The Bahamas

The Bahamas make up a group of islands just south of Miami. This lush, tropical locale draws visitors from around the world with its beautiful climate and year-round sunshine. In addition to the near perfect weather, the Bahamas offer distinctive and unique ports of call that appeal to almost every type of traveller. And no matter which island you visit, you are sure to find some of the best diving sites in the world.

When visiting the Bahamas, it is important to remember that with tropical weather, comes heavy rain and thunderstorms at certain times of the year. While these storms typically last for under an hour, most visitors are advised against booking their trip during the rainy season.

The Bahamas offer rich international culture that is accessible and welcoming to English speakers. The atmosphere, though exotic, is familiar and comfortable. Many visitors flock to the Grand Bahamas Island port of call, which offers tourists fabulous shopping in Newport and opulent resorts and casinos in Nassau.

One only needs to take an aerial view of the Bahamas to get a picture of palm fringed beaches and crystal clear azure waters that make these islands an ideal tropical escape.

Bermuda

Bermuda makes up an archipelago of about 150 islands. The year round climate is consistently tropical and mild, and the gently lapping waves and sandy pink shores make this destination ideal for romantic getaways.

Bermuda appeals to those who are looking for idyllic sandy beaches and quaint seaside cottages. Land vacations are notoriously expensive in this part of the world, which makes cruising a perfect alternative.

Anchoring at St. George allows day visitors a chance to enjoy a round of golf, or an opportunity to view the breathtakingly beautiful sea life in a glass bottomed boat. For the more adventurous, scuba diving excursions can be arranged. And for travellers looking for ultimate relaxation, a long laze on one of Bermuda’s stunning, sun drenched beaches makes an ideal vacation memory.

Caribbean Cruise Ships

It is usual for cruises to depart from the United States. Along the way, ships often dock at ports along the eastern seaboard including New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Some of the most convenient ports of calls for Caribbean cruises are Hamilton, St. George and the Dockyard.

Caribbean cruises are a perfect choice for those who want to spend time with their friends or loved ones. While on board, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with your travel mates, like midnight deck parties, or for the romantically inclined, candlelight dinners under the stars. Onboard entertainment appeals to travellers of all ages.

Onboard Cruise Ship Amenities

Not all cruises include island ports of call. If you do opt for a cruise that lands at port, you’ll have a variety of activities and excursions to choose from. Wind surfing or jet skiing, scuba diving and shopping or simply lying on pristine beaches are among some of the exciting options. But for many, being treated to spectacular calm ocean views, poolside relaxation and plentiful onboard activities is enough for an ideal vacation

Many Caribbean cruise ships have onboard beauty salons and spas to indulge and rejuvenate guests. For those who want to get their heart rates up, lots of cruises offer fun, on ship sporting activities, like golf lessons or aerobic classes.

The luxurious cabin accommodations onboard most Caribbean cruise lines make guests feel pampered and relaxed. Cruise travellers will also enjoy decadent meals in picturesque dining rooms.

While some cruises are casual and relaxed, others offer travellers the opportunity to dress up for upscale dinners and entertainment events. There may also be formal evenings when travellers are required to wear gowns and tuxedos.

There are countless Caribbean cruise lines to choose from. Many offer privacy for couples, while others offer special packages tailored to families or groups travelling together. The great thing about family orientated cruise vacations is that children will be treated to almost endless fun activities, allowing parents much needed adult time. With the kids busy at play, mom and dad can enjoy a romantic walk on the deck, or a romantic, quiet dinner.

Whether you are a romantic couple, a family or fun loving group, there’s a Bermuda and Bahamas cruise vacation that’s perfect for you.

In 1818, New York’s shipping company, Black Ball Line, was the first shipping company to provide a scheduled passenger service from the United States to England. By the 1830s, steamships were introduced and took over the passenger and mail transport market. In the 1920s, cruise tourism became popular for the wealthy. Bigger and faster ships were custom-built and luxury living space designs became the industry model. Between 1920 and 1940, transatlantic travel became increasingly more popular among the very wealthy. Over the years, famous ships included the Queen Elizabeth, Lusitania, Ocean Monarch, and the Queen Mary.

