What to Pack on Caribbean Cruises?

Packing is the most difficult part of any trip and if it is for Caribbean cruises then it ought to be well sorted. Here a guide to help you.

Which clothes to pack for a Caribbean cruise is simpler than your think. Your 2 most important considerations are comfort and practicality.

Before deciding what to pack, do your homework first to narrow your focus and eliminate the urge to throw things in the suitcase at the last minute for “just in case.”

* Make a list of every day's port of call and the activities you plan to participate in at each.

* How many days do you spend at sea? That requires almost no wardrobe. You can spend the entire day in a bathing suit if you wish.  

 

Now that you know your itinerary, you can get down to serious business.  

Remember, most people don't dress or look like the models in cruise advertisements.

There's no need to break the bank on clothing for a cruise.  Save your money for fun things to do at the different ports you'll be visiting.  

Most things you need are in your closet.

Basics are best for both men and women.  

For men: Slacks and a polo-style shirt are great attire for a  man at dinner and the shirt can be worn the next day with shorts.  

The only night men need a coat and tie is the formal evening, which varies between 1 and 2 nights depending on the length of your cruise.

For women: Don't limit yourself to dresses and heels because you may regret it. Dinner wear is actually fairly simple. For daytime, bring a pair of light slacks and a pair of black slacks with blouses or tanks. Formal night is whatever you want it to be but slacks with a dressy blouse are fine.

Footwear: A must have item are black walking/tennis shoes.  Both for men and women. Yes, even on formal nights.  Ladies, trust me, in rough seas walking can be tough and you don't want to be in heels. Who's going to look at your feet anyway?  

Ref: http://www.guidetocaribbeanvacations.com/cruise/WhatToPack.htm

Set out for Caribbeancruises tensionless because you have the packing guide.

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Eastern Caribbean Cruise Basics

The video must have given you a vivid view of the Caribbean cruises. Now visit the Caribbean islands and experience the thrill yourself.

Of all the regions in all the world, the Eastern Caribbean offers the most choice for cruising. Nearly every cruise line, major or minor, offers some type of itinerary that either concentrates on the region or at least touches a port or two. Voyages not only depart from the region's major jumping-off points (Miami and Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades) but also other East Coast ports ranging from New York City to Charleston. You can even cruise to or from Europe -- during seasonal repositionings in spring and fall.



Is time an issue? Eastern Caribbean trips range from perfect-weekend, three- or four-night jaunts to 10 nights and beyond. And, finally, travelers can choose cruises that represent all budget ranges, from "cheap cheap cheap" to ultra luxury (and moderate in between).

These days, veteran Caribbean visitors may yawn at the thought of yet another call at an Eastern Caribbean stalwart like St. Thomas, St. Maarten or Nassau for the same reason that this region is a first-rate choice for first-time cruisers. That's because these ports-of-call, which also include San Juan, are among the Caribbean's most tourist developed. There are plenty of well-organized activities, from duty-free shopping to watersports to tours of historic sites -- and, in many cases, a visit to these destinations may not feel all that exotically Caribbean. Don't be fooled, however; an effort to look beyond the obvious will reveal lots of surprises, from desolated beaches to hip restaurants.

Image Source:http://www.iglucruise.com

Best Time To Go

"High" season in the Eastern Caribbean typically begins in December and runs through April, luring numerous "snowbirds" who want to flee winter in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Some cruise lines offers warm weather cruising to the Caribbean, which is an increasingly family oriented summer destination. And while many cruse lines then deploy ships to other destinations for warmer weather cruising, some stay put, offering year-round itineraries.

The only major difference between winter and summer in the Eastern Caribbean is a slightly warmer clime -- but it's not as searingly hot in summer as you might expect. Another tip for summer and fall travelers: The wamer months are when cruise lines offer the best bargains. We must include a caveat, however: Hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30 and, particularly in the traditionally oh-so-busy months (for storms) of August, September and October, storms can wreak havoc with your cruise vacation.

