Caribbean Cruises

It's easy to find reasons why more people take Caribbean cruises 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 Caribbean cruises a perfect vacation

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/The Bahamas, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean.

A typical weeklong Caribbean 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 Caribbean cruises are year-round the strong appeal of the Caribbean and The Bahamas for family cruise vacations make school holiday periods among the busiest times of year. Those looking for the best values in a Caribbean cruise should check sailing dates in January, late spring or September through early December.