Carnival and HAL add southern Caribbean cruises

There’s a distinct chill in the air now, which makes many cruisers begin to dream about sailing in the Caribbean, and some cruise lines also appear to be thinking about the islands. Both [% 11986 | | Carnival %] and [% 9823 | | Holland America %] announced changes to their southern Caribbean lineup this week.

The Carnival Destiny will begin new seven-night southern Caribbean itineraries out of San Juan on March 2, 2008. The new cruises are designed to attract travelers who wish to see as many islands as possible, featuring six ports-of-call: St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Thomas/St. John. In November 2008, the Carnival Victory will reposition to San Juan and take over this itinerary. Many Caribbean cruises visit only three or four ports with several days at sea, so if you’re more interested in the ports than the ship, Carnival’s new itinerary may be right up your alley.

Holland America is also reviewing its southern Caribbean options. In 2008, the line will double the number of departures of its seven-night deep southern Caribbean itinerary. The ms Westerdam will sail seven cruises and the ms Eurodam will offer an extra New Year’s Eve cruise for a total of eight. This itinerary is unique because it’s a weeklong cruise out of Florida that travels as far south as Aruba and Curacao. The other port-of-call is the line’s private island, Half Moon Cay.

This voyage is ideal for cruisers who want to see southern Caribbean islands without flying to Puerto Rico or taking more than a week off work. However, with only three ports-of-call, you will be spending a lot of time on the ship.