Passengers onboard a Caribbean cruise can expect the unexpected. With literally dozens of island ports of call to choose from, pristine beaches and a tropical beauty that's incomparable mixed with a laid back local style, no two trips to the islands are alike.

While on the cruise itself, passengers can expect first-class treatment. Cruise lines specialize in making sure their guests have everything they could need or want right at their fingertips. From room service and fine dining to entertainment and more, there's nothing boring about the cruise part of the cruise itself. This, of course, is the point; a point most cruise lines work very hard to accentuate.

Most major cruise lines offer passengers the epitome of the old saying that the journey is half the fun by combining the best entertainment offerings on what amounts to floating paradise. The secret to a good cruise line's success often lies with how well its managed to entertain guests before, during and after arrival in the major Caribbean port of call.

Typical cruise ships provide passengers with workout rooms, extensive dining opportunities, live entertainment, movies, swimming and even sometimes the chance to do a little gambling while at sea. With events planned throughout the cruise, beautiful waters to take in and lounge chairs simply for relaxing, few "journeys" can compare to what a cruise has to offer.

What's more, passengers onboard a Caribbean cruise will soon find that unlike some other vacations, lifting a finger toward anything that might resemble work is not part of the cruise experience. Room service takes care of the cleaning, there are sitters for the kids and activities that are age-appropriate, pretty much around-the-clock dining opportunities and more.

And while it's true that getting there is half the fun, those on a Caribbean cruise do expect to take in the island lifestyle - at least for a while. Cruise ships make sure this happens. With plenty of opportunities for checking out the local beaches, shops and restaurants, along with side trip possibilities like sky diving, fishing, hiking and more, cruises make sure to leave no stone unturned when it comes to guests' comfort.

A Caribbean cruise is like nothing else going. Guests onboard a ship should expect the unexpected and prepare to be dazzled. Plus, there's paradise Caribbean style waiting at the other end of the journey with its whole host of activities to keep visitors more than entertained.

For those who want to see the Caribbean from a completely different perspective, cruising doesn't cut out the possibilities. It's no secret this region is just as beautiful below its turquoise waters as it is above and for many perhaps more so. With this in mind, cruise lines make sure their guests can see it all if they choose.

No matter the destination, diving or at least snorkeling possibilities should abound. From shipwreck dive tours below the waters off Jamaica to snorkeling adventures on the Caribbean's coral reef, visitors should not have to worry about missing it.

Since most cruise lines (depending on the length of stay on a island) give their guests plenty of opportunities to explore, dive and snorkel, trips are almost always booked into the offerings. Cruise ship passengers should check with their cruise to ensure they will have a chance to do a little underwater exploring while on vacation if this is desired.

For those who do want to see what lies below, the Caribbean is a favorite of serious divers and even casual snorkeling enthusiasts. The reasons for this are many, but the tops are the shipwrecks and coral reef. Both are prevalent sights in this region virtually no matter the island visited. And both give passengers something to see they aren't likely to experience in local dives where they are from.

Those who choose to get up close and personal with the Caribbean's other residents - the aquatic kind - are likely to see a host of fish, coral, sea turtles and even a shark or two. The world under the sea is much different, but just as exotic as that above, and it's a sight that many divers return to see again and again.

For those traveling by cruise line, the advantages are many, especially for first-time snorkel fans. The guided tours make the experience that much more enjoyable as knowledgeable guides can take divers and snorkeling enthusiasts directly to the sites of shipwrecks and some serious reef action. They can even explain the history and the details of what divers are likely to see, adding a sense of richness to the experience.

Cruising is a great way to get to the Caribbean, but many avoid the adventure because they're unsure whether they'll get to see and do the things they'd like. But with cruise lines offering so many possible activities for guests while their in port, there's really no reason for cruise passengers to miss the view from under the sea.

Getting there is half the fun, but when it comes to Caribbean cruises, the other half doesn't slouch either. With so much to see and so much to do in almost every major port of call in the Caribbean, the shore excursions offered by most cruise lines really make the trips memorable.

The Caribbean is dotted with island groups that each have their own distinct draws and rich histories. One thing they all have in common, however, are some incredible outdoor activities. From snorkeling and sailing to swimming, boating, hiking and even sky diving, those taking part in a cruise ship vacation to one of these islands will have an opportunity to pick what appeals to them.

Snorkeling, scuba diving and just plain swimming in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are some of the biggest off-boat draws for those who sail to the region. The water and the ocean life combine to make the experience simply incredible.

Cruise ship passengers have a one-up on other vacationers to this region in that they don't have to worry about the little details. Since cruise ships make it their business to make certain their guests have a blast whether on board or off, they help make all the arrangements for shore excursions. This is great for passengers for a number of reasons:
* No booking issues. Since the cruise ships handle the shore excursion bookings, there's no concern about not being on the roster.
* No need to worry about getting lost. Cruise ships make sure their passengers can take part in guided tours, get snorkeling lessons or just kick back on the beaches. Whatever they want to do during the docking period is made available and the ships' crews normally handle all of the details.

