For your selection you can opt for one of four primary choice routes.  East, West, North, and South and each provides unique experiences.  However, the most popular seem to be the eastern and the western routes, so, if you are planning your first cruise, I would suggest either of these for a wonderful introduction to ocean cruise vacations.  Personally, I prefer the eastern Caribbean.  Also, it might be best for beginners to start with a seven day cruise, saving the more lengthy cruises for a time when you have a better idea of how much you enjoy this type of vacation.

The Caribbean cruises provide some of the most exciting experiences while taking you to exotic places for enjoyment of the sea, the shore, and the beaches, all the while offering music, dancing, sports, relaxation, that can be enjoyed with old and new friends.  Yes, the people you meet on board can become lifelong friends wherever they live, and you will fondly cherish the many pleasures.

The many Ports of Call offered by Cruise Lines in the Caribbean include Miami, New Orleans, Galveston, San Juan Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Bridgetown Barbados, Cayman Islands, and many more.  So, you see your choices are virtually unlimited.  Don’t forget the many land tours that are available at each of the Ports of Call on your itinerary to let you experience the local culture and history.  These tours can either be reserved through your ships tour office, or offered by local tour guides with vast experience of the local delights.

You probably know how popular the vacation business is to the many stops along the Caribbean routes, and they became popular because the local people devote their lives to entertaining the many visitors.  But, of course it is their livelihood; why shouldn’t they want to excel?

Of course the land tours and activities are only part of the pleasure.  You may find yourself torn between whether to stay aboard while in port and participate in the many activities, or whether to go ashore for the touring, shopping, and beaches.  I suppose that is why many can’t wait to get back for another cruise to let them get to the things they missed.  Shipboard activities continue, whether docked or sailing, and they include dancing, concerts, shows, games, gambling, shopping, sport activities, and so many more.  Wow! You may have to get back home just to catch your breath.  But, I’ll bet that just as soon as you get back home you will wish you weren’t.

There are so many luxury ships that cruise the Caribbean and visit such exciting venues there are volumes of written descriptions of the wonders to behold.  I hope that, if nothing else, I have whetted your appetite to explore the Caribbean.