JC44 asked:


I am planning a cruise in 2010 0n RCI freedom of the seas and was wondering what port has the best snorkling and scuba diving reefs. thanks in advance for the help. =)
the ports we will most likely visit are philipsburg, st.maarten san juan porto rico and labadee haiti

Matthew

Cindy Heller asked:


The Eastern Caribbean has many historic islands with endless stretches of beautiful beaches. The western Caribbean is which one can explore ancient Mayan ruins as you venture into the Yucatan peninsula. The Southern Caribbean is known for its many dive sites with coral reefs full of fishes.

Each part of the Caribbean is unique and offers exciting places for a great cruise experience.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises: Sun, sand, sea and shopping

One of the favorite destinations in the Eastern Caribbean is St Maarten. St. Maarten is known for its duty-free shopping. Christopher Columbus sighted St. Maarten in 1493. French and Dutch divided the island and settled down in 1648. They have lived side by side ever since. St. Maarten gained partial independence from the Netherlands in 1954. The Netherlands Antilles governs St. Maarten while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. St Maarten and St Martin is the world smallest island shared between two countries. The beaches on the island are among the best in the Caribbean. Clothing is optional on some beaches.

Western Caribbean Cruises: The Ancient and Adventure

The Western Caribbean cruise vacation is interesting because you can explore a number of countries and experience a variety of cultures in the same trip. You can also pop over the Mexican coast. Some cruises include stopovers at Key West and New Orleans.

Southern Caribbean Cruises: For the Young and Adventurous.

It is little wonder that the Southern Caribbean cruises are marketed as cruises for the singles. There are many activities for the young and energetic. Just right for breaking the ice between strangers. The Southern Caribbean is known for its crystal clear waters, which are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

There are also some great shore excursion opportunities. Many of the Southern Caribbean ports are booming centers of commerce while others are still large tract of lush rain forests. Some are enclaves for the rich and famous while others look more like the Arizona desert with their towering Saguaro cacti.

The Southern Caribbean islands are further away and less accessible than the Eastern or Western Caribbean islands. If you sail from the USA, you will need to plan for a longer trip. Alternatively, if you can fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba or Barbados and take a Southern Caribbean cruise from there. The Southern Caribbean cruises from this place starts from 4 days.



Edna

Rolf Zimmerli asked:


Whenever you imagine the Caribbean the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines come into your mind also. There are so many aspects of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines that go without say that the true nature of the cruise is almost unfathomable in a mere imagination. One of the ships that carry the name proudly is the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. This magnificent seagoing city includes such amenities as ice-skating, a full-sized basketball court, and nine holes of miniature golf thrown in just for flavor. There are pleasurable activities to suit all ages, youth facilities certain to please all the youngsters on board, and themed bars and lounges certain to entertain all the adults. With the capacity for large numbers of guests the Royal Caribbean offers more fun in the sun than any other cruise line. The fun begins before you set foot in the islands and lives in your heart forever. The day spa and fitness center will treat you to the magic of massage and exercise in a way that will create the illusion you are vacationing in a dream. With the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas cruise you will find there is a cinema with the latest hit movies, a rock-climbing wall, and pools with hot tubs on both decks. Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas both offer themed bars where the idea of having fun is more than a social statement it is a way of life. Casino Royale offers gambling adventures for anyone with an eye for luck. And if you like to shop, you can shop until you drop in the pleasant shopping experience that rivals none in an open atrium. There are always conference rooms available aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ships. And with all the activities and fun planned there should not be an idle moment. There can not possibly be an excuse for anyone alive to be bored or boring when the Caribbean cruise ships have taken you to lands far away. Enjoying the Caribbean by cruise ship is the only way to go.

The latest addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet leaves nothing to be desired as far as Caribbean Cruises go: The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas is the largest cruise ship worldwide and has overtaken the Queen Mary 2 in size and importance. It’s first ever cruise departs from Miami Florida and call on these ports: Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Labadee, Haiti before returning to Miami. There are some spectacular pass times possible on the Freedom of the Seas: a very high rock-climbing wall and the Royal Promenade and ice-skating rink. This cruise ship also offers extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones. With the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines at your service there are no regrets only fond memories. Even if you go alone there are so many new friends to be made. What better place for romance than the Caribbean? Fantastic sunsets, warm sunny days, and cool tropical nights are there to great you no matter when you decide to cruise.



