Arjun Singhe asked:


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.



Kathleen

Ali asked:


We have been on a Royal Caribbean Canada/New England cruise, Royal Caribbean Eastern Caribbean cruise, and a Holland America Canada/New England cruise. This summer we are going on the July 6 Freedom of the Seas Western Caribbean cruise. How is that?

Christina

Arjun Singhe asked:


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.



Julie

Cindy Heller asked:


The winter season affects our mood and if you feel like getting out of the rut, an eastern Caribbean cruise might be the cure. That what your physician might prescribe; a trip to energize and restore you to the usual vibrant self again. At times the cold, harsh winter makes you feel less lively but the sun soak Caribbean will reinvigorate you.

If there is a lack of vibrancy in your life, consider a cruise vacation to the eastern Caribbean and that might restore you. The idyllic and beauty of the eastern Caribbean islands has so much to offer, not just to relax and revitalize but adding the zest that is missing at the moment.

Lacking a focus in your life and negativity creeps in but a vacation to the eastern Caribbean island will take your mind of it as you will be too busy enjoying the cruise to think about it. The charm of the local, beguiling sights of the islands, sun basked beaches and the fun-filled activities will make you forget the dull, monotonous routine that have engulfed your life. Once done with the cruise, you will want to consider a second trip.

The trip can be by yourself or with your folks but an eastern Caribbean cruise will have everything for everyone. Plenty of entertainment such as casino, shopping, dancing to live music and be treated like royalty by crew members serving you meal and drinks when you are lounging by the deck pool. The cruise can be for just a few days to weeks, depending on how long you want to be pampered.

Do not hesitate; book you ticket right now and have the cruise of a lifetime as there are just about every package for all budget types. Caribbean is a world away from your monotonous and dull existence and a cruise to re-energize your spirit and soul as well as your body.

On the other hand a western Caribbean cruise can offer just as much. Majority of the Caribbean cruise liners provide the cruise to western Caribbean as it is very popular with vacationers. Among the benefits are the opportunity to tour various islands and partake in their history with locations such as Mexico and South America and occasional ports of Key West and New Orleans.

Get ready the necessary documentations as you will require it and now majority of the cruise liners requested for it to deal ahead with the modification of the travel laws from 2008. From there, you can check up the offer for western Caribbean cruise by checking up the places you will like to stop over as well as the right vessel for you.

Majority of the cruise liners strictly abide by a quality standard in service and dining but they have different packages for diverse types of travelers. For instant if you are bringing along the kids, then check up one which has plenty of activities centered on them

It is necessary to plan ahead to avoid disappointment, for instant, the types of programs they offer and the appropriate type of attires to bring along. Both formal and casual wears are necessary and some vessels require you to adhere to strict dress codes. Check with the western Caribbean cruise liner and pack accordingly. A sturdy and comfortable shoes is essential for the trip to the islands, thus with sufficient preparation, you can enjoy your cruise to the western Caribbean with assurance.

You can seek romance and bask in the sun on the beautiful beaches for your southern Caribbean cruise. Similar to the eastern and western Caribbean cruises, you will be treated like royalty. All sort of entertainment will be on offer on the southern Caribbean cruise and you will get plenty of meal, beverages, music and activities. Like-minded people seeking romance just like you and you might find your companion onboard.

Get rid of your inhibitions as everybody will be just like you and with plenty of activities on the southern Caribbean cruise organized around couples, you will have a partner for all programs. Most will be unknown to you but that where your journey begins on your search for a partner.

After the entire introduction and mixing around, you can spend time with the special someone on a dining date. As the vessel is so huge, with plenty of private dining areas; it just likes your personal yacht. You can also spend time exploring the idyllic islands. Take in the sights; mix with the charming local, shop for souvenir you’re your chosen companion. You may never know that it will spark a romance to last a lifetime, so let loose of the inhibitions and enjoy yourself fully on the southern Caribbean cruise.



Sam

CG asked:


I had a few suggestions such as Dominican Republic, Cuba, Miami, Mexico and Brazil, but I’m not really sure of how to develop those ideas. I would also like some other countries from the Caribbean that don’t include Puerto Rico, becaue we’re there already.

Leslie

Mary Hanna asked:


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.

