How to Select a Caribbean Cruise That's Right for You
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A Caribbean cruise is the easiest and most affordable cruise for many people. There's lots of Caribbean cruise specials being offered by some of the big Caribbean cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises.
Caribbean travel has a lot going for it as far as romantic vacations and cruising are concerned, including fantastic beaches, swimming and water activities of all kind.
Plus, there's great food and shopping, as well as fabulous weather, interesting people and cultures. And the physical layout of the islands is almost custom made for a cruise holiday. In order to select a Caribbean cruise that is right for you both, you will need a good understanding of the types of cruises, length of sailings, Caribbean cruise shore excursions, and the Ports of Call. Let’s have a closer look at some Caribbean cruise tips...
Types of Caribbean CruisesYou can sort of divide the Caribbean cruise "world" into 3 main regions:
Many Caribbean cruises depart from Miami. It’s a place you might want to spend some extra nights in. A Caribbean cruise can also leave out of 3 other ports in Florida: Port Canaveral, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), and Tampa. Depending on the type of cruise you would like, and where you will fly into, these can be good starting points.
It’s also possible to begin a Caribbean cruise in New Orleans, LA, and in Galveston, TX. Or in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Length of a Caribbean Cruise
Lots of choices here. You can pick a 3 or 4 day “sampler” that might visit Key West and perhaps a port in the Bahamas (that was our first cruise).
There are a huge range of 7 day cruises which visit several ports in one region. They are the most popular. And the 10 day cruises will visit ports in 1 or 2 different regions.
What’s Included in the Cruise PriceUsually, the price includes the cruise itself, all of your onboard meals, and most of the shipboard entertainment. The price is per person. What’s not included is the airfare to the departure port (unless otherwise stated), the port taxes, tips, shore excursions, and things like alcoholic drinks.
Caribbean Cruise Package Deals: A Caribbean cruise is too big an investment to make without shopping around - prices can vary by 100's of dollars.
We're really impressed by CruiseCompete.com . It's a free and anonymous service that helps romantic cruisers find the best deal. You simply submit your ship of choice, sailing date, and a few other pieces of relevant information. Then, over 100 top travel agencies compete to offer you the best package price for your vacation.
You're notified by e-mail when each new quote is displayed, so you can view these quotes and decide for yourself if you like the price and want to contact the agencies directly to book.
Tipping varies, but as an across the board average, works out to about $8 per passenger per day (US funds). Your cruise documents will contain guidelines on tipping.
Caribbean Cruise Shore ExcursionsWhat you do when your ship is in port is totally up to you. You can stay on the boat and relax if you want, or you can go ashore and shop, eat, check out a beach, or see some sights.
Or, you can purchase a cruise shore excursion from the cruise line. Caribbean Cruise shore excursions range in time from an hour or two up to most of the day. There are many types, here's just a few:
Is one Caribbean Island just like the next? Not at all! You'll find on your Caribbean vacation differences in people, language (although English is widely spoken), culture, and landscape.
Now let’s have a brief look at some of the main Caribbean cruise ports of call. This can help you choose which cruise is right for you.
Eastern Caribbean Ports of CallAn Eastern Caribbean cruise is a good choice for your first cruise, with lots of shopping, eating and nightlife opportunities. These cruises are very popular, and there are many eastern Caribbean cruise excursions offered.
Barbados – Southwest beaches the best. Downtown Bridgeport 20 min walk/$3 cab ride from port. British influence, busy place with lots of people and traffic. Shopping, bars, pubs, discos. Rum and reggae cruises too.
Key West – Unique shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. Laid back (for Florida!). Interesting historic district. Good for a ½ day visit. And only 90 miles from Cuba!
St. Croix – Very good snorkeling and diving. Lots of shops, clubs and bars. Some historic buildings and places.
St. Kitts – Lush, with a small town feel. Mountainous, with great rainforests and lagoons. Limited shopping.
St. Martin/St. Maarten – ½ French and ½ Dutch. Variety for a small island. Shopping, bars, and discos.
St.John – Neighbor Island of St. Thomas. Some nice beaches around Trunk Bay and good snorkeling.
St. Thomas – Busiest port of call for cruise ships in the world! Lots of shopping, music and bars. Quite Americanized. Many activities. Nice beaches a short cab ride from port.
San Juan, PR – Duty Free for U.S. Citizens. Sophisticated nightlife with Casinos, discos, and bars. More urbanized than rest of Caribbean. Spanish Colonial architecture. Historic buildings and neighborhoods. Some crime, exercise due diligence. Western Caribbean Ports of CallIf snorkeling and scuba diving interest you the most, you’ll want to shop for a romantic cruise to the Western Caribbean that includes stops at these ports:
Cozumel – Known for diving and snorkeling excursions. Lots of shopping and restaurants. Mayan ruins a daytrip away. Playa Del Carman, on the mainland, is more “small town” Mexico.
Bahamas – Still some British flavor left (cars drive on the left). Lots of shops and historical Government buildings an easy walk from the port. Paradise Island and beach nearby.
Jamaica – Very attractive beaches, some nudist! Stick to oceanfront around resorts where it’s safer. Lots of reggae music and bars. Interesting culture, and plenty of natural beauty. Don’t miss Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica has its share of hawkers and vendors preying on naïve tourists, so keep your wits about you! Also, check ahead about areas that are unsafe after dark.
Southern Caribbean Ports of CallPerhaps the “quieter” side of the Caribbean. Southern Caribbean cruises also have outstanding scenery, and inviting culture.
Antigua – Lots of terrific beaches. Nelson’s dockyard, British Maritime history. Shops easy walk from port.
Aruba – Duty free shops, lots of casinos. Pretty and clean beaches. Countryside mostly desert, cactus and secluded coves.
Bonaire – Superb diving and snorkeling. No nightlife. Lots of desert landscape.
Curacao – Beaches unusual – many are pebble covered coves and inlets. Good diving. Very good shopping. Casinos.
Martinique – White and black sand beaches. Tasty French and Creole food. French widely spoken. Beautiful and exotic. See volcanic Mont Pelee’ too.
St. Lucia – Beaches and beauty. Colorful market in Castries. Rain forests and waterfalls. Considered one of the most romantic islands on a Caribbean cruise itinerary! Caribbean Cruise DealsYour Caribbean cruise is too big an investment to make without shopping around--prices can vary by 100's of dollars. CruiseCompete has independent travel agents competing to offer you the best deal. It's quick, easy, and free!
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Golf - Sailing - Cruising - Kayaking - Rafting - Windsurfing - Catamaran - Glass bottom boats - Snorkeling
Diving - Deep Sea Fishing - Off Road Adventures - City Tours - Jungle Tours - Submarine rides - Parasailing - Wildlife excursions - Cycling tours - Educational and historic walks - Dining and Bar hopping - Cultural shows
Grand Cayman – A very popular Caribbean cruise stop, and for good reason. Excellent swimming, water sports, diving and snorkeling. Amazing marine wildlife, with Stingray City and Turtle Farm. Inland mostly bush and swamp. Can be expensive. One of the safest in the Caribbean. Some tax free shopping. Overall less to do on land, but more to do in the water.
Guadeloupe – Scenic and pretty. Very French, helps if you try speak a few words! Markets, boutiques and pastry shops worthwhile. Fine beaches (some are clothing optional).