| When you're planning a vacation, consider a | | | | cruise options are the Eastern Caribbean, covering |
| Caribbean cruise. The advantages are definite: the | | | | the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico, the Southern |
| Caribbean is an easy destination to reach, and with its | | | | Caribbean, covering the Dutch Antilles and the |
| tropical climate of perpetual summer, its picturesque | | | | adjacent areas of South America, and the Western |
| islands, and its wild diversity of cultures, there are | | | | Caribbean, covering southeastern Mexico, Central |
| few places in the world that can offer as much as | | | | America, and Jamaica. |
| the Caribbean. | | | | Each of these areas has its own set of attractions. |
| From North America, most Caribbean cruises start in | | | | Younger travelers, especially honeymooners, are |
| south Florida, a logical place, as there are several | | | | frequently drawn to the party atmosphere of |
| ports capable of accommodating the largest cruise | | | | Jamaica, or Cozumel, Mexico. Many older cruise-goers |
| ships, and the state is very close to the Caribbean. In | | | | particularly enjoy the relaxed culture of the small |
| fact, for some cruise lines, Caribbean cruises will | | | | islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Whatever your |
| include South Florida and the Bahamas Islands, even | | | | preference, make sure that you try the shore |
| though these areas are technically outside the | | | | excursions offered on your Caribbean cruise : they're |
| Caribbean Sea. They are close to it, however, and | | | | the best way to get the full feel of the area, and an |
| share the same climate and much of the same | | | | unforgettable experience. |
| attitude. | | | | Whichever part of the Caribbean you choose to |
| You'll want to check with your cruise line, to see | | | | cruise, make sure that you pack your passport. You'll |
| what Caribbean cruise packages are available. The | | | | be crossing a lot of international boundaries, and while |
| Caribbean is a large area, stretching some 2000 miles | | | | the cruise line will help you with customs clearance, |
| from Mexico in the northwest to the island of | | | | it's always wise to keep your travel documents with |
| Barbados in the east, and most cruise packages will | | | | you. |
| only cover part of the total area. Some common | | | | |