|
 Sparkling turquoise water, stretches of sandy beach, and the beat of a steel drum band are just the main ingredients of a Caribbean cruise. Toss in balmy breezes and abundant sunshine and the allure of the number one choice of vacationers in search of a warm weather cruise is instantly apparent.
Caribbean cruises come in three distinct seven-day flavors: Eastern, Western, and Southern. Longer cruises of ten and eleven nights are frequently called something like “Caribbean Circle.”
The Eastern Caribbean is usually the choice of first-time cruisers and those veterans who relish more “at sea” days. Three, or sometimes four, ports of call generally include St. Thomas/St. John, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, San Juan, St. Croix, or various cruise lines’ “private” islands for a beach party.
For passengers who regard snorkeling and SCUBA diving a most-do, the Western Caribbean offers the best options. They include Key West, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, or a “private” island.
And Southern Caribbean cruises offer the choice of more island destinations for the inquisitive. Embarking in San Juan, ports of call may include Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Tortola/Virgin Gorda, Curaçao, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and sometimes St. Thomas/St. John or St. Martin/Sint Maarten.
Aren’t these islands all the same? Not a bit. Each has its own personality and style—some derived from their colonial culture and geography. Most are home to friendly residents and offer pleasant diversions and enough shopping for even the most addicted shop-aholic. It’s quite possible to take as many as four or five Caribbean cruises and “repeat” very few islands.
Chart your course for Caribbean relaxation with Cruise Diva’s Caribbean Ports of Call. Make your selection from the column on the right-hand side of this page.
Cruise Lines' Private Islands -- Established to provide a beach break on an island (or part of one) reserved for their exclusive use, most are located in the Bahamas chain of "home" islands and included in certain Caribbean itineraries.
Resources:
| Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman |
Guide to Caribbean Vacations -- Outstanding online source of information from M. Timothy O'Keefe, a veteran of more than three decades of travel to the islands and a regular contributor to Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine.
Shore Trips -- Take charge of your port calls by pre-booking shore excursions. All are personally selected by travel professionals to enhance your days ashore.
Back to Ports of Call Index
|
