What Makes Costa Maya The Best Western Caribbean Cruise Destination

Not rich in history but rich in history may sound strange, but it is this that makes Costa Maya stand out as the best western Caribbean cruise. The best way to describe it as an amusement park for adults on a private island. This area was created from scratch specifically for cruisers and tourists, so naturally it has everything you would want to make it a best western Caribbean cruise. Nestled right near the border of Belize, this man made village has bars, restaurants, shops and pools all around. There are performance stages and all manner of entertainment for travelers including its own crocodile pit.

One of the big fears traveling throughout Mexico is the drinking water. The founders of Costa Maya worked with Coca-cola to create an internal water sanitation system so that all of the water in the park is safe to drink. While this is all interesting and makes Costa Maya great, it does not put it on the level of best western Caribbean cruise destination. For that you will have to venture a little bit outside the friendly man made village.

Here you will find Chacchoben, a Mayan city dating back to 350 A.D. Here you can explore and experience the ancient history of the Mayan peoples and still be able to venture back to the comforts of civilization when you are done. This crazy juxtaposition of worlds is what makes Costa Maya truly unique and the best western Caribbean cruise destination.

You can also visit Majahual, a costal sea village home to fisherman and some of the freshest and most ceviche you will ever find. White sand beaches, shallow surf, and many locals make this a hot spot for relaxation.

If you get a chance, swing by this new and unique tourist destination and see everything it has to offer. With some of the most modern amenities in the Mexican Caribbean, you can truly enjoy everything that this paradise has to offer.

The Heart of the Caribbean – Best Caribbean Cruise Anywhere

This best Caribbean cruise starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico and does an eight trip around the Caribbean. From Saint Lucia breathtaking peaks to seeing Saint Thomas in a min-sub, this cruise has it all. Each and everyday has something new for everyone on board, unless it is you second time taking it.

Your first stop on the cruise is in Oranjestad, Aruba. Located on the southern coast of Aruba, this historic Dutch capital features traditional, multicolored houses give a completely unique feel to this majestic island. The Dutch and indigenous peoples have mixed to give Aruba a feel all to its own. In addition to the traditional side are many beaches, snorkeling and robust nightlife.

Next stop on the best Caribbean cruise is Willemstad, Curacao. Curacao is the larges of six islands in the Dutch Antilles. It seceded and gained its freedom in 1954 but like Aruba before it there is still a very strong Dutch influence on this island. On this island you will have the unique opportunity to explore the Hato Caves. There you can fine a mystical underground lake. Once you cross it you can enter two large cavers that have ancient Indian pictographs. This is one of the most memorable spots on this best Caribbean and a must see for any true explorers.

The next stop is Philipsburg, Saint Maarten. The Spanish originally inhabited this paradise, but they decide to leave in 1648. After they left Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and shared its bounty amongst themselves. The French and Dutch decided to split the island in two, and this is how it remains today. Amazing beaches, landscapes and shopping are the hallmarks of this tropical get away.

As you can see it is all the unique stops you get to go to that makes this cruise one of the best in the world.

What Make Royal Caribbean the Best Caribbean Cruise Line

In 1968 three Norwegian shipping companies came together and formed what was to become the best Caribbean cruise line in the world today. The then commissioned the Song of Norway the first ship in the fledgling company’s fleet. It was completed and entered service in 1970. The second ship, the Nordic Prince, entered service in 1971 strengthening the already blossoming company. With this ship Royal Caribbean pioneers the concept of air/sea cruises by including air fare to Miami where the cruises began. In 1972, another ship the Sun Viking enters service. This establishes Royal Caribbean as a power house in cruise world with three world class ships offering seven and fourteen day cruises throughout the Caribbean.

The company was growing so rapidly that Royal decided to stretch the Sun Viking by placing an 85 foot section in the middle. This increased the capacity of the ship from 700 to 1000 people and was the first time this was ever attempted on a ship this large. In 1980 the same thing was done to the Nordic Prince. In 1982 the Song of America enters service. It is twice the size of the Sun Viking and can hold up to 2000 passengers.

In 1986 Royal Caribbean firmly establishes itself as the best Caribbean cruise line in the Caribbean by founding and building its own tourist destination – Labadee. Royal continued to grow and expand, opening cruises that went all around the world. They still however continue to be very dedicated to where the cruise line was started in the Caribbean Islands, making it the top Caribbean cruise in the world.

From humble beginnings Royal now boasts some of the top chefs in the entire world. Complimenting this is some of the most opulent and plus accommodations you could ever wish to have. On top of this the list of exclusive stops you can choose from with Royal is unmatched throughout the world. You can search but you will not find a cruise line company that offers as many different cruises with as many amazing amenities that you can not find anywhere in the world.

