Cruise destinations from Cut Price Cruises

DESTINATIONS - Caribbean

Why go there?

Are you kidding? For talcum-soft beaches lapped by warm turquoise seas, vast plantations, fantastic volcanic scenery, the world’s best rum punches and the laid-back, ultra-relaxing Calypso lifestyle.

Why cruise there?

The Caribbean comprises 7,000 islands and covers more than 2,500 miles. Its rich Colonial heritage - legacy of being variously occupied by the British, French, Dutch and Spanish - has combined with the indigenous Indian culture to invest each island with its own atmosphere, architecture and style. So why confine yourself to just one when you can see a selection, and relax in a full-board floating hotel as you go?

When would I go, what will the weather be like and what should I pack?

You can visit the Caribbean any time but our summer and autumn months are its rainy season and mid-autumn can bring hurricanes and tropical storms. Though sunny and warm year-round, the Caribbean is at its most temperate and delicious in the December to May peak season. Go casual in light cotton clothing, but pack an umbrella as insurance against the occasional burst of ‘liquid sunshine’.

What are the options?

Though some companies (including P&O, Cunard Line and Fred Olsen) operate long cruises to the Caribbean from British ports, the majority of itineraries are fly/cruise, with ships based in the US, the Caribbean itself or Mexico.

Durations range from three day Florida - Bahamas hops to three or even four-week sailings taking in most of the region, but the classic Caribbean product is a seven day cruise (nine day fly/cruise) from Florida (Miami or Fort Lauderdale), sailing west to Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, or east to the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas and St Croix, St Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, St Kitts and Martinique.

There are also ‘deep Caribbean cruises based in Puerto Rico and heading south to Guadeloupe, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Martinique, Venezuela or Aruba, and increasingly cruise ships are being based at other Caribbean ports, like Barbados.Caribbean cruises can also include part-transits of the Panama Canal and some go all the way through the Canal, travelling from Florida or Puerto Rico through to Acapulco or Los Angeles.

What to do ashore?

You’ll never be bored on a Caribbean cruise; sporty types can climb aboard a catamaran for a deep sea fishing or snorkelling expedition, hike through a rain forest or go kayaking. Excellent golf courses abound and many ships offer inclusive tours to these as part of onboard Golf programmes. Other shore excursion options include scenic island drives, trips aboard glass-bottomed, semi-submersible or submarine craft and tours of plantations.

Which cruise lines go there?

Operators with Caribbean programmes include

Eight ships - including the new megaship Caribbean Princess - will offer more than 25 itineraries, including sailings from San Juan and calls at two new ports - Belize City and Galveston.

Luxury operators cruising the Caribbean in 2004/5 include Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club. Sail ship operators Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers also offer Caribbean cruises.

What type of traveller goes there?

Pretty much anybody will love the Caribbean. The big ships make it a popular choice far families, and it’s always a hit with honeymooners and spouses-to-be keen to marry out there. Many clients may have visited before but stayed in a hotel - stress that they’ll see more and enjoy a much more varied holiday on a cruise.