Miami is a seaport city on Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, the "Cruise Capital of the World." The Port of Miami has led global cruise passenger traffic for over 20 years. Florida's second-largest city, it has about 5.5 million in its metro area and is a major center for finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, arts, and trade. Its name means "big water"; Spain claimed it in 1566, and it became U.S. territory in 1821. It is very flat, averaging 1.8 m above sea level.

Head to the Azores Islands with Silversea Luxury Cruises. Discover Praia da Victoria and immerse yourself in an intensive cultural environment.

Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel in Portugal's Azores, is a green volcanic welcome for