Caribbean Cruises

It's easy to find reasons why more people take cruises to the Caribbean than anywhere else in the world. A warm climate; an astounding array of ports of call, each with its own distinctive character and appeal; thousands of beaches, including some of the world's best; great shopping at duty free prices, and incredibly clear seas teeming with marine life make this part of the world a perfect cruise vacation destination.

There's much more to this region stretching from South Florida to South America than sun, sand and surf. No other destination presents so many choices of cruise itineraries and lengths, with anything from a two-night getaway to an extended voyage sailing from ports from New York to Central America. In fact, it is so vast and diverse that it really constitutes three separate areas, traditionally defined as Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean. Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the archipelago of the Bahamas), the Caribbean is a real treasure trove when it comes to cruising. A rich variety of vistas, people and places wait, along with swaying palms and idyllic beaches of golden sand. The network of islands in the Caribbean is in fact so extensive that it is possible to book several Caribbean cruises and avoid going to the same islands twice! 

A typical weeklong cruise allows vacationers to sample these varied cultures, history and peoples at four or five different ports. Each port call opens the door to a new slice of paradise, where you might discover traces of France or Britain or the Netherlands or Spain woven into the distinctive pace and style of the regions many individual nations.

Although a year-round cruise destination, the strong appeal of the Caribbean for family cruise vacations make school holiday periods among the busiest times of year. Those looking for the best values in a cruise to the Caribbean should check sailing dates in January, late spring or September through early December.