The Southern Caribbean's island draws are so impressive, songs have been made to honor them. With Aruba, Antigua and Barbados just being a few of the many island possibilities for cruise ship passengers to see, it's no wonder this portion of the Caribbean is famed for being a favorite for tourists.

While each island in the Caribbean has its own distinct and rich history and geographical draws, they all share quite a lot in common as well. The islands in the Southern Caribbean are famous for their beautiful white, sandy beaches, tropical climates and pristine waters. Offering visitors a whole host of shore activities, the Southern Caribbean is one of the most popular parts of the region for vacationers.

In addition to the tropical beaches, the island of Antigua, for example, offers visitors a whole host of other adventures. There's cricket, hiking, golfing, biking and even bird watching. Water lovers will find windsurfing, diving, snorkeling and more available, as well. Plus, there are historical destinations, shopping and dining all available.

Cruise ship passengers will find themselves privy to a number of tours if they choose to disembark on the island of Antigua. These include tours of Jumby Bay, hiking excursions, historical tours and more. Cultural experiences are also possible to explore.

The history of this particular island is rich. Visitors will get to see areas touched by the British Royal Navy, the Arawak Indians and more. Plus, there's Shirley Heights Lookout to see and Nelson's Dockyard on this island richly influenced by both British and African settlers.

Visitors to other Southern/Eastern Caribbean islands will find a host of other activities just awaiting their arrival. From rum distillery tours on Barbados to Martinique's botanical gardens, there's a paradise to see seen in the Caribbean.

Cruise ship travel to the Caribbean is perhaps one of the best ways to get a feel for the islands. By visiting several ports of call in most general trips, cruise passengers get to see and explore a little more than those who head specifically to one island or another. The trips give passengers the best of both worlds while ensuring plenty of access to off board excursions so guests can get a real flavor of the islands.

The Southern Caribbean is home to a whole host of islands, each distinct in its roots and draws, but all quintessential in their tropical styling.

Cruising the Caribbean is a dream come true for many and a yearly routine for others. Whether it's the sugary beaches, the crystal clear water or the laid back lifestyles, or a combination of all three, there's something about this region that just keeps drawing tourists back.

One thing that's perhaps overlooked by those just wanting to hit the beaches, however, is the rich history this area boasts. Cruises, however, don't skip a beat and ensure that passengers can soak it all in.

The Caribbean and its many islands have played a big role in the history of the world - bigger than most people think. The region was first "discovered" by Christopher Columbus and ever since that fateful trip more than 500 years ago, people have kept coming back.

The islands have been influenced by a host of cultures, from the Carib Indians for whom the region is named for to the Mayans in ancient times. Following Columbus' discovery, peoples from Europe, Africa and Asia would all make their way to the islands, leaving strong and lasting impressions behind on both the landscape and the culture.

With French, English, African, Latin and even Dutch influences, the Caribbean is a chain of islands that is truly a melting pot for visitors to explore. The region is actually quite diverse in its people, history and culture. This is reflected in its museums, the people and the languages themselves, the food and even the architecture.

Although renowned as a peaceful region, the Caribbean's impact on the world stage should not be overlooked. The area has produced a host of Nobel Prize winners for literature, a bevy of famous artists, musicians and businesspeople. In addition, it's inspired more than a generation of writers and other creative types such as Gauguin, Noel Coward and Hemingway.

Those taking Caribbean cruises will no doubt be drawn to the pristine beaches and laid-back island pace, but there's more to be seen and discovered within the islands that make up this region. History and culture are alive in the Caribbean where cultures mix, mingle and play.

Most major cruise lines go to great lengths to ensure their passengers have every opportunity to discover the rich history and culture of the region during their stays. Off ship excursions to most destinations include tour possibilities that involve historic and cultural explorations. The beaches and the beauty may draw visitors to these islands, but there's much more than white sand beaches to be taken in.