Troy

Chris De La Rosa asked:


Is it really a wise decision to book a Caribbean Cruise vacation during the hurricane season? Many may argue against it. Summer may not be the right season to explore the Caribbean region. Not to mention the characteristic tropical storms associated with this region. But there are a handful of good reasons to why it’s a good idea to book a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season.

1. A cruise vacation is always a better option than a land vacation. Once you are on board, the ship presents you an entirely out of the world vacation experience. With new horizons to witness, a cruise vacation is altogether a different kind of incomparable pleasant experience. Pleasant sight seeing to fun filled sport activities, visits to historical places to entertaining evenings a cruise vacation has all the ingredients required for a joyful vacation.

2. One good reason to book a Caribbean cruise vacation during hurricane season is that you are safe in a ship. If you are camping in an island when the storm strikes, not only your vacation gets spoilt you are in trouble as well. Imagine how difficult it will be to travel back home from a storm-stricken island? In a cruise you are really safe and your pleasant vacation is assured all through.

3. Price is an important aspect that speaks for booking Caribbean cruises during hurricane season. Cruise liners offer discounted pricing for their vacation packages during this season. Hurricane season extends from June to November. With discounts aplenty, hurricane season provides an affordable way to enjoy a cruise vacation happily in its wholeness.

4. It is highly unlikely that hurricane affects a specific ship during the season. Statistics favor those who dare a Caribbean cruise vacation during the hurricane season. Hurricane may affect even air and road travel. By planning well in advance and reaching the boarding port much ahead of the actual start you can get ready to enjoy a cruise vacation with minimum possible expenses. Prices drop to an unbelievable level during this time of the year. It is a good time to take the whole family to a happy vacation within your budget.

5. Reputed cruise liners offer you the assurance of reimbursement. If ports are missed or any part of the cruise vacation package gets cancelled you are paid reimbursement. So in effect you would loose nothing in terms of money in case of any adversity. And of course there is always the option of going for insurance.

Booking a Caribbean vacation during hurricane season is all about gain. It really is a good idea to spend a wholesome vacation by spending less.

Chris De La Rosa and his family are avid cruisers who can be found on some of the biggest and most glamorous cruise ships sailing the Caribbean seas.To learn more about Booking a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season, please visit CruiseCrownPrincess.com. Where you get access to various crusie videos, pictures and reviews.



Derrick

crazzyhearts asked:


I’m going on a royal caribbean cruise soon to coco cay and Nassau. is coco cay nice? and once you get to Nassau, is there a beach you go to for free or do you have to pay to go. also, if you go to Atlantis…can you go inside, like where the aquarium is?

Stacey

Cindy Heller asked:


There are many Lines that include excursions to the Caribbean. These include Out Island Cruise as well as the first combined air-sea program that combined low cost air fares with the cruise and the company also developed new ports in the Caribbean like Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

One can escape to the delightful Caribbean islands and snorkel in the Caymans as well as swim with dolphins with different cruises. There are a numerous cruises that each has different itineraries as well as costs and durations. There are tempting holiday packages to Great Stirrup Cay where one may snorkel to one’s heart’s delight, and be fascinated at the variety of tropical fish, colorful sponges as well as corals that are sprinkled around the crystal-clear waters of Bertram’s Cove.

Escape To a Number of Different Locations in the Caribbean

For example, Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Cruise lines offer grand service and one can expect to be met at the airport by their representatives who will help facilitate passengers through luggage claims as well as help them board shuttle buses. Once you arrive at the port, the check-in process is effortless and a real breeze with no queues. There’s a waitress serving ice cold water to welcome passengers at the check-in room.

There are many packages available. One can join eleven day cruise to southern ports of St. John’s Antigua for a beach for each day of the year as well as a coastline dotted with safe harbors as well as an almost unbroken protective wall of coral reef. One can also explore Bridgetown, Barbados where the ambience reflects sophistication as well as languid pace, and an exciting tour of Harrison’s Cave would very likely be on the cards of most holiday makers as they have underground streams, massive waterfalls as well as stalactites and stalagmites.

One could dip in any of the two pools or soak in the four hot tubs on the top deck. Most Caribbean cruises will take you to ports at Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel. One can also expect to travel aboard the Norwegian cruise liners in pristine clean cabins and the cruise ship itself is well adorned with bars and other entertainment spots including discos and casinos.

