The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

When those who are new to cruising begin to plan their trip, the choice of cruise location is usually more important than the cruise line selection. The Caribbean, both eastern and western, is among the most popular destinations in the world. The cruise line selected will not significantly affect the port choices or the shore excursions offered. It have an effect on whether the cruise ship meets or exceeds the expectations of the cruisers. Each cruise line has a different feel when you are aboard their respective ships.

Stay with the most popular cruise lines, and you will usually not be disappointed.

While there are about ten or so cruise lines that serve the Caribbean, only four or five have a significant presence in all areas. Each of the four most dominant cruise lines tends to offer a different feel to their guests. These cruise lines perpetually upgrade their ships and fleets to try to gain an advantage over the competition. Although each cruise line has its own niche, many of the amenities offered are relatively the same from line to line.

Norwegian Cruise Lines works hard to maintain a well rounded offering for their passengers.

Probably the biggest thing that Norwegian promotes to passengers is the open dining option. This means that guests do not have to commit to an early or late seating in the dining room. Depending on the what the passengers are planning for the evening, they can adjust their seating time to fit their needs. Most other cruise lines have not embraced this idea, but it seems to work well for Norwegian. These ships should have enough fun for the adult guests to be happy while still being strongly family oriented.

If you choose Carnival as your cruise line, you will be treated to many parties.

From the moment you step onto the Lido deck of a Carnival ship, the music will be loud and rowdy. Plenty of outdoor parties and fun fill up the at sea days and evenings. These "fun ships" also offer large programs for children that can span most of the day if their parents require or want it. Carnival also seems to offer more options for shopping during their shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean International tries hard to position itself as a family cruise line.

The level of elegance seems to rise somewhat aboard Royal Caribbean's ships. There are plenty of areas where those who like to party will be able to find a good time. However, for the most part, the activities are a little more tame than Carnival. The ships are tastefully decorated and mints are left on your pillow at night.

Holland American is the smallest of the these four, but the only one that caters to older cruisers.

Holland America ships are decorated with rich colors, art work, and antiques. Each day a tea time is offered during the afternoon. The extravagant dessert bar that is usually a midnight affair is held at tea time. The ships give passengers a more formal feel. Just a casual look at your fellow cruisers will reveal mostly retirees during most cruises.

These four lines are the cream of the crop for cruises in the Caribbean.

It is possible that you may find an excellent cruise on a smaller line. However, you will have far more limited options than you will experience on these large lines with large fleets and large ships. Each major line has enough amenities available to more than satisfy the wants of nearly every passenger.