Cruising the Caribbean
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Where to dance the night away
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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.
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.
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Language: English is the official language for 14 of the Island/Island
groups other Island languages are a mixture of Dutch, French
or Spanish.
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Currency: Each Island has its own legal tender but the US Dollar
is accepted everywhere.
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Time: The Caribbean is spread across three time zones.
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Climate: Between 70 - 90º 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
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UK Tourist Office: Caribbean Tourism Organization, Vigilant
House, 120 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1JZ. Tel 0171 233 8382.
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Vaccinations: Non required
Call us on 0845 299 4450 for further details
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