You should seriously consider different Cruise Lines as your cruise company of choice if you are considering a cruise. You are free to do whatever you choose on a Cruise. No highly structures schedule here! Their motto is “Freestyle Cruising” and they do whatever they can to make sure their passengers have the freedom to spend their vacation though they wish. To the experienced traveler the Caribbean Cruise Line’s motto of “Lifestyle Cruising” can be a little confusing. What does it represent? Many Cruise Lines pride them on being innovative with their cruises. Passengers can decide or plan each minute of their trip ahead of time, or go with their feels each day of the trip. .

You can eat at the a lot of restaurants on board whenever you choose as there are no schedule times for meal on these ships. And, they provide so many restaurants on every ship that you can spend your whole trip without repeating a meal or restaurant. You choose when you want to eat, and what you want to eat! There is no dining dress code, unless you want it to be. Now that’s what I call cruise freedom.

Another way you have choices with different Caribbean Cruise Lines is through your accommodation choices. You can select to stay in conventional staterooms, or if you are cruising with your family, you can select a family suite. If you want an sea view, you can have it. Or for the ultimate experience in luxury, think about the Owner’s Suite, where you have access to your very own entertainment and movie library, a private butler, and chocolates on your pillow every night!

Off Ship Trips

No cruise is complete without a few trips off the ship, and many Cruise Lines are no different. There are multitudes of things to explore, see, and do when your cruise ship is docked whether you are exploring the shores of distant Spain, or catching some rays on a Caribbean beach. And, similar to everything aboard a Caribbean Cruise, you make the option as to what you desire to do when you get off the ship. You’re sure to take pleasure in the cruise experience.



Marion

Mary Hanna asked:


The first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation is here. Most of the day will be spent getting to know your cruise ship, making spa appointments, booking tours on the Caribbean Islands and trying to get cruise tips from your fellow passengers.

The first night of your Caribbean cruise vacation is always a casual night since most people have traveled a good portion of the day. It’s also the night you meet your table mates. Here is another cruise tip, be a few minutes late on the first night (only on the first night-be prompt from then on). There is usually a crush of people when the dinner bell rings and everyone is trying to find their table.

If you are eating in the traditional cruise style, always ask for a large table for several reasons. You have a better chance of meeting a mix of people, and the more people you meet during your cruise travel, the merrier. One thing to do is change seats every night at the table so everyone gets to talk to everyone else during the course of your cruise vacation. It’s much more fun. And a round table is ideal since rectangular ones make it difficult to talk to the guy at the other end. However, if you find that you are unhappy with your table, absolutely go to the maitre d’ and asked to be moved. He or she will accommodate you as best they can. There are people who chose to dine alone and the ships have tables for two but they fill up fast.

Freestyle Dining and Choice Dining are available on some Cruise Lines for those who want to eat on their own or don’t want to be delegated to a specific dining time. Your travel agent will be able to set this up when booking your Caribbean cruise vacation.

Now you are on day two, and usually that means it’s a day at sea. You are just itching to put into your bathing suit and get out in the sun. Listen to this, it is the most valuable of all the cruises tips here, do not try to get a tan on your first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation. You will spend days of your precious cruise trying to recover from very bad sunburn. The Caribbean sun is very intense and is even more so in the summer months.

Get waterproof sun block and use it liberally if you are swimming or snorkeling. Don’t forget the tops of your feet, your ears and lips, this can be extremely painful. Wear a hat so you don’t burn your scalp.

To avoid injury follow these tips. Be careful if the decks are wet, they become very slippery. Watch for the raised lips in some doorways especially between your cabins sleeping area and the bathroom. Never sit on the railings as you may fall. Wearing high heels could be hazardous in bumpy weather. When tendering to shore keep your arms and legs within the tender. These are all very good cruise tips

All of the newer cruise ships have an internet café; some even have an internet connection in your room. So if you want to bring your lap top with you, by all means do. There are some small luxury cruise ships that have lap tops available for your use. Check with your cruise travel agent, he or she will know. Most people won’t want to be bothered with their computers, but it is nice to check your email if you are going to be away for awhile, and ship to shore phone calls are very expensive on the cruise lines.

The last evening will also be a casual night since you have packed your bags and put them outside your cruise cabin. Tomorrow will be an early morning and the end of your enchanting Caribbean cruise vacation.

