Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean cruises are becoming more popular every year because of the variety of activities that are available to cruisers. Caribbean islands boast clear, clean beaches and fun in the sun. From the most active, to the most laid-back vacationer, everyone can find something worthwhile on a Caribbean cruise.

Caribbean cruises are generally based on which area of the Caribbean you are interested in visiting. The Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean are all great places to relax, unwind, and catch some rays.

The Eastern Caribbean boasts tropical islands that are some of the most beautiful in the world. The Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Tortola, San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten make up the Eastern Caribbean. Unbelieveable scuba diving is offered off the shores of these islands.

Southern Caribbean cruises generally include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, Barbados, and Aruba. The rainforests in Dominica are amazing, along with the seaside villages in Barbados. Southern Caribbean cruises are some of the most gorgeous and activity filled. Swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing are the most popular activities in this region.

The Western Caribbean is a place worth exploring. The Bahamas, Key West, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Cozumel, Calica/Playa del Carmen, Costa Maya, Belize, and Honduras are all features on many Western Caribbean cruises. Waterfalls, rainforests, and gorgeous beaches are available in this region. This is a location worth exploring. For more information about the fabulous locations in the Western Caribbean visit http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/article.cfm?ID=79.


Many believe that all cruises are alike, but nothing could be further from the truth. Some cruise lines are geared toward families, couples, singles, older generations, younger generations, partiers, etc. A cruise travel specialist is your best bet in deciding the right cruise for you.

Children have an equally good time on a cruise as adults do. Many cruise lines cater to families specifically and make sure that there are plenty of activities for children and young adults. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines offers activities based on age. Camp Carnival is geared for ages 2 - 11 (and then broken down into smaller age groups from there) and offers supervision, activities, fun events, games, arts & crafts, and their own wading pool. Circle C is geared toward those ages 12 - 14 in which they can have fun, play games, cruise, chill, and connect all under supervision.


If you are trying to escape reality (and children) there are cruise lines that are geared toward adults. Weddings, vow renewals, anniversary celebrations, receptions, and engagement announcements can all take place on cruise ships or in certain ports of call. Cruise providers really try to accomodate all of your hopes and expectations while you are onboard.

Once you have decided on the correct cruise and correct cruise line for you, you have nothing to worry about except packing for your vacation. Different cruise lines mandate different dress codes so check with your cruise specialist before you embark on your voyage. However, it is a good rule to bring swim attire, casual dress, and even formal attire for special restaurants and events on the ship.

Your Caribbean cruise will be a vacation of a lifetime!

Travel Insurance - A true story

When planning a trip, whether business or pleasure, most travelers do not think of the mishaps that can occur on the road. Furthest from their minds is the thought that the unexpected can happen – domestically and abroad. Fortunately, when the worst does happen, travelers who carry travel insurance coverage often find it worthwhile.

A Caribbean Calamity For Carolyn of Forest City, Iowa, her 10-day Caribbean cruise came to an early end when her friend and travel companion, Wanda, was hospitalized with pneumonia in Mexico during a stop in Cozumel.

Luckily, Carolyn and Wanda purchased the Protect Assist plan through AIG Travel Guard prior to their trip and were able to speak with an assistance coordinator directly over the phone. Not only was Carolyn surprised to find that she would be covered under trip interruption, allowing her to stay behind with Wanda, but a representative from AIG Travel Assist was able to speak with the Mexican doctors to make sure Wanda received proper medical care.

AIG Travel Assist's bilingual assistance coordinators relayed information to Carolyn and Wanda’s family back home regarding Wanda's medical condition. Once Wanda was well and fit to travel, assistance coordinators arranged an evacuation for Wanda and flight arrangements for Carolyn to return home.

Carolyn and Wanda weren't able to finish their Caribbean cruise, but the Protect Assist travel insurance plan through AIG Travel Guard helped them in so many ways during a difficult emergency in a foreign country. Plus, Carolyn and Wanda were reimbursed nearly $8,000.