What Exactly Is a "Caribbean" Cruise?

It sounds simple enough because a "cruise to the Caribbean" sounds like one location, right? Not exactly.
The Caribbean is a region surrounded generally by Cuba to the north, Central America and South America to the west and south, respectively, and the islands of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Bahamas and thousands of tiny islands along the eastern and southern Caribbean Sea border.

Islands and coastlines bordering the Caribbean Sea are popular vacation destinations because of their beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, great shopping, and a laid-back lifestyle that we all long for. If you're considering a Caribbean cruise for your next vacation, it's helpful to know what the difference is between an Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean cruise.
First of all, every cruise line defines Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean just a little differently. But there are general terms they all agree on.

What Can I Expect From a "Western" Caribbean Cruise?
In general, a western cruise would sail between Cuba and Mexico and head south along the Central American coast. You can expect to stop in ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan. Other port stops may include Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. Sometimes the Bahamas, although technically not in the Caribbean, are included in the itinerary. A cruise would typically depart from Texas, Louisiana, or the western or southern ports of Florida. For example, if your cruise leaves from Tampa, Galveston, or New Orleans you will most certainly be on a western destination.

What Can I Expect From an "Eastern" Caribbean Cruise?
An eastern cruise typically passes through the Bahamas and often stops at the cruise line's private island if they have one. The ports of call may include Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. John (USVI), St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Popular eastern departure ports are along the east coast as far north as New York. These ports are convenient for East Coasters who want to vacation in the Caribbean and save on airfare to Florida.
What Can I Expect From a "Southern" Caribbean Cruise?

A southern cruise is generally going to be longer, but there are exceptions. You should plan on a minimum 10 days if you want to cruise the southern islands, and you can expect more time at sea. The extra time at sea makes it possible to travel to some of the smaller, less populated and remote islands in the region. For example, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba are some popular southern ports.

Will I Get Motion Sickness on a Cruise?

I love to travel. However, if the roads are winding, I have to drive or I get nauseous. As a passenger while driving down the freeway, I can't read a book or look at the map without my stomach taking a turn. I haven't taken a helicopter ride that did not end with me begging to get out. But I love water and the idea of a cruise sounded like such a great idea except for the stories I had heard about motion sickness.

I decided to give a 3-day cruise a try, and I'm so glad I did. My sister provided me with some hideous magnetic bracelets, but I just couldn't wear them because they were so... hideous. I was sure the motion sickness would hit, but it never did. I never got nauseous. The boat was so big, that there was very little motion and it didn't feel like I was on a boat except for the fact that I was surrounded by the big blue sea and sunshine.

Then I tried a 4-day cruise - no problem. A 5-day cruise - no problem. A 7-day cruise - no problem. I even had a cabin at the front of the ship and at night I could feel a gentle rocking up and down while I lay in bed, and I LOVED it! I enjoyed every minute of all of my cruises. The food was amazing, relaxing in the sun by the pool at sea was what I needed, and exploring on shore was even more fun.

Had I listened to stories from fearful people who sailed long ago before modern cruise ships with hi-tech stabilizers, I would never have discovered my favorite way to vacation. I spent most of my time outside of my cabin - lounging on the sun deck, exploring at ports, dining with a view, and I even took a golf lesson on deck! My advice? Try it. Take a 3-day cruise and test the water. Cruising is popular for a reason. I'm glad I took a chance.

If you're still worried because you've never cruised before, there are a couple of simple solutions to prevent motion sickness. As a back-up plan, some people have recommended taking non-drowsy Dramamine or other motion sickness medicine, and take just half of a pill if you feel some symptoms. Sometimes, even the non-drowsy versions can make you feel a bit drowsy--so don't over do it.