My husband and I are interested in taking a Southern Caribbean cruise in mid to late January of 2000. What ships/itineraries do you suggest?

Marisa: If you mean flying to aruba or San juan and picking up a ship from ther then: Royal Carribeans Majesty of the Sea(73900gt) goes on 6, 7, or 10 day trips from san juan or aruba and visits Curacao, St marteen, St Thomas, St. Kitts, Stcroix ect. also thier Monarch of the sea(73900 gt) sails from ST thomas to martinique, Barbados, Antiqua st marteen. thier web site is RCCL.com Crystal Cruises has a ship, Crystal Harmony, 7 days from St. marteen, St thomas, St Lucia. Carnival also has the inspiration and fascination going from St thomas. carnival.com Celebrity Galaxy leaves from St lucia. celebrity-cruises.com. and Norwegian Dream too. ncl.com. some of these ship are only there for the winter or a few cruises.

Hi Marisa: we went on a southern Caribbean cruise out of Aruba on the sunquest Dream ship the Carousal. It was pretty much a 3 star cruise on a 5 star itinary. We left Aruba to St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, margarita Is to Curacao. They are such diverse ports that as far I'm concerned there is not too many better itenaries out there. Great mix of rainforests, history and beautiful beaches( Grand Anse, Eagle and Palm Beach in Aruba, and many in Barbados) good shopping in Curacao, Aruba and Barbados and the Caribbean feel of St Lucia (the pitons and music) and Grenada ( the native islanders selling there spices on the side of the road). What a mix, it just doesn't get any better, but you will be tired! Happy cruising!!!! Karen

Hi, Marisa. If you're interested in a longer cruise for not much more than the basic 7-nighter, you might consider Horizon's 10 or 11 night ultimate caribbean. Celebrity's Horizon is about 46000 tons (not too big, not too small) and the service and cuisine are outstanding. Even the cheapest cabins are quite spacious & well-appointed. My husband & I are heading out on Valentines Day for Horizon's 11 night. You read oodles of reviews about this ship or just about any ship/itinerary at cruiseopinion.com or check out Celebrity's website at celebrity-cruises.com

Thank you to all for responding. We have actually decided to go on Royal Caribbean's southern caribbean cruise in January. We got a great deal through cruise.com - no other travel agent could beat their prices for comparable accomodations. We are very excited since it is our first cruise and just can't wait to go!