# Travel >> Transportation >> Cruises

What are the Best Cruises in the Caribbean?

For a tropical vacation in the Northern Hemisphere, few places rival the Caribbean. With it dozens of unique and distinctive island and continental ports, a traveler can spend years in the Caribbean and not take it all in. The distinctive culture of Cuba, which melds African, Spanish and Caribbean influences, contrasts with the French colonial influence in Montserrat. To take it all in, one of the most popular ways is by cruise ship.

Grandeur of the Seas, 7 Night Southern Caribbean
- Part of what makes this cruise special is that it embarks from the exotic port of Colon, Panama. So if the mood strikes, you can extend your vacation and explore Panama before or after your cruise. During your stay on the Grandeur of the Seas, you will able to enjoy the elegant Casino Royale or the indoor/outdoor pool in the Solarium. The ports of call for this voyage run along the northern coast of South America and include Santa Marta, Columbia; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; and Kralendijik, Bonaire. While in port, you will be able to scuba dive, shop or just lounge on the beach.
  
  Royal Caribbean International
  800-562-7625
  royalcaribbean.com
Norwegian Sun, 14 Day Eastern and Western Carribean
- Norwegian Cruise Line is known for what it calls Freestyle Cruising. It has removed some of the old structure of cruising, such as fixed dining times. The Norwegian Sun offers two main dining rooms and six other restaurants serving specialty menus. During your cruise, you will have five days at sea to explore the ship and mingle with the other guests.
  
  After an overnight cruise from Orlando, Florida, the first port of call is Nassau, Bahamas. From there, sail south to the Virgin Islands ports of St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Then, it's on to ports in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. On your return voyage, your ship makes port in Key West, Florida, before returning to the home port of Orlando.
  
  Norwegian Cruise Line
  866-234-7350
  ncl.com
MS Ryndam, 7 Day Western Caribbean
- As you approach the port in Tampa, you will notice right away that the Ryndam is not like other cruise ships. It is smaller than many other ships, with only nine decks and capacity for fewer than 1,300 passengers, which can allow for a more personal level of service. Parts of the ship feel like a gallery, where you will find a fountain by Gilbert Lebirge, plus art and artifacts from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
  
  When it is time to leave the ship, you will find ports of call in four different countries. The first stop is Key West, Florida. From there you will spend a day at sea before reaching the former capital of Belize, Belize City. You will then depart for Mahogany Bay, Honduras. The last port of call is Costa Maya, Mexico.
  
  Holland America Line
  877-932-429
  hollandamerica.com