Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

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 await, 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!

There are four basic Caribbean cruise routes used by cruise operators:

Western Caribbean Cruise Route - Departing from seaports in Texas, Louisiana and Florida, the Western Route takes in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the island of Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and any number of islands off the coasts of Honduras and Belize.

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Route - One of the most popular Caribbean cruise routes, the Eastern Route typically departs from Florida and other seaports along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The route calls on destinations such as Key West, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands the Virgin Islands (including St. Thomas and St. Croix), and Puerto Rico.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Route - This route normally commences at San Juan in Puerto Rico, and takes in many possible destinations along the Lesser Antilles and the Netherlands Antilles as far west as Aruba.

Exotic/Long-duration Caribbean Cruise Route - This route takes in any/all of the above destinations, and can sometimes end in a different place to where the cruise started.

Given this broad assortment of destinations available in the Caribbean, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to make that crucial decision on which islands to fit into your itinerary. After all, you don't want to miss out on some true Caribbean gems, do you? So,

whether you're planning a short vacation or a longer cruise break away from home, here is a selection of 'must-sees' & 'must-dos' on your Caribbean adventure.

St Croix (Virgin Islands) - Take a night kayak trip in Salt River National Park and visit the first landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.

Grenada - Although ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Grenada is still well worth a visit for its scuba diving. You can explore the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean here and see an underwater volcano.

St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) - The Cinnamon Bay National Park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can see a wealth of underwater life in the shallow waters around St. Thomas.

Jamaica - Why not try your hand at bamboo rafting in Montego Bay?

Puerto Rico - No Caribbean cruise would be complete without a visit to the world famous Condado Beach on the island of Puerto Rico.

Aruba - Want to find Caribbean paradise? How about relaxing on one of the 365 beaches that surround the Dutch island of Aruba.

St Kitts - Swim with the turtles in the waters around St Kitts and then relax on the pink sand beaches on this beautiful island.

Good luck with planning your trip and happy cruising.

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com
now to book your very own dream Caribbean Cruise vacation.

---

Orient Beach Shore Excursions - Beauty on the Beach!

When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of the most beautiful land trips you could take would be the Orient Beach Shore Excursions. This fabulous clothing optional beach has much to... Read More

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a River Cruise. You just unpack once on this floating hotel and there you go cruising with river cruises over magnificent castles, significant towns... Read More

The Skipper on a Charter Yacht

The skipper is the heart of every floating vessel on earth. His word is (or should be) law to everybody on board. Yet, on a pleasant sailing holiday with your friends it can... Read More

Monaco Yachts

Sea and rich people: where else to find a better combination than in Monaco! A real Monaco yachts parade can be admired throughout the year in the Hercule Port, beside the local yearly... Read More

The Alaska Cruise- A Living Memory

The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with its majestic scenery, gleaming glaciers, exotic wildlife, and Native American culture. Ships are normally on a seven-day excursion package to Alaska and they... Read More

Want a Dream Career? Get a Job on a Yacht!

If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a team, have a positive attitude and are a confirmed "people-person," you may fit right in as part of a yacht crew. Though jobs... Read More

The Rise and Rise of Croatia For Sailing Holidays

In the 1980s, Croatia - then part of Yugoslavia - built up a sizeable yacht charter industry. It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was... Read More

Maximize Your Cruise Wardrobe With These Packing Tips

Cruises are a fun opportunity to dress up and look your best but how do you look fresh every day without bringing your whole closet?The first thing you need to think about is... Read More

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the world. It wasn't until the last fifty years that there has been any appreciable exploration or study of the vast frozen continent. Now... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take their passion for the game to new heights by enjoying play aboard most of the world's finest cruise lines. Now a featured form... Read More

First Time Cruisers

If you are a first time cruiser you are in for a treat! Cruising can be a great experience provided you are aware of certain things and know how to get the most... Read More

Boat Detailing - Diagnosing Gel Coat Surfaces

Determining Oxidation Levels on Your Yacht and how to deal with them:Gel coat is an extremely tough porous surface applied to boats. It is best to preserve the original surface as much as... Read More

Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils

The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and hydrofoils, which makes it difficult to give pursuit by conventional marine craft. The problem is getting worse as drug smugglers ratchet up the... Read More

Amazon Cruise Expert Guide

An Amazon cruise is the ultimate jungle adventure. From the endless green carpet of tree tops that make up the rainforest to the exotic wildlife that inhabits the waters of the mighty Amazon... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that we have the first pictographic record of events and persons. Hieroglyphics, the system of writing used by ancient Egyptians can be traced back... Read More

Dock Cleaning Procedures

It is important when cleaning a dock that you use these steps as to not cause wood damage or hardship. If you do not follow these steps, we told you so. So here... Read More

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches. These golden sun drenched beaches are just waiting for us to come and enjoy. A great way to experience a number of these... Read More

Kid-friendly Cruises

Kids and vacation ? trying to find the perfect option can be a real challenge but with a kid-friendly cruise, it does not have to be. If you were like most parents, you... Read More

Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation

Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and teach yourself how to sail and guide a yacht? On a crewed yacht charter voyage, you can do just that ? and more... Read More

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs, maybe even that dream holiday you've been thinking about for years? A Caribbean cruise vacation is the answer! What makes a cruise your... Read More

What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak?

If you are buying a kayak for the very first time it is very exciting but there are a lot of things that you need to consider and to think about. You will... Read More

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruise ship.1. One of the most difficult parts of planning for... Read More

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises! Where Luxury Goes Exploring

Luxury goes exploring! How faithfully these words portray the elegance, exemplary service and much-lauded itineraries, which are the very hallmark of Radisson's Cruises. Long ensconced in the upper niche of 6-star cruising, Radisson... Read More

Why Take a Cruise Vacation?

Have you considered taking a cruise vacation but just aren't sure if it would be right for you? With all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations, the range of prices, there... Read More

Finding Discount Royal Caribbean Cruises

For those new to cruising, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that the Internet is your best friend when it comes to cruising with any company. You can... Read More

Dock and Deck Cleaning Business

A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will be also to take care of any buildings that are on or near the water, and the docks themselves as they can get... Read More

Western Caribbean Cruise

We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the western Caribbean cruise on November 28/04. This was our second cruise with Royal Caribbean with our first last year on the larger Adventure... Read More

Crystal Cruises: An Air Of Elegance, Presence Of Beauty, And Incredible Spirit Of Adventure

On a Crystal cruise it is not difficult to find what you seek. In fact, your search for a place beyond ordinary is over. "Splendidly Uncommon"! Ablaze with intoxicating color and high style,... Read More

Diving Philippines is Impressive, Varied, and Spectacular

Scuba diving Philippines does not get any diverse, anywhere in the world! No matter what level of diver you are, diving Philippines has something to offer you. In fact I can just about... Read More