Caribbean Cruise: An Exploration of Cruise Routes

 

One of the Caribbean’s off the beaten track jewels is Haiti. Every year, millions of Caribbean cruise travelers visit the region to see the natural beauty, the history and the variegated island cultures.

This blog concerns the different Caribbean cruise routes with the most popular routes and what makes a Caribbean cruise so special.

1. Western Caribbean Route

A cruise route along the Western Caribbean is well known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and fascinating adventure activities.

The typical stops on this route include Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Jamaica, and Belize, and cruise ships on this route typically depart from Florida.

This route makes a stop here to share some of the crystal clear waters that lead to Cozumel being a top stop for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Mayan ruins, like San Gervasio, are also present on the island, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area.

Another highlight, if you set your sights on Grand Cayman, is Seven Mile Beach, a slice of Caribbean heaven at the southern end of which turtles come to lay their eggs.

The famous Stingray City also gives the chance to swim with stingrays which is sure to appeal to adventurous travelers.

With its warm culture, Jamaica has many activities to be enjoyed such as exploring Dunn’s River Falls or visiting the Bob Marley Museum.

Along the way, Belize is a great place for those looking to check out Mayan archaeological sites or hustling into the rainforests for the zip line adventure of a lifetime.

2. Eastern Caribbean Route

Tropical Islands, crystal clear waters, ports of call that come alive are the Eastern Caribbean repetitions.

While it is one of the most popular cruise routes, it often includes stops at the attractive places like St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Bahamas.

World class shopping in Charlotte Amalie, as well as spectacular beaches — such as Magens Bay — make St. Thomas a top shopping and beach destination — while upscale shopping, gourmet dining and diverse beach experiences await on St. Maarten, an island with a one of a kind French and Dutch mix.

You will be able to visit Orient Bay beaches, which are so beautiful, or possibly plunge into Maho Beach waters located just by the airport runway.

One stop that shows the charm of the old world, the rich culture, and the impressive landmarks — El Yunque Rainforest — is Puerto Rico.

The Bahamas also has a number of things on offer, including colonial Nassau, Harbour Island’s pink sand beaches, and much more.

3. Southern Caribbean Route

The Southern Caribbean is the right choice for travelers with a thirst for more exotic cruising.

For example, most of this route departs from Fort Lauderdale or San Juan and stops at Aruba, Curacao, Barbados and St. Lucia.

The warm weather is constant in Aruba, and their best beaches include Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

To the contrary, the desert-like terrain of the island with rugged landscapes and cacti create an interesting contrast with the tropical ambience.

Famous for being a colorful island, be it in the buildings and the underwater world, Curacao is a great spot for diving and snorkeling.

The good news about Barbados is that it combines lively culture with a laid back beach vibe.

Harrison’s Cave can be explored and visitors can experience the buzz of Bridgetown’s nightlife.

With the dramatic twin peaks of the Pitons, and beaches such as Anse Chastanet, Lucia is famous for its hiking possibilities. Sulphur Springs is also known for its volcanic mud baths on the island.

4. Private Islands and Exclusive Stops

Caribbean cruise lines featuring stops at their private islands are very many and these private islands offer a special and exclusive experience to the passengers.

Many of these islands are developed just for the cruise guest with its prize winning, pristine beaches, water activities and luxury amenities.

Other notable private islands include Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay — the largest waterpark in the Caribbean — and Disney’s Castaway Cay, a private island that is a Disney fan’s dream.

The calm waters offer ideal places for some time on the beach, snorkelling or a day of pampering at a luxurious spa.

Apart from the fun that the town offers, guests can join in on a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing, or they can relax in a pool surrounded by a peaceful and crowd‐free environment.

5. Routes of the Various Caribbean Cruise Choices

When it comes to your interests, most often adventure, relaxation, culture or history; your choice of the Caribbean cruise route would depend on your interests.

For history or adventure types, the blend of ancient ruins and adventurous shore excursions make the Western Caribbean perfect.

Those who like cultures, shopping, and the pristine beaches will love the Eastern Caribbean, whereas the Southern is a fantastic option for those looking for more remote, picturesque islands.

Choose the duration of the trip as well as the year you will be planning a cruise.

Cruises usually stretch between 3 and 10 days and some routes are all year but others depend on the season.

However you decide to travel, a Caribbean trip will offer majestic views, thrilling activities, and memories lasting for an eternity.

Conclusion

While the Caribbean offers many routes to accommodate almost any interest, it also happens to be paradise for cruisers.

Welcome to the Western Caribbean where ancient Mayan ruins, tropical beauty in the Eastern Caribbean and exotic Southern Caribbean make it impossible to run out of memories.

Private island stops add an extra element of luxury, making a Caribbean cruise the right mix of relaxing, adventurous and cultural exploration.

This is because of it so pack your bags and set sail over the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.