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Tips on Caribbean cruises

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Caribbean cruise routes


Basic cruise-route areas

The two traditional ones are the Western and Eastern Routes. Eastern is defined as east of Puerto Rico, and Western as everything else.


Western Caribbean

The Western Caribbean is generally better for snorkeling and diving.

It also offers you a greater variety in culture, cityscapes, seascapes, and landscapes.


Eastern Caribbean

Because the distance between islands is often shorter than in the Western Caribbean, you spend less time traveling between islands.

The Eastern Caribbean is your best bet for finding beautiful beaches.

The islands are typically smaller and less developed than in the Western Caribbean, so you stand a better chance of enjoying a quiet, relaxing setting for your vacation.


Northern and Southern
Caribbean Routes


Some cruise lines reclassified the Bahamas (along with the Turks & Caicos) into a new category, the "Northern Route". The Bahamas is conveniently close to Florida, which makes it geographically desirable for cruises originating in that state.

Also, some cruise lines moved Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago into a new "Southern Route" category. Most of the area lies south of the classic hurricane belt.


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Best cruise lines - By category
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Pronounce island names - East
Pronounce island names - West
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