All about : Travel Western Caribbean Cruises

All available routes, western Caribbean cruises are the most popular. The images of white sand, swaying palms and clear blue waters draw millions of passengers to the western Caribbean each year.When to Take Western Caribbean Cruises
Western Caribbean cruises operate all year round because of the temperate climate of the region. The busiest months fall between April and October, though, so for a more laid back pace you may want to consider cruising in the offseason. Many areas of the island resorts offer reduced rates for tours during the off-season, but the same good time can be reduced, while preparing for the next busy season. In general, local festivals and celebrations happening all year round and is independent of the cruise season: if you are interested in the local atmosphere is just as likely to experience a historic cultural festivals or holidays, in January as you are in June, according to the country.
A test to do when taking any Caribbean cruise is the possibility of hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the huge storms can change routes and disrupt the holiday with very little notice. While shipping companies usually try to maintain the published timetable, safety is of primary concern. If you are planning a western Caribbean cruise on a specific port in mind, you may want to schedule your vacation outside the hurricane season to exclude storm-influenced changes.Cruise Length
Because the islands in the western Caribbean are numerous and close together, the length of cruises vary widely. Four and five days vacation usually visit one or two destinations, while seven and ten days may request services from many different nations. Short route may not involve a lot of time at sea, while the longer cruises often offer extended stays in the most popular ports. Destinations beyond the United States, such as Grand Cayman, Aruba and Jamaica, it is usually only a part of longer cruises and more easily accessible destinations such as Key West and Cozumel Mexico Cruises are many paths of different lengths.Cruise Line
All major cruise lines offer vacations in the western Caribbean: Carnival Cruise Line, the Royal Caribbean, Holland America Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Disney, and many others. While the ports of call may be the same and similar shore excursions, the experience offered by different cruise lines vary widely. Different services also offer different routes with stops at private islands, and before choosing a Western Caribbean cruise you should consider what line offers the best overall choice for your vacation.Embarkation Ports for Western Caribbean Cruises
Most people believe that to the western Caribbean cruise, you should leave a port in Florida. Depending on the cruise, however, can depart from many different U.S. ports, including ...

    * Miami, FL: The capital of the world cruise line, with dozens of ships from other lines sailing every week.
    * Fort Lauderdale, FL: Close to Miami and offer similar options in a slightly less frantic atmosphere.
    * Port Canaveral, FL: Along the central east coast of Florida was a natural choice for cruisers interested in a few days in Orlando with their cruise vacation.
    * Jacksonville, FL: One of the newest ports of embarkation and continues to offer a limited variety of cruises, but easier than ports in South Florida.
    * Tampa, FL: Along the west coast of Florida, a natural port of embarkation for cruises to the western Caribbean.
    * Galveston, TX: Convenient to the Western with short and long routes available.
    * New Orleans, LA: An alternative to Florida ports offers Cajun talent to start a Western Caribbean trip.
    * Baltimore, MD: Offer only longer routes and schedules are limited because of distance, but a more convenient option for cruisers in the U.S. Northeast
    * Mobile, AL: A small cruise port offering select routes in the western Caribbean.
Depending on schedules and routes and in particular the lines, various embarkation ports may be added or deleted from the lists. Not all departure gates are available all year, so if your sailing choices are limited, it is best to book your cruise early to guarantee your selection.

All about : Travel Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean cruises offer great destinational to lure both beginning and experienced cruisers. The vast majority of cruises occur in the Caribbean, with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and magnificent lush tropical islands. While the western Caribbean cruises are the most popular routes, Eastern Caribbean cruises run a close second.When to get an Eastern Caribbean Cruise
All Caribbean cruises operate all year round because of the temperate climate of the region, the months between April and October are the busiest because of spring break cruises, honeymoon and vacation. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to consider off-season cruises, which can be less expensive as well. Moreover, cruises in the off season helps you avoid the treacherous hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), which can disrupt schedules and frequently changing ports of call, particularly for eastern destinations are less protected from incoming storms.Cruise Length
The Caribbean is filled with various parts of the island; Too many to visit in one cruise. Because the islands are close together in the Eastern Caribbean cruise lengths can vary 7-14 days. The most common duration is seven days, and shorter routes are rare in U.S. ports because of the time required to reach the easternmost islands of various ports of departure. As an alternative, however, several eastern Caribbean itineraries departing from San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, including shorter routes (four or five days). In eastern Caribbean voyages include several ports of call, and the longest journeys can stop at five or more different locations.Cruise Line
Most large cruise lines offer Eastern Caribbean itineraries: Carnival Cruise Lines, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Cunard Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line between them. Because different cruise lines often offer different paths for each series is known for its various features, you should always spend years exploring which line is most suitable for your holiday before a cruise. Cruise lines are always willing to provide it for free brochures and web sites packed with both general information and details for each ship.Embarkation Ports for the Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Because most of the eastern Caribbean ports of call require a significant journey just to reach them, there are a limited number of ports of embarkation to choose from. Depending on the cruise line, ships depart from ...

