Caribbean Cruise Vacation

The Caribbean remains the world's top region for cruising. The proximity of the Caribbean Islands to each other make them ideal ports of call for cruise ships. Travelers love to sample an array of islands and coastal destinations with ideal weather and sun-and-fun atmosphere on a caribbean cruise vacation. The beauty of its beaches is legendary and its turquoise waters remain warm year round - ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.

Caribbean cruise vacation itineraries are arranged to give passengers a good diversity of ports. The islands in the Caribbean are varied, each with its own individual flair. The differences between the islands are not only cultural, some are noted for their beautiful beaches, others for their excellent snorkeling and diving or duty-free shopping, yet another for its natural beauty of tropical rainforests.

Which Itinerary?

A Western Caribbean cruise includes such destinations as Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. An Eastern Caribbean cruise usually includes St. Thomas, the Bahamas and St. Maarten/St. Martin. Southern Caribbean cruises, many of which depart from San Juan, stop at a few Eastern ports but also proceed southward along the Lesser Antilles including various ports such as Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Barts and Antiqua.

Caribbean cruises vary in length but seven-day itineraries remain as the standard cruise, with some cruise lines offering the option of booking back-to-back cruises on alternate routes.

When to Go?

The weather varies little throughout the year in the Caribbean. The average temperature - about 80 degrees - fluctuates less than 10 degrees between the warmest and coldest months. The hottest, wettest months are in the summer, marking the start of the hurricane season, which begins in June and continues through November. The peak hurricane season is late August to early October. The most popular months for Caribbean cruising are mid-October to mid-April.