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About to go on a Caribbean cruise? You have to decide two things in advance - when you're going and where. Keep reading for useful information to help you make those choices.

Lots of people say that the Caribbean islands are best enjoyed during summer, but remember that Caribbean cruises during this time are generally jam packed. This is when families, tour groups, and even corporate assemblies prefer to go to the islands, so if you're planning to join the pack, be sure to book your cruise beforehand. The average cruise length is around seven days.

If you want to enjoy big discounts, though, then try Caribbean cruises through the fall. Rates are substantially lower (sometimes half the normal rate), and you usually won't need to wait in line for slots to take back.

When deciding between Eastern or Western Caribbean, your final decision should depend on what you intend to do over the course of the cruise. As a general guide, you should go for a Western Caribbean cruise if you want to spend more time sailing (rather than happening land for other activities). Western Caribbean cruises begin in either in New Orleans, Texas, or Florida, make their way to Palaya del Carmen in Mexico, the Caymans, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, among all kinds of other destinations. There are many things to do in a very Western Caribbean cruise, and toping the bunch favorite are tours of the Mayan ruins.

If you need to do more shopping, though, then you certainly might enjoy an Eastern Caribbean cruise better. Using this method, you get to see the shopping spots and fantastic beaches in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico (among others).

If you can't decide, it might be a good idea to buy guide books to Caribbean cruises. Many books offer you great advice on the itinerary and the cruise ship to tally with your goals and interests.