    * Miami, FL: In this chapter cruise line in the world, dozens of ships from various lines of different routes sail the Caribbean.
    * Fort Lauderdale, FL: Close to Miami with similar options at a slightly less frantic atmosphere. Fewer cruise lines operating from Fort Lauderdale.
    * Port Canaveral, FL: Along the Atlantic coast of Florida east of Orlando, many cruisers opt for additional days to experience Florida's theme parks and other attractions.
    * Tampa, FL: Require additional sailing time to reach the Eastern destinations, departures are limited in this western port of Florida.
    * Norfolk, VA: Conveniently located for both the northeastern and Midwestern states, the port offers a limited variety of different cruises.
    * New York, New York: An excellent port for northeastern cruises, Eastern Caribbean itineraries from New York always includes several days at sea.
    * Bayonne, NJ: Other northeastern port with limited tracks from a select group of cruise lines.
Embarkation ports can be added or deleted from the routes of cruise ships at any time. Cruise lines generally plan trips to three years or more in advance, though, so travel agents can often confirm the existence of any port of departure and can inform you if new ports will be considered.The ports of call for Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Eastern Caribbean itineraries often focusing on lesser known destinations away from the most popular Western tracks. Depending on the cruise line, your trip may include stops at any of the following ports ...

    * Bahamas: Nassau and Freeport are the most frequent cruise ports in the Bahamas, each offering an array of shopping and cultural tours. Nassau is the largest port and has access to Paradise Island, home of the famous Atlantis hotel and casino.
    * U.S. Virgin Islands: Travel characteristic of these islands frequently stop on both St. Thomas and St. John. Both islands offer excellent national parks with beautiful foliage and extensive trails. Golf trips, beaches, snorkeling and other popular tours.

    * St. Martin: Shared between France and the Netherlands, St. Martin (also known as Sint Maarten) offers a unique blend of two cultures with historical tours and chic shops along with casinos and raucous nightlife.
    * Haiti: Available as a private attitude of Royal Caribbean International, the secluded beach of Labadee offers a unique taste of local culture in other private islands often lack. Dancers, shopping, and dining are all available along with an extensive children's activities.
    * Puerto Rico: San Juan is one of the largest and most sophisticated ports in the Caribbean and is often used as a gate on the eastern routes. Various historical tours are available, as well as premier golf trips, a wide range of markets, and other comprehensive packages.

All about : Travel Jamaica Cruises

Jamaica cruises are a favorite with honeymooners and active cruisers. With a stunning variety of natural land and natural features, from white sand beaches and lush jungle to tumbling waterfalls and 7,000-foot mountains, Jamaica offers visitors natural beauty and a rich culture and history. This unique island is a popular port of call for Western Caribbean Cruises, usually for seven days or more voyages.Arriving in Jamaica
Cruise ships have two options in Jamaica: the popular port of Ocho Rios or the port city of Montego Bay (Mo Bay). Both doors on the north coast of the island, Montego Bay about seventy miles further west, both destinations are equipped to accommodate even larger vessels with modern docks and typical commercial tourist areas. While both ports of call are within the most popular Cruise Tours and attractions are far enough away so that passengers do not usually interact with each other and the numbers may seem lower than other popular destinations.
Arriving at the port, cruise passengers Jamaica treated to a stunning view of mountains startling Jamaica, which dwarf even the largest cruise ships. Both doors well designed to offer spectacular views from the point of arrival and easy access to shops and tours.
Necessary information about Jamaica:

