This vast tropical paradise, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the warm currents of the Pacific, protected by colourful coral reefs, remains a favourite for Canadians. Caribbean cruises can be divided into Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean and can range in duration from a few days to a few weeks or longer. Similarly, they can also range in price, from budget-friendly to an ultra-luxurious, white glove service, complete with champagne and your own butler. Choosing which cruise to the Caribbean is right for you can be tough; with so many ports to choose from, so many different cruise lines and itineraries – a call to your professional Travel Counsellor is a definite must!

Caribbean cruises are an awakening for your senses. The exhilaration of climbing the steps of an old Mayan ruin, the taste of fresh, caught that day, seafood, or the sound of the calm surf lapping onto the endless powdery beaches. A cruise to the Caribbean offers all this and more. Ideal for those seeking a winter escape, this southern destination gives sun seekers, adventure hunters and laid back travellers the perfect holiday mix. Imagine a jungle trek in Belize, a dive in Antigua or an afternoon siesta on the soft sands of Barbados. Each destination on a cruise to the Caribbean offers something unique and spectacular.

Consider activities and cruise line when deciding which part of the Caribbean is perfect for you. Many of the Caribbean islands have European influences, such as Sint Maarten / St. Martin, Martinique and St. Barthelemy (St. Barts). Although many of the islands offer superb snorkeling and diving, areas like Curacao are well known all over the world.

- Music is an incredibly important part of life in the Caribbean and although a hotly contested point, Trinidad and Tobago is said to be the birthplace of calypso music – dance lessons are a must!

- To avoid the often busy ports visited during a Caribbean cruise, many cruise lines have bought their own private islands! Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Norwegian, MSC, Costa Cruise and Disney are among the lines that own (at least part) of their own tropical oasis.