With more than 5,000 islands dotting the waters of the Caribbean, choosing a cruise could prove to be the most challenging part of your next holiday. Caribbean cruises are the best way to get out and experience paradise in person. There are several key areas to consider for your next cruise that may help to get you started.

Taking an Eastern Caribbean Cruise

If you are hoping to take a cruise that lasts between five and eight days, take a look at some of the itineraries that sail along the eastern portion of the Caribbean. These destinations will take you to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. They could include old world charm with the likes of Puerto Rico and Old San Juan to the Dutch and French influenced islands of St. Maarten and St. Thomas. This eastern route is also home to some of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving.

Taking a Cruise in the Western Caribbean

Cruising around the western part of the Caribbean will take you back in time to the sixteenth century as you sail into ports of call of Central America, the Yucatan, Colombia and islands west of Jamaica. Lush rainforests, breath-taking waterfalls and untouched beaches await those who dare to venture into these parts. A western cruise is typically four to eight days in length; again this will vary by your final itinerary choice. Ports of call can include Nassau (Bahamas), Key West (Florida), Calica (Mexico), Progreso (Yucatan), Grand Cayman (Grand Caymen Island), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Colon (Panama), Belize (British Honduras / Belize), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Limon (Costa Rica), Isla Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel (Mexico) and Freeport (Grand Bahama).

Taking a Southern Caribbean Cruise

The southern Caribbean is made up of several islands that are neighbours to one another along the mainland of South America. The larger of them include Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba and the West Indies. This part of the Caribbean shares similar cultural aspects such as the love of Cricket and rum as the local drink of choice. The areas of St. Lucia and Grenada enjoy a thick African influence while places such as the Netherlands Antilles and Barbados exist with a more European influence. Languages here include Portuguese, French, Dutch, Creole, Hindi, Papiamento and Spanish making it a wonderful cultural experience. Typical cruises through these parts of the water are from three to eight days and will provide adventure opportunities such as hiking, sightseeing, snorkelling, shopping and swimming.

Standard Caribbean Ports of Call

If you’re still unsure exactly where to go, these are a few of the standard Caribbean ports of call. These are where large cruise line ships will dock during various journeys. Your destination choice will reflect which ports of call are included in your itinerary.

Anguilla British Virgin Islands Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic Samana and Santo Domingo, Mexico Costa Maya, Grand Turk, Grenada, Martinique, Nevis, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands St. Johns and St. Croix.