When brainstorming vacation ideas, do not discount cruises as solely for the retired. With the right planning and a mindset for fun, Caribbean cruises could be wonderful vacations. The Royal Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruise lines are some of the more popular cruise ship lines. Orient Line, Celebrity Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line are just a few of the other options that are out there.
If you are planning cruises, there are few steps to take to ensure smooth sailing. One of the first things to do is to plan your destination. As you have decided on Caribbean cruises, pick which part of the Caribbean you wish to explore. Whether your destination is the southern Caribbean, or western Caribbean to Aruba, Jamaica, or St. Lucia, there is more than one cruise that will take you on shore.
Once you have decided your destination port, you must decide the departure port. Designated ports in the southern United States take you to different places in the Caribbean. Aboard the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line, you could meet your cruise in New Orleans, Louisiana; Port Canaveral, Florida; or even Boston, Massachusetts. Next, it would be nice to decide which ship you choose to set sail on. The Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line offers what they call families of ship. The four families are the Sovereign family with ships like Majesty of the Sea. Another family is the Voyager family with ships like Explorer of the Sea.
Cruises are also popular among families because they boast of fun activities for everyone of all ages. The Carnival Cruise Line houses a Spa, wedding options, casinos, and special activities for kids from ages 2-15. Most cruises are booked for seven nights, though cruise lines offer extended stays on the port of your choice at extra charge. The average price range for travelers under the age of 55 ranges from $600-$1000. The price will also differ depending on what part of the ship you wish to stay on. If you are in the interior of the cruise line, it will be cheaper than the exterior or a balcony suite. The price will also vary depending on your departure date. The further in advance you book your cruise, the cheaper the price you are more likely to receive. Internet travel booking agencies like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity could aid in advance booking.
Regardless of which destination and Cruise ship you choose for your Caribbean cruises, it is important to research the cruise line and its services. Check out the company’s reputation for service. Ask your friends and family who may have been on a cruise recently what they would have done differently when planning their cruise. Also check out the cruise’s menu and ensure that you will enjoy their cuisine, as meals are often a part of the package and you do not want to incur extra costs for food the way you want it. Lastly, make sure the cruise atmosphere is to your liking. If you are looking for time away from the kids, the Disney cruise line may not be the one for you.
By Venus Brady