Cruising options include flying out to the Caribbean before boarding your ship once in the region, boarding in the UK before embarking on your cruise journey, or else combining your cruise with a stay in a resort such as Barbados or Orlando with a 'cruise and stay' package. Whichever you do, remember to make sure that your bags are covered by your travel insurance before you depart. Caribbean weather has the advantage of being good, on the whole, all year round. Summer in the Caribbean can be humid and see more rain, whilst during the winter in the USA and Europe, you can expect to find the Caribbean more crowded as this time of year sees holidaymakers flock to

Cruising options include flying out to the Caribbean before boarding your ship once in the region, boarding in the UK before embarking on your cruise journey, or else combining your cruise with a stay in a resort such as Barbados or Orlando with a 'cruise and stay' package. Whichever you do, remember to make sure that your bags are covered by your travel insurance before you depart.

Caribbean weather has the advantage of being good, on the whole, all year round. Summer in the Caribbean can be humid and see more rain, whilst during the winter in the USA and Europe, you can expect to find the Caribbean more crowded as this time of year sees holidaymakers flock to the area in their droves to escape the cold at home. However, November to mid-December is a period worth considering, as this tends to be just before the bulk of the winter visitors arrive.

Caribbean itineraries can vary considerably depending on the cruise operator with which you travel, but there are some destinations which you'll surely not want to miss. A perennial favourite, the Cayman Islands boast picturesque beaches combined with the latest architecture and resorts, all the while retaining the traditional values and ways of the local peoples. The largest of these three islands is the fairly rich Grand Cayman, which features the capital George Town, along with two key tourist attractions: the palm tree-dotted white sands of Seven Mile Beach and the rock formation known as Hell, complete with tie-in gift shop.

For many, however, the highlight of Grand Cayman is the remarkable Stingray City sandbar, where visitors can don snorkels and immerse themselves in water surrounded by dozens of stingrays. As with any similar excursion, it's best to check that your travel insurance covers this activity before booking it--there's always a risk associated with these activities and travel insurance could come in handy.

Meanwhile, in the eastern Caribbean, two ever popular islands are of course Barbuda and Antigua. Antigua boasts secluded, powdery beaches aplenty, along with impressive coral reefs, offering perfect conditions for excursions involving shallow snorkelling and scuba diving; in fact, Cades Reef is now partially a designated underwater park. Expert divers will want to check out Sunken Rock on Antigua's south coast. Barbuda is smaller than Antigua but still features a collection of shipwrecks around its reefs. No matter how confident a diver you are, remember to ensure that your travel insurance covers this activity. In particular, it's always worth having a travel insurance policy that covers your medical bills in case of accident or injury.

History buffs will no doubt be interested in Belize, where visitors can take a day trip to explore the remains of hundreds of ancient Mayan sites, surrounded by Belize's lush jungle. Whilst engrossed in this tropical rainforest, tourists will have a chance to marvel at the menagerie of colourful birds and animals that make their homes on the island.

Meanwhile, a visit to Bermuda, another popular stop for many cruise lines, combines both a chance to experience water sports and parks together with visits to historical attractions, such as the Royal Naval Dockyard at the port of King's Wharf or, for a dash of old world British charm, Bermuda's pastel-coloured capital, Hamilton, with its Georgian-style houses. Alternatively, you can pay a visit to Bermuda's extensive botanical gardens, or try and improve your handicap with a game of golf. Bermuda boasts more golf courses per square mile than any other place on Earth! Remember, however, that if you're bringing your own prized set of golf clubs, they must be covered under your travel insurance.

Another island that crops up on multiple cruise itineraries is Jamaica. There are two major ports here: Ocho Rios, with its luxury resorts and gardens and Montego Bay, which features Colonial houses steeped in history nestled side-by-side with some beautiful scenery. You can also take a trip to Dunns River Falls—close to Ocho Rios—a spot containing majestic waterfalls, famous throughout the Caribbean.