The Caribbean is a popular vacation destination year-round, and cruises are one of the best ways to experience the region's many attractions. Today’s cruise ships are floating resorts loaded with fantastic dining venues and amenities, so being transported to the Caribbean becomes a fun-filled part of the trip. Guests can explore multiple Caribbean islands on a single voyage and enjoy memorable excursions in every port of call.

It’s easy to fall in love with cruising in the Caribbean, particularly if you make the most of the experience. Here are 11 tips to help you have the best time ever on your next Caribbean cruise:

1. Choose The Right Ship For Your Caribbean Cruise.
There’s a perfect ship for every type of cruise guest. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation in an upscale setting, you’ll love sailing with Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises is “The Love Boat” cruise line, and it offers a traditional cruise experience on its amenity-filled fleet of ships. Guests enjoy the elegantly appointed public venues, comfortable staterooms, adult-only retreats, exceptional service, and classic dining and entertainment on the cruise line's beautiful vessels.

Sky Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ Royal Class and MedallionClass ships featuring the cruise line’s ground-breaking OceanMedallion technology. Sky Princess features a gorgeous three-deck central Piazza, more than a dozen dining options, and a wide variety of stateroom options. With its expansive pool decks and lounge areas, Sky Princess is well-suited for its tropical cruise itineraries in the Caribbean. You’ll have a memorable Caribbean cruise experience on this lovely ship.

2. Book A Stateroom With Amazing Views.
You’ve been dreaming about taking a Caribbean cruise vacation, so make plans to enjoy it to the fullest. Choose an unobstructed balcony cabin or suite with magnificent ocean views. You’ll always remember sitting on your private veranda while enjoying breakfast in the morning and watching a magnificent Caribbean sunset there later in the day. Sky Princess offers a wealth of spacious cabins with verandas, including balcony staterooms, luxurious suites and massive Sky Suites. A travel advisor can help you select the best stateroom for your needs and interests.

3. Research Your Ship And Ports Of Call.
A week-long Caribbean cruise goes by in a flash. Take time to familiarize yourself with your ship and your destinations in advance to get the most out of your Caribbean cruise experience. Reviewing this information will help you choose the best onboard dining experiences, plus you can start making plans to explore your favorite bars, lounges, and entertainment areas. Ships like Sky Princess have so much to offer, and you'll want to experience it all once you're onboard.

Shore excursions are a memorable part of Caribbean cruises, and popular options can sell out quickly. Princess Cruises offers a variety of excellent shore excursions in each port of call, including special small-group immersive tours recommended by Discovery and Animal Planet. Caribbean shore excursions include exploring Mayan ruins, catamaran sailing trips, stingray and snorkeling adventures, culinary workshops and local connections, exclusive beach breaks, outdoor adventures, and much more. Make your dining and shore excursion reservations immediately after making your final payment for the dining times and selection of tours.

4. Download The App.
Technology advances have made the cruise experience easier and far more enjoyable. Many cruise lines have cellphone apps for guests, and Princess Cruises goes a step further with OceanMedallion on its MedallionClass ships. The award-winning Princess MedallionClass technology uses a quarter-sized wearable device and the line’s MedallionClass app to provide benefits such as ordering food and drinks for delivery, quickly opening stateroom doors, checking onboard expenses, and locating travel companions on the ship. It’s wise to download the MedallionClass app well before boarding to get familiar with it. On Sky Princess, staff members are available daily on Deck 7 to provide assistance during the cruise.

5. Dine At Memorable Specialty Restaurants.
Dining is one of the highlights of a great Caribbean cruise, and guests on Princess Cruises’ ships will be thrilled with their specialty restaurant options. Sky Princess features the cruise line's award-winning Crown Grille, and this signature steakhouse is perfect for a romantic dinner or celebration. Plan to dine there at least once during your Caribbean cruise. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria is another guest favorite on Sky Princess, and their freshly made pasta, seafood entrees, and desserts are superb. Tantalizing French dishes are available at Bistro Sur La Mer, created by renowned 3-Michelin Star chef Emmanuel Renaut for Princess Cruises. In addition, don't miss the certified authentic Italian gelato at Gelato on Sky Princess. This additional-fee gelateria offers numerous flavors of gelato, plus toppings and sauces are available.

