Theo Alleyne asked:


Recently, a client was concerned about taking a Caribbean Cruise in the month of October and sought my advice. October is the only month that he can take vacation and he was concerned that a hurricane might interrupt his plans. I told him that I understood his position, and that I once had the same concern until I had my first October Caribbean Cruise. In fact, I prefer an October cruise for a few reasons, which we will discuss later.

Hurricane season in the North Atlantic Basin (the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea) is officially from June 1 to November 30. These dates are not carved in stone, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these dates. However, over 96% of tropical activity occurred during these dates, with the majority of Hurricanes occurring during August and September. During 2007, Hurricanes Dean, Felix and Karen, occurred during the months of August and September. Clearly, the possibility of a Hurricane in October is a wild card.

In fact, I took my first October cruise after 9-11. It was amazing. The children were in school, the teenagers were in college, and the adults had the cruise ship to themselves. I was on the “fun ship” having a time of my life. My journey started in Miami, with stops in the Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios and Cozumel. I could still remember the clear days and gorgeous nights, participating in activities such as Fiesta Seminars, Body Art, Art Auction, Afternoon Tea and Music, Golf, Bingo,

Dancing and a Late Night Show. These all added to my divine cruise experience. Cruises, unlike many other vacation options, provide twenty-four hours world class buffets with European-style cafés, sushi bars and 24-hour pizzeria. You just can’t miss the extravagant midnight buffets. Hey, what more can a guy want?

Additionally, cruise prices in October are much lower than most times of the year. For example, a 7 Day Carnival Cruise to the Western Caribbean in July 2008 starts at $949 per person. However, the same itinerary in October 2008 starts at $579.00,

an immediate savings of approximately $370.00 per person. However, if you are still concerned about the possibility of an October Hurricane interrupting your plan, I would recommend a Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) to mitigate against the wild card risk. VPPs cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and contents, and accidents. More importantly, it is unlikely

that you will be at Sea and have to face a hurricane. Cruise Ships cost millions of dollars and it would be hard to fathom a cruise lines placing its assets at risk. If you are at sea and a storm develops the cruise line will change the itinerary to a safer port of call.

Yes, there is a risk with an October cruise, but that risk is no greater than a cruise from June to September. An October cruise will cost you less, the islands will have fewer tourists giving you the best deals, and you can have a great vacation. October cruises are just about the same as anytime of the year. Quite frankly, I love October cruises and I think you will too.



Gene

Bambulina asked:


Has anyone been on the Royal Caribbean 4-night cruise that travels from Harwich, England to Amsterdam and then to Oslo, Norway? How did you like it?

Charlie

bwiley123 asked:


I am going on a seven day cruise in October with my wife. I am trying to decide which cruise would be best.

The Carnival Triumph is doing on an Eastern Caribbean cruise stopping in Half Moon Cay, Saint Thomas , San Juan/Puerto Rico, and Bahamas/Grand Turk.

The Caribbean Princess (through Princess Cruiselines) is stopping at Philipsburg/St. Maarten, Saint Thomas, and Princess Cay. The Princess is also a seven day cruise but is stopping at one less place (with an extra day at sea).

What do you recommend? Any experiences with either of those ships?

Jean

Greg F Williams asked:


If you are an avid bird watcher and decide to take a Caribbean cruise, then you can enjoy two pleasures at the same time. This is because not only are there many types of bird species for you to see in the Caribbean , there are also many very rare types of bird species, that you will never have chance to see anywhere else in the world.

Here are some of the places you may wish to visit on your cruise.

The Trinidad Asa Wright Nature Center. Is situated ten miles north of the town of Arima on Blanchisseuse Road. It is a wonderful location for birdwatching, with over 200 acres of rain forest. You can take a walk here on the many forest trials and you will be able to observe many different bird species. If you can make the time, i would try to spend at least 2 to 3 days here as it is an ideal place to enjoy your passion for birds.

The Bubali Pond in Aruba. Is on the north side of eagle beach and just south of De Olde Molen. You can expect to see brown pelicans here in large groups as well as the Black crowned Night Herons. It is best to do your birdwatching here at dusk or dawn.

In Aruba’s Spanish Lagoon. You will have the chance to observe many different species of birds, such as, brown pelicans, egrets, herons and frigates. Do not be at all surprised if you also see large green and yellow parakeets that are twice the size of those you would see in a pet store at home. These birds are mostly seen at sunset.

The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Is a secluded location, this is because the only way to get there is by boat. The use of a birdwatching guide is recommended here. When you get to this location you will be able to see thousands of Fregata Magnificens or man of war birds. The best time to visit here is during the breeding season as you will get to see over 170 species of birds living together.

If your birdwatching Caribbean cruise makes a stop in Jamaica, you should take the time to visit the Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary. Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any bird watcher to observe 289 different bird species of which 28 are endemic and 6 have just been introduced. There are also 10 bird species on the endangered list which includes the Black billed and Yellow billed parrots.

