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Eastern vs. Western
Eastern is defined as east of Puerto Rico, and Western as everything else.
Western Caribbean
The Western Caribbean is generally better for snorkeling and diving. It also offers you a greater variety in culture, cityscapes, seascapes, and landscapes.
Eastern Caribbean
Because the distance between islands is often shorter than in the Western Caribbean, you spend less time traveling between islands. And the Eastern Caribbean is your best bet for finding beautiful beaches. Moreover, the islands are typically smaller and less developed than in the Western Caribbean, so you stand a better chance of enjoying a quiet, relaxing setting for your vacation.
Northern and Southern
Caribbean Routes
Some cruise lines reclassified the Bahamas (along with the Turks & Caicos) into a new category, the "Northern Route". The Bahamas is conveniently close to Florida, which makes it geographically desirable for cruises originating in that state.
Also, some cruise lines moved Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago into a new "Southern Route" category. Most of the area lies south of the classic hurricane belt.
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