    * English is the official language, but most Jamaicans speak a richly accented dialect that combines various languages in a lyrical speech. The visitor will have no problem speaking English.
    * The Jamaican dollar is the official currency and is equal to about two cents U.S.. American currency is widely accepted.
    * Crime and especially preying on tourists, remains a problem in Jamaica and personal exploration not encouraged, especially after dark or out-of-the-way areas.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions in Jamaica
There are many popular shore excursions in Jamaica, ranging from cultural outings to dramatic discoveries of the natural wonders of the island. Yacht cruises, golf resorts, Dunn's River Falls tours, historical tours, safari adventures, rafting and tubing, horseback riding, canopy adventures, missions and Dolphin Cove are just a sample of the excursions offered by both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Given the high rate of crime on the island, often encourage cruise passengers to stay with organized tours or stay within well-established commercial area downtown.Jamaica Cruises: Sightseeing
Whether you choose a package tour on the mainland or prefer to blend with the locals by setting their own exploration of the island, you must be sure to visit some of the most popular attractions in Jamaica include:

    * Dunn's River Falls: This majestic waterfall cascades more than 600 meters from the beach down in terraces descending. Tourists can climb the falls, forming a human chain behind a driver and experts, or can simply be downloaded via the adjacent boardwalks to experience the magnificent views. Locker rentals are available, and aqua shoes are highly recommended.
    * Dolphin Cove: The highlight of this small wetland is a lagoon with several tame dolphins, visitors can touch, play with, or swim, depending on the end willing to pay. Limited walking trails well-marked point out various native plants and a small shopping center offers distinctive souvenirs.
    * Island Village: Next to the cruise ship pier in Ocho Rios, this shopping extravaganza covers four acres and includes not only shops and several museums, art galleries and outdoor concerts.
    * Reggae Xplosion: This museum complex Island Village explores the origins and history of Jamaican music distinctly.
    Margaritaville * Jimmy Buffet is: Another part of the band Island Village, this world famous bar is perfect for imbibing guests with a rooftop Jacuzzi and water slides to complete the outrageous drag.
    * Fern Gully: is a former river bed converted into a magnificent tropical forest preserve south of Ocho Rios has grown hundreds of varieties of wild ferns.
    * Brimmer Hall Estate: This working plantation east of Ocho Rios offers daily tours of tropical fruit trees and coffee fields. The property includes an excellent restaurant for guests to sample a wide range of Jamaican dishes.
    * Rose Hall Great House: This famous plantation home just east of Montego Bay has a rich Jamaican history, including slavery, witchcraft, and murder, the events that led to many spiritual legends.
    * Rocklands Wildlife Station: South of Montego Bay, this bird sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to hand feed finches and pigeons and birds interact with Jamaican doctor.
    * Beach: Guests have gotten numerous beautiful beaches on both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. While many resorts line the best sites and restrict access to the beach, public beaches are plentiful. To find more peaceful places, take the cruise pier.
    * Smoked Meat: If it is not a physical attraction, this Jamaican staple, is one not to miss treat for visitors. The meat (chicken, pork or beef) are largely marinated in a potent blend of spices and slowly cooked until it slips easily from the bone. Smoked foods can be found at many local restaurants, and culinary-inclined visitors can take the spices and rubs to replicate the taste at home.
Jamaica Cruises: Necessary Precautions
Jamaicans know that tourists have plenty of activities on the island, and many locals trying to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Prices for artifacts often grossly inflated and bargaining can be tough, but it is welcome. The vendors are very persistent, even aggressive pushy but polite, firm refusal to be effective and the prevailing attitude of "no problem, mon" couples, in particular, should seek aggressive sales pitches, with craftsmen who offer a woman "gift" if only people will buy the accompanying piece, because it's bad luck to separate the couple.

