Sunday 17 April 2016

Caribbean cruise

Are you one of those in love with the sea? Are you also craving to sail on the 'endless ocean'? Is the prospect of exploring vast stretches of beaches and the lands beyond the beaches appealing to you? If your answer is yes to the above, I am sure you are romantic as well as adventurous . Mere sailing on the peaceful waters of ocean, on board the ship loaded with all the amenities, can be a great experience. Proximity to the sea, amenities the cruise liner offers you, entertainments on board and the exciting ports of call could be an experience of a life time. Cruising and inland excursions together constitute a cruising holiday.

Why Caribbean?

"Have you ever wondered why many prefer the Caribbean to other cruises? It is no surprise to me. The Caribbean indeed offers the perfect setting for a great holiday. The Caribbean extends from 'Cuba to South America'place with vast expanses of sea and beaches . The interesting ports of call are more than thirty. The beaches and adjacent lands indulge you in varied activities and treat to cuisines from all countries.

Do you wish to surf? Are you passionate about simply dozing on the beaches with out the interruptions of ringing cell phones or TVs? A Caribbeanplace cruise is your best choice to do all of that . The vast areas covered offer varied tour programs. The area is so vast that they define it even as Easter Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean to distinguish the areas covered. The shorelines offer the most attractive destinations. The east and western Caribbean parts are the favorites of frequent cruisers.

The most visited Caribbean destinations are 'Jamaica, Dominion Republic, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados, Bahamas, St Lucia and Virgin Islands'. Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands come under the territory of the USA. Visiting them from the US could be as easy as crossing the state borders.

Caribbeanplace is generally thought to be a 'single entity' . But in reality, it is politically linked to larger nations like the US, UK, France and Netherlands. Each territory has its specific customs. Entry requirements are specific to each and every territory . Hence it is better to ascertain with your travel agent/cruise company as to the passport/visa regulations before embarking on the cruise.

How do you choose the right cruise?

"It can be a tough task to decide which part of the : Carribbean you wish to cruise. Your basic interest and aim of cruising can play a crucial role in your decision. Do you want to treat yourself to a lazy holiday, just to lie on the deck, relax and do nothing? Then you could choose the Western Caribbean cruise as the ports are located far apart. The sailing time is more. You get to spend more time cruising in the sea than at the ports . The major ports are Jamaica, Costa Rica, Dominion Republic and Cayman Islands. The shore also offers scope for varied excursions into the inland. You can explore the historical ruins; go trekking in the forests or simply explore the land .

The Eastern Caribbean has many ports of call. You get shorter duration of sailing and more of shopping, dining and other entertainments on the shores. You can always choose the ones that suit your interests .

How do you choose a cruise line?

20 major liners are sailing at present in the Caribbean. 'Royal Caribbean' and 'The Carnival' are the big ships that find favor among most of the Americans. These ships offer varieties of amenities and entertainments on board . But they sail to only selected and big ports. 'Windstar' and 'Windjamer' are smaller ships sailing to smaller ports. 'Crystal, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Princess, Discovery and Norwegian' cruise lines are also the well known companies.

Choose a cabin cleverly.

"There are ocean view, interior and suite accommodations generally available . Ocean view cabins provide view of the seaside while the interior cabins do not . The suits are the most comfortable. Ocean view cabins could cost you any where between $25and $30 perday depending on the facilities and are slightly costlier than the interior ones. If you are a traveler not interested in spending time in your cabin a lot, you can always choose an interior cabin which is cheaper costing between $17 and $25 per day. You can use the savings to spend towards your excursions on the land .

Choose the duration and time.

Typically you may choose a vacation ranging from 3time to 10 days depending on your taste . People generally decide based on how long they wish to be in the sea or the cost of the cruise. People tend to deter the confinement within the ship. They can always choose shorter duration in the sea and longer duration in the port.

Cruises operate throughout the year. But the most favorite time is the winter when several ships offer favorable rates. Summer is the time suitable for family vacation as the children are away from school . Spring can also be ideal as cruise lines tend to be in the sea for longer duration. But you can look forward to the best value and deal during January, September or December.

How much can you spend?

It is indeed a crucial question." You may need a minimum of $100 - $150 per day per person, depending on the accommodation you choose . A cabin with an ocean view costs more than a cabin located internally without ocean views.

However you may try and cut down cost by admitting one more person into your cabin and choose to share the cost. Many companies also offer discounted rates if you plan and book well in advance . They also go cheaper during spring and fall . The total price quoted includes port fees, federal taxes and cabins, most of the food and drinks and most of the on-board entertainments. Cost of the connecting flights, transfers and hotel accommodation in the ports are not included unless specified otherwise. The total cost does not include cost of inland excursions, medical and other services you may choose to avail on-board.

On-board attractions

"You get to catch the beautiful view of the ocean . Every cruise line offers exclusive entertainments . Watch the Broadway musicals, go ice-skating, swim to your heart ?s content, be a part of dancing or game shows . You can display your musical talent by way of karaoke. All kinds of sports and games are available on board . You can spend the day skipping from one activity to the other . There are supervised activities for kids too. The food on board is an extra ordinary experience . Some ships offer internet cafes and you can get in touch with your friends easily . You can choose the ships that offer specific activities and facilities on board.

Travel Tips

- You may chooseair-travel-inclusive package to avoid delay and reduce cost.

- Ascertain the availability of gym, sauna and other facilities on-board the ship before booking if you are a health buff.

- Find out the cost of excursions in the land and book for conducted inland tours if you are not interested in private explorations.

- Good and healthy food is served to cater to almost all palates.

- If you choose to book your air and hotel stays through the cruise, you can avail substantial concessions with many.

- Adventure-specific dresses have to be packed for comfort. Dresses for the dinner on-board and caps and waterproof bag with spare clothing to be used after a swim and before re-boarding are the basic requirements for cruising and excursions.

- If you prefer to cruise in adult specific ships, you do have the choices.

- Cruising can be more fun if the excursions to the land visited by your ship offer many exciting tours. Details are always available while booking the cruise . You must choose the ports that offer the excitements closer to your heart.

The sunny climate, pristine waters, exciting entertainments and land excursions in the Caribbean could make a memorable and a life-time experience. Choose the right type of cruise; go for the duration suiting your interests and wallet. A Caribbean Cruise could make you long for such cruises again and again .

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