Make This the Year You Take Your Caribbean Cruise Vacation

When preparing for a Caribbean cruise most people are only thinking about warm weather and sunny beaches. Pack some shorts, some muscle shirts, and some dresses; however also remember to bring along a light jacket and at least one warmer outfit. Even the warm demeanor of the weather can turn quickly. From time to time it can get quite chilly and you’ll want to be prepared for this as well as be ready for all of the contingent events and activities in which you may become involved such as swimming water polo and so many more. There are too many things for you to do on your first trip however it never hurts to be prepared. A small amount of preparing can keep you from being uncomfortable on your Caribbean cruise.

Think about how much cash you want to carry with you ATMs are good to use. Keep your cash to a minimum to deter pickpockets and petty thieves however you will need to make sure you have enough to tip the ship staff and shopping on the mainland. This again is where ATMs will come in handy. Paying the usage fees will be less painful then losing all your cash to thieves.

To insure full peace of mind make arrangements for someone to watch your house while you are away. Make sure you choose a person whom you trust. Keep things running as usual as possible if you have a usual housekeeping or lawn service don’t cancel them. Also let someone know how to get in touch with you if they need to.

Most people are thinking about sun and beaches when they start thinking about their Caribbean cruise. Although you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the beach you will enjoy other activities as well. Make sure to pack for warm weather. However bring a light jacket and at least a warm outfit. You may find yourself deciding that you would like to go for a jog around the promenade or perhaps you are in the mood to go out dancing or shopping these are all good activities for which you will need to plan and pack. If you decide that you want to go out and go dancing under the stars or perhaps you are interested in going on a hike while you are in port or dining at one of the more upscale restaurants you will need to keep these possibilities in mind while you are packing for your vacation. Even the sunny demeanor of the weather can turn quickly. A small amount of planning can keep you from being uncomfortable. While you are busy planning and scheduling your activities and what you might need do not forget to take into consideration those obvious items that you will need on a regular basis. It can be expensive to buy day to day items on the ship while on your cruise so remember while you’re packing for those contingencies to also remember to bring along those every day items so you won’t have to pay for them while on board the ship. Of course sunscreen and dark sunglasses are a must. As well as a camera something to read and some tunes.

A few simple things can make sure your vacation is one that is truly relaxing. These simple steps can insure true peace of mind. Pack with a plan watch the cash you carry and make sure your house is tended by a person you trust. Now you can enjoy this Caribbean cruise you’ve been preparing so hard for.

Find the resources your need for your next Caribbean Cruise Vacation at Caribbean Cruise Live.com.

If you’ve been on a cruise before, then you truly know that getting there is half the fun. That being said, however, there’s not much that’s more exciting than waking up of a morning knowing that today you’re going to explore a new country for the first time.

Roatan, one of Honduras’ Bay Islands, lies just north of the mainland. Christopher Columbus first landed here in the early 1500’s, but today Roatan is beginning to welcome a different type of ocean-going vessel: cruise ships.

Why? This has to be one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean. Once you see what it has to offer, your only question will be how has it remained a best-kept secret for so long.

On our visit here, we chose the Fantasy Island Resort excursion. This involved a bus ride for several miles across the island. I always find the trip to your excursion location interesting in itself - it’s a great way to learn about a country, sightseeing while enroute to your destination. Visitors here will see a wild mix of things while enroute - furious development bordering primitive neighborhoods.

According to our excursion guide, even Roatan’s utility infrastructure is very new, with the island only having gotten electricity in the last decade or so.

Upon our arrival, we discovered that Fantasy Island actually is a separate island from Roatan; it is connected by a wooden bridge to the larger island. The resort is adorned with all things tropical, including lush tropical vegetation and free-roaming monkeys and peacocks. The staff has done a very good job of keeping this resort looking like a just-discovered hidden beach, while still offering a full-service resort complete with dive center.

Walking into the resort’s lobby area, we were treated to free, non-alcoholic fruit drinks, then brought to a beach area where we could leave our belongings until the snorkel trip was complete. After getting snorkel gear, we were off to our first snorkel site, a sunken boat near shore. The second site was a coral reef, again just a few fin kicks from shore. I am a diver, and I have to say that the health and beauty of this shallow reef rivaled most anything I have ever seen while diving much deeper. Exiting the water is a breeze, thanks to the shaded pier that juts into the water, specially built for divers and snorkelers.

The snorkel trip was followed by free time at the beach, which is appointed with beach chairs, ‘umbrellas’ of thatched material, and hammocks strung between trees in the shade.

Other excursions here include a trip to Gumbalimba Park, which is a one-stop shop for entertainment and adventure on this island. This park offers an animal preserve, complete with monkeys who love attention, iguanas, turkeys, and other exotic animals. Also here is the ‘Coxen’s Cave’ history tour, a sandy beach with chairs and hammocks in the shade, a restaurant offering a lobster buffet, a gift shop, and snorkeling/scuba/snuba. There is even a ‘zip line’ canopy tour, where you whiz down a cable enjoying a view of paradise from above the tree canopy! If you are traveling as a family or group, this truly is one place which has something for everyone. Check with your cruise line for details on these or other excursions.

Once you travel to Roatan, Honduras, you’ll understand why cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean are investing millions of dollars in pier improvements in this Central American country. They understand the potential that this island holds. If you’re looking for a tropical location with plenty to offer that still maintains its natural, primitive beauty, put Roatan, Honduras on your must-see list.

Johnnie Rhodes

For more information, including pictures, please visit:
http://www.thecruisinginsider.com/roatan