For your next big vacation, consider bypassing the usual stresses of travel and get away in style with a cruise to the western Caribbean. One of the most inclusive and action-packed types of getaways, cruises let you enjoy all the amenities of a resort hotel and then some as you island hop among some of the most beautiful and hospitable waters in the world.

Accommodations

The first place passengers will head after setting foot on the ship is their cabins. Your room can be whatever you make it for your journey — a home base to relax from time to time or simply a place to shower and sleep at the end of each action-packed day. Accordingly, many cruise ships offer a dozen or more types of cabins, from lower inner deck cabins with small floor plans and no windows, to spacious multi-room suites featuring large windows and balconies. Of course, pricing can vary just as much, with the cheapest rooms being sometimes a quarter the price or less per passenger of the most expensive ones.

Activities on Board

Many cruise passengers spend just a fraction of their time in cabins, however, because ships have so much to offer in the way of on board activities and events. Travelers interested in the utmost of relaxation can choose to spend their time at sea lounging in the sun by a pool or get a soothing massage, rejuvenating facial or body wrap in a full-service luxury spa. When you feel like having a little fun, have a few drinks and do some dancing at a deck party or catch some theater or a musical at one of the ship’s venues. Some ships even offer some unexpected treats like rock climbing walls or skating rinks to fulfill your every whim.

Speaking of whims, one feature of cruises never to forget is the food. Often included in the price of your cabin, you’ll be able to experience countless unique dining options during your trip from endless buffets to formal fine dining to cuisine that caters exactly to the palettes and needs of guests with special diets.

Travelers with kids need not have any qualms either; nearly every major cruise line offers a wide range of events and programs to keep kids happy and entertained. While the children have the time of their lives at supervised water parks, playing video games or playing all sorts of sports and games, the parents can let loose on their on time at a nightclub or cocktail lounge.

Ports of Call

The majority of cruises headed for the Caribbean set off from Florida ports like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but you can also find trips that begin in San Juan, Puerto Rico or New York City. Western Caribbean cruises usually include stops on the larger islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola, home of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the Cayman Islands. Popular ports of call include Key West, Costa Maya, Belize City, Cozumel, and San Juan.

Island Excursions

Once you and your fellow passengers do reach your ports of call, you’ll find a whole range of unforgettable activities to thrill you or relax you, if you so choose. Each island offers its own unique perks and idiosyncrasies: Jamaica has an energetic atmosphere and thriving night life while the Dominican Republic features a more laid back vibe with quiet resort communities and secluded white-sand beaches. Certain activities, however, can be found at most ports including some of the world’s best SCUBA diving and snorkeling — whether it’s your first time in the water or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find a great diving guide to show you the rich and thriving natural world beneath the waves. Other classic island adventures include touring the jungles by foot, jeep or even helicopter or exploring tropical coves and inlets by a guided kayak tour.

Deals and Discounts

Although cruises tend to have the reputation for being a bit pricey, the truth is that great deals can be had year round. As always, thoroughly searching the websites offering western Caribbean cruises you might be interested in combined with diligently checking back for deals and specials will pay off in the end, but it’s also helpful to be flexible in your travel schedule and book cruises for the low season. For the western Caribbean, the cheapest deals and discounts can be found in the late summertime and autumn — hurricane season, that is. This means that the potential exists for a tropical storm to interrupt your travel plans, but in the off chance that such a situation may happen, more often than not ship can avoid delays and danger by rerouting to other fantastic destinations.