Caribbean Cruise Information

How to choose the right Caribbean cruise  

A good start is to choose a particular port of call you want to visit or activities you want to do and see which cruises best suit your requirements. The larger ships tend to visit the more popular ports while the smaller luxury vessels tend to visit the quieter and less developed islands. If you feel like getting away from your fellow shipmates for a while, a few of the cruises arrange stops at remote islands and beaches. Think about how much time you want to spend on board, usually a 7 day cruise will have 3-5 ports of call a 10 day cruise stopping at between 6- 8 ports of call.

Where to go  

There is a huge selection of vessels, routes and itineraries to choose from but in general the Caribbean is split into regions and most of the cruises follow various routes in these areas. Highlights of a Western cruise may include fantastic diving and snorkeling at the coral islands of Grand Cayman and Cozumel or a chance to visit the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. Eastern cruises usually include a stop at the famous duty free port of Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The less travelled waters of the Southern region will let you experience authentic West Indian culture in the quieter ports.

Working up an appetite  

Most of the larger vessels will have a swimming pool and fitness centre; watersports will be available from the vessel or the shore and will include snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. Most cruise ships also arrange excursions on land including river rafting or hiking in the rainforest.

What to eat & drink 

Although the quality and variety of fare on board most ships is first class, it would be a shame not to try even a few local dishes such as "johhnycakes" (Caribbean muffins) or "pepper pot" stew. Rum is made locally on many of the Islands and is a basis for lots of lovely cocktails to enjoy while watching the sunset.

Where to dance the night away 

On board there is usually a good range of evening entertainment from ballroom dancing to discos but there may be a chance to sample the steel drums and limbo dancing on shore. Bridgetown in Barbados and Jamaica's Kingston are loaded with lively nightspots.

What to bring back 

Savings on luxury goods in the "free ports" are amongst the worlds best, but not to be overlooked are the locally made crafts or clothing which are usually good quality.

Fact File 

Language: English is the official language for 14 of the Island/Island groups other Island languages are a mixture of Dutch, French or Spanish.

Currency: Each Island has its own legal tender but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere.

Time: The Caribbean is spread across three time zones.

Climate: Between 70 - 90? F, the hottest and wettest months are in summer and they mark the start of the hurricane season in July. The most popular months for Caribbean cruising are between mid-October and mid-April

UK Tourist Office: Caribbean Tourism Organization, Vigilant House, 120 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1JZ. Tel 0171 233 8382.

Vaccinations: Non required