There is an entrance fee charged at this sanctuary and you can also pay extra for a guided tour, which is recommended that you do so. Here, you will get to see hummingbirds, Red billed Streamertails, Jamaican Mango, Black and Yellow faced Grassquits as well as their relative the Orangequits. All these species of birds you will be able to hand feed, if you wish to.

These places are just a few that you can visit while you are on a Caribbean cruise. There are many more locations available to you and all you need to do is search the internet to fine them.

The Caribbean cruise packages that are being offered do not come with birdwatching tours, but once your cruise liner docks at port, you can sign up for one as they are readily available to you at many locations. So who said you can not enjoy two pleasures at the same time?



Chad

Sweetie asked:


I am planning on a cruise to the Caribbean with the rest of my family over Christmas vacation, and I was wondering whether or not I will need a passport. We would be leaving from Fort Lauderdale, FL and cruising the Caribbean for 5 days, and returning to FL.

Gertrude

Chenta asked:


Every year, there are about two million people boarding Caribbean cruises. Why? Simply  because Caribbean cruises offers unlimited benefits of luxury travel, spectacular destinations, preserved islands, harbors, historic places, local cultures and so much more. With no doubt, more and more people are looking for cruising nowadays and definitely will not left out Caribbean cruises in their main options.

When you search for Caribbean Cruises on the net, you will end up with hundreds of exciting choices. You can choose based on the destinations, prices, family or couples, the length of the stay or the type of cruises. For Caribbean cruises, the options are such as the Princess, Cunard, Ocean Village, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O and Costa Cruises. The most common cruise that most people choose are either Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruises. Both offer seven days cruising. The Eastern Caribbean leave from Florida and you will spend more time on the land. This is suitable to those like shopping. There are also ports to be visited like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. John, St. Thomas and St. Martin. Whereas the Western Caribbean leave either from Florida, Texas or New Orleans and you will spend more time at sea. This is suitable to those like natural beauty, beaches or water activities. Ports of call are such as Mexico, Costa Rico, Dominican Republic, Belize and Jamaica.

The Caribbean areas covers so many beautiful islands and each island is unique in so many ways. Furthermore, each port of calls offers unique culture and hospitality of the locals. Therefore you’ll have hard time to came out with the shortlisted Caribbean cruises list and of course, there are so many routes too to chose from. How long can you spend time with a Caribbean cruise? You can choose from one to two days to over two weeks.

Each specific cruise tailor to a particular needs. For example, if you are taking children along, you might consider Disney Caribbean, as the cruise package comes with so many entertainment activities on the board. If you go with couple, you might want to consider Princess Caribbean, as the cruise offers nice, quite, romantic cruise package and itinerary. If you are looking for luxurious vacation on cruise, you should list high class cruises like Silversea, Crystal or the new Queen Mary II.

The bottom line is, whatever Caribbean cruises that you want to choose, you are advised to do advance booking, as discounted tickets are sold early and do not forget to choose the trusted and authorized cruise agent. For more convenience, you can do your bookings online. If you are concern about the budget, you may want to consider last minutes deals where you might get a discount. Spending time searching the best cruise deals online may save you a few bucks. So good luck in looking the best Caribbean cruises for your holidays!



Susan

Rakesh Gaikwad asked:


Founded in 1969 by three Norwegian shipping companies, Royal Caribbean has grown to be one of the largest and richest cruise lines in the world.

Based in Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean offer a fleet of twenty ships with three currently being built - one of which has been stated to include a New York style Central Park area, inclusive of walkways covered by growing trees and lush greenery, shopping boutiques, an art gallery, five restaurants and cafés and two separate bars - and that’s only in this 100m square area!

Aimed at young and old, groups and couples, there’s a Royal Caribbean cruise for everyone. On board any Royal Caribbean ship you can find bars, pubs, theatres, cinemas, sit down restaurants, buffet restaurants, cafés, swimming pools, gyms, health centres and not forgetting casinos and shopping centres! What’s more, on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, there’s a Viking Crown Lounge - a bar at the very top of the ship offering breathtaking panoramic views. Further to this, Royal Caribbean manage to mix classic cruising with modern cruising - whilst there is the still the formal Captain’s dinner, it’s not compulsory - but well worth it!

The Royal Caribbean fleet is divided into six different classes - Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class and Sovereign Class - with each class having its own of fleet of ships. Each of these classes travels to different destinations and offer slightly different cruises experiences. For example, the ships in the Oasis Class are the biggest in the world, meaning more people, more restaurants and many more activities. Whilst the ships in the Sovereign Class are some of the smaller Royal Caribbean cruise ships, they are definitely not quiet or activity free!