The Number One Top Caribbean Cruise Spot – Saint Maarten

Some people love Saint Thomas and Saint Croix, but for me the one spot I always have to go when I am in the Caribbean is Saint Maarten. There is so much to do here that there is no way that you can not consider it to be the top Caribbean cruise spot out of all the options. Whether it is snorkeling, shopping or just laying on the beach Saint Maarten has it all.

Orient bay has almost one and a half miles of beaches so that you have more then enough real estate to pick you spot. After a fun day relaxing on the beach you can go into town and try one of the many French Cafes that are all over the island. Offering first class cuisine in a unique and absolutely original environment, this area has been called the French Riviera of the Caribbean.

If you are looking to go shopping you can take advantage of the great prices at the islands duty free shops. Many of these stores will have prices at 25-50 percent less then what you would see in the United States in Europe. Merchant compete daily for your business and prices on jewelry and gems is very aggressive, so if you are looking for mementos this is the time to get them.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous you can go to Shipwreck cove and explore endless coral reefs and tropical fish. In addition there are actual shipwrecks that you can scuba to if you are a true adventurer. You can also take a Kayak tour of the many lagoons, estuaries and rivers that empty into the ocean. These trips offer a unique look at the many exotic birds and wildlife of the island.

As you can see Saint Maarten has a little bit of everything for everyone. This makes it to me the top Caribbean cruise destination in the islands. It is up to you, but whatever you want to do you can bet that you will find it here in Saint Maarten.

Must Haves For The Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Spot

The first thing you need to have is beaches. Beaches are what truly make the Caribbean great, and miles of white pristine sand are the most iconic representation of this paradise. I would look for an island with extensive public beaches that are within walking distance of lodging. These should be easy enough to find and almost all of the destinations have access to this.

Part and parcel with the beaches is snorkeling and scuba diving. The coral reefs in the Caribbean are some of the fines in the entire world and if you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving then finding a location that has unique and fun dives is a must. Several of the islands give you the opportunity to dive on a real shipwreck, and if you can I highly suggest taking the chance to take advantage of this.

Next up is shopping. One of the best aspects sometimes overlooked on the Caribbean islands is the shopping. Many of the islands offer duty free shops where you can get 25-50% the price you would normally see in the US or Europe. Specialties of these shops include jewelry and gems, so if you are looked for a prized memento I suggest finding an island that has many shops where prices are competitive.

Last up is dining. There are some islands that have unique restaurants and even more unique cuisine. I would take some time to do research on the islands and their local cuisine and if you find some you like, be sure to plan a stop.

As you can see there are many things that go into planning the best eastern Caribbean cruise spot. My personal suggestion is your first to the Caribbean to schedule as many different stops as you can. This way you can see as many different things as you can and find what you truly enjoy to better plan your next trip to this paradise.

Why Oranjestad is the Best Southern Caribbean Cruise Destination

The best southern Caribbean cruise destination differs from the best western Caribbean cruise destination in that it is highly influenced by the Dutch settlers while the western spots have a distinct Spanish feel.

Located on the gorgeous southern coast, Oranjestad is the traditional Dutch capital of Aruba. Historic, tall multicolored houses and windmills dot the landscape combining carved wooded structures with open air Dutch tiled open air patios. This charm is in contrast to the natural Caribbean beauty of the island but appears to have been blended together perfectly to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Throughout the island you can find snorkeling, scuba diving, exotic beaches, unique restaurants and shops and a teeming nightlife.

If you plan to go to Aruba I can recommend a couple of activities. The first must see is the open air market in Oranjestad. Fruits and other tropical products are out and display for you to purchase and sample. Stroll through this genuine market and see all that the Caribbean has to offer. Unique wines, liquors and other exotic goods are all there for you to browse.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world is De Palm Island. This is a private island paradise that offers visitors a barbecue lunch and snorkeling in some of the most pristine waters in the world. This water is packed full of coral and exotic marine life for you to explore.

One of the biggest draws to Aruba is the shopping. The island features duty free stores that let you purchase merchandise at 25-50 percent off of what you pay in the States or Europe, so pick up some souvenirs and save a bundle.

As you can see there are many features to Aruba that make it a popular destination for all types of people. There is literally something for everyone on this island paradise, but you really have to go there to see it for yourself. I recommend booking a cruise with a stop here so you can see all that it has to offer.

What Don’t You Get?

Instead of asking what you get on a cruise deal to the Caribbean, you should ask what don’t you get. When you book your cruise deal to the Caribbean, you get a cabin with a large comfortable bed, a steward who will come and clean your room everyday, you’ll get a TV and often refreshments. And that’s just in your cabin. The entire cruise ship offers food, fun, entertainment, pools, sunbathing and so much more than you’ll never get bored. The best part is that you don’t have to drive anywhere, cook anything, clean anything, or do any work whatsoever. All of your wants and needs are taken care of by the cruise line’s friendly and attentive staff. That makes any cruise deals to the Caribbean well worth the money.

