| Caribbean cruises are all the rage these days. When | | | | cheaper than Royal Caribbean, while Princess is |
| you consider the range of amenities and facilities, the | | | | another good option for those looking for a deal. There |
| varied ports of call, and the range of activities on offer, | | | | are several other Caribbean cruise operations that |
| Caribbean cruises are pretty good value. They offer | | | | work on theme-based cruises, such as Celebrity, which |
| much more than any one Caribbean resort can offer, | | | | may suit certain travelers' tastes. |
| and can be great fun no matter what the weather is | | | | Now, on to Caribbean cruise routes. Generally cruises |
| like. Modern cruise liners are huge and can usually | | | | take place in a certain area of the Caribbean, visiting |
| handle rough weather in stride without the passengers | | | | the ports of call particular to that region. Basically, the |
| on board even noticing. The popularity of Caribbean | | | | Caribbean Sea can be divided into Eastern, Western, |
| cruises has resulted in several cruise lines operating in | | | | Northern and Southern areas. Depending on the length |
| the region, as well as several different routes to | | | | of the cruise, one or a few of these regions can be |
| choose from. So how do you decide which cruise line | | | | explored. There are also cruises just to one destination, |
| and route? | | | | such as Bermuda or the Bahamas (both of which are |
| Firstly, let us take a look at the Caribbean cruise lines | | | | technically not actually part of the Caribbean, but close |
| on offer. The big names are Royal Caribbean, | | | | enough!). Personally, I think the Eastern and Southern |
| Princess and Norwegian, and it makes sense to look | | | | routes are the most interesting. The Eastern routes |
| at these three first. They have made their names | | | | usually stop in at fantastic places such as Antigua, St |
| based on their reputation of reliability, service and | | | | Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, all of which are steeped in |
| range of amenities, services, activities and routes. The | | | | history and have the friendliest people. These routes |
| pick of these would have to be Royal Caribbean. | | | | may also take you through the French and |
| They have the largest and most modern fleet of | | | | Netherlands Antilles, which have their own distinctive |
| cruise ships in the Caribbean, and, despite normal fares | | | | cultural atmosphere and magnificent sights. The |
| being a tad expensive, have some surprisingly cheap | | | | Southern cruises also take you to magical islands such |
| Caribbean cruise package deals especially in the off | | | | as Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao, Aruba, Barbados and |
| season. However if you are planning your vacation for | | | | Bonaire. Those with enough time and money can |
| a high season, book well in advance as Royal | | | | easily combine these two regions into one cruise, |
| Caribbean is often sold out months beforehand. | | | | seeing what I consider to be the best of what the |
| Norwegian is also a great cruise line and a little | | | | Caribbean has to offer! |