All of the Royal Caribbean ships can be distinguished by their name, as they all end in “…of the Seas”. Whether you’re sailing on the Liberty of the Seas or the Majesty of the Seas, you can rest assured that you’ll receive quality all the way on your Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean cruises travel to over 100 destinations, meaning there’s a destination for everyone. Whether it’s the natural, rugged beauty of Canada, the kangaroos and koalas in Australia or the crystal clear sea and white beaches of Hawaii, Royal Caribbean travel to somewhere for everyone.

One extra that Royal Caribbean has over other cruise lines is they offer two completely private destinations for its guests. Labadee, a beautiful coastal resort in Northern Haiti and Coco Cay, a private island in the Bahamas are exclusive to Royal Caribbean cruises. These two resorts provide totally private destinations for guests and feature stunning beeches with lush palm trees and shaded canopies.

With the number of people taking a cruise expected to top 12.8 million throughout 2008, there hasn’t been a better time to find a great deal for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether it’s a short, weekend cruise around Europe or a month long cruise in the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean will ensure you have the best cruise experience - both on board and off.



Andrea

Carlos Santana asked:


When preparing for a Caribbean cruise most people are only thinking about warm weather and sunny beaches . Pack some tank tops shorts and a sundress or two however also throw in a light jacket and one warm outfit. The weather can change quickly on your vacation . It has been known to rain from time to time as well as get quite chilly with the wind as well however there are also such activities as limbo dining dancing and many more. There are too many things for you to do on your first trip however it never hurts to be prepared. A small amount of preparing can keep you from being uncomfortable on your Caribbean cruise.

Think about how much cash you want to carry with you ATMs are good to use. You want to deter the thieves and pickpockets that exist in any vacation climate a good rule of thumb is to make sure you have enough cash for shopping and for tipping the staff. This again is where ATMs will come in handy. You may find fees inconvenient however less than losing the cash you had saved for the vacation.

Make sure that you arrange to have someone watch you house while you’re on your vacation. It’s good to use a friend whom you trust. Keep things running as usual as possible if you have a usual housekeeping or lawn service don’t cancel them. Also let someone know how to get in touch with you if they need to.

There is more to think about besides sunny weather and sun when thinking about a Caribbean cruise. Although you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the beach you will enjoy other activities as well. Pack some shorts some muscle shirts and some dresses. However bring a light jacket and at least a warm outfit. Keep in mind that you may want to go jet skiing in the magnificently warm blue waters or you may decide that you want to play a game of tennis in the outdoor or indoor tennis courts and you will need to make sure that you’ve packed appropriately. Even the sunny Caribbean can have unpredictable weather. A small amount of planning can keep you from being uncomfortable. While you are busy planning and scheduling your activities and what you might need do not forget to take into consideration those obvious items that you will need on a regular basis. It can be expensive to buy day to day items on the ship while on your cruise so remember while you’re packing for those contingencies to also remember to bring along those every day items so you won’t have to pay for them while on board the ship. Of course sunscreen and dark sunglasses are a must. Of course then remember activities such as a book camera and snack food also.

Just these simple steps can help make your special vacation relaxing. These simple steps can insure a relaxing time that is worry free. Pack strategically minimize your cash on hand and make sure your house is well tended. Now you can enjoy this Caribbean cruise you’ve been preparing so hard for.



Irene

taken2007 asked:


I heard the laws have changed and they I my need a passport to enter the 3 countries on the cruise. Is this true?

Doris

Robert asked:


You have listened to all your friends rant and rave about how great cruising is and you are finally ready to take the plunge. Good for you - I’m sure you will have lots of fun…IF you plan correctly! There are as many itineraries for Caribbean cruises as there are cruise lines and choosing the ideal one for your requirements won’t be simple, as they all sound wonderfully exotic.

The Cruise Lines

You first have to decide upon which of the many cruise lines on which to sail. Each one has their own particular personality and flavor. Some cater to families, others to an older crowd and still others that target the younger cruisers. Once you have decided which of the cruise lines to go with, it is then time to decide upon the length of the cruise and the ideal itinerary.

Eastern or Western Caribbean

Choosing an itinerary should also take into account the port from which you will depart. Many of the Western Caribbean cruise itineraries depart from ports out of Florida such as Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa or Fort Lauderdale. You can sometimes find a Western Caribbean cruise that leaves out of some Southern ports such as Mobile, Alabama, Galveston, Texas or New Orleans, La. Destination ports might include Belize, the Grand Cayman Islands, Mexico’s Mayan Coast, the Bahamas and Jamaica.

An Eastern Caribbean itinerary will offer passengers more variety in their port destinations as many of the islands you will visit are closer together as to distance. You might leave out of Florida or Puerto Rico and make port at such destinations as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Haiti, and the British Virgin Islands. One more choice is an itinerary for the Southern Caribbean which often has a mix of both Eastern and Western ports.



Brad