Expert: Linda - 4/27/2007

Question
we are flexible in which month we can cruise to the Carribean, although we would like to go when it is cold here - Jan-March.  what do you think?  will it be warm?  safe from storms?  Also, which is best?  Western?  Southern?  Eastern?  Thanks.

Answer
OK, I'll give you some background and then you can think a bit more and e mail me back if you have more questions.  OK, first, Jan thru March, PERFECT, no hurricane, NO kids, NO spring break.  Will it be warm?  Guess that depends on where you come from.  This winter South Florida had a pretty cold year, we had about 11 days that did not hit 70.  Mornings are cooler and afternoons always warm up.  Most times you'll find temps in the high 70's.  Since I'm guessing you're from the North, the first thing I'd say is an ABSOLUTE must is you come in the day ahead of time.  There were a lot of weather delays this year, not because of florida, but New York,New Jersey, Colorado etc.  So put that in your budget.  Stay in Miami if you choose to leave from there, ditto Ft. Lauderdale.
Now, onto East, West or Southern.  Let's discuss a bit about each.  If you are into water, beach a bit of shopping and a bit of history, then you want the Eastern.  You will hit St Thomas which is incredible for sightseeing, snorkel and some great shopping (YUCK).  You will also go to San Juan which is history rich and an interesting place to go.   Depending on your choice of cruise line you may go to St Maarten, or an out island. Again, this is a cruise for water lovers.
Western;  I love swimming with the stingrays and that's on the Western cruise, Grand Cayman.  Grand Cayman is a wealthy island, prices expensive, the swim is the highlight, unless you're a sun bunny, then they have a great 7 mile white sand beach.  If you choose that, go to Captain Marvin and book his tour for the stingray, LESS people, great service, only 12 on a boat, we'd ever go with anyone else.  You'll hit Jamaica...be prepared to be hassled on the beach, buy gunja, poor country, must stay with what the ship offers as it's the safest way to go.  Nassau is another stop, head to the casino on Paradise Island, or take a walking tour if you're interested in history.  You may also hit Key West, a fav of mine, lots to do, would do the conch train and visit island then go back to what interested you and see more in depth. On the Western you may also go to Isle Margarita,  Playa Del Carmen, all great ports too.
Southern, make sure you start from San Juan so you can get further down.  This is probably my favorite.  We love the ports and people, more history and culture related then the other choices.  
log into cruisecritic.com, join the site (free), navigate to the message boards, then the cruiseline you've chosen, then read the threads going; you can read, ask questions or look up info on ports.
Favorite ports of ours are Isla Margarita (western), Turks and Caicos (southern), Jost van Dyke (southern) Grand Cayman (western), Playa Del Carmen going to Xel Ahl (bad spelling, but you'll see it and figure out what I mean)
Cancun Western for the bars, banana boat rides

You didn't ask about cruise lines, but I'm gonna tell you anyway.  Our favorite is Royal Caribbean, Carnival then Princess.

Kathy, this should give you enough to think about this week-end. Ask away for anything else.

Linda