Do you wish to surf? Are you passionate about simply dozing on the beaches without the interruptions of ringing cell phones or TVs? A Caribbean cruise is your best choice to do all of that. The vast areas covered offer varied tour programs. The area is so vast that they define it even as Easter Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean to distinguish the areas covered. The shorelines offer the most attractive destinations. The East and western Caribbean parts are the favorites of frequent cruisers.

Choosing an Eastern Caribbean cruise can become overwhelming with the many cruise ship lines sailing to many different ports in the Caribbean, and including the many choices in lengths of cruises. From a 3 day weekend cruise to a week to 10 days or more at sea, deciding on a destination can be challenging. You will find the clearest, most turquoise blue waters you will ever set your eyes upon anywhere in the Caribbean.

Caribbean cruises come in three distinct seven-day flavors: Eastern, Western, and Southern. Longer cruises of ten and eleven nights are frequently called something like Caribbean Circle.

For passengers who regard snorkeling and SCUBA diving a most-do, the Western Caribbean offers the best options. They include Key West, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, or a private island.

And Southern Caribbean cruises offer the choice of more island destinations for the inquisitive. Embarking in San Juan, ports of call may include Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Tortola/Virgin Gorda, Curacao, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and sometimes St. Thomas/St.John or St. Martin/Sint Maarten.

Aren't these islands all the same? Not a bit. Each has its own personality and stylesome derived from their colonial culture and geography.

How do you choose the right Caribbean cruise?

"It can be a tough task to decide which part of the: Caribbean you wish to cruise. Your basic interest and aim of cruising can play a crucial role in your decision. Do you want to treat yourself to a lazy holiday, just to lie on the deck, relax and do nothing? Then you could choose the Western Caribbean cruise as the ports are located far apart. The sailing time is more. You get to spend more time cruising in the sea than at the ports. The major ports are Jamaica, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Cayman Islands. The shore also offers scope for varied excursions into the inland. You can explore the historical ruins; go trekking in the forests or simply explore the land.

The Eastern Caribbean has many ports of call. You get shorter duration of sailing and more of shopping, dining and other entertainment's on the shores. You can always choose the ones that suit your interests.

How much will you spend?

It is indeed a crucial question." You may need a minimum of $100 -- $150 per day per person, depending on the accommodation you choose. A cabin with an ocean view costs more than a cabin located internally without ocean views.

However you may try and cut down cost by admitting one more person into your cabin and choose to share the cost. Many companies also offer discounted rates if you plan and book well in advance. They also go cheaper during spring and fall. The total price quoted includes port fees, federal taxes and cabins, most of the food and drinks and most of the onboard entertainment's. Cost of the connecting flights, transfers and hotel accommodation in the ports are not included unless specified otherwise. The total cost does not include cost of inland excursions, medical and other services you may choose to avail onboard.

Rejuvenate yourself in the Caribbean. Plunge into San Juan's El Yunque Rain Forest with hundreds of miniature orchids and the waterfall once believed to be the Fountain of Youth. Immerse yourself in one of St. Lucia's warm sulfuric pools full of special nutrients. Then explore the ancient Mayan temples and ruins in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. You'll find turquoise water and sun-drenched beaches as far as the eye can see. Go snorkeling. Go sailing. Go shopping. Whatever you do, you'll go home smiling.