The Caribbean is a whole category when it comes to cruising. You can go to the Eastern, Western or Mexican sections of the Caribbean and you can pick and choose which islands you most want to visit.
Overall, the Caribbean Islands offer spectacular weather, crystal-clear waters, good shopping, and pristine beaches. However, islands do have individual personalities.
If all you know about the Caribbean is what you learned from watching Johnny Depp pirate movies, you are thinking of Jamaica. Jamaica was a regular pirate haunt. It was colonized comparatively early in history with the result that Jamaican culture today is a melange of European, Indian, and African influences. Best known for reggae music and fiery hot "jerk" chicken, Jamaica today is a popular destination.
A couple of warning points. Jamaica is geared for tourism and if you stay in the main tourist areas or on guided tours, you'll do fine. However, it is pretty easy to get into some sketchy neighborhoods if you wander off the beaten path. Be as watchful and sensible as you would be in your own country.
Jamaica offers some waterfalls and bamboo raft tours, along with the latest new cruise excursion, zip lining.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is an island that is literally half Dutch and half French. You can literally change countries while strolling around the island. The French side is known for great cuisine, the Dutch side for great shopping, and just about anywhere you'll be near breathtakingly beautiful beach. This is snorkeling country.
The Virgin Islands are great shopping meccas, but things can be a bit touristy. Venture to Megan's Beach for a swim or rent a catamaran.
Aruba is an exceptional island in the Caribbean. It tends to have a drier, more desert-like climate than the other islands (which are more lush tropical jungles). While the other islands tend to be poor, Aruba is prosperous. The fancy restaurants and shops you find here were built for the locals.
Haiti is not a frequent stop for most cruise lines, because this very poor nation can be politically volatile. It also has incredible natural beauty and is making some forays to invite more tourists here.
By the way, voodoo and other forms of animistic religion are actively practiced in certain areas of just about all of the Caribbean islands. This is not some novelty stuff or an "act" for tourists; it can be real. If this kind of stuff freaks you out, stay in the main tourist areas.
Last but not least, the so-called Mexican Riveria counts as part of the Caribbean, too. Cozumel and Cancun were literally built for tourist and offer spectacular resorts, outstanding shopping, and easy access for cruise lines. You may find them touristy or not, depending on your taste. You can still find great beaches, a few bargains in the growing tangle of shopping districts, and wonderful warm weather.
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