The good thing about cruises to the Caribbean is that they have a variety of options.  If you do not have a lot of time for your vacation, you can consider a short cruise.  If you have time on your hands perhaps you are a retiree or plain lucky to have lots of vacation time, long cruises are up your isle.  The Caribbean Sea is the world’s fifth largest body of water and home to 7000+ islands.

Many ships also alternate between east and west Caribbean each week.  This creates back-to-back two week sailing.   Then there is also the southern Caribbean for less crowded and more exotic islands.  Cruise lines have started experimenting with adding more items to western Caribbean itineraries.  They are adding Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, and Panama.  The exotic Caribbean cruises allow you the opportunity to go on more adventurous activities when you go ashore.

The Caribbean also has private islands dedicated to certain cruise lines.  Here you can experience lovely beaches.  No more hassles of changing money, paying for the lounges.  You can also avoid locals that are hawking their wares.  The cruise line on the other hand sets up water sports, cabana massages and barbecue lunches.

The choice of cruise and its destinations is a matter of your available resources.  As you make this choice, there are a few things that you need to put into consideration as well in order for you to have a great time with no worry.

You will be surprised how many factors remain to be considered even after you have already booked your ship, selected a stateroom and picked an itinerary.  You need to tackle issues such as packing, getting to the ship and on board activities.  Look first and foremost at your flight schedule as this might make a difference between your having a holiday at all and having a wonderful time of your life.  You need to schedule your flight in consideration of the time you will get to the pier.  Do take into consideration flight delays (in case they do occur).

Remember to read through your cruise travel documents specific to your cruise to the Caribbean.   Do attach all your travel bags with the tags you are provided with.  It is also your responsibility to ascertain whether you need a visa or passport for travel.  If so, do acquire the necessary documents prior to travelling.  Here is a hint for you: it is always safe to carry a passport even if you are doing a roundtrip cruise from U.S.

What do you need to pack?  If you are travelling with family including kids, remember to pack kids’ equipment.  Do not forget sports equipment.  Flip-flops are a must as most times, you spend your time on the beaches.  As for the dress code, every cruise line has a dress code for the evenings, which can change daily.  Daytime however is casual.

Here are a number of things you might want to carry on your cruise to the Caribbean.  Extra hangers do come in handy.  Clothespins are a great idea so you can keep the curtains tightly shut on mornings that are sunny.  A nice insulated mug, a night light and an decent extension cord.   Do not forget a zip-loc bag to store bathing suits and sunscreen.  Explore the ship before it cruises to the Caribbean.