The appeal isn't surprising with hot, hot, hot ideal winter weather, enticing tropical islands, many with cooling trade winds, beaches, endless shopping bargains and easy proximity to embarkation ports up and down the U.S. east coast.
The number of ships -- including several new ones this season -- plying these clear turquoise waters continues to grow and, coupled with the slower economy, means there are many bargains, even "last-minute steals."
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Port Canaveral and Miami top the list of ports for sailings to the Caribbean by Cruise Lines International Association's 25-member companies operating in the Caribbean.
There are also easily reached embarkation ports along the east coast such as New York City and Cape Liberty, New Jersey along with some newer places including Baltimore, Charleston and Mobile.
The number of embarkation ports in the Caribbean also continues to grow, offering a chance to see numerous islands in as little as seven days at sea.
"There are so many ways to escape the winter cold or the everyday grind and enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a tropical getaway," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises' executive vice-president.
Princess will sail six ships on 14 Caribbean itineraries ranging from seven to 14 days this winter, with 135 departures visiting more than 25 ports.
Caribbean Princess sails round trip from San Juan while the Ruby Princess and Crown Princess sail from Port Everglades, all on seven-day itineraries.
Grand Princess offers an extensive 14-day "Caribbean Collection" route and Sea Princess will sail on two-week voyages from Barbados.
Holland America Lines offers "incredible diversity for Caribbean cruising from week-long cruises to more in-depth exploration with intriguing ports," said Richard Meadows, executive vice-president.
Nine ships, including the new ms Eurodam, will sail the Caribbean on 126 cruises this season from home ports of Port Everglades and Tampa. Many of the cruises include a stop at the popular "private island" Half Moon Cay.
The Regatta will sail on her "most diverse and expansive" Caribbean itinerary for Oceania Cruises, said Tim Rubacky, senior director, corporate communications.
There are two new itineraries and five added ports of call on the 684-passenger Regatta returning to the western Caribbean for the first time in five years.
The "upper-premium" Oceania's itineraries include a 10-day "Mayan Mystique" voyage of the western Caribbean and a 14-day "Southern Treasures" cruise featuring overnights in Bermuda and Charleston.
There will be two departures, Nov. 27 and March 19, for the 24-day "Amazon Adventure" from Miami.
To top it all off, there's an "introductory offer" through March 31 featuring two-for-one pricing and free airfare.
Other new developments
- The largest Carnival ship, the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, begins year-round Caribbean service from Port Canaveral next month.
- The 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox debuts with 10- and 11-night cruises from Port Everglades.
- Sailing from Port Everglades, Costa Atlantica returns to the Caribbean with new, exclusive spa accommodations.
- Cunard's season is highlighted by its newest ship, the Queen Elizabeth, with a debut 22-day Caribbean voyage round trip from Southampton leaving Dec. 14.
- Norwegian Cruise Lines' largest ship, Norwegian Epic, begins her inaugural Caribbean season in July.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers Caribbean cruises from December to April aboard the newly refurbished Seven Seas Navigator with two-for-one fares, free airfare and no-charge shore excursions.
- Royal Caribbean International welcomes the largest cruise ship in the world, the 6,300-passenger Oasis of the Seas, for year-round Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades beginning this month.
IF YOU SAIL
Cruise Lines International Association, North America's largest cruise industry organization, has details about ships, itineraries and webpage links at www.cruising.org
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