There always seem to be many questions about tipping while taking a Caribbean cruise vacation. These questions come up on European cruise vacations too, but we’ll stick to the Caribbean. Some cruise lines will absolutely not let you tip. These are the very high end cruise lines. Some automatically add it to your bill. If you do not like this arrangement tell the purser that you will tip on your own. Tipping on a cruise ship is very important since the room steward, waiter and busboy all make their living on tips. They work very hard to keep you happy during your Caribbean cruise vacation so please tip them. You may want to figure out the amount of tips you will be paying at the beginning of the cruise vacation and separate that from your spending money. You won’t get caught short.

If a Maitre d’ does something special, like crepe suzettes at your table, you should tip him. When you order wine or drinks there is already a 15% tip on the charge, so it is not necessary to tip here. If you find a special bar and frequent it, give the bartender a bit extra on the last night. As I said tipping policies are different on all ships so find out ahead of time. Holland American has changed their tipping policy. It used to be “no tipping necessary”. That policy is no longer in place. On NCL Hawaii a $10.00 per day per person is added to your bill and it is not optional.

A nice gesture on a two week cruise is to give half the tip after the first week, the cruise staff will appreciate this. On almost all of the cruise ships, the general rule for tipping is $3.00 per day, per person for the waiter and the room steward and $1.50 per person per day for the bus boy. If you’re not sure the Cruise Line will usually give you guidelines. If your room steward or waiter showed you excellent services tip them more.

Alcoholic beverages on board are expensive. All cruise ships have there own policy if you bring your own, some confiscate it and return at the end of the cruise, others allow you to buy bottles on board, and others will allow you to purchase it but won’t deliver it until the end of the cruise. Each cruise line has different policies so check with your cruise travel agent. In many cases you can bring wine and champagne on board.

Here’s just a small note about seasickness. On the really huge ships it should not be a problem. If you are prone to it and are taking a smaller ship, there are over the counter remedies. Dramamine and Bonine are in tablet forms and can make some people drowsy. Because of the size and the stability of the current fleet of cruise ships only 3% of cruise passengers are affected by this.

There are wrist bands that you can purchase that act on the theory of acupuncture. Then there is also the Patch that you wear behind your ear. If you do not purchase one of these before the cruise and find yourself getting a little green, the purser’s office will provide you with them. Go out on the open decks, eat saltines, green apples and drink ginger ale. Do not do anything that requires you to look down, like reading or writing.

In health food stores you can buy powdered ginger caplets which are the natural remedy. That should take care of it. Stay away from greasy foods. This is no longer a huge problem since most ships today have stabilizers that keep the ship from pitching to and fro. If you do have a problem with “mal de mar”, it is not wise to take a sailing cruise or a small ship in notoriously rough seas like the South China Sea. It is so shallow it is always a little rough. The waves bounce off the seabed and come back up making it a bit choppy. Here again the size of the ship matters and having a little information will be helpful. This is where a really knowledgeable cruise travel agent comes in.

All cruise ships have a policy on smoking. On one ship they had an absolutely no smoking policy anywhere, they have since changed that rule. There is never any smoking allowed in the showrooms or the dining rooms. In many cases they designate one side of the ship in the bars as the smoking section while the other side is smoke free.

You can smoke in the bars and in the casino. Never, ever, toss a lit cigarette overboard, it can blow back on deck and start a fire. Please be considerate of the other passengers and follow the rules. And be aware that you will encounter many more smokers on a European cruise vacation and on European cruise ships that winter in the USA.

These are just some sensible cruise tips for you to follow on you Caribbean cruise vacation.

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.



Alma

jorgeyankee asked:


Can anyone tell me the best/cheapest way to get from Orlando International Airport to wherever Royal Caribbean launches their cruise ships from Port Canaveral? Some kind of shuttle thing would be great, or if you have any idea about a rough estimate for cab service or a bus. Thanks.

Allen

lime_paradise asked:


I’m thinking about going on a cruise to the Caribbean but the website says that I am responsible for getting immunized against whatever diseases one might encounter there, such as yellow fever, typhoid, etc., and that I should visit a travel clinic to get the shots and an immunization card. But if I’m going to be in a resort area, would I really need all that? and do they even check?

Peggy

Arjun Singhe asked:


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.

 



Hazel