After the holidays, we always need to take a break from partying.  January is a month to slow down and start out anew.  Take off the pounds gained throughout November and December, and generally just get our bearings so we can head off into a new year – new and fresh!  What better way to relax and start out the New Year right, by taking a cruise to the Caribbean?

You’ll find cruises available to Cozumel, Mexico,  Bahamas, and other Caribbean Islands booking up fast during this time.  There are still some great opportunities for 4 and 7 day trips which are discounted even in the Caribbean season.  And of course, now is the time to book your senior high student’s spring break cruise.  Usually by the first of January, many of the spring break cruises are filled.  Spring break usually occurs mid-week in March to the first of April.  This is great information to keep up with for next year if you have a junior in high school.  Try having their spring break cruises booked by January second to insure the best prices and cabin availability.  As an escort, you’ll want to book your cabin also!

One of the cruises available is the Caribbean Princess, built in 2004 with a tonnage of 116,000 tonns, 950 feet long, and a passenger capacity of over 3,000, this is rated as one of the five star cruises to the Caribbean.  Accommodations range from interior double cabins to a family suite complete with separate living area and two connecting suites which houses eight family members.  Suites and grand suites with balconies give way to extraordinary scenic views and enables you to experience the beautiful freshness of a sunlight day or romantic moonlit night.

Caribbean Princess cruises come complete with the usual daily gratuity tip charge.  Their daily quoted charge is $10 per person/per day.  Gratuities of 15% apply to beverages other than water, tea, and coffee.  Assigned seating with two formal dress nights and two nights of country club casual dress apply in dining areas.  As with any cruise, every hour there are activities to keep you busy.  You’ll just need to decide where, when, and how you desire to be entertained!

Since this cruise leaves port from Fort Lauderdale, Florida,  plan to visit the everglades as a shore excursion.  Many people book one day prior or one day after their cruise in order to explore the home port.  Planning ahead just makes your trip much more enjoyable when you can pack it full of fun!  Starting at $700 for 7 days, the Caribbean Princess sails to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Netherland Antilles, plus includes their very own Princess Cay, the island Eleuthera, Bahama.  This island get-a-way provides areas for children’s activities, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and many outdoor recreational opportunities for the family.   You can book this cruise at the Caribbean Princess website, travel agents, or discount websites.  (www.princesscruises.com, www.skyauction.com, www.cruises.com, www.vacationstogo.com, www.cruisedirect.com. – just to name a few).

Remember if one cruise line isn’t available, there are many more going to the Caribbean area.  You’ll be like a kid in a candy store – too many goodies to choose from.  Happy sailing/Traveling

(photos courtesy of Caribbean Princess)