Selecting the right type of cruise depends very much on your personal tastes. If you want a bit of an exotic cruise flavour, cruising the Mediterranean is an option. If you prefer a colder climate, cruising the Arctic is always a great experience. But if you want the best of the tropics, the Caribbean can definitely spell paradise for you.

Caribbean cruises are no doubt exciting and breathtaking. But if you want to experience the ultimate Caribbean cruise, planning should be done well in advance.

To start things off, you have to know whether you want to visit the Western Caribbean side, which includes the Dominican Republic and Jamaica among others, or the Eastern side, with the Bahamas and St. John. Once you have a destination in mind, you have to choose the right Caribbean cruise line.

There are about 20 cruise lines sailing the Caribbean and offering different itineraries. Each cruise line has something special to offer, from the activities to outstanding accommodation. Depending on your budget and taste, you can either go for big-ship cruises or the smaller boutique type ships.

The next thing you have to remember is the trip duration. Ideally, Caribbean cruises take from 3 to 10 nights. The longer cruises usually include stops in Mexico or South America.

Weather is also an important factor to consider when planning Caribbean cruises. Since the area is prone to hurricanes, make sure to plan a trip schedule that doesn’t fall in a stormy season.

There are also plenty of Caribbean shore excursions. If you’re concerned with time, make sure that the port you are in is not far from the town proper for a more rewarding experience. The Bermuda, Nassau and Southampton ports are good examples of those near town.

Finally, remember to pack decent clothes for special occasions, sunscreen for the beaches, and bug spray for possible island trips. Caribbean cruises also require travel documents, so arrange them well ahead of time. Enjoy your trip!