Caribbean Cruises
Why you need to plan ahead
Don't be taken in by the travel ads and book a Caribbean cruise before you do some careful planning. You may end up on the wrong ship, in the wrong places and end up paying far more than you bargained for.
Alert! New passport regulations effective June 1, 2009. Also new departure requirements where you must check in much earlier.
The following Caribbean cruise tips and information highlight the essentials to consider for any Caribbean cruise: from choosing the ship, what to pack, which islands are the most interesting and how to save money at every step.
Alert! Swine Flu, Cruising and Travel Insurance
How dangerous is this strain of flu? What if you decide to cancel your cruise? What protection does your credit card or cruise line offer?
For people who've
never traveled to the region, Caribbean cruises are an excellent method
for previewing a number of islands in a short time.
This is also one of the
most comfortable ways to travel. Stay in one room,
visit many islands and enjoy luxury resort service.
But sometimes people have such a miserable experience they dream of abandoning ship while still en route. You don't have to have fear that situation with a little homework.
How Much Does
a Caribbean Cruise Cost? . . . Much
more than the advertised price
Selecting
a Ship . . . Make
it match your vacation style
Family Cruising . . . Many cruise ships are one big playground
Selecting
a Stateroom . . . What
to consider
What
to Pack & Wear . . . Not
as overwhelming as it might seem
Dining
Choices and Options . . . The
most important choice is whether to dine early or late
Trip Interruption and Luggage Insurance . . . What if you or your bags are not where they are supposed to be?
Internet Access . . . The worst and most obvious failing of cruise ships
Time
in Caribbean Ports . . . Planning
shore excursions, individual trips, walking tours
Which ports may be Off Limits for the Physically Impaired When anchored in rough weather, the gangway can be a roller coaster ride
Tipping,
Smoking and Other Policies . . . The
do's and don'ts
Getting
married at sea . . . It isn't as easy as in the movies but still
quite possible.
Staying
Healthy on a Caribbean Cruise . . . The
publicity makes it seem worse than it is
Special interest Caribbean cruises . . . Gay
& lesbian cruises. Diversity moves to the high seas. But not
every island welcomes these cruises.
Pre and Post Caribbean Cruise Tours Things to do when you have
extra time before or after your cruise.
Photo Gallery featuring the Brilliance
of the Seas and the Disney
Wonder.
The
Small Cruise Ship Option
Find complete descriptions about the many smaller vessels sailing the
Caribbean, at the world's largest web site devoted to these intimate
ships, www.smallshipcruises.com.
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