Sunshine, white sandy beaches, turquoise sea, tropical specialties, exotic music... These are just some of the reasons why the Caribbean is so successful. And the best way to explore its innumerable jewels is without a doubt to get on a boat for a cruise that will take you to its paradise islands.
The Caribbean: a vast territory
The Caribbean is vast and divided into three areas:
- Lesser Antilles
- Greater Antilles
- South West Indies.
- Chances are you will hear more about the West Indies, East Indies and South Indies, the terms used by tour operators.
West Indies
From the southern United States to the coast of Honduras, through the Bahamas, Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic.
East Indies
Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles arc, which runs from the Virgin Islands in the north to Grenada in the south.
Southern Antilles
Islands bordering Colombia and Venezuela, and coastal cities in Panama and Costa Rica.
When to go to the Caribbean?
The Caribbean, located in the intertropical zone, is overrun throughout the year by vacationers seeking sunshine and warmth.
The Climate
The most favourable period is from November to May, during the dry season, which is also the most expensive.
The prices
Prices are more attractive from June to early October, but it is not impossible that your stay will be punctuated by showers and hot weather, not to mention cyclones and tropical storms, which can strike from mid-August to October.
Some companies still offer cruises all year round, since the weather depends mainly on the relief and orientation of each island.
Choosing your destination and itinerary
It's not always easy to make a choice among the paradise islands that make up the Caribbean.
If the price of the cruise is an important factor, the itinerary and stopovers are equally important and vary greatly from one company to another. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your favourite activities.
The best Caribbean cruise offers
Here is a selection of offers that caught our attention.
Prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include airfare, transfers, taxes or port expenses.
Carnival Cruise Lines
The watchword: Relaxation!
With its all-inclusive atmosphere and its "fun ships", Carnival has the wind in its sails with families, but also with cruisers looking to have fun at any time of the day or night, at prices defying all competition.
She has a large fleet, recognizable by her water slides overlooking the upper deck.
Cruise of 8 nights in the East Indies, in interior cabin and double occupancy. Departure from Miami on November 7, 2015, starting at $419 per person.