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Crystal-clear water, palm trees swaying in the breeze and the hypnotizing
beat of a calypso drum. These are the memories you'll have of your Southern
Caribbean cruise. This Caribbean region sees fewer cruisers than other parts
of the Caribbean, yet has a great selection of ports. With fewer days at sea,
Southern Caribbean cruises stop nearly every day of the voyage to visit unique
destinations, each characterized by different cultures, atmospheres and terrain.
Most Southern Caribbean cruises depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a
weeklong itinerary, although longer itineraries are sometimes offered from
Miami and Fort Lauderdale and occasionally from U.S. cities along the East Coast.
St. Maarten and St. Thomas, popular Eastern Caribbean ports, are often featured
on these itineraries, as are a handful of South American cities. You may also
find that smaller, luxury cruise ships prefer cruising this region of the
Caribbean en route to smaller, less-traveled Caribbean destinations.
Each port on a Southern Caribbean itinerary offers something different. Aruba
and Antigua are well-known for their beautiful beaches, and lush rain forests
are a highlight for tourists in Dominica. Snorkel in the turquoise waters off
the British island of Barbados. Visit French boutiques and eateries in
St. Barthelemy and drive right up to a volcano in St. Lucia. The lesser-known
islands of St. Vincent and Guadeloupe are a tropical paradise of unspoiled beauty.
The Southern Caribbean is blessed with continuously balmy, pleasant weather,
making it a year-round cruising destination.
Southern Caribbean cruises last 3 to 14 nights.
Southern Caribbean cruises are particularly kid-friendly, making them ideal
for family getaways. Most ships have children's programs, youth counselors
and children's activity centers.
Although Southern Caribbean cruises are offered from U.S. cities such as
Fort Lauderdale or New York, they generally depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico,
and other Caribbean destinations. Due to the small number of flights being
offered to these departure cities, it is advised that you arrive a day before
your Southern Caribbean cruise departs. This will give you time to rest and
get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise
hotel packages.
For a list of Southern Caribbean cruise ports,
click here.

Southern Caribbean
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