Aft is the rear or near the rear of the ship Amidships is the middle of the ship Bow is the very front of the ship Bridge is the navigational control center Colors are the national flag flown by the ship Deck Plan is an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms Dock is where your ship will “park” when in port Forward faces the front of the boat Gangway allows you access on and off the ship Knot is a nautical mile Leeward means out of the wind Pitch is how much the ship will roll (not very much, if at all) PAX is cruise terms for passengers Book a cruise is to make a cruise reservation A Cruiser is you, the passenger Port is the left hand side of the ship while facing forward (bow). Easy to remember since port and left have four letters Stack (sometimes called smoke stack) is the ships “chimney” Starboard is the right side of the ship while facing forward (bow). . Stateroom or berth is your cabin Steward’s are personnel on the ship for your cabin and dining room Stern is the very back of the ship Daily Activity Log lists the various activities on board Now that you can know your Cruise terms, all you have to do is call your cruise travel agent and book one of the many Caribbean cruises that are offered. Book as a family cruise vacation, your honeymoon or anniversary or just because you want to experience Caribbean cruises.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.



Paula

Arjun Singhe asked:


If you are looking to do something different on you Caribbean cruise, I highly recommend looking into Costa Maya.  Costa Maya has quickly become very popular and is now when of the best western Caribbean cruises you can take.  If you are looking to go to Mexico, but do not know what to look for then this best western Caribbean cruise is perfect for you.

What Makes Costa Maya The Best Western Caribbean Cruise Destination

Not rich in history but rich in history may sound strange, but it is this that makes Costa Maya stand out as the best western Caribbean cruise.  The best way to describe it as an amusement park for adults on a private island.  This area was created from scratch specifically for cruisers and tourists, so naturally it has everything you would want to make it a best western Caribbean cruise.  Nestled right near the border of Belize, this man made village has bars, restaurants, shops and pools all around.  There are performance stages and all manner of entertainment for travelers including its own crocodile pit. 

One of the big fears traveling throughout Mexico is the drinking water.  The founders of Costa Maya worked with Coca-cola to create an internal water sanitation system so that all of the water in the park is safe to drink.  While this is all interesting and makes Costa Maya great, it does not put it on the level of best western Caribbean cruise destination.  For that you will have to venture a little bit outside the friendly man made village.

Here you will find Chacchoben, a Mayan city dating back to 350 A.D.  Here you can explore and experience the ancient history of the Mayan peoples and still be able to venture back to the comforts of civilization when you are done.  This crazy juxtaposition of worlds is what makes Costa Maya truly unique and the best western Caribbean cruise destination.

You can also visit Majahual, a costal sea village home to fisherman and some of the freshest and most ceviche you will ever find.  White sand beaches, shallow surf, and many locals make this a hot spot for relaxation.

If you get a chance, swing by this new and unique tourist destination and see everything it has to offer.  With some of the most modern amenities in the Mexican Caribbean, you can truly enjoy everything that this paradise has to offer.



Douglas

Rich Gonzalez asked:


As our journey begins, we will be looking at some of the best places on all three points of the Caribbean. From the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean to the vibrant, colorful, ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico touching the Western Caribbean to the fabulous duty free shopping of the Southern Caribbean, we will take a first hand look at what cruising to these spots has to offer vacationers.

We begin first with the Eastern Caribbean Cruise itinerary, both rich in culture and offer breathtaking scenery. The itinerary usually includes the Bahamas (located in the Atlantic Ocean) and islands of the Eastern Caribbean which include St Thomas, St. Maarten – St. Martin, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Most cruises to the Eastern Caribbean begin in Florida, with some departing out of Texas and sometimes when the Ship is repositioning, it will depart out of one of the North East ports.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is a hub of activity. With its colonial forts and interesting sites, Nassau’s downtown area is perfect for walking and offers some great shopping opportunities. Atlantis, a world-class resort is located in Nassau, and must be seen to be believed. Nassau is a must see on your trip to the Bahamas.

The scenery alone are worth the visit to the lush island of St. Thomas, USVI, not to mention the duty free shops and treasure –filled boutiques that are abundant for shopping aficionados. Some points of interest include Fort Christian, a US National Landmark and the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Island and Government house, which has been the center of government in St. Thomas since the mid 1860’s.

