Perhaps one of the most noted destinations in the Western Caribbean, Jamaica has taken on a life of its own. This island nation is home to some of the richest history, plushest beaches and beautiful terrain found in the Caribbean.

Discovered by Europeans with Columbus' 1494 voyage, Jamaica's reputation was firmly ensconced in that single trip. The world traveler declared the island the most beautiful he had ever beheld. With that landing came five centuries of European control of the island, once home to only native peoples.

Modern day travelers and those who make their way to Jamaica via one of the many cruise lines that make ports of call in the country's big-name cities will find an island rich in a heritage that includes Spanish, native and British influences.

British rule of the island began in the 1650s and by the 18th century the island was a major part of the British colonies. It was responsible for producing most of the world's sugar and more. Later such crops as bananas and coffee became popular to grow on the island's rich lands.

Today, although the country still bears strong ties to its past, Jamaica is a free nation. Its independence from British rule came in 1962 and the island that once was known for its coffee, bananas and sugar became also known for its incredible tourist potential.

One of the favorite ports of call for those taking cruises to Jamaica is Montego Bay. Fabled for its silvery beaches, this city is home to the Bob Marley Theater and island music like no other. Here visitors can do such things at take a safari through a rainforest region, explore Bob Marley's roots, go snorkeling and diving and more.

Bird watchers revel in Jamaica's many offerings, as well. On this island alone visitors will find more than 252 different species of birds, including the streamer-tailed hummingbird.

For those who want to stretch their legs a little, Montego Bay is home to some impressive architecture and a rich historical district. Walking tours include such high points as the Falmouth estate, which is now a museum, and many Spanish influenced homes.

The more adventurous can enjoy snorkeling and dive tours of the bay's water, water skiing and more. Plus there's plenty of opportunities to check out beaches, go biking, horseback riding, golfing and more. Visitors with an eye for incredible beauty can even check out tropical waterfalls and more.

With such ports of call as Montego Bay, Kingston and Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a favorite for cruise travelers the world over. Its rich history and welcoming populace couple with the beautiful turquoise waters and warm island breezes to make this nation one that knows how to make travelers feel right at home.

No two Caribbean cruises are exactly alike. With a whole host of beautiful tropical islands to visit, the Caribbean is home to three distinct areas with their own groupings of islands. With so many ports of call to choose from and so much to see and do, the Caribbean is an entire region that promises cruisers something different each time they visit.

The Eastern Caribbean is home to such islands as Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. These areas are strongly influenced by French, Dutch and Spanish cultures, making them unique.

Puerto Rico, for example, is an American holding, but its style, flavor and landscape is nothing like the mainland. A world onto itself, this island is home to lush tropical landscapes, beautiful waters and exciting ports of call.

Cruise line visitors to the island of Puerto Rico will find this region was strongly influenced by Spanish, Indian and African cultures long before there was an America. The island is home to a mix of people that meld their cultural backgrounds together to create a distinct destination in the Eastern Caribbean.

Those who disembark to explore Puerto Rico will find lots to do while off board. From historical tours of San Juan to museums and from beaches to tropical hikes, there's no shortage of sights to see in this region. In addition, there are hiking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking adventures awaiting visitors, among other things.

Another popular Eastern Caribbean destination is the island of St. Maarten. This beautiful island changed hands between the Spanish, Dutch and French multiple times and is now a favorite of cruisers for its beauty, steeped in history.

Here visitors will find lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors with snorkeling, diving, fishing and more all waiting just off board their cruise. In addition, St. Marteen is home to many shipwreck dive and snorkel tours, walking tours of the historic regions and more. There's even a butterfly farm and an America's Cup Regatta attraction for visitors to see.

The Caribbean is broken up into three distinct parts. The Eastern is home to such wonderful cruise destinations as Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. Each island, however, has its own treasures that await those who want to get away from it all on a Caribbean vacation.

Combining the natural beauty and fantastic outdoors opportunities the Caribbean is famous for with rich history, the islands that make up the East are each distinct and worthy of exploring. Each trip brings with it a new discovery for visitors to this region and those exploring the east will find some standout sights for certain.

Mesmerizing turquoise water slowly laps at pristine white beaches as birds fly high above and fish dance in the waters below. The Caribbean cruise is a trip of a lifetime for many and a regular getaway for others hooked on "island hopping." Choosing to see the Caribbean from the luxury of a cruise ship is perhaps one of the best ways to go.

The beauty of a cruise ship vacation to one or more of the Caribbean's beautiful islands is the options these trips offer visitors. By combining a floating paradise with the backdrop of a real paradise, these vacations give visitors a chance to kick back and take in all the islands have to offer without having to sweat the small stuff such as meal considerations or entertainment and room bookings.

Trips here can include stops at one or more islands and will generally offer more than enough time for passengers to take in the local flavor before boarding ships again. What's more, while on the ship passengers can be certain their in for the pampering of a lifetimes.

Saying a cruise offers a little more than the average vacation is an understatement. Most major cruise lines go to great lengths to ensure guest receive royal treatment from the time they board to the time they disembark. With gourmet food, room service, on board entertainment and more, passengers find themselves with more to do on a cruise then they can imagine. Or, if relaxing alone is what a passenger wants, there's no place like a cruise to do it.

While visiting the Caribbean, passengers aboard most major cruise lines will find the ships offer guided tours in the major ports of call. Or if passengers so choose, they can explore the destinations on their own. As long as they're back onboard in time to set sail for the next destination, the freedom to take in the local scenery is there.

The Caribbean is a favorite for cruise ship passengers since this large collection of relatively little islands offers lots of possibilities for exploring. From the Virgin Islands and the Caymans to St. Kitts and Nevis, each major stop in the Caribbean has its own style, but one thing is certain - they all offer an outdoor wonderland that's amazing.

Unlike any other vacation in the world, Caribbean cruises combine pristine tropical beauty with first-class treatment, giving passengers their choice of how to spend their time.

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.

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 Comparison Specs

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