Tuesday 28 June 2011

How to See the Caribbean in Sheer Luxury: Cruise Vacations

The idea of the perfect vacation often includes gently swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and warm, crystal-clear ocean waters. The image does not usually include endless lines at airport security, luggage wrangling, and cramped airline seats.

If your heart is set on visiting the tropical paradise that waits in the Caribbean Sea, skip the airport and book the vacation of your dreams on a cruise ship. Soon after you set foot on board, you will be gliding through the open ocean and your most pressing worries will involve what kind of drink to order next.

Accommodations

The cabin fare you book for the cruise represents the bulk of the price you will have to pay. This fee often covers several meals and other basic amenities as well, but usually does not include extras like alcoholic drinks or performance tickets. As in a large hotel, prices vary depending on room size and location.

The most inexpensive cabins aboard any cruise ship are always located on a lower deck toward the ship's center. This usually translates to a room without windows that may feature cramped quarters as well. However, these rooms may cost only a fraction of premium berths.

The most luxurious rooms on your cruise ship will be located on a side of the boat, offering large windows and sometimes even private balconies, letting you enjoy spectacular sunsets and views of the open sea from the comfort of your room.

Of course, these more spacious premium rooms beg the dearest prices as well. Before you make a final decision, weigh your personality type and preferences. Party animals may hardly see their rooms, while guests who cherish their privacy will appreciate an occasional escape to their cabins.

Activities on Board

More than ever before, the modern cruise ship can be likened to a floating resort town. Activities you can expect to find on board encompass nearly anything you would expect to find on solid ground and beyond.

Most ships offer world-class entertainment all day and night long. You can relax and enjoy a swinging jazz band, crack up with a comedian, catch a movie, or watch a full-scale Broadway-style show on an average day out to sea.

The more relaxation-oriented passengers will enjoy specialty spas that offer soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, or mud baths. Adventure seekers will find plenty to occupy their time as well, as most ships offer huge water parks and wave pools, all sorts of sports, and special treats. One cruise line now offers a full-sized rock climbing wall while another features a fully accessible ice skating rink!

What about the Kids?

Sometimes families are reluctant to opt for a cruise vacation because of fears that cruises are adult-only affairs. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Today, nearly every cruise ship (perhaps barring some specialty honeymoon liners) offers tons of staff and custom activities dedicated to kids and the whole family.

Different cruise lines and ships offer varying levels of engagement for the kids, so doing a bit of careful research before you finally choose a trip will pay dividends during the vacation. A family cruise ship always offers day camp programs filled with water parks, video games, creative activities, and even educational games so the kids can have fun while mom and dad slip away to enjoy themselves together.

Shore Side Adventures

Although it can be loads of fun aboard your cruise ship, the real excitement of cruising comes with that first stop at port. The average Caribbean cruise, lasting from five to seven days, visits three or four beautiful port towns along the way, so you can expect to enjoy varied island cultures and adventures. Although activities may be different from island to island, there are some favorites that many cruisers like to take advantage of universally.

• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Perhaps the quintessential adventure for visitors to the tropical islands, the Caribbean offers some of the world's greatest diving, with warm, clear ocean waters and thriving ecosystems of marine animals.

• Jungle Tours

These popular excursions can take place on foot, horseback, or via guided safari jeep. The ecosystems of the Caribbean islands vary greatly from place to place, and there is no better way to get a personal view of their special geography, flora, and fauna than with a guided off-road tour.

• Water Sports

With so much beautiful ocean available, the Caribbean is a natural place to try your hand at water sports like surfing, windsurfing, or even parasailing.

Cruises have something amazing to offer nearly every type of traveler. They encompass exotic travel, the ultimate in relaxation, and nonstop fun. Take some time to research and book the cruise of a lifetime now - you will not regret it.

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