Choosing An Itinerary

Choosing an itinerary is pretty easy if you're just shopping for islands in the Eastern Caribbean -- there's little of the exotic here. Most ships visit the mainstream ports -- the U.S. Virgin Islands' St. Thomas, for one. St. Maarten's another. Tortola, the biggest British Virgin Island, is increasingly popular. San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital city, is not only a daytripping port, it also serves as a jumping-off spot for ship embarkations.

More challenging in planning your cruise is determining your embarkation port and your cruise length; these are only complicated because there are so many options from which to choose.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1356

	What To Know Before You Go A Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is an experience you'll never forget. And we want to help you get the very most out of every moment. So we've put together a few basic tips and guidelines to make sure you've got everything you need for your upcoming adventure.

What to Pack Of course you won't forget the camera, but here's a list of other important items you'll need to squeeze into that suitcase. Prepare Your Home Here are some helpful tips to keep your home safe and sound while you're out having the time of your life. What to Do at the Pier We've got important info for first-timers and some helpful tips for the saltiest of seadogs. Top FAQs If you've got a question, maybe someone's already asked it. Check out our most frequent Frequently Asked Questions. Getting Off the Ship Your comfort shouldn't end as soon the ship docks. Our enhanced departure process will help ensure a pleasant farewell.

Ref-http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/travelGuidelines.do?cS=NAVBAR&pnav=4&snav=2

Caribbean cruises can be extremely fun if you carry your essentials and have an overview bout the place. So, here it is.

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Western Caribbean Cruises

Beyond the beautiful beaches and deep within the tropical jungle, are the Caribbean cruises waiting to astonish you.

Sail on a Western Caribbean cruise vacation and experience the mystery and intrigue of this once mighty civilization.

Watch the Western Caribbean video »

Galveston, Texas

There's something for everyone on the bustling island of Galveston, from the popular Moody Gardens theme park to a fascinating aquarium, 32 miles of beaches, The Strand Historical District, excellent shopping and more!

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

This sunny city isn't just your embarkation port; Ft. Lauderdale's a gateway to the famous Florida Everglades, the popular hot spot known as South Beach and spectacular shopping.

History & Culture

Ancient Mayan treasures blanket the Western Caribbean in captivating history, from the pyramids and temples at Altun Ha in Belize to the Island of Cozumel's legendary walled city of Tulum.

Natural Wonders

Discover the splendor of Belize's spectacular coral reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Take in the beauty and of underground caves on the Island of Cozumel or visit an iguana farm on the Island of Roatán – it's all within reach  on a Western Caribbean cruise.

Shore Excursions

Zip line through the Belize jungle, swim with the dolphins of Roatán, and snorkel or scuba dive off the Island of Cozumel or head out to sea for the famous sport fishing!

Mayan Wonders Abound on a Western Caribbean Cruise

The rise, fall, and total disappearance of the Mayan culture has confounded and fascinated people for decades. Step into the shadows of this once great civilization.

Mayan Wonders »

The Caribbean Sea is the world's fifth largest body of water and is home to more than 7,000 islands. While you can't sail a major cruise ship to every nook and cranny of the Caribbean, you do have an abundance of choices when it comes to picking an itinerary.

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries, mon! I've pared down the cruise line's offerings to the top 10 Caribbean itineraries. This list will give you a sense of what the different voyages have to offer, and help you decide where you want to go on your next island cruise.

Western Caribbean

New to Caribbean cruising? The basic seven-night western Caribbean cruise is one of the best itineraries for first-timers. You can depart from a variety of homeports and get a mix of Central American and island ports, as well as days at sea. Princess' cruise on the Grand Princess departs from Ft. Lauderdale and calls at the quintessential western Caribbean ports of Jamaica; Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Princess Cays (Princess' private island in the Bahamas). Activities range from snorkeling and scuba diving off Grand Cayman, exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, and climbing a waterfall in Jamaica. Plus, you get two days at sea to enjoy the ship.

