Caribbean sea

It can be divided into three main parts:

1/ The Bahamas

2/ Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico (USA), United States Navassa Island (USA), Turks and Caicos Islands (UK), Cayman Islands (UK)

3/ Lesser Antilles: US Virgin Islands (USA), British Virgin Islands (UK), Anguilla (UK), Saint-Barthélemy (France), Saint-Martin (France), Sint Maarten (Netherlands), Saba (Netherlands), Sint Eustatius (Netherlands), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat (UK), Guadeloupe (France), Martinique (France), Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao (Netherlands), Bonaire (Netherlands), Aruba (Netherlands)

4/ For cultural reasons, the following Central and South American countries are often included in the broader Caribbean region: countries: Belize, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia and the northern coast of Venezuela,

Climate and ideal time to travel

The Caribbean region has a tropical climate, with temperatures around 25-30 °C all year round and sea water at 24-28 °C.

• High season (December - April): This is the driest and most pleasant period, ideal for beach holidays.

 Hurricane season (June - November): Stronger winds and rain can be expected, although the southern islands (e.g. Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao - the ABC islands) are outside the hurricane belt, so they can be safely visited all year round.

Visa, safety and health

o Cruise companies usually require a passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival. A visa is required to enter certain countries.

o Information on the list of countries requiring a visa can be found at the following link from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/vizummegallapodasok

o Travel advice and regulations by country can be found at the following link from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/utazasi-tanacs

• Safety: Tourist centers are generally safe, but in larger cities it is worth being careful with valuables.
• Vaccinations: There are generally no mandatory vaccinations, but vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid are recommended in most countries. Drinking tap water is not recommended, and it is worth avoiding freshwater swimming in certain areas due to the risk of infection.

The most popular Caribbean islands broken down by different needs:

 Best beaches and weather: Aruba (known as the "Happy Island", it is outside the hurricane belt).

 Best diving and snorkeling: Little Cayman (Bloody Bay Wall) and Bonaire.

 Best honeymoon/romance: St. Lucia (iconic mountain peaks).

 Best value: Cuba (affordable travel, culture).

 Best luxury and sailing: British Virgin Islands and Barbados.

 Best nature and hiking: Guadeloupe and Grenada.

Caribbean cruises are basically divided into two major itineraries:

• Eastern Caribbean: Typically calls at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten.
• Western Caribbean: The route often calls at Mexico (Cozumel), Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Honduras (Roatan).
• Major Caribbean ports (departure ports)

1. Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Busiest, offering the most options.
2. Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida: Close to theme parks, serves major lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney.
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico: Central location for southern Caribbean itineraries.
4. Galveston, Texas and Tampa, Florida: Popular options for western Caribbean itineraries.

Main attractions by country