World War I and II saw the use of passenger ships to carry soldiers and transport displaced people to new lands. After World War II, The US government began sponsoring companies to build more ships in the event another World War broke out.

In the 1960’s, there was a surge in the manufacturing of cruise ships because more people were looking for holiday cruises. Vacation cruises became popular with people in their middle ages. People enjoyed the luxurious accommodations and lifestyle. It also became popular for people wanting to get a break from cold winters. However, there was a period in the 1960’s where there was a decline in the cruise industry as the airplane industry took off, but public desire for reliving traditional means of traveling the seas helped the cruise industry rebound.

During the 1980’s, cruise ship companies broke new ground promoting the idea of traveling for pleasure. Since 1980, the cruise industry has been growing at a steady rate. People of all ages and walks of life began to take cruises. The cruise industry has developed programs to target both the young and old. Some features they have developed include: increased passenger room, a variety of cruise destinations and durations, affordable prices, luxuries such as pools, rock climbing, ice skating, and even wave simulators. As well, there are also saunas, fine dining, entertainment, sight seeing at various ports, dancing, musical performances, luxurious rooms, and much more.

The cruise industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Cruise ship owners now focus on developing new and innovative ways to attract customers. Today’s cruise ships have accommodations that often surpass hotel rooms and contain such features as chic cabins, luxury private bathrooms, and gorgeous and comfortable living quarters. The recreational activities are numerous, and the entertainment is endless with such features as casinos, singers, dancers, and much more. As well, advancements in the design of propulsion systems, decreases in the weight of the ships, and cleaner fuel, has resulted in ships that are more environmentally-friendly.

The future trends in the cruise industry include more lifestyle cruises, larger cruise ships, more services, attracting more of a diverse demographic, providing more affordable vacation prices, offering more destinations, and providing more recreational activities. The future appears bright for the cruise industry and everyday it is fast becoming a vacation choice for more people seeking a relaxing, luxurious, and fun holiday.

Accommodations

The first place passengers will head after setting foot on the ship is their cabins. Your room can be whatever you make it for your journey — a home base to relax from time to time or simply a place to shower and sleep at the end of each action-packed day. Accordingly, many cruise ships offer a dozen or more types of cabins, from lower inner deck cabins with small floor plans and no windows, to spacious multi-room suites featuring large windows and balconies. Of course, pricing can vary just as much, with the cheapest rooms being sometimes a quarter the price or less per passenger of the most expensive ones.

Activities on Board

Many cruise passengers spend just a fraction of their time in cabins, however, because ships have so much to offer in the way of on board activities and events. Travelers interested in the utmost of relaxation can choose to spend their time at sea lounging in the sun by a pool or get a soothing massage, rejuvenating facial or body wrap in a full-service luxury spa. When you feel like having a little fun, have a few drinks and do some dancing at a deck party or catch some theater or a musical at one of the ship’s venues. Some ships even offer some unexpected treats like rock climbing walls or skating rinks to fulfill your every whim.

Speaking of whims, one feature of cruises never to forget is the food. Often included in the price of your cabin, you’ll be able to experience countless unique dining options during your trip from endless buffets to formal fine dining to cuisine that caters exactly to the palettes and needs of guests with special diets.

Travelers with kids need not have any qualms either; nearly every major cruise line offers a wide range of events and programs to keep kids happy and entertained. While the children have the time of their lives at supervised water parks, playing video games or playing all sorts of sports and games, the parents can let loose on their on time at a nightclub or cocktail lounge.

Ports of Call

The majority of cruises headed for the Caribbean set off from Florida ports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but you can also find trips that begin in San Juan, Puerto Rico or New York City. Western Caribbean cruises usually include stops on the larger islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola, home of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the Cayman Islands. Popular ports of call include Key West, Costa Maya, Belize City, Cozumel, and San Juan.