Ref- http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2007-12-27-best-caribbean-cruise-itineraries_N.htm

Lose yourself to the beauty of Caribbean islands with Caribbean cruises.

Image Source:http://www.vacationstarter.com

Royal Caribbean International

Given the name of this cruise line, guests are justified in expecting expertise when it comes to the Caribbean islands. Guests aboard one of the Royal Caribbean's luxury ships might spend a day communing with stingrays in Grand Cayman, exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rainforest or discovering the Mayan ruins of Cozumel. Depending on the cruise you select, you might also find yourself in a paradise called Labadee. This exclusive, private Royal Caribbean destination features seven distinct neighborhoods where you can shop for local handicrafts or laze in a luxury cabana on the beach. After you've braved the longest zip line over water in the world or dived 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine, treat yourself to a signature Labaduzee frozen drink in a hammock beneath a shady tree.

Ref- http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/04/21/top-10-caribbean-cruises/

Why Cruise the Caribbean?

It’s everything a tropical paradise should be: Turquoise waters teeming with colorful fish, lush jungles, exotic animals and amazing natural wonders. The locals are friendly, the shops bustling and the legends fascinating. Discover each Caribbean island’s own incredible story.

Caribbean Cruise Highlights »

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Depart Ft. Lauderdale on a Eastern Caribbean cruise vacation for 4 to 7 days, or even longer!  Discover charming colonial towns and coral reefs teeming with marine life in ports such as Antigua, St. Maarten as well as our tropical playground, Princess Cays®.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Marvel at Mayan ruins in places like Belize City and the Island of Cozumel or enjoy the natural splendors of Roatán – on a 4- to 7-day Western Caribbean cruise vacation roundtrip from Galveston, Texas or Ft. Lauderdale.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Breathtaking national parks, botanical gardens, and world-renowned beaches await you aboard 7- to 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise vacations from Ft. Lauderdale to islands such as Aruba, Dominica,  Grenada and our own Princess Cays®.  

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean Getaway Cruises

Want to experience the carefree island atmosphere of the Caribbean in just a few days? If your vacation time is limited, our 4- and 5-day Getaway Cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean are an ideal way to unwind and get more for your vacation dollars than on a hotel and beach resort vacation.

Ref- http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/caribbean/

Now you have abundant options of Caribbean cruises. Opt for one and ENJOY!!

You may also like: Cheap Caribbean Cruises

Different Options for Caribbean cruises

Amid the lush blue sea and swaying palm trees enjoy your staying at Caribbean islands. Here are some options for Caribbean cruises to enhance your trip.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line

With their Culinary Arts Centers, exceptional art collections and full-service spas, Holland America voyages offer more than just a holiday, as each cruise to the Caribbean proves. Stopovers in beloved ports offer a wealth of specially crafted activities. You might take a yellow semi-submarine tour at St. Barths to discover a shipwreck or visit local artists on St. Maarten. Holland America guests also enjoy privileged access to the cruise line's private island, Half Moon Cay. Ninety-eight percent of the island has been left untouched, which means you can feed stingrays in a secluded cove or horseback ride on a deserted beach. Of course, there are plenty of resort pleasures too, including air-conditioned beach cabanas and the Half Moon Lagoon aqua park.

3Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines

With Norwegian Cruise Lines' Freestyle Cruising, guests will find the flexibility to create the holiday of their dreams. From specialty dining to Broadway Shows to Casinos at Sea (with more than 200 table games), activities are designed to meet every desire. The same goes for Norwegian's Caribbean cruise itineraries, which feature nine ships, four departure ports and outstanding shore excursions, all designed to be enjoyed on island time. Among cruise highlights are opportunities to search for green monkeys on Barbados, tour Puerto Rico's historic Fort San Cristobal and explore the world's second-largest barrier reef off the coast of Honduras.

