How To Truly Experience The Caribbean While On A Caribbean Cruise

How To Truly Experience The Caribbean While On A Caribbean Cruise - By: Joshua Poyoh

One of the most popular destinations to cruise in the world is the Caribbean. While you are having fun and adventure of a life time on board, lets look at what the Caribbean is.

The word Caribbean conjures up visions of many beautiful sandy beaches, vacation paradise and a lifestyle most people can only dream of. There are more than 200 island territories in the Caribbean; it is home to millions of people too.

It would be extremely advantageous to understand the geography, history, diversity, economy of the region and what it can offer to the average tourist. This can only add to your experience as a visitor.

The Caribbean is defined as the Bahamas and the Antilles. The Antilles are further divided into the Greater Antilles, consisting of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. Many of the Caribbean islands' original inhabitants were members of one or other of the two indigenous tribes, the Caribs and the Arawaks.

The Spaniards were the first to colonize the area, following the discovery of the West Indies by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The other Europeans namely the Portuguese, English, French, and Dutch follow suit. Power and control of the region changed hands in the various islands over the years, depending on the desirability of the particular location, and a given nation's ability to defend it.

As a visitor, if you're interested in the history of the region, your best bet would be the larger islands or territories; those whose history of European occupation is longest. A good example would be the Dominican Republic, where you can see where Columbus first landed on his maiden voyage to the New World in 1492.

If you can make it to Cuba, you will not be disappointed by the Spanish architecture in Old Havana. With the Cubans' understandable economic priorities and pressures, if the ravages of time allow the buildings to survive, this will be a treat for generations of visitors to come.

To be sure, each of the islands and territories has its own place in the history of the region, but simply with a greater or lesser story to tell. The really small islands offer great scenery, mostly great weather in the dry season, and a sheer brilliance in tropical color that is a welcome shock to the senses. And yes, great beaches for you to enjoy. This stuff is so commonplace in the region that local inhabitants take it for granted.

As for nightlife; any resort will necessarily have its fill. However, if you enjoy things 'closer to the edge', the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is hard to beat. This occurs officially on the Monday and Tuesday just prior to Ash Wednesday.

But if you truly want to experience the Caribbean and all it has to offer, the absolute best advice is to befriend one or more local families. That is when you will experience true Caribbean hospitality. And a better 'tour guide' you will never find.

One of the most popular destinations to cruise in the world is the Caribbean. It would be extremely advantageous to understand the geography, history, diversity, economy of the region and what it can offer to the average tourist.

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A Few Tips For Planning Your Alaskan Cruise

A Few Tips For Planning Your Alaskan Cruise
By: Adrian Adams

About half a dozen different cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises. There are several things to consider when planning your Alaskan cruise. A very important component is the length of the cruise. You don't want to book a 7 day cruise if you only have a 5 day vacation. Also, check to make sure the departure date is compatible with when you can travel.

Price can be a big factor in choosing a cruise. Different rooms offer different prices ranging from around $500 to over $4,000. Make sure you book a room and a cruise that fits within your budget. Check around with different travel agents and booking services both online and offline to find the best rate. You might be surprised at the amount of money you can save to buy souvenirs.

Unlike Caribbean cruises, you probably won't be planning to pack only a swimsuit on your Alaskan cruise. So, what should you pack? Alaskan weather can be unpredictable to a certain extent. However, some factors are fairly common. For instance, rain is common between the months of May and September. This is also when the majority of Alaskan cruises take place. This would make an umbrella or raincoat a good idea to bring along.

Alaska can also surprise you with a cooler spell, so make sure to bring a sweater along, just in case. Most Alaskan cruises will have a Captain's Gala, which is a formal dinner. Pack one formal dress or suit for this occasion since you won't want to be the only one in casual dress.

During the summer, Alaska has a lot of daylight. This means that you will have a longer period of time to tan ' or burn. Bring sunscreen. Turning the color of a lobster is a surefire way to put a damper on an otherwise terrific cruise. Above all, don't forget your camera. An Alaskan cruise is something that you will want to remember, so bring your camera and use it.

Just because your in Alaska doesn't mean you should leave the swimsuit at home. Pack your swimsuit along with some cool summer outfits. Keep in mind that springtime in Alaska can be downright cold, though, so know what the weather is expected to be during your cruise.

Alaska is a hotspot for mosquitoes, so remember to pack your insect repellant. Unlike most cruises, an Alaskan cruise can be complicated to pack for. However, you will enjoy your cruise to the fullest if you are fully prepared.

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