How to Choose a Caribbean Cruise

A Caribbean cruise is always at the top of the list for discerning tourists when it comes to choosing their vacation nowadays. It's a great alternative to a land-based vacation and you can even combine the two.

The Caribbean is an ever popular destination choice for Americans, knowing they won't have to fly halfway round the world first before embarking on their cruise. Honeymooners, singles, families and the retired will all enjoy a memorable experience on a Caribbean cruise. With a wide selection of cruise lines available, the choice is endless.

The wealth of attractions available on modern cruise ships means that all passengers can find an equal balance between days at sea and visiting a variety of ports of call. Even in the space of a just a few days, a typical Caribbean cruise itinerary can be as action-packed, fun-filled or as relaxing as you want it to be.

Most cruise companies nowadays cater for all requirements so the lure of the sea attracts even those families with very young children. The Disney fleet has given a whole new meaning to cruising and the company boasts its very own island called Castaway Cay where the young (and the young at heart!) can all be pirates for a day. The island offers an endless choice of activities available in a paradise setting. A whole day's visit to Castaway Cay will include all the fun-filled beach activities that a cruise ship can never provide so you'll get the best of both worlds. For the less adventurous, just soak up the Caribbean sun and treat yourself to a few cocktails!

If the words 'large' and 'luxury' float your boat, then Royal Caribbean's ships, the 'Allure of the Seas'' and the 'Oasis of the Seas' will inspire you. Aboard these fantastical ships, there is a daily schedule of entertainments and activities to rival that of any beach-based hotel.

Celebrity Cruises, belonging to the Royal Caribbean group, are also a popular choice with those cruise enthusiasts wanting a smaller vessel with fewer passengers. Again, it's all down to your own personal preference and whether you feel a cruise ship should just be a way to get from one island to another or if it should be a floating island in its own right.

Princess Cruises have a great deal for those aboard the 'Caribbean Princess' known as the 'Love Boat.' because of its popularity with honeymooners. Those with marriage in mind can even combine a honeymoon and wedding package. Prices are not prohibitive when compared to equivalent costs on land.

A typical Caribbean cruise will provide you with ample time to discover such places as St. Martin, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and St Thomas. The beauty of the Caribbean is that you'll never spend tedious days on the tides between islands as they're all in proximity to each other and easily accessible from Florida. Cruises are available all year round and prices start from as little as $799.

Many popular lines that operate in the Caribbean also offer a range of themed cruises so you know you'll meet up with folk who have similar interests to yours. Party cruises are ever popular with singles and you can be sure that a fun time will be had by all.

Even the budget conscious will be happy as Carnival cruise lines offer value for money Caribbean cruises from as little as $70 dollars a day.

All of the above-mentioned cruise companies have websites where you can catch a glimpse of what to expect from every aspect of your cruise. You'll be pleasantly surprised that you don't even need to enlist the help of a travel agent to go ahead and book that Caribbean cruise you've always dreamed about.

Have fun in your Internet search to find the best Caribbean cruise for you. If you're unsure which type of cruise is ideally suited to your needs, Cruise Critic is an independent cruise review and information site that can make any search for a cruise more enjoyable. Here you can gather a wealth of knowledge on such things as the temperature for the time of year you wish to travel and what cuisine and leisure activities to expect on board a certain vessel. Cruising has never been better and you won't regret your choice whatever it may be.