Cruise Vacations Around the World
Imagine that you're sipping champagne on the deck of a floating resort cruising toward a
chic destination of your choice. Your bags are unpacked, all of your meals are already
planned and lively activities are only steps away from the hot tub - should you decide to
join the festivities. Cruises are being sold in record numbers because this unforgettable
imagery comes to life on cruise vacations around the world.
The numerous island paradises of the Caribbean and the Bahamas attract
more cruises than anywhere else in the world. According to the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA), the Caribbean together with the Bahamas has a 44% share of the cruise
market. Other popular cruise destinations include Europe (21% share), Alaska (8% share),
Panama Canal (4% share), West Coast (3% share), Hawaii (2.6% share) and South America
(2.4% share). CLIA also reports that 51% of the 7 million cruise passengers in 2000 took 6
to 8 day cruises, 37% of the passengers took 2 to 5 day cruises and 12% of the passengers
took cruises longer than 9 days.
Caribbean Cruises
Caribbean Cruises are offered year-round from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, Tampa
and San Juan, Puerto Rico. With so many island paradises, Caribbean cruises often include
stops at one or two islands on 3-day cruises and as many as four islands
on 7-day cruises. Major cruise lines offering Caribbean cruises are Carnival Cruise Lines,
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise
Line.
Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Ports of call on Eastern Caribbean Cruises often include St. Thomas and St. John in the US
Virgin Islands; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin
Islands; and Nassau in the Bahamas.
Western Caribbean Cruises
Ports of call on Western Caribbean Cruises often include Key West, Grand Cayman, Jamaica
and Mexico.
Southern Caribbean Cruises
Ports of call on Southern Caribbean Cruises often include Aruba, Barbados, Curacao and
Antigua. Many Southern Caribbean Cruises depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico because these
destinations are so far south of Florida.
Bahamas Cruises
The most popular ports of call in the Bahamas are Nassau, New Providence
Island and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.
European Cruises
European Cruises and Mediterranean Cruises may include stops in Portugal, Spain, France,
Italy, Germany, Sweden, Finland or England.
Alaskan Cruises
Cruises to Alaska often depart from Vancouver or Seattle and include stops in Ketchikan,
Juneau, Skagway and Sitka.
Panama Canal Cruises
Panama Canal Cruises are extremely varied. Some cruises start in Miami and end in San
Diego with stops in Aruba, Costa Rica, Acapulco and Cabo.
West Coast Cruises
West Coast Cruises depart from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or
Vancouver. Popular Mexican Riviera destinations include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and
Cabo San Lucas. Popular Baja cruises may stop at Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
Hawaiian Cruises
Hawaiian Cruises often begin in Ensenada, Mexico and end in Honolulu with stops in Hawaii,
Maui and Kauai.
South American Cruises
South American Cruises are extremely varied. Some cruises depart from Sao Paulo and visit
other Brazil destinations including Rio De Janeiro, Anra Don Reis, Portobelo and Santos.
Other cruises depart from Buenos Aires, Argentina and stop in Uruguay and Brazil.
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