6. Enjoy The Onboard Entertainment.
Caribbean cruise guests spend evenings and sea days enjoying their floating destination resort, so choosing the right ship with plenty of entertainment is essential. Sky Princess offers options for all ages and interests, including live music, shows, games, enrichment seminars, and karaoke in the Princess Live! Lounge. Families will appreciate Princess Cruises' Camp Discovery Youth Center Programs for kids and teens. Listening to live jazz performances at Take 5 Lounge is a hit with Sky Princess guests, and so is watching "Movies Under The Stars" on the ship's outdoor LED movie screen. Complimentary popcorn makes the movie-going experience even more fun.

7. Make The Most Of The Included Dining Options.
Caribbean cruises are highly inclusive vacations, and dining is one of the favorite parts of the experience. Sky Princess guests can choose from more than a dozen included dining venues, including the ship's three main dining rooms. Those who prefer more flexible, casual dining options can head to the World Fresh Marketplace buffet venue. World Fresh Marketplace features a wide variety of food stations and different daily themes and specials, including an extraordinary Pastry Extravaganza. Complimentary Alfredo’s Pizzeria is one of the best full-service pizzerias at sea, serving freshly-made pizzas, pasta, and calzones. It's a very popular spot for lunch and dinner on Sky Princess, so plan to arrive early. The International Café is another guest favorite on the ship.

8. Lounge At Your Favorite Pool.
Pools and sun decks are popular real estate on Caribbean cruises, and Princess Cruises ships are designed to handle the demand. Sky Princess guests can choose from a wide variety of pools, hot tubs, and lounge zones, all of which are perfect for relaxing. Some of the best spots include the adults-only Retreat Pool on Deck 17 forward, and the cantilevered hot tubs on the same deck. The Wakeview infinity pool on the back of the ship is a lovely place to have coffee in the morning and watch the Caribbean's spectacular sunrises.

9. Pamper Yourself At The Spa.
Princess Cruises’ Lotus Spa offers a wide array of spa services, including facials, massages, wraps, and salon appointments. Guests can schedule a full day of treatments or individual services. Spa appointments are in high demand, so booking services in advance is wise for the best selection of dates and times. The spa on Sky Princess also includes The Enclave, a relaxing fee-based thermal suite area. It’s a soothing oasis complete with a large hydrotherapy pool and other features, including a Turkish hammam steam bath. Passes for The Enclave can only be purchased aboard the ship, so visit the Lotus Spa on embarkation day to make your reservations.

10. Do A Cruise Ship Bar Crawl.
While dining is certainly one of the best parts of the Caribbean cruise experience, sampling amazing drinks also ranks high on the list. Ships like Sky Princess offer an incredible array of bars and lounges featuring specialty cocktails, craft beers, an extensive selection of wines, and much more. Use the Princess app or the ship’s newsletter to find out about daily entertainment and happy hour specials that are going on, and make plans to sample places and find your favorites. Some don’t-miss spots on Sky Princess include Good Spirits, Vines, Bellini’s Bar, the Wakeview Bar, the SkyView Bar, and the Crown Grill & Bar. Princess Cruises offers beverage plans to provide special savings, and bundled cruise packages are also available.

11. Chill Out At A Special Adults-Only Hideaway.
Princess Cruises’ ships feature The Sanctuary, an exclusive adults-only retreat with gorgeous panoramic sea views. The Sanctuary offers guests a lovely spa-like setting with plush padded lounge chairs, private cabanas, and a hot tub. The Sanctuary’s attentive Serenity Stewards are available to serve a wide selection of beverages, snacks and light meals, and even an incredible afternoon tea. Guests must make reservations onboard to access The Sanctuary, and the experience is well worth the price.

If You Go:

For more information on Princess Cruises and Sky Princess, visit their website at www.princess.com.