I’ve never cruises to the Caribbean, mainly because it has never appealed to me. I’m more of a city tourist than a tropical island lover. I’m also not too fond of crowds, either.

But am I wrong? Are there attractions at the ports of call apart from sun, sand and snorkelling?

It seems to me that the most interesting place has the fewest visiting cruiseships : Cuba : Havana, the former capital of the Spanish Empire in the New World, lively gay "Paris of the Caribbean", , and now capital of Castro's Cuba, and a lot of other colonial cities and so. On picture it looks very interesting, and I have heard good stories about it.

A question, here, Cuba is a rather "normal" holiday destination, a bit more upmarket than the Dominican Republic, but offered by the mainstream tour operators (by aeroplane). Is this too the case in Britain ?

I'd like to visit one time, in Jamaica, the estate of Noel Coward ("Firefly" ?), where he is buried too (near Ian Flemings Goldeneye), I think it is near Port Antonio, but most cruiseships moor somewhere else I think.

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Originally posted by Johan:
A question, here, Cuba is a rather "normal" holiday destination, a bit more upmarket than the Dominican Republic, but offered by the mainstream tour operators (by aeroplane). Is this too the case in Britain ?

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Yes Cuba is becoming more popular with Brits, by plane, but not mainstream. I'm told it is facinationg. I think Fred.Olsen cruised there a few years ago?

I don't think American's are allowed to go there, are they?

No, Malcolm, Americans are not allowed to go to Cuba but a few ships do go there, however they do not leave from the US. Brits and Canadians usually fly there. I know Topgun went to Cuba on a ship that left from Aruba - can't remember the name of the ship.

Johan - most cruise ships do not go near Port Antonio, but dock at either Ocho Rios or Montego Bay - a long drive from PA. Although Jamaica is a beautiful island, I have no desire to go back - too much crime. Trinidad is also dangerous and unless you go on a ship's excursion I wouldn't venture out on my own.

Barbados - Harrison Cave - you board an electric tram which descends slowly into the cavern. Indirect lighting enhances the thousands of gleaming stalagmites and stalactites. - interesting.

Cozumel - Mayan ruins at Tulum - we enjoyed the tour but once was enough. Western Carib is more historical with many places to see the ruins.

Panama Canal - very interesting and well worth seeing. I've done the full transit twice (hot and humid) and a partial transit a couple of years ago.

St. Thomas - great for snorkelling, beaches and shopping, shopping, shopping.

We were in Costa Rica a couple of times - once stopping in Puerto Caldera - the climate is more temperate and we enjoyed our excursion. I found Puerto Limon, hot, humid and dirty. Visited a Banana factory and it was OK - wouldn't go there again. Saw a sloth in Cartegna - man had one on his shoulder and would charge if you wanted to take a picture of it.

The problem is that I have been to many of these islands so many times, that now I just stay on the ship. It's quiet when everyone has gone ashore and I have the pool to myself.

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Originally posted by sympatico:
Sorry I'm not much help.

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And in the Fall-Spring seasons you can pull into any Caribbean port with 4-6 other ships. Talk about crowded!

I prefer a cruise that invokes culture and thought, or something with majestic or spectacular scenery. I am not a beach person, dont go near the water, and dont 'consume' spirits to any extent.

I prefer Alaska cruises, Canada/New England, Med and Scan/Russia, river cruises in the US, especially in the Pacific NW.

[ 04-29-2004: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:
I've been to both Eastern and Western Caribbean...and hated it. Every island was visually basically the same...

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You have just confirmed my fears! I am of a very similar mind-set to you!

Here we encounter a paradox; The Caribbean is the most popular cruising area of the world, so either you and I have weird tastes or all those million of tourists are all wrong!

Can anybody give me a good reason to cruise the Carib apart from sun and sand?

[ 04-29-2004: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
What time of the year are the best weather conditions in the Caribbean (as in not so hot and humid)?

Lets put it another way, which Carib ports of call do have something worth doing/seeing apart from beaches and water sports?

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January is a very nice time to cruise the Caribbean. Not as humid, prices are low, and kids are in school. It's a win, win to be sure.

Besides beaches, shopping, a few historical buildings and monuments, and water sports there is not much to do in the Caribbean. I've been so many times that usually I don't even get off the ship unless I need something. I love swimming, water sports, and sun tanning so I never get bored of the Caribbean.

Personally, I prefer the Eastern Caribbean. It's nicer IMO and much more beautiful. It's not flat like Cozumel and Grand Cayman but has beautiful mountains. I love renting a jeep in St. Thomas for beach hopping and the freedom to stop whenever I see something interesting.

Good luck!

There are cultural and scenic areas in all ports, so sun and sand is not the only attraction in the Caribbean.

Part of the real pleasures of cruising the Caribbean is the balmy breezy nights on the ship as you go between ports. I love Alaska, but you freeze your rear off at night.

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
What are 'Costa Maya' and 'Belize City' like? What's to do there?

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Costa Maya = Mayan ruins excursions.

Don't worry about it. Take that shirt off, go for swim, get some sun, and don't be afraid of the sand and surf!

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Originally posted by Salaison:
wow...statements like these makes me wonder........now i know, ya'll have never been to the caribbean...and guys the caribbean islands aren't just made up of jamaica , cuba or puerto rico.....seems thats the only islands people know. ...Take the Trip!

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Thank you. I was wondering when someone would chime in with a "pro-Caribbean" view.

East and West, Volacnic or Coral, I think there is tremendous variety amongst the islands especially if you can break away from the beaten path. It's always important to be careful, but if you do a little homework you can easily and safely explore most islands with a local guide who will show you more than just the tourist traps.

For a little variety try St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the other Windward islands. Visit our Caribbean Destination Page for more info.

Grand Cayman, for example: They have a wonderful submarine ride that takes you down about 2000 feet over the ledge to a shipwreck...The submarine only has room for three people so it's pretty intimate and no crowds, and that sub can go really deep allowing you to see things that few people get a chance to see. (I'm not talking about the 50 passenger sub that only goes down 100 feet) In Grand Cayman, you can visit HELL, and send a postcard from there as well. Visit the turtle farm...very interesting. Nice shopping, but expensive. The people are very nice in Cayman as well. It is HOT and HUMID in Cayman however.

Jamaica has some interesting places to visit. (I'm not a huge fan of Jamaica, because the people are very pushy, and there are so many con artists on the prowl) Dunns River Falls is fun. (crowds though) Plantation is interesting, and there is a beautiful garden to explore. Shopping can be interesting in Jamaica. Horse-back riding on the beach and through some of the villages was always fun.

Tulum is a must see in (Cozumel) Playa Del Carmen...ancient Mayan ruins by the sea is unique.

St. Thomas....Tree-Top view is nice...Rent a scooter and explore the homes outside of the tourists areas. I never had enough time in St. Thomas, because I was always going on the NORWAY while in port, and visiting other ships.