4P&O Cruise Line

P&O Cruise Line

An old timer when it comes to cruising, P&O Cruises dates back to 1837. The ships didn't boast spas and celebrity chefs back then — in fact, they were mail vessels that carried passengers on the side — but they've had plenty of time to perfect the fine art of cruising. Despite Black Tie Nights, this is a casual cruise line, well suited to the attitude of the Caribbean islands. Shore excursions are designed to showcase the British, French, Dutch and Spanish cultural influences of the region and feature the history, architecture, markets and natural wonders of such popular destinations as Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts. Since cruises depart out of the UK, guests also enjoy stopovers in the Azores and the pleasure of a leisurely Atlantic crossing.

5Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Many cruise lines bill themselves as all-inclusive, and for the most part, it's true. But Regent Seven Seas Cruises really means it, from roundtrip airfare to onboard specialty restaurants to unlimited shore excursions. Guests can savor a Champagne & Lobster Catamaran Cruise on Antigua, splash around at the Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter in the Bahamas or sail the leeward coast of St. Barths. Submarine excursions, photo safaris, swimming with stingrays, cave tubing, jungle walks and history tours — ask and ye shall receive on your next Regent Seven Seas Cruise.

6Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International

Given the name of this cruise line, guests are justified in expecting expertise when it comes to the Caribbean islands. Guests aboard one of the Royal Caribbean's luxury ships might spend a day communing with stingrays in Grand Cayman, exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rainforest or discovering the Mayan ruins of Cozumel. Depending on the cruise you select, you might also find yourself in a paradise called Labadee. This exclusive, private Royal Caribbean destination features seven distinct neighborhoods where you can shop for local handicrafts or laze in a luxury cabana on the beach. After you've braved the longest zip line over water in the world or dived 800 feet below sea level in a research submarine, treat yourself to a signature Labaduzee frozen drink in a hammock beneath a shady tree.

Ref- http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/04/21/top-10-caribbean-cruises/

Why Cruise the Caribbean?

It’s everything a tropical paradise should be: Turquoise waters teeming with colorful fish, lush jungles, exotic animals and amazing natural wonders. The locals are friendly, the shops bustling and the legends fascinating. Discover each Caribbean island’s own incredible story.

Caribbean Cruise Highlights »

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Depart Ft. Lauderdale on a Eastern Caribbean cruise vacation for 4 to 7 days, or even longer!  Discover charming colonial towns and coral reefs teeming with marine life in ports such as Antigua, St. Maarten as well as our tropical playground, Princess Cays®.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean Cruises

Marvel at Mayan ruins in places like Belize City and the Island of Cozumel or enjoy the natural splendors of Roatán – on a 4- to 7-day Western Caribbean cruise vacation roundtrip from Galveston, Texas or Ft. Lauderdale.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Breathtaking national parks, botanical gardens, and world-renowned beaches await you aboard 7- to 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise vacations from Ft. Lauderdale to islands such as Aruba, Dominica,  Grenada and our own Princess Cays®.  

Caribbean Getaway Cruises

Want to experience the carefree island atmosphere of the Caribbean in just a few days? If your vacation time is limited, our 4- and 5-day Getaway Cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean are an ideal way to unwind and get more for your vacation dollars than on a hotel and beach resort vacation.

Ref- http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/caribbean/

Now you have abundant options of Caribbean cruises. Opt for one and ENJOY!!

You may also like: Cheap Caribbean Cruises

Romance in Caribbean cruises

Romance and cruising would seem to go hand in hand, so enjoy your Caribbean cruises with your better half and make the most of it.

Advertisements notwithstanding, however, cruising can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it's the tangibles -- onboard ambiance and lifestyle -- that are more likely to contribute to the feeling of "amore" than an occasional sunset. Choosing the right cruise line and, even more specifically, the right ship within the fleet, can be a big challenge. You don't want that sunset marred by crowds on deck jostling for the perfect photo op, the romance of a dinner for two killed by the whiny kids at the next table, or a cozy evening in ruined by cramped cabins with minimal amenities.

