Choosing a Caribbean cruise is a relaxing proposition, but with so many choices facing you it can also be an overwhelming decision-making process. It's best to have a list of the basic things you need to make the cruise an ultimate vacation before speaking to a travel agent or booking online.
Think about the length of the cruise. Most Caribbean cruises range from 3 to 8 days, and the length is a huge factor on price: Cruises lasting 3 days may have only 1 port of call, while cruises lasting a week or more may have as many as 4.
Decide how much you want to spend. Most cruise prices include standard meals and drinks like coffee, tea and water as well as the use of gyms and onboard entertainment. Most prices do not include alcohol, special drinks or fine dining, or extra workout classes and visits to the ship's spa. Prices almost never include any dining or entertainment while visiting the ports of call.
Consider who will be enjoying the cruise. Many cruise lines have activities for the whole family, but if children are going consider a cruise that caters specifically to family entertainment, like the Disney Cruise Line. No Caribbean cruises are adult-only, but several, such the Windstar line, do not recommend parents bringing their young children.
Choose a convenient place of departure. Most Caribbean cruises depart and arrive in a southwest port like Galveston, Texas, or Miami. Choose a port you can drive to, if possible, as this will save money.
Think about the atmosphere of your ideal cruise. There is a wide range of themes, from family and adventure-oriented cruises to ships boasting a relaxed atmosphere and others with 5-star dining. Some allow more casual dress and atmosphere like the Norwegian's "freestyle dining." Others, including Carnival and Celebrity, require more formal dining styles.
Select interesting ports of call. Choose ports of call that suit your tastes: Consider which offer the best shopping, the most culture and history, and the most choices in adventure.
