Carribean Cruise
One of the most popular destinations in the world to cruise is the Caribbean. This collection of small islands has tempted the imagination for hundreds of years. From the early days where pirates cruised the caribbean looking for plunder, the islands have developed rich trade in local handicrafts and in attracting tourists. Many of the island names are well known - Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands. Other islands are incredibly small and only known to the locals. The Caribbean islands are all of the islands found in the Caribbean sea. This block of water stretches between Florida and South America. In the northern area lay the Bahamas, then Cuba and Haiti / Dominican Republic. Jamaica is beneath Cuba. To the east you have Puerto Rico and then a long stretch of Virgin Islands. Aruba lies to the south, just over Venezuela. Cruising is just about perfect for moving from island to island, sampling what each has to offer without expensive plane fare. Many cruises leave from Florida, although you can fly to Puerto Rico and begin your voyage there as well.
Essentials: Backpack or suitcase Clothing;(Hot/Normal Destination) Wind and waterproof jacket - try to get one that is breatheable. Fleece, designed for under the jacket when cold and wet, or used on its own when just cold. 2x Lightweight shirts/blouses - long sleeves - for warm nights with mosquitos about, and which can double up as slightly smarter wear. 2x Light weight travel trousers, long legs, suitable for trekking. Consider zip off trousers/pants that turn into shorts. 3x Tshirts 2x shorts/skirts. Socks and underwear - matter of some debate, between 5 and 10 pairs. Shoes - designed for hiking/walking, but also not so shabby as to look out of place in a restaurant. Sandals - for when you're not wearing the shoes. Plastic slippers - known as thongs, flip flops as well, for use in showers or just lounging around. Second bag - light weight, collapses down to a small size, designed to be packed away 90% of the time Duct Tape - essential, massively strong tape good for fixing just about anything. Black electrical tape, slightly different uses. Guidebook - maximum two - one for your destination and the next area, you'll have to pick up the rest as you go, carrying too many is crazy. First Aid Kit - bandages, disinfectant wipes, antiseptic cream, pain killers. Sun glasses - get a good quality pair that protects against UV in your home country, those on the streets often come from dubious origin and may not protect your eyes again harmful UV rays. Swimsuit Sleeping bag - for the occasions where you don't have bedding provided, or you don't trust it. Silk or cotton sleeping bag insert. Earplugs - if you can wear these, they are an essential. You will be in dormitories where someone snores, where the doors bang, where the sound of the motorway next door is too loud for sleep. Earplugs will allow you to sleep when otherwise you can't. Nice to Haves: Fiction books - take two paperbacks, when you've read one, trade it for another - hostels often have a trade bookshelf. Music Player - CD Player, Ipod, Cassettes, Minidisk - what you take is up to you. (See the techie part of this guide). Camera - SLR or digital - as long as you have something to record your adventures. More in the toys section. Torch - small one - a LED head torch is perfect, as it allows your hands to be free when in use.