The cultural aspect of St. Maarten – St. Martin, split between a French side and a Dutch side, makes it unique. St. Maarten, the Dutch side, is lively with casinos and a bustling nightlife. This nightlife is known to be the most energetic in all the Caribbean. St. Martin, the French side, is more docile with very little nightlife, but it does have the opportunity to taste some terrific food. Beautiful beaches surround both sides of this wonderful island.

With its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder the Dominican Republic brings visitors back again and again. Christopher Columbus landed here during his exploration of the new world and declared it in the name of Spain – Santo Domingo, today, is home to some of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Covered with spectacular white sandy beaches, and warm waters perfect for your water activities, Dominican Republic is one stop you won’t soon forget!

Some great cruise deals going on to the Eastern Caribbean are:

1. $379+: 7nt Bahamas Cruise Vacation Deal

2. $1079+: 8nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Sailing mostly out of Florida and Texas, the Western Caribbean cruises invite you to experience such places as the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Key West, Florida. Each with its unique distinctions, these spots have a world to offer any traveler.

Cozumel, an island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a popular destination renowned for its snorkeling and scuba diving. This vibrant, colorful island is home to the ancient Mayan ruins and ultra-modern resorts. It also has some of the whitest powder sand and the clearest blue water you will ever see!

Although Jamaica has quite a few different spots to visit while on your Western Caribbean Cruise, make sure your itinerary includes Dunhill River Falls and/or Negril, Jamaica.

Ochio Rios, a city on the northern coast of Jamaica, has gained popularity among tourists as it is touted as being one of the safest areas for tourists in Jamaica. Two must sees when you go to Ochio Rios is the Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cover, where visitors are able to swim and interact with dolphins.

Negril has been rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by many travel magazines. South of downtown Negril is West End Road, known as the cliff area. This area offers good water for snorkeling and diving, and if you’re really daring, jumping points reaching more then 40 feet high. Rick’s Café is the place to watch the cliff jumpers. Consider one of the 1,000 places to go before you die, Rick’s Café not only entertains you with cliff jumpers, but has some of the best sunsets are some of the best in the world.

Another stop on your Western Caribbean cruise is Key West. Lying near the end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys, Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. Located north of Cuba and southwest of Miami, this laid back spot offers fun with its trolleys, great bars and music, and a plethora of water activities such as jet ski tours, kayak tours, and some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. If you are still around Key West during the early evening - don’t that you are in one of the most magnificent spots to view the sun set.

Take a closer look at some great deals to visit these and other islands in the Western Caribbean.

1. $499+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise

2. $599+: 7nt Western Caribbean Cruise – President’s Week

Finishing off the Caribbean cruise excursions is the Southern Caribbean.  Mainly departing from Puerto Rico, cruisers enjoy stops including Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. 

Antigua is the absolute ‘beach-bum’ vacation destination.  Priding themselves on having a different beach for every day of the year, Antigua’s beaches are lined with soft white sand which attract people from all over the world who simply want to get away from it all.  Although Antigua’s British past is still evident with several forts dotting this island, people come here not for the history lesson, but rather to experience the crystal-clear waters and velvety sand.

More water adventures can be had in Aruba.  Part of the Netherlands Antilles, this island was virtually undiscovered by the tourist industry until a few years ago.  Miles and miles of white sandy beaches and desert-like landscape make up this piece of paradise.  Outside of the hurricane path, the island receives only a few inches of rainfall yearly making warm weather a given at any time of the year.  Palm trees swaying in the warm breeze and turquoise water lapping over a white sandy shore-line is music to anyone’s eyes.

Barbados, sometimes known as the “England of the tropics”, is famous for its miles of pink and white sand beaches – and who could argue with that?  Other then the clear water of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is steeped with colonial history.  Buildings on the islands capital, Bridgetown, recall time of British rule.  A tad bit of history in Barbados, but the call of beautiful sandy beaches is what keeps people coming back to this magnificent island.

Along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao makes up the ABC Islands of the Lesser Antilles.  These are the only islands outside of the hurricane belt, so this would be the best itinerary to choose during hurricane season. Curacao is the perfect spot for those folks looking for warm water, an excellent nightlife and a unique cultural experience.  Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is like visiting a small European city with all of the charm – and shopping.   These waters are great for snorkeling and scuba diving, particularly at the Curacao Underwater Park.  There are also several interesting sites inland such as the Hato Caves and the Curacao Seaquarium.  If the Southern Caribbean is your choice to cruise, give this island a close look.

