The last few years have seen a surge of new, immersive cruise experiences launched by a host of well-known luxury brands. From new ports of call to bespoke itineraries, these experiences aim to take conventional cruising from a solitary journey surrounded by strangers to an experience that mixes the private and the public, waterside and airside, alcoholic & non-alcoholic.
These are private cruises where you and your significant other can travel alone or with friends or family – experiencing one of life’s most beautiful and risk-filled adventures in a group.
A Caribbean cruise is the perfect example of this. Depending on when you go, a Caribbean cruise can be held anywhere from May to October — but regardless of the year or season, they’re sure to soak up all the fun. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of taking one for the first time…
What is a Caribbean cruise?
A Caribbean cruise is an onboard journey that takes place in the Caribbean Sea or the Caribbean Oceanside. The itineraries can vary from six to 10 months, depending on the cruise line, and guests can expect to visit a number of destinations, from Cuba to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The cruise lines that offer the most extensive Caribbean cruises are Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Seabourn.
Why go on a Caribbean cruise?
The appeal of a Caribbean cruise is two-fold: unique destinations, luxurious interiors and exteriors. To begin with, the cruise experience is unlike any other — you’ll never see anything like it in an airplane, train or bus. People on private cruises tend to be a younger, more racially diverse and more open-minded crowd than those on public cruises. In fact, the younger generation who are frequent cruisers is known as the “adultSolution,” and they represent the best chance for a traditionalist like me to score. There’s also the chance to meet people from all walks of life, from all over the world, and explore cultures that would be otherwise largely unknown. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make new friends, experience a new culture and gain a more in-depth knowledge of another.
How to book a Caribbean cruise
The best way to book a Caribbean cruise is online. The major cruise lines all have websites where you can book your journey and see availability. You’ll need to make sure you book as far in advance as possible, as availability can fluctuate significantly. If you’re thinking of a special occasion, or want to treat your friends and family, consider booking a Caribbean cruise as a gift. Luxury cruises are the perfect way to celebrate an important birthday, Christmas or your partner’s birthday. To save money on your cruise, consider making a stop at an island first. There are over 100 islands in the Caribbean, and most of them are worth visiting at least once. You’ll get a better feel for the destination and the culture by walking around than by taking a ship-sponsored tour.
When is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?
Generally, the winter is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise, as it is then that the weather is kind to the sea. Spring and summer are also good, though it’s more likely to be hot and humid on these seasons. Fall and winter are not ideal, as it is then that the weather can change very quickly, with snow and icy conditions being a regular feature. Another consideration is the number of passengers. The larger the ship, the more people you can bring on board, and the better the weather will be. With more guests, there is a chance for everyone to be on the same page regarding the type of entertainment and drinks that are served.
Where to go on a Caribbean cruise?
Given the variety of destinations and itineraries available, it’s difficult to suggest a single location for your Caribbean cruise. You can start with the northern Caribbean, where you’ll find Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and the islands of the Northern Caribbean. You may then move west, where you have the option of visiting Panama, Costa Rica, the Northern Central American coast or the Southern Caribbean. You can also head south to the Galápagos or Tenerife.
Conclusion
This article has provided a guide to everything you need to know about a Caribbean cruise. From what to expect on board a particular cruise line, to which destinations to visit and when, we’ve covered all the bases in this guide. If you’re thinking of taking one for the first time, or are unsure where to start, our advice is to book as far in advance as possible. Most cruises sell out two to three months before the sailing, so don’t wait until the very last moment to book.
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