Photo Source:cruise-international.com

In choosing our top picks, we looked at criteria that we would deem universally romantic, whether your definition of romantic is a party-all-night ship or ultimate pampering and luxury. For instance? We opted for ships that offered cabins with private balconies, great bathrooms and extra-special amenities; options for dining a deux (or at least the option to eat when and with whom you choose); cozy nooks and date-night venues; and almost-private open-deck spaces for relaxing by day and star gazing by night.

Here are our favorite ships for celebrating or rekindling romance with your sweetheart.

Princess
P&O Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
SeaDream Yacht Club
Celebrity Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seabourn

Ref- http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=182



Best Ship: Arcadia

Why: Stylish Arcadia is one of P&O's three adults-only ships -- Adonia and Oriana are the others. With its upscale dining restaurant and wedding packages, Arcadia is a great pick, particularly for British couples.

Sweet Digs: Splurge on a suite for upgraded amenities like whirlpool baths, Champagne and chocolates on arrival, daily canapes and full-sized his 'n' hers Molton Brown toiletry sets.

Dinner for Two: Try celebrity chef Marco Pierre White's restaurant, Ocean Grill, for top-notch cuisine. At £20 - £30 per person, it's a worthwhile splurge, particularly if it is a special occasion.

Onboard Romance: The Orchid Bar, adjacent to the Orchid restaurant on Deck 11, is a great place to enjoy a sundowner (that's British for an evening cocktail). With its warm terracotta, rust, chocolate and cream decor, it would also make a lovely venue for a reception following a wedding in the Viceroy Room.

Downside: Getting a two-top could be a problem in the main dining area due to the lack of smaller tables.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Best Ship: Paul Gauguin

Why: Designed, built and decorated to sail year-round in the romantic South Pacific, the cozy, 332-passenger Paul Gaugin offers an air of tropical festivity amid cultured surroundings. Dining is restaurant-style, the staff is superb, and the ship is highly inclusive (cocktails and other beverages are included in cruise fares). But it's the ship's remote and lush island destinations that really turn up the notch on the romantic nature of the trip.

Sweet Digs: You know this is a ship intended for couples when most cabins come with a queen-sized bed and only a limited number can be split apart into twins. Consistent with the decor around the ship, cabins are elegant and tropically inspired; when we embarked, our stewardess had showered the bathroom sink with red rose petals. Definitely book ahead so you can nab a balcony cabin. It's not a trip to the South Pacific if you're not out on your balcony, savoring coffee, as Bora Bora pulls into view. And just when life onboard couldn't be any better, suites and category A and B veranda staterooms feature butler service.

Onboard Romance: Dance cheek to cheek with your honey to the tunes of a chanteuse in the La Palette Lounge, or gaze at the sea or stars from the lounge's top-of-ship vantage point.

Dinner for Two: For such a small ship, the choice of restaurants is superb. L'Etoile, which offers French cuisine accented with Polynesian touches, serves as the main venue. Couples will appreciate plentiful tables for two and an attentive waitstaff that will keep your glasses filled with house wines and nonalcoholic beverages (included in your fare). Two casual venues offer indoor and al fresco dining.

Downside: French Polynesia is a long trip from just about anywhere, so be prepared to endure hours on a plane before you get to your luxurious destination.

Ref: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=182

Visit here to know more about Caribbean island.

You may also like: Best Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean Cruises

Sail on Western Caribbeancruises vacation and experience the mystery and intrigue of this beautiful beach holding rich history.

Beyond the beautiful beaches and deep within the tropical jungle, are awe-inspiring ruins left behind by the ancient Maya that rival those of the ancient Romans and Egyptians. USA Today named the wonders of the Mayan world as one of the top destinations for 2012.

