Buying Guide to Caribbean Cruises

You dream about boarding that gleaming vessel, that city on the seas, and cruising your way around the islands of the Caribbean. You'll sip tropical drinks while sunning yourself on the deck, or maybe you'll relax in a deck chair with Stephen King's latest bestselling thriller. You'll watch the dolphins race the ship, and, after the sun dips into the sea, you'll dress up like you haven't done since Junior Prom and eat gourmet food served by your accommodating and attentive waiter. You're going on a Caribbean cruise.

You're ready to book your trip, so you Google "Caribbean cruise." Your jaw drops with dismay as the search engine comes back with over 37 million hits. The first link is for Royal Caribbean International, a name you recognize, so you click on it and use their search tool to find Caribbean cruises that depart during the time you want to take your vacation. You are stymied by all of the choices. Do you want to go to the Western Caribbean or Eastern Caribbean? Three nights or seven? And is Royal Caribbean the one with the rock climbing wall? Your kids have been begging to go on that one.

Fear not. Choosing your Caribbean cruise does not have to be a daunting task. A few easy questions and a simple evaluation of your vacation goals will have you on your way.

Who is going and why?

The first question you must ask yourself is who will accompany you on your cruise. Are you going alone or with your significant other? Are your children or grandchildren accompanying you, and what are their ages? Answering these questions will go a long way in helping you decide which cruise to choose. Cruise lines such as Celebrity and Holland America are a bit more upscale, and although they offer children's activities and welcome kids warmly, they are not as suited to rambunctious youngsters as the more relaxed and family-friendly Carnival and Disney Cruise Lines.