ShipsandScience.com

The best way to experience a Caribbean vacation is to take a cruise around the calm waters that feature some of the planet’s most unique wildlife, most breathtaking views, and most interesting people and cultures.  As the largest cruise market on earth, the Caribbean is served by a variety of different cruise lines, ranging from small boutique lines to large, internationally-renown companies.  The biggest players in the market are Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival.

Most cruises are seven to ten days in length and depart from United States gateways along the Gulf of Mexico or the eastern seaboard.  Some of these ports include Orlando/Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, New Orleans, Boston, and New York.  Some of the most common ports of call include St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.  Collectively, these ports offer cruise passengers with a glimpse of Caribbean life through marine animal encounters, guided eco tours, museum visits, and explorations of historic ruins.  More importantly, guests of a cruise will be treated to the same pampering and royal treatment experienced in all other cruises worldwide.  There is nothing better than going to sleep in one city and waking up in an entirely different one the next morning.  Having a few drinks, watching Broadway-style shows, and dining on some of the finest cuisine, is an added bonus.