You can view some great cruise deals to the Southern Caribbean here:

1. $449+: 7nt Southern Caribbean Cruise

2. $609+: 7nt Caribbean Cruise on RCCL

Of course, there is more to the Caribbean then the places above. A whole world of adventure and relaxation await you on any of the three points of the Caribbean. Enjoy your time exploring!



Eric

Mike Taylor asked:


With the invention of modern day jetliners many thought that passenger ships were doomed and would go the way of train travel as more people chose the fast travel times that flying offered.

But passenger ships are more popular than ever and the cruise industry is seeing record growth rates. In fact, cruising is so popular that cruise companies are building larger more luxurious cruise ships in a bid to win the hearts and minds of the traveler.

Of the many number of cruises available the Caribbean remains one of the most popular destination spots for vacationers in the world. Comprised of hundreds of islands each with their own distinct personality a cruise to the Caribbean is a vacation experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

The Caribbean is geographically divided into three regions and cruises are usually centered on one of these areas but rest assured that no matter which region you pick you will experience beautiful weather and gorgeous sandy beaches.

The Eastern Caribbean Get Ready To Shop

The Eastern Caribbean region is made up of a set of islands known as the Lesser Antilles that extend 600 miles along the Eastern side of the Caribbean Sea. This area is much more commercially developed than the Western and Southern Caribbean areas and as a result is more heavily visited by tourists.

Daytime temperatures in the 80s with lows at night in the 70s make it perfect for vacationers wanting to escape the frigid U.S. winters if only for a week or two. The Hurricane season runs from June through the beginning of November and the Eastern Caribbean is more prone to hurricanes as the other regions so keep that in mind.

The Bahamas are probably the most well know of the Eastern Caribbean islands but St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico are also very popular and sure to please.

Those cruising for the first time might want to consider an Eastern Caribbean cruise as these cruises usually offer more days at sea and the islands visited are less of a culture shock for those not used to traveling outside the country. Because of this they are also more crowded and more costly than the Western and Southern Caribbean.

Diving and snorkeling is good here just not as good as the Western and Southern Caribbean but you will find the duty-free shopping to be among the best in the world with many big name luxury retailers having stores on the islands. Plan your trip around any major luxury goods purchases you are going to make and you might save enough to pay for your vacation.

Continued in Part Two…



Yolanda

Bryan Burbank asked:


Caribbean Cruises are no longer just for the old because they hold the interest of all those who love cruising or have never been on a cruise. Taking a cruise to the Caribbean affords you the chance to explore many Caribbean Islands for as long as 2 weeks or you can take a short break and visit just a couple of islands.

Learn how to find a: Discount Cruise

Caribbean Cruises are all about enjoyment and the major cruise lines are all about fun. Cruise lines will give you the best time possible irrespective of the weather or the environment.

Get some Advice about: Cheap Cruises

For those who love sightseeing and touring each port you enter will offer half day and full day excursions to visit all the local attractions. For those tourist who enjoy water sports, each port offers a full range of water attractions. One of the most popular activities is shopping and each port offers the shopper a wide selection of merchandise at all price points. The islands are a candy store for those who love jewelry. Liquor and perfumes are also popular and purchased to take home by tourist. Lastly for those who do not want to take part in any of the above activities then there is lounging by the side of the many pools on the ship, or you can lye on one of the glorious beaches and take in the surf and sand in one of the many ports.

Some cruise vacations to the Caribbean are for people who like to party and will have many discos and non stop entertainment. These cruises are not meant for families and are adult cruises only and are a great option for honeymooners.

The nice thing about cruises is that many ships are great for families. If you choose to bring the kids along you can be assured that they will have a fun filled time.

For those who like to dress up there will be evenings were mens will dress in tuxedos and woman in formal wear. If you are celebrating a special event such as a birthday or an anniversary, let your travel agent know so they can advise your cruise director.

There is no end in what you can expect or request on your cruise. You can choose a cruise by either going on to the Internet or working with your personal travel agent one thing is for sure choosing a Caribbean cruise will be a vacation of a lifetime.



Constance