For those who think the Caribbean islands only offer water activities, think again. The islands are rich in history, lush terrain and more. Those traveling in St. Kitts alone will find this little island packs a serious punch when it comes to things to do. From walking tours of the historic district to catamaran trips and even a stop at the Rainforest & Gardens Safari, there's lots to do besides just swim.

Getting to the Caribbean onboard a cruise ship is loaded with fun and around the clock entertainment. But the ship is only half of the story. Once it docks, the islands open up for passengers to enjoy, explore and simply fall in love with. Cruise ships make sure their guests have the best of both worlds so they can take home memories that last a lifetime.

What could be more romantic than enjoying a moonlit walk on a Caribbean beach with warm white sands slipping through your toes as perfumed breezes tickle your nose? Making sure every moment of the trip is that special!

Cruises can be a great way for those who want a romantic getaway to enjoy every minute of the vacation or darn near every minute. Designed for people of all ages, with some cruise lines even have special couple's cruises, there are few settings more romantic than a cruise to the Caribbean.

On the ship, couples looking for something special will find the bases are more than covered. Guests who want to create romantic memories will have literally dozens of opportunities for doing so.

Imagine taking a stroll on the deck and watching the moonlight play on the water before heading inside for a formal, multi-course sit down dinner complete with soft music and dancing. Now, picture the man in your life dressed to the nines in a tuxedo or the woman of your dreams in a stunning formal gown. Cruises help make this happen - even down to formal attire rentals!

Once dinner is over, couples can take in live shows, dance or just enjoy the scenery on deck. If privacy is more desirable, guests can even retire to their staterooms and simply call in room service for some quality alone time.

When the ship docks, however, this is where the Caribbean really kicks in to lend to the romantic atmosphere. On any given island, guests can expect to find some picture perfect romantic spots. From the beaches to the rainforest waterfalls and beyond, the Caribbean is ideal for a romantic getaway. Those wanting to take it all in and play the scenery to their advantage can opt for such off board fun as strolls on the beach, horseback riding through the white sands, hikes to exotic locales and much, much more.

Cruises are designed to offer a little something for everyone. Couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality romantic time will find the Caribbean is the ideal backdrop for doing so. Plus, cruise lines even offer couples-only cruises so the kids are left at home while mom and dad enjoy that second honeymoon!

The advantages to taking a cruise for a romantic excursion over another type of trip are many, but the standout reasons really standout. Cruises give people a chance to get away from the little details of vacationing as the highly trained crews make sure everything is covered from flowers in the stateroom to tuxedos for dinner and beyond. The Caribbean itself is a picture-perfect destination that is ideal for honeymoons, second honeymoons or just because getaways steeped in romance.

The Caribbean is a favorite vacation destination for people of all ages. But when it comes to cruising the Caribbean many may think it's not an ideal trip for children. Nothing could be further than the truth.

Cruise ships specialize in giving their passengers the time of their lives. This means all passengers, regardless of age. The cruise ship experience is spectacular for people with young children. In fact, many cruises pride themselves on making sure their charges of any age have lots to do while on board and even once they reach ports of call.

For families, there are a number of benefits to cursing the Caribbean rather than simply flying and booking a hotel room. The advantages of this type of vacation versus another, include:

* Generally quite affordable. By putting everything from travel to food and entertainment under a single price, families often find the cruise ship experience is quite affordable. Since there are no real hidden charges beyond mementoes and any extras families choose to buy while on board or off, budgeting for a trip is much easier. The food factor alone is enough to make the price of the trip more than worth it.
* Planned activities. Cruise ships offer planned activities throughout the trip, both onboard and off, to ensure that guests of all ages have plenty to see and do. On board, youngsters will find games, physical activities such as swimming, movies, crafts and more. Plus, there are even baby-sitting services so mom and dad can enjoy a little alone time on the trip, too. There are even activities planned for the entire family to take part in, as well.
* Security. Keeping an eye on the kids while on vacation can be a little tough, but with the semi-enclosed environment on a ship, the task is that much easier.
* Lots to do off board. The Caribbean is perfect for families in that its many islands offer lots to see and do. From cruising the shops in St. Kitts to hitting the beaches of Nevis, there's really no shortage of family friendly activities while visiting ports of call.
* More together time. Since details like meals and itinerary have been planned out, families can just enjoy spending time together rather than sweating the small stuff while on their vacation.

Caribbean cruises bring together the best of two very different worlds and are the perfect way for families to enjoy vacations together. By offering something for passengers of all ages, the cruise ship environment is a favorite for families. The children have lots to see and do and so do the parents, providing a perfect mix of family time and alone time for each member of the clan.