By Jerry Shaw |From newsmax

Travelers have many choices when planning a Caribbean cruise itinerary. It may seem like a tough decision selecting the perfect island, but it’s also a pleasant dilemma. Cruise destinations often include three or four islands on the voyage.

Water activities, wilderness, historic buildings, and unique entertainment await cruise passengers on their onshore excursions. Travel agents and travel sties can make suggestions on what works best for you during a Caribbean adventure.

Before you head out to sea, consider these six Caribbean islands for your next trip:

1. St. Maarten — Also called St. Martin because of the Dutch and French sides, the island offers beautiful beaches along with the European and Caribbean cultures. Visitors get the best of many worlds. There are splendid landscapes and wildlife to enjoy. Shopping, architecture, and French cuisine make the island a wonderful destination, according to Thrillist.

2. Barbados — Snorkel or swim along the pristine reefs and marvel at the marine life. You might get a glimpse of one of the more than 200 sunken shipwrecks offshore. The eastern Caribbean island also has its historic side, such as Bridgetown, the British colonial capital.

3. Paradise Island, Bahamas — Connected by bridges to the island of New Providence, which includes the city of Nassau, Paradise Island has been the locale of some Hollywood movies because of its beauty. Visitors can enjoy the historic sites of both islands or even enjoy the wonder of nearby Blue Lagoon Island and pet dolphins at the Dolphin Encounter, Cruise Critic points out.

4. Grand Cayman — The largest of the three Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman boasts of its naturally majestic Seven Mile Beach. Cruise visitors can play with friendly stingrays along Stingray City. George Town offers traditional Caribbean architecture, dining, and shopping, according to the Cayman Islands website.

5. Anguilla — Tourists have a wide range of beaches to choose from, including the two-mile strip of white sand along Shoal Bay. There are plenty of coral reefs and brightly-colored fish to see while swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. The island has popular resorts enjoyed by honeymooners and Hollywood celebrities, notes the Travel Channel.

6. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — The island has become one of the most popular port destinations for cruise ships. Along with beautiful beaches, St. Thomas offers entertainment from local musicians and a lively nightlife. Visitors enjoy dining from tables that overlook the hills and sea. High-quality products are available from local marketers for duty-free shopping, according to the United States Virgin Islands website.

For more on this story go to: http://www.newsmax.com/fastfeatures/cruise-caribbean-islands-trip/2017/08/08/id/806554/

IMAGE: Grand Cayman From Grand Cayman Villas