Trifter

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For most people, the only time that there is a struggle to know how to choose a Caribbean cruise is their first one. After that, the whole picture changes. On the first cruise, you do not have a point of reference unless you have traveled to some of the ports of call in other ways. It can be hard to know whether it is best to go east or west or south. The reality is that they are all great. Knowing a few things about cruises will help you to make up your mind.

The ship is the real destination for most people.

Cruise ships are fabulous floating hotels designed to pamper and spoil their guests as much as possible. If you are looking for specific things to do on the ship, you may want to look only at those ships that offer those amenities. Not all cruise ships have a rock climbing wall or a wave pool. Some only go on the high seas and not into rivers. Others are smaller and make up the difference with even better service and food than the larger ships. Crowds are rarely an issue. So, do not let anyone scare you with horror stories about this. Pots of call are just bonuses for most cruise passengers. In fact, those who cruise often do not always exit the ship at all ports.

Some ports are better known for various tourist attractions.

Jamaica has Dunn’s River Falls. The Grand Caymans are noted for especially beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. Cozumel attracts shoppers to its downtown area. Eastern Caribbean ports are usually known for their rum. Other ports are historic. Nassau has the Atlantis Hotel and Casino plus many many night clubs. Read through the lists of shore excursions and attractions posted on each cruise lines’ web site to see if there are attractions that have particular interest to you.

For short cruises, you may want to select a cruise with fewer stops to give you more time on the ship.

Some cruises try to cram in as many ports as possible. Going to about 2 less ports than days you are cruising is a good rule of thumb. A 5 day cruise should not visit more than 3 ports. Even visiting only 2 ports can be enough. A 7 day cruise should go to no more than 4 ports. If it is your second or third or later cruise, you will want to take a cruise that either visits ports that you really enjoyed or one that goes places that you have never been.

Watch the price.

If you are not just convinced that there is only one cruise line in the world, you will find that there are many bargain cruises to be had. The same type of cruise can vary in cost hundreds of dollars per guest from one cruise line to the next. The reality is that the difference between cruise lines is negligible unless you want some type of specialty cruise on a very small ship. Go for the bargains and spend the difference on souvenirs and fun on the trip.

Choose a departure port that you like.

You may only want to leave from the port that is closest to you. If so, just book your cruise from there. If there is a city that you really do not like or fear, avoid it and cruise from another one. Nearly every coastal city has a cruise port or is near one.

Pick a date that fits your family’s needs.

You can cruise 12 months a year. So, it is possible to dodge school schedules and work schedules. Pick the date and duration that suits you best. If you fear hurricanes, avoid the Caribbean from late June to early November. The reality is that the ships work hard to avoid them. Your car parked on a cruise ship lot is probably in more danger while you are on the cruise from a hurricane than you are.