Bright sunshine and cool ocean breezes. Steel drum bands playing a funky calypso beat. A beautiful moon that lights up a magnificent starry sky. These are the sights and sounds you will encounter on a cruise to the playground in our backyard-the Caribbean. Yes, the close proximity of the Caribbean makes it easy, accessible and great for vacationing, especially if you sail on a cruise. Here are five of the top cruise lines that can make your Caribbean vacation dream a reality.
Princess Cruises. Few destinations have the beauty that the Caribbean has to offer. From lush tropical jungles to white sand beaches, you can see it all and Princess will take you there. Sit back, relax, and escape from daily life aboard a Princess ship, the big ship choice with the small ship feel. Enjoy your affordable stateroom with a balcony or eat at one of the specialty restaurants. Princess has a variety of dining venues. Spend some time at the Lotus Spa and pamper yourself. Take in one of the spectacular shows, try your luck at the casino, sit in one of the lounges, or, dance the night away at one of the night clubs. Visit St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Aruba, Grenada, Puerto Rico, and many more destinations! For information, check out their website at: www.princess.com. Relax, and, welcome aboard!
Norwegian Cruise Lines. You will sail on the youngest fleet on the seas to the Caribbean with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Almost one half of the staterooms have balconies. The bathrooms are spaciously designed and contain the finest amenities to make your experience enjoyable. Mini-bars are stocked with items you want and eating never had so many choices: 10 restaurants for your dining pleasure, all with open seating! There is something for everyone in the family! Sail away to Nassau, Bahamas, visit the rain forest and black sand beaches of St. Lucia, shop in the capital city of St. Johns, in Antigua, or chill out at one of the beautiful beaches in Tortola. Get a $300 on board credit when booking a Suite or Villa. Find out more at www.ncl.com, or call 866-234-7350.
Celebrity Cruises. Feel refreshed and renewed on an ocean voyage with Celebrity Cruises. Ranked one of the world’s top fleets by Conde Nast readers, this cruise line is well appointed with elegant finishes, spacious accommodations, and modern amenities. You will enjoy outstanding service and award-winning cuisine. From casual dining venues, like Aqua Spa Cafe, to specialty restaurants that offer indoor or outdoor dining by the pool, you will find lots available to please your palate. Play black jack or roulette on board at the casino, shop at the boutiques, attend a lecture or art auction, join a Pilates class, or have a drink at the piano lounge. There are sports and activities of every kind. Enjoy this and more as you travel to see pink sand beaches in Bermuda, tour Labadee, Haiti, swim in the turquoise blue waters in Samana, Dominican Republic, or watch the dolphins swim by in Dominica. Sounds fantastic! To learn more, go to www.CelebrityCruises.com, or call one of Celebrity’s Vacation Planners at 1-800-647-2251. And, don’t forget your camera to get a photo of those dolphins!
Carnival Cruises. Travel the fleet of “Fun Ships” and experience a vacation like no other! Visit the cool caves in Barbados. Get a bit of french flavor in Martinique. Scuba in Belize, or snorkel the calm, cobalt blue waters of Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos. These destinations and more are waiting when you come aboard and sail on Carnival. You can choose interior staterooms, which are an excellent value, or select an ocean view, suite,(extra large and spacious), or penthouse suite, (with walk-in closet and whirlpool bath). And, talk about fun! Enjoy pools, water slides, a nine hole golf course, lounges, and the Seaside Theatre, day or night, with a huge outdoor screen. Purchase the “Early Saver,” which gets you the absolute lowest fare when you book early, plus, price protection. Prices start as low as $199 for a 3 day cruise and the price includes a stateroom, delicious dining, a variety of entertainment, award-wining shows, and so much more. Visit the website at www.carnival.com or call 1-888-CARNIVAL. Time for some fun!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Oasis of the Seas is making it’s debut with fantastic cruises to the Caribbean. Come aboard the largest cruise ship in the world, rivaled only by it’s predecessor, Freedom of the Seas. These are two of several ships that set sail to exotic islands in the Caribbean. Oasis is everything Freedom is, and so much more! Flaunting exceptional facilities, there won’t be a moment of boredom. Climb the largest rock climbing wall on the seas. Surf “Flow Rider,” the continuous wave. Play miniature golf on the nine hole course. Spar a few rounds in the boxing ring. Go skating at the in-line skating tract. Go see a show at the ice skating rink. Or, check out the wave pool, carousel, and boardwalk, new stuff on the Oasis. Fares start as low as $147 for a 2 night Bahamas cruise (interior cabin, based on double occupancy), on Monarch of the Seas, or take a 4 night, Western Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale for $349, (interior cabin), on Grandeur of the Seas. Make your reservations at www.royalcaribbean.com.
Great ships to sail on and exciting destinations to discover. Sounds like the makings of an outstanding vacation. Go ahead, pack your bags. The Caribbean is waiting for you!
Rhonda Manning, www.royalcaribbean.com, www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.ncl.com, www.celebritycruises.com, Associated Content.
