Imagine a perfect tropical island. Does it include lush volcanic peaks rising dramatically above the sea? Or maybe a palm-fringed beach with crystal-clear water? Whatever your ideal island escape looks like, you are likely to find it in the Caribbean<\/a>. The warm waters are host to some 7,000 different islands belonging to 28 nations, many of which are considered the best Caribbean cruise destinations for travelers seeking beaches and adventure.<\/span> It is a varied lot in terms of topography \u2014 and culturally, too, with Americans, Dutch, English, French and Spanish, among others, having left their marks on this sun-kissed corner of the world. Now it\u2019s your turn to explore it. But where should you go? If you\u2019re deciding between an Eastern vs Western vs Southern Caribbean cruise, each region offers different islands, cultures and experiences.<\/span> Read on to find out which one is right for you.<\/p>\n Rest assured, however, that nearly all of our Caribbean cruises include a call at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay\u2122<\/a>, our award-winning private Bahamian island. This quaint sanctuary features new enhancements, including a new Beach Club, tranquil lounges, and exclusive flavors.<\/p>\n<\/div> Whatever eastern Caribbean<\/a> cruise itinerary you choose, sun-soaked relaxation is in the cards, which is why many travelers consider this region one of the best Caribbean cruise itinerary options for first-time cruisers. The islands of the eastern Caribbean are in relatively close proximity, so you can wake up every day at a new destination. Ports often include San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Amber Cove<\/a>, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas. Amble atop a 17th-century fortress in Puerto Rico or kayak a sparkling bioluminescent bay<\/a>. Cruise to Turks and Caicos to comb white sand beaches while the sea-breeze tangles your hair. Whichever cruise you choose, in the eastern Caribbean the promise of paradise awaits.<\/p>\n<\/div> Western Caribbean<\/a> itineraries are known for outdoor adventure. Relax and soak up the sun or embark on a thrilling, can\u2019t-do-anywhere-else excursion that you\u2019ll remember forever. Sail on a catamaran and snorkel<\/a> at Bonaire Marine Park or take a hike up Dunn\u2019s River Falls. Go under the surface in a submarine off Grand Cayman to see rare marine life or head to the archaeological site of Mayan Tulum from Cozumel<\/a>. The best time to visit the Western isles on a cruise is between December through April, when the weather is perfect and there\u2019s very little rain. Because the western Caribbean islands are a bit further apart, a cruise in this region usually offers a few sea days to enjoy onboard activities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Ready to experience the Caribbean’s blissful beaches? Find a cruise now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> If you\u2019re deciding on a southern Caribbean vs eastern Caribbean cruise, the southern routes typically travel farther into the Lesser Antilles and visit more diverse islands. Travel to jungled islands, turquoise seas and flaxen beaches on southern Caribbean<\/a> cruises where the laid-back vibes of the islands reign supreme. After a call at Half Moon Cay, southern Caribbean itineraries dive deeper to explore the Lesser Antilles. There you\u2019ll find European charm in the tropics. From French Martinique to British Barbados, to the Dutch-tinted ABC Islands of Aruba<\/a>, Bonaire and Cura\u00e7ao<\/a>, the influence of the European colonial area is strong, but the islands maintain their natural beauty. Snorkel Aruba\u2019s famous Natural Pool<\/a> in Arikok National Park or explore Monkeyland<\/a> at Amber Cove, home to a lively community of squirrel monkeys. Southern Caribbean cruises are typically longer in duration, starting at 9 days. Let the sea carry you to Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia<\/a>, Martinique and more.<\/p>\n<\/div> Tropical Caribbean cruises are ideal as a family cruise or a romantic adventure. Swaying palm trees and shimmering waters are ubiquitous in these parts, with calls at Amber Cove, Turks & Caicos<\/a>, Nassau and beyond. Discover an oasis of aquamarine seas with a vibrant underwater world, perfect for those who like to snorkel, dive and explore. Visit Key West\u2019s popular Butterfly Conservatory and Aquarium<\/a> or slide down natural waterslides at the waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua in Amber Cove.<\/p>\n<\/div>Key Takeaways: Eastern vs Western vs Southern Caribbean Cruise<\/h2><\/div>
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Eastern Caribbean Cruises: Beaches, Culture, and Easy Island Hopping<\/h2><\/div>
![\"Mayan](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tulum.jpg\" "\\"Tulum\\"")
<\/span><\/div>Western Caribbean Cruises: Adventure and Mayan History<\/h2><\/div>
Southern Caribbean Cruises: Longer Itineraries and Unique Islands<\/h2><\/div>
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IN11-08502_RF.jpg\")
<\/span><\/div>Short Caribbean Cruises and Tropical Getaways<\/h2><\/div>