Island Excursions

Once you and your fellow passengers do reach your ports of call, you’ll find a whole range of unforgettable activities to thrill you or relax you, if you so choose. Each island offers its own unique perks and idiosyncrasies: Jamaica has an energetic atmosphere and thriving night life while the Dominican Republic features a more laid back vibe with quiet resort communities and secluded white-sand beaches. Certain activities, however, can be found at most ports including some of the world’s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling — whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find a great diving guide to show you the rich and thriving natural world beneath the waves. Other classic island adventures include touring the jungles by foot, jeep or even helicopter or exploring tropical coves and inlets by a guided kayak tour.

Deals and Discounts

Although cruises tend to have the reputation for being a bit pricey, the truth is that great deals can be had year round. As always, thoroughly searching the websites offering western Caribbean cruises you might be interested in combined with diligently checking back for deals and specials will pay off in the end, but it’s also helpful to be flexible in your travel schedule and book cruises for the low season. For the western Caribbean, the cheapest deals and discounts can be found in the late summertime and autumn — hurricane season, that is. This means that the potential exists for a tropical storm to interrupt your travel plans, but in the off chance that such a situation may happen, more often than not ship can avoid delays and danger by rerouting to other fantastic destinations.

Accommodations

The first place passengers will head after setting foot on the ship is their cabins. Your room can be whatever you make it for your journey — a home base to relax from time to time or simply a place to shower and sleep at the end of each action-packed day. Accordingly, many cruise ships offer a dozen or more types of cabins, from lower inner deck cabins with small floor plans and no windows, to spacious multi-room suites featuring large windows and balconies. Of course, pricing can vary just as much, with the cheapest rooms being sometimes a quarter the price or less per passenger of the most expensive ones.

Activities on Board

Many cruise passengers spend just a fraction of their time in cabins, however, because ships have so much to offer in the way of on board activities and events. Travelers interested in the utmost of relaxation can choose to spend their time at sea lounging in the sun by a pool or get a soothing massage, rejuvenating facial or body wrap in a full-service luxury spa. When you feel like having a little fun, have a few drinks and do some dancing at a deck party or catch some theater or a musical at one of the ship’s venues. Some ships even offer some unexpected treats like rock climbing walls or skating rinks to fulfill your every whim.

Speaking of whims, one feature of cruises never to forget is the food. Often included in the price of your cabin, you’ll be able to experience countless unique dining options during your trip from endless buffets to formal fine dining to cuisine that caters exactly to the palettes and needs of guests with special diets.

Travelers with kids need not have any qualms either; nearly every major cruise line offers a wide range of events and programs to keep kids happy and entertained. While the children have the time of their lives at supervised water parks, playing video games or playing all sorts of sports and games, the parents can let loose on their on time at a nightclub or cocktail lounge.

Ports of Call

The majority of cruises headed for the Caribbean set off from Florida ports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but you can also find trips that begin in San Juan, Puerto Rico or New York City. Western Caribbean cruises usually include stops on the larger islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola, home of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the Cayman Islands. Popular ports of call include Key West, Costa Maya, Belize City, Cozumel, and San Juan.

Island Excursions

Once you and your fellow passengers do reach your ports of call, you’ll find a whole range of unforgettable activities to thrill you or relax you, if you so choose. Each island offers its own unique perks and idiosyncrasies: Jamaica has an energetic atmosphere and thriving night life while the Dominican Republic features a more laid back vibe with quiet resort communities and secluded white-sand beaches. Certain activities, however, can be found at most ports including some of the world’s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling — whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find a great diving guide to show you the rich and thriving natural world beneath the waves. Other classic island adventures include touring the jungles by foot, jeep or even helicopter or exploring tropical coves and inlets by a guided kayak tour.

Deals and Discounts

Although cruises tend to have the reputation for being a bit pricey, the truth is that great deals can be had year round. As always, thoroughly searching the websites offering western Caribbean cruises you might be interested in combined with diligently checking back for deals and specials will pay off in the end, but it’s also helpful to be flexible in your travel schedule and book cruises for the low season. For the western Caribbean, the cheapest deals and discounts can be found in the late summertime and autumn — hurricane season, that is. This means that the potential exists for a tropical storm to interrupt your travel plans, but in the off chance that such a situation may happen, more often than not ship can avoid delays and danger by rerouting to other fantastic destinations.