Ref: http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/caribbean/cruises/cwc.jsp

Mayan Wonders Abound on a Western Caribbean Cruise

Known for developing a written language as well as a complex system of calendars, the advanced Maya civilization can be traced as far back as 2600 B.C. Among their many areas of settlement was the Yucatan Peninsula, where our Western Caribbean cruise vacations sail. This region is renowned for a wealth of Mayan archaeological treasures, with well-preserved cities full of temples, plazas, pyramids and citadels that rival the legendary ruins of Rome, Athens and Egypt.

To this day, scientists and historians remain divided over the reason for the civilization’s decline. Whether it was long-term drought, internal strife or resources stretched too thin to support their rapidly growing population, the decline of the ancient Maya remains a mystery.

Ref: http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/caribbean/cruises/index.html

CARNIVAL PARADISE

The very best part of this cruise was the F2F option for $50, we arrived at Port of Tampa at 11:00 am and by 11:30, we were in our cabin unpacking and getting ready for lunch and cocktails. From the time we hit the terminal door, flashed our F2F id, we were escorted directly to the sail & sign card desk, where the card was ready, straight to the gangway and zipped through security.

This is the 5th time on this ship so we knew our way around, and what to expect. As people have already stated, the live music has been drastically cut back. DJ's now play at the pool instead of live music. Dosn't seem to be as much live music at night either.

In all fairness, the 2nd night, my wife had 2 Lobsters, and I had the prime rib AND lobster. The rest of the time, dinner in the MDR was nothing to write home about, one night, a "hamburger" was the best MDR choice.

I asked the towel cop if he was enforcing the 40 minute vacancy rule for deck chairs and he said "yes" but I never saw him do sh*t about ALL the "saved" ones. Oh well...... good idea though.

Everything else was fine and the service people were supurb. Wait a minute, remember when someone was always trying to pick up your tray? Well now, there are no trays, big platters, which is better, however its hard to get the used one picked up. Maybe theres been a cut in waiters.

Ref: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=219623

Grand Cayman Overview

Imagine the stereotypical cruise port -- one with white-sand beaches, a plethora of duty-free shops selling jewels and liquor, and de rigueur water activities like snorkeling and scuba -- and Grand Cayman will likely come to mind. The cliche might just be based on the destination, with its lovely Seven Mile Beach, George Town's retail center and plenty of sites for diving, snorkeling and other water sports. Grand Cayman also celebrates marine life at Stingray City and the Cayman Turtle Farm, and even offers a twist on island paradise with the town of Hell (THE place from which to send the quintessential kitschy postcard).

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Yet the cliche does have a negative side -- the crowds. It's not unusual to find five mega-ships docked in the harbor at the same time, which makes the tendering process slower than usual and the downtown streets jam-packed. (Building a cruise pier at which ships could berth is oft discussed, but it's never gone beyond the "pre-planning" stage.) The constant influx of cruise passengers keeps the waterfront restaurants bustling, so lunch in port is never a cheap affair. A stroll along the beach quickly turns into an obstacle course of sunbathing tourists, sandy children and water sports vendors.

Visitors have two choices -- embrace the crowds and touristy places with a laid-back island mindset, or escape them. Secluded beaches, like Cayman Kai or Rum Point, are a cab ride away, and even Seven Mile Beach has its less crowded spots. A mall at Governors Square offers designer clothes, housewares and even a healthy cafe for a refreshing change from pareos, shell necklaces and overpriced seafood. And the seemingly endless stretches of sea never feel too congested when you're swimming peacefully above coral formations.

And, like any Caribbean island worth its salt and sand, Grand Cayman has weathered a few hurricanes -- most recently Hurricane Paloma in November 2008. With a solid infrastructure in place, the island survived the storm and easily bounced back to its jaunty self. After all, if Grand Cayman didn't offer its 1.6 million cruise visitors the beaches, shops, restaurants and attractions they've come to expect, the cliche wouldn't hold. And where would Grand Cayman be then?

