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.

First "discovered" by Columbus in the 1490s, this island paradise was named for his brother Bartolomeo. Technically named St. Barthelemy, this island is lovingly called St. Barths or St. Barts for short by those who know it.

This island may not be as large as some of its neighbors, coming in with only 25 square kilometers, but it packs a punch when it comes to beauty and things to do. St. Barts has a rich history that includes Spanish, native, French and Swedish influences, among others. The little island's popularity in the tourism and cruise industry took off in the 1980s and remains strong today.

Technically a French "state," St. Bart's has a mix of "natives" that include actual natives, people from the French mainland and other European cultures as well. The island is home to a booming tourism industry and is known for its artistic pursuits. Here visitors will find a music and film festival, galleries and more.

The island is home to more than 20 different beaches, a number of hotels, restaurants, historic sites and more. But, what really draws in visitors is the fact this little paradise boasts the white sand beaches and pristine waters the Caribbean is famous for without the throngs of visitors other locations receive - most of the time.

Those who make St. Bart's a cruise destination will find the local culture is a mix of many cultures, in fact. They will also instantly notice cottages, skiffs and woven straw structures that are homes to locals along side some seriously upscale tourist destinations.

Activities on the island include such things as golf and tennis, fishing and hiking, swimming and windsurfing and, of course, diving and snorkeling. A bit different than many of its neighbors, St. Bart's is loved by those who want to get away from it all without throngs of people.

This Southern Caribbean destination is noted for having a number of activities both in and out of the water. Its quiet pace is loved by tourists and natives alike and makes it a draw for those who want to make the island their home on a more permanent basis. Shoppers, too, will delight in St. Bart's duty free status and will find corner shops and upscale boutiques mingling together within the many shopping areas.

Just one of a number of cruise destinations in the Southern Caribbean, St. Barts is a small island with a lot of sights for visitors to take in, explaining why its become a hot choice in Caribbean travel.

The beaches, water and tropical breezes are ties that bind almost every Caribbean cruise destination. But when it comes to some serious distinction, the Western Caribbean is known for its adventurous destinations, ancient influences and Latin styling.

Cruises to the Caribbean are perhaps some of the most popular in the world. Offering everything a vacationer would want and more, the islands that dot the Caribbean are vacationers' paradise on earth. The Western Caribbean is a favorite for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling. Known for its archaeological finds, this region was heavily influenced by the Mayan culture hundreds of years ago and the memory of this most impressive ancient civilization is still strong.

With its year-round balmy weather, the Western Caribbean is a popular destination no matter the time of year. The only caution is Hurricane Season, which can really kick things up. This runs annually between June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms can, and sometimes do, stir things up outside that time window.

The big draws in the Western Caribbean include such stops as Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island and Costa Maya. Although these are some of the main stops, there are more, plenty more, for cruise lovers to see and explore. One of the big distinguishing features of cruises to this part of the Caribbean over Eastern and Southern is the strong Mayan influence felt in the region and is a Latin flavor as well. But don't be surprised to see, hear and taste other influences such as British and French.

When visiting the Western Caribbean, some of the favorite ports of call for cruisers include Belize City, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands' Grand Cayman.

In Belize City, visitors who are brave enough can snorkel Shark Alley where they are more than likely to see stingrays and nurse sharks, among other water-loving creatures. Cozumel is the big Mayan draw with its walled city of Tulum. This is considered a do-not-miss on a Western Caribbean cruise. The Caymans operate on a slightly different pace and here visitors will feel a British influence. This island stop is famed for its historical sights and of course its snorkeling, swimming and diving.

Depending on the cruise taken, the Mayan city of Chitzen Itza is a possible side trip, as well. This famed city is home to some of the most impressive pyramids in this hemisphere and gives a strong indication of what life was like in this ancient civilization.

No matter the destination in the Western Caribbean, visitors who travel aboard cruise lines will find the ship's crews do what it takes to ensure passengers get to see the biggest highlights of the area. From off board excursions to visit Mayan ruins to days available to spend snorkeling or fishing, the lures of the Caribbean are strong for those who want to do little more than kick back and relax. But, of course, kicking back and relaxing is certainly not frowned upon. The region is famous for its tropical and idyllic settings just right for unwinding while enjoying warm oceanic breezes.

Caribbean cruises are ideal for entire families. In fact, the kids are as apt to enjoy the cruise as much as their parents, if not more. Taking little ones along on a cruise isn't an imposition on anyone and it can be a great learning and enjoying experience for the little ones, as well.

The Caribbean islands are owners of deep and rich histories. Each has its own story to tell. Plus, there's lots for people of all ages to see and do while on a Caribbean cruise. So, if keeping the kids at home is being considered for fear they'll have nothing to do, think again!

The list of options for youngsters goes on and on, but let's look at a few. Depending on the cruise line, while on the ship, kids can take part in:
* Clubs geared specifically for their ages. Cruise lines want each and every passenger to have the time of their lives - this means the kids, too. To help ensure younger guests get the most out of their trips, cruises offer an array of activities for them, generally geared to age. Some cruise lines even have clubs meant to dazzle and entertain the children while the parents enjoy activities more suited to them.
* Entertainment. Cruise ships are famous for entertaining their guests, and this means guests of all ages. While parents may enjoy soft piano music, there's generally live performances more geared to the younger set throughout a cruise.
* Games/contests. Getting everyone involved in activities is the job of the cruise director. He or she would be remiss to skip over the little ones.
* Family events. Cruises also offer lots of family activities, from games and contests to movies and more, there's lots for families to do together as they cruise from one port of call to another.

Off board:
Most Caribbean destinations offer more than enough family activities to keep cruise passengers very busy during scheduled visits. From tours and fishing trips to shopping and museum excursions, the islands are ideal for visitors of all ages. If parents aren't comfortable taking the children along while they visit the shore, the cruise ships generally offer a service to ensure the kids are entertained onboard while mom and dad explore the shores.

Cruises are ideal for people of all ages. When it comes to Caribbean cruises, the options for families are amazing.

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.