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Cruise Wisdom: Eastern, Western, or Southern Caribbean?

Cruise Wisdom: Eastern, Western, or Southern?

Choosing the Caribbean itinerary that’s best for you.

By Cindy O’Neil

Q: Last year I sailed on a fall foliage cruise to New England and Canada. This year I’ve decided to take a 7-day Caribbean cruise. What is the difference between the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries and how do I choose?

— Jeanette H., Ellsworth, ME 

A: All three of these itineraries are a must-do for any avid cruiser. It’s selecting which one to try first that’s a matter of personal preference. Do you want to visit ports that offer historical sightseeing options with a foreign flavor? Do you want to snorkel or dive on world-famous dive sites or zip line through a rainforest? Maybe you just want to soak up the sun on an exotic beach or maybe the fashionista in you wants to shop until you drop! While most Caribbean ports offer tours, shopping, and beach adventures, certain ports are better than others for indulging your individual interests.

Eastern Caribbean

An Eastern Caribbean cruise will have a more familiar feel to it as many of the stops are U.S. ports. The beaches on this itinerary are beautiful. Gambling is legal on many of these islands….

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Don’t miss our Cruise Wisdom WEB EXTRA, with plenty of information about which Caribbean ports are right for you!

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