Choosing a cruise isn’t easy. There are many layers to the decision from selecting a cruise line and a cruise ship in that line’s fleet to determining your cruise length and settling on a cruise itinerary.
For many travelers, narrowing down a cruise destination is usually a good place to start. After you’ve picked a destination, you can look at which cruise lines and ships sail to that destination and what cruise itineraries they offer there.
Related: Royal Caribbean passengers share cruise extras they regret buying
But choosing the right cruise destination for you can be a difficult decision too. The best place to cruise is different for each cruiser. Each person is going to have their own idea of what makes an ideal cruise vacation.
This is something that’s easy to see if you browse through the discussions in cruising Facebook groups or even the comments sections on social media posts from cruise lines.
A recent Facebook discussion on a post from Celebrity Cruises offered a perfect example of how the best cruise destination varies based on what you’re looking for in a vacation.
On Jan. 4, Celebrity Cruises asked its Facebook followers:
“Caribbean vs. Alaska: If you had to choose, would you rather relax in the sunny Caribbean or explore the wild beauty of Alaska?”
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Celebrity Cruises recently brought Equinox to Port Canaveral.
Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com
Celebrity Cruises passengers are divided on Caribbean vs. Alaska cruise question
The question spurred a lively discussion with a number of passengers sharing why they prefer one destination over the other.
For some, Alaska wins for its scenery and nature.
“They both have value, but Alaska has something special to offer,” said passenger Kate Meeker. “You can get an island and a beach just about anywhere!”
“Alaska hands down unless you are just looking to sit on a beach somewhere,” said passenger Sandy Carpenter McIntyre. “The scenery and wildlife of Alaska just doesn’t compare.”
Related: Celebrity Cruises adds new itineraries for in-demand destination
One passenger also shared how Alaska exceeded their expectations.
“Alaska, didn’t want to go there but was so very glad we did, it is still the most memorable cruise we have ever done,” said passenger Lesley Berry. “Caribbean, well once you have seen one island you have seen them all.”
But other passengers can’t get enough of Caribbean beaches and sunshine.
“Caribbean, hands down. No contest,” said passenger Jon Brazill. “Alaska is extremely beautiful, but cloudy, rainy and cold, all the time.”
Related: Popular Caribbean cruise port getting massive overhaul
“I want to be on sandy beaches in the Caribbean 24/7,” said passenger Pat Bradbury. “Alaska – not so much.”
Another passenger hit the nail on the head to settle the debate.
“Using your words, it would depend on whether I wanted a relaxing holiday or an exploring one,” said Linda Burgess. “I love Alaska and Europe for exploring, the Caribbean for relaxing!”
Celebrity Cruises offers Alaska adventures and Caribbean getaways
Celebrity Cruises has options for both types of cruises with breathtaking views in either destination as one passenger points out.
“Did both on Celebrity Cruises,” Paula Gauch said. “Alaska was amazing, balcony view and the Caribbean was soooo relaxing, infinity view!”
Related: Celebrity Cruises adds a massively popular homeport
Celebrity Cruises sails three ships in Alaska during the Alaska cruise season, which runs from May through September. Designed to bring passengers closer to nature, Celebrity Edge is the cruise line’s most immersive ship in Alaska. The ship sails seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itineraries from Seattle. Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also offer passengers opportunities to discover the region on cruises from Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Celebrity Cruises sails nine ships in the Caribbean region during the winter season offering itineraries ranging from three-night weekend getaways to 12-night voyages. The cruise line recently started sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and now offers Caribbean escapes from four Florida ports. Celebrity ships visit tropical destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Bimini, Bahamas.
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