Ref: http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=1

Once you have experienced the beauty of western Caribbean islands… Caribbean cruises are waiting to give you a long time experience.

You may also like: Best Caribbean Cruises
 

Adventure on Caribbean cruises

When you are not exploring the island, you don’t have to seat ideal looking at the distant sea. Caribbean cruises offer you tons of activities to explore and enjoy. Check out the video.



Daytime Offerings

Ships try to appeal to all types of passengers, and dozens of organized programs will offer a wide range of activities, covering an array of interests -- especially on sea days. If you want to get active, you can participate in pool games, compete in basketball and volleyball tournaments, improve your golf swing, or take dance classes. Indoors, you might prefer a history lecture, playing cards (Bridge is especially popular) or bingo, learning napkin-folding or flower-arranging, bidding on items at an art auction, watching a cooking demonstration or sipping wine at a wine-tasting (usually for an extra fee). Entertainment during the day can range from musical performances by the pool to afternoon shows (such as comedy improv on Norwegian Cruise Line, small acts in Princess' Piazza or an ice skating show on Royal Caribbean) and movies (in an indoor cinema or poolside).

You are, of course, free to skip all organized activities and lounge at the pool with an icy cocktail. Also open throughout the day are the ships' Internet centers, boutiques, casinos and libraries -- not to mention the many venues for eating and drinking, round-the-clock. NCL even has Wii video games hooked up to giant screens in its ships' atriums for guest use. Outdoors, you'll find Ping-Pong, shuffleboard, basketball courts and -- on several new ships -- mini-golf, rock-climbing walls, roller-blading rinks, and even onboard surfing and circus games (think tight-rope and trapeze). And, you can always retreat to your cabin to enjoy the view from the balcony, or indulge in a mid-day nap.

Evening Entertainment

After dark, most ships take on a Vegas aura. Casinos may be open during the day too, but at night, they're packed with people playing the slot machines or trying their luck at poker or blackjack. Lounges feature live bands and cabaret singers for your dancing or listening pleasure; piano bars, complete with sing-alongs, are becoming popular hotspots on modern ships. And, especially late at night, the disco will be hopping.

On several nights during your cruise, the ship's theater will feature big production shows with high-tech effects like lasers and videos, as well as elaborately costumed singers and dancers performing tunes from Broadway shows and popular hits. On other nights, look for featured singers, comedians, magicians and sometimes even performers you've heard of or seen on TV. For those passengers with performance skills, many ships feature karaoke, as well as passenger talent shows. Even small ships will have some sort of entertainment -- a local visiting dance troupe, a duo with a keyboard or a crewmember with a guitar.

Outdoor movies on the pool deck are another favorite evening activity on lines like Princess, Carnival, Disney, Costa and MSC Cruises. Guests can cuddle up on lounge chairs with blankets and popcorn and watch new releases on giant LED screens. It's like being at a drive-in movie -- just on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean!

Kids' Programming

For the under-18 crowd, many mass-market cruise ships have separate kids' areas. While you won't find expansive facilities on luxury lines or ships that cater to older passengers, more family-oriented ships have huge facilities that often include multiple play areas for the youngest cruisers, teen hangouts and discos, kiddie pools, waterslides, arcades and kids-only deck space.

Parents can sign children up for these onboard "camps," and trained youth counselors will lead them in various organized games, contests, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts projects, pajama and dance parties or simply supervised play. Some lines have partnered with outside sources to offer unique programs, such as acting classes, hands-on science experiments and DJ training. Children can spend as much or as little time as they want in the kids' clubs, either participating in activities or just hanging out. (The amount of freedom allowed varies by age group.) But, the lounges are often closed during meal times and late at night. Families with very small children may also be able to use the youth facilities for parent-child playtime.

Ref: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=153

Have Fun on Caribbean cruises.



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Cheap Caribbean cruises