Enjoy Cruise Deals in the Caribbean

It’s no wonder the tropical islands of the Caribbean are among the most popular holiday destinations. Stretching from Florida to the coast of Venezuela, they are celebrated for their outstanding natural beauty and the friendly, laid-back hospitality. Exploring the Caribbean on a luxury cruise is great way to experience the highlights and the different characteristics of the various islands. There are a wide range of different Caribbean cruise deals and cruise packages available to choose from online, and here is a short introduction to some of the most popular West Indian and American ports of call.

Barbados
Often the first port of call for Caribbean cruise liners, Barbados, with its exclusive ‘Platinum Coast’ resorts and idyllic coastline, has long been one of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean. Well-heeled Brits and celebrities have long made a beeline to Barbados’ luxury west coast hotels, but there is much more to the island than pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise seas. In contrast to the serenity and opulence of the west coast, the Atlantic-facing east coast is wild and unspoilt with a breathtaking coastline that is becoming increasingly popular with surfers. And in the past 10 years, the resorts on the south coast have become some of the most vibrant spots on the island, with a host a new hotels, restaurants and bars appearing alongside the traditional rum shops. Harrison's Cave, an immense cave filled with crystallised limestone located at the centre of Barbados, is one of the island's most famous attractions and it is well worth taking the time to visit.

Jamaica
More mountainous and much larger than Barbados, the island of Jamaica boasts a unique character and rich musical and cultural heritage. Errol Flynn famously declared Jamaica "more beautiful than any woman I have ever known"; an opinion shared by scores of the famous and the glamorous before and since. From Ian Fleming and Winston Churchill to Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe, British and Hollywood aristocracy have been drawn to Jamaica’s superb coastline and luxury hotels. Beyond the resort hotspots of Montego Bay and Negril – where many of the cruise ships disembark – the island’s towns and cities, such as the capital Kingston, have provided the inspiration for Bob Marley, Ernest Ranglin and many more of its most celebrated musical exports. Cruise packages nearly always offer guided tours of the island. Take the two-hour trip from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast and explore Dunn’s River Falls, a wonderful stepped waterfall used a location in Dr No and Cocktail, as well as many of the island’s most famous hotels, such as the Jamaica Inn and Round Hill.

Miami
With many Caribbean cruise deals beginning or ending in San Juan, Florida, they are a great opportunity to discover one of America’s most exciting and energetic cities. With its thriving arts scene, vibrant Hispanic culture and long, palm-lined beach, the pace of life and atmosphere in Miami might feel like welcome relief after weeks spent onboard. The best place to stretch out one’s sea legs is along Miami’s famous South Beach, with its striking pastel-coloured Art Deco buildings and vast stretch of white sand. During the day the pristine beach is brimful of bulging biceps and bikini-clad babes topping up their tans. At night, South Beach comes alive. Fashionable bars and terrace cafes spill out onto the pavement - or sidewalk - as locals and tourists alike stroll along the shore.