All about : travel Cruises to Aruba

Aruba Cruises give passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sunny climate of the island, picturesque architecture and wide, white sand beaches. With its sunny beaches, glittering casinos, abundant shopping, and European charm, Aruba is a popular port in the southern Caribbean cruise many "paths. This arid island is located south and west of the typical hurricane track (and only twenty miles north of Venezuela), making it an excellent choice for cruising in the summer as well, with the Carnival, the Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and other mainstream lines including Aruba on various routes. Because of the distance south of the island, usually only longer routes (seven days or more) call Aruba, especially if the port of departure is the United States (Fort Lauderdale, FL? Tampa, FL) - many routes including Aruba also depart from San Juan, Puerto RicoArriving in Aruba
Cruises in Aruba reach well equipped and modern cruise terminal on the island Orangestad, designed to accommodate even the largest ships. A tourist information kiosk can provide local maps and attraction leaflets and passengers can access the site if necessary. Like most cruise ports, there are many local shops are right at the dock, while waiting for a greater variety of stores just a short walk in the downtown mall.
Information for Aruba:

    * Dutch is the official language but English and Spanish is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
    * The Aruba florin is the official currency and is equal to about sixty minutes the U.S., but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
    * All beaches are public, but guests will be charged for the use of sunbeds and umbrellas shade.
Aruba Cruises: Shore Excursions
Besides the typical snorkeling, underwater tours and glass bottom boat tours, cruise ships offer a variety of more adventurous shore excursions in Aruba: speedboat tours, jeep excursions off road, and sailing tours are popular choices. Less intense shore excursions include sunset catamaran cruise (ideal for honeymooners and other romantics), cultural coach tours and pub crawls, including a stop at world famous Carlos'n Charlie.Sightseeing in Aruba
For guests wishing to explore Aruba in less organized fashion, there are many different cultural tidbits throughout the island of Aruba offers expertise in culture, history and lifestyle. Rental cars and scooters are plentiful and the roads are generally well preserved, making it easy to organize your personalized tour. Some of the most interesting sights in Aruba include:

    * Archaeological Museum of Aruba: This retreat emphasizes Indian cultural heritage of the island with multiple displays of pottery, stone tools, shells, bones and other objects.
    * Fort Zoutman: More than 200 years, this defense site houses a collection of other artifacts on the slope culture.
    * Numismatic Museum of Aruba: Near Fort Zoutman, this museum offers its visitors an impressive collection of coins from more than 400 countries, arranged in historical artifacts.

    * Natural Bridge: the northern coast of the island across from Oranjestad, this limestone arch is the most photographed attraction in the nation. The formation stretches twenty-five feet in the air and extends about one hundred feet of water.
    * Hooiberg: Also known as "straw" is another impressive natural formation: a 540-foot high hill with boulders. Located near the center of the island, it is possible to see the coast of Venezuela on a clear day the peak of its formation.
    * Arikok National Park: Covering twenty percent of the island, this ecological preserve contains many caves once inhabited by several Indian tribes. Fontein cave decorated with primitive drawings, and the nearby cave Baranca Sunu has a weird heart-shaped entrance giving nicknamed the "Tunnel of Love."
    * Wilhelmina Park: Within walking distance from downtown Oranjestad, this small park includes a meticulously maintained tropical garden with a statue of Queen Wilhelmina as the highlight, highlighting the island's Dutch heritage.
    * Beaches: With less than twenty inches of annual rainfall, Aruba's beaches are ideal for serious sunbathing. Many beaches are easily reached by taxi at a low price (taxi fares in Aruba all levels of pay - to agree on a price before the start of the drive), and the beaches of the hotel offers a variety of water sports like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and water skiing.
    * Shopping: For guests who are more concerned about the costs of sun, Aruba is an amazing variety of shops concentrated in downtown Oranjestad. From hokey tourist shops in upscale boutiques, visitors can find great deals on chocolate, cheese, watches, jewelry, china, perfume, and crystal.
Cruises in Aruba: Necessary Precautions
As with any port, visitors should be aware of potential problems, sometimes including aggressive traders, and the locals are very willing to give private tours to the islands, especially women. Because of the sunny climate of the island, cruise passengers should be sure to take proper precautions to avoid excessive sunburn or heatstroke, including drinking plenty of non-alcoholic beverages (taking a bottle of water with a sensible choice). If you rent a car or a motorcycle, drivers should be noted that many roads outside the capital can become very slippery with blowing.