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and its island's famous pink sand. I have wound my way up from the base of a river waterfall and snorkeled near Jamaica, even dune-buggied in Belize.

I live on the East Coast of America, and as most Carnival and other cruise lines leave from ports around Florida, the East and Western Caribbean islands are my favorites.

Still another thing to love, is the weather. For some reason, the Caribbean is approximately 81 F and balmy. Even during hurricane season. Ships have such high-tech sensors; they can track and avoid any annoying weather patterns. [I always come home with a tan].

Now as I think about cruises, I must insert a word of warning here: "all-inclusive" does not mean alcoholic drinks, or tipping. Those are personal choices, and alcoholic beverages add up fast. Make sure to factor that in along with other monies for passports, shore tours, and the like. Shore tours are way more fun any day. I've had numerous people tell me they got drunk on their vacations, but only ONE who told me he and his daughter snorkeled The Great Barrier Reef.

Dancing in a conga line; relaxing in a Jacuzzi, or having the wind in my hair while watching the stars: there are so many things on board cruises that are way more fun than getting drunk.

As for special things to do, there are the Vegas-style shows, the gambling casino, the art sales; professional portraits taken, and the Captain's Gala Event. The live piano player and music, open caf on The Lido Deck, and the multiple dance floors to choose from.

I personally also like sending postcards home from foreign ports, using that country's stamps, and coming home with a few foreign coins in my pocket as well. One postcard I mailed on my last cruise [from Jamaica] arrived back here [USA], after I was already home.

Anyway, if one wants a truly memorable vacation, plan for it. Research the cruise lines nearby, or choices for where one wants to cruise, then look online. Check out travel dates, costs, and/or which make traveling with kids doable.

One won't worry about where or when to eat, what's special to see and do: all the guess work is removed. And when YOU return [if you go], and brag about your tan, saying you saw the jungle of Belize, and snorkeled off Jamaica, your friends won't believe you. Great cruises will be our little secret. How cool is that?

Learn more about this author, Lisa Beach.
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