Get Off The Ship

Cruise deals to the Caribbean don’t just involve the entertainment on the ship. There are also the ports of call you’ll be visiting. You can get off the ship at these ports of call and mingle with the natives, you can shop, or you can take part in excursions such as horseback riding, snorkeling and scuba diving just to name a few. These excursions and shopping cost extra so you’ll want to find the best cruise deals to the Caribbean so that you can save up for all of the extra things you want to do.

Cruise deals to the Caribbean are perfect for the entire family. Young or old, there is so much to do on and off a cruise ship that nobody will ever get bored. Between the delicious food, the entertaining and friendly staff, the other passengers you’ll meet as well as all the entertainment, shopping and tourist photo opportunities, there will be fun for everyone involved so that everyone can easily say they just took the best trip if their lives.

Timing Is Of The Essence

When you’re searching for Caribbean cruise deals, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. There are many ways to find Caribbean cruise deals. You can go through a travel agent, you can search online or you can just call a cruise line directly to ask about specials that they may be offering. All of these options are great for finding great deals but it really boils down to when you want to go on your cruise if you want to find the best Caribbean cruise deals. For example, if you were to book your cruise tickets during the busiest travel season, you may find the tickets to be more expensive than if you were to book them in the off season.

Play Around With The Dates

The best thing you can do when searching for Caribbean cruise deals is to play around with the dates to see if you can get a cheaper price. When it comes to cruises, you will pay for your cabin and any excursions you want to partake in whenever you hit a port of call. Alcohol and some food cost extra so you’re going to want to keep some money in your bank account or on your credit card to pay for these extras. So you should try to save as much money on the initial tickets as possible. If you can play around with the dates, as in your vacation dates are optional, try to find the time that costs the least amount of money. Remember, the Caribbean enjoys good weather pretty much all year round.

Caribbean cruise deals can be found, you just have to be patient and you have to do your homework. Sometimes, you can even find Caribbean cruise deals by booking at the last minute. This is the time when the cruise ships are trying to fill all of their cabins so that they don’t take off with a half empty ship. If you can get in at the last minute, you may find that they’ll offer you your tickets for much less than everyone else paid.

Finding Deals Online

You’ve probably seen all the travel websites advertised on television these days. There’s Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Expedia and more. Check these sites to see if they are offering any Royal Caribbean cruise deals. You’d be amazed at how inexpensive some of these Royal Caribbean cruise deals actually are. Imagine taking the entire family on a cruise to the Caribbean for a week and knowing that you’re saving money while also providing fun and entertainment for every family member, regardless of age. That’s what you can get with some of these Royal Caribbean cruise deals found online.

When Do You Want To Go?

When searching for Royal Caribbean cruise deals online, you’ll want to play around with your travel dates to see if you can find the best deals. Most people have vacation time accrued with their jobs and they can take these vacations whenever they want; provided that it’s approved by superiors. If your vacation time is open, play around with the dates to find the best deals possible. If you’re limited as to when you can take your vacation, just search the many sites available to see which one offers the best Royal Caribbean cruise deal for the time you have allotted.

Fun For The Whole Family

Not only will you save money when you find Royal Caribbean cruise deals online, but you’ll also know that the entire family will be entertained for as long as you’re on the ship. There is so much to do for every age that nobody will be bored as long as you’re on the ship. And with so many excursions to choose from and the Caribbean islands awaiting your visit; this could turn out to be the best vacation you and your family have ever taken.

What Extras?

When you get a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deal, you’re not getting anything cheap; you’re just saving money. When you buy your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise ticket, you’ll get a beautiful cabin room, you’ll be able to eat at the buffets for free, you’ll be able to lounge by the pools, go see some entertainment shows and much more. There are some things aboard your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise that cost extra. These things include alcoholic beverages, food in some of the fancier restaurants, duty free shops and more. If you want to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to save as much money searching for a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise so that you have money left over to enjoy any extras you may want to take advantage of.

What About Excursions?

One of the best parts about taking a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise is when you stop at the ports of call. Depending on how long your cruise is, and where you’re going, you may have one, two or more ports of all. This is where the cruise ship docks and you’re able to get off to explore the island you’ve landed at. These ports of call often have excursions you can partake in. These excursions also cost extra but they’re a great way to get the most out of your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise and to explore the countryside. Some of the more popular excursions for cheap Royal Caribbean cruise lines include snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, tours of Mayan ruins and much, much more. The prices for these excursions vary but you should participate in at least one. That’s one more reason to find cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deals so that you can get the most out of your excursions, and of your cruise, as you travel to the Caribbean in style.