Caribbean Facts and Figures

Caribbean Facts and Figures


Interesting
Caribbean
facts & tidbits

Tourist count
Roughly two million tourists visit the Caribbean Islands per year.
World's top cruise destination
The Caribbean accounts for nearly half of the industry's passenger count. Most of the world's major cruise ships winter here.
Economy
Tourism drives the economy of most Caribbean islands. And the United States is the chief trading partner in goods and raw materials.
Caribbean compared to the Atlantic
The Caribbean water is significantly warmer, calmer, clearer and less salty. These attributes draw tourists.
Size
The Caribbean Sea is the world's second largest sea. The biggest, the Mediterranean, is only 9% larger.
Depth
The Caribbean Sea's deepest point is 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) below sea level.
Number of Islands
The Caribbean officially has over 7,000 islands (but that figure includes small cays, reefs, and islets). Only about 150 islands are inhabited.
Population
When Columbus arrived in 1492, the Caribbean had an estimated population of 700,000. Today, the number is about 40 million. Most descend from African slaves.
Language
Creole, Dutch, English, French, and Spanish are the top five languages spoken in the Caribbean. The entrenched European language on any given island reflects the island's colonial heritage.
Nautical link
The Caribbean Sea connects the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean (with the assistance of the Panama Canal).
Geographical origins
The rugged-mountain islands (think Jamaica) are mainly volcanic in origin. Flat islands (like Barbados) were formed by coral formation and rising sea beds.
Etymology
The Caribbean is named after the native Carib people who once dominated many of the islands.

Best
Caribbean cruise lines

Cruise tips you can trust

Best luxury

Silversea Cruises ships are modest sized and sport spiffy interiors. Passengers are sophisticated, congenial, and well-traveled. Food and service are highly regarded. Crew-to-passenger ratio is high.
Best luxury-upmarket
Azamara Club Cruises has two ships, each accommodating up to 644 passengers. Its price point is between upmarket and luxury. They provide vacationers with a needed niche between luxury and mid-priced fares.

to see my tip-and-photo pages on the Azamara Quest ship.
Best upmarket
Celebrity Cruises is upmarket, thus clearly superior to the mid-priced lines in many ways, including cabin space, service, entertainment, food, and passenger sophistication. Most ships carry about 2,000 passengers.
Best 20-something party boat
Carnival Cruise Line has a well-documented fun, party-boat reputation. Fare are mid-priced and ships are quite large (about several thousand passengers). Has glitzy Las Vegas style entertainment and decor.
Best for families
If your children
   are 9 or younger
Disney Cruise Line has four ships, all family oriented. Pleasing kids is the prime focus, but there's something for everyone. The Fantasy is the best and newest Disney ship.
If your children
   are teens
Royal Caribbean International has specialized facilities and programs for teens. But there's plenty going on to please parents and other adults. Passengers: About 3,000.
If your children
   tweens ( to 12)
If 9 to 10, Disney Cruise Line is a better fit.  If 11 to 12, Royal Caribbean is better.

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