How to Choose a Caribbean Cruise

Natalie Howard - Celebrity Cruises writer

19 July 2017

Celebrity Silhouette, the Caribbean

After careful consideration, you’ve narrowed down your cruise options to the Caribbean. But how do you choose the right Caribbean cruise? With so many variables it can feel quite a responsibility to get it right, so here’s a handy guide to help you choose

One of your first decisions is how long your holiday will be. We have everything from a 2-night cruise in the Bahamas up to a 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean cruise. Our most popular choices are the 7-night and 10 to 11-night cruises, which open up the options for tailoring your experience to your own preferences. Let’s take a look at those preferences and the cruises that fit the bill.

Best for Outdoor Adventure

One of the best places to feed your adventurous spirit is Costa Maya on the Mexican coast. Here, the jungle meets the sea and you can find everything from jungle treks to kayaking on the clear blue lagoon. The 9-night Ultimate Western Caribbean Cruise calls at Costa Maya and also Belize, which is another great place to explore the jungle.

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Best for Chilling on the Beach

Every Caribbean cruise offers the chance to soak up the sun on a palm-fringed beach but if we are forced to choose, then we recommend Antigua, said to have 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. Another top pick is Eagle Beach in Aruba, where the soft sands and turquoise waters put it into every top 10 list of Caribbean beaches. Visit both islands on a 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise.

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Best for Colonial Charm

The Caribbean islands have been under many influences and this is borne out in the colonial architecture. Basseterre in St. Kitts has graceful buildings that point to its French past, while in Puerto Rico, San Juan old town is home to imposing forts which once protected the Spanish empire here. There are Dutch and British influences across the Caribbean islands too. For the best of colonial charm choose a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise.

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Best for Laid Back Caribbean Vibes

You will often find the true spirit of the Caribbean down at the beach, where music, rum cocktails and chilling out are the order of the day. There is no better example than Barbados. Enjoy an easy-going afternoon on one of the beaches close to Bridgetown then head up into town for a lively Caribbean evening and some authentic Bajan food. Choose the 7-night Southern Caribbean Cruise.

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Best for Chic Shopping

Marigot, the French capital of St. Martin, is a full of boutique shops and gift shops that offer gallic style and sophistication. After an afternoon of retails therapy, head to one of the stylish restaurants for cocktails and French cuisine. Our Eastern Caribbean cruises dock at Philipsburg in St. Maarten, the Dutch side of the Island.

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Best for Wildlife & Nature

The Mexican Island of Cozumel, also known as ‘the island of the swallows’ is a wildlife haven, notable for its exotic tropical birds. The Cayman Islands offer some great snorkelling, where you can get up close and personal with stingrays at St. George. Roatán, one of the Honduran islands, is also great for snorkelling; its coral reef teeming with colourful fish. For nature lovers, these ports of call are on the 9-night Ultimate Western Caribbean Cruise.

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Best for a Short Trip

If you are holidaying in Florida and looking for a short Caribbean cruise, then our 2-4 night Bahamas Cruises are just the ticket. Enjoy the luxury of a cruise ship experience and enjoy a flavour of Caribbean life at Nassau in the Bahamas, where the welcome is friendly and the vibe is lively and colourful.

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Whatever your preference, there is a Caribbean cruise that’s just perfect for you. And if you just can't decide if you're seeking an adventurous, action-packed trip or a relaxing break in paradise, then you can cover all your bases with a longer 14 night Caribbean cruise. Take in colonial charm, white sandy beaches, culture, nature and adventure. Book your Caribbean cruise today and look forward to an extraordinary experience.

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