Source: data adapted from Cruise Market Watch.Cruise Passengers Visits, Caribbean, 2011The Caribbean is the world's largest cruise shipping market,
representing over 40% of the annual cruise supply. It acts as an
ideal cruising destination for the following reasons:
Geography. The Caribbean is mostly a chain
of islands in close proximity implying short cruising distances
between ports of call.
The climate is subtropical with limited temperature
fluctuations, albeit the hurricane season (August to October)
can create some disruptions. There is a variety of landscapes
ranging from rain forests to semi-arid conditions as well as the
presence of coral and volcanic islands.
Historical and cultural. The region has a
long history associated with European colonialism and accounts
for the oldest settlements in the Americas. African, Hispanic,
English, French and Dutch influences are prevalent, conferring a
very diversified cultural landscape that often changes
completely from one
island to the other. Therefore, the cruise industry is able to
offer to its customers a variety of cultural experiences in
close proximity.
Commercial. Being adjacent to the United
States offers a large market of potential tourists able to
afford cruise packages without having to travel far to start a
cruising itinerary.
Most Caribbean cruises begin (and end) from the Miami, Fort
Lauderdale or Port Canaveral cruise ports cluster that act as the
main hub ports. All are near major airports well connected to the
rest of the United States and major touristic destinations in their
own right. New York is also a significant hub port, but its distance
limits its Caribbean ports of call options; Kings Wharf (Bermuda)
represents a common port call for New York bound Caribbean
itineraries. Itineraries using San Juan, Puerto Rico as a hub port
have the advantage of being able to effectively cover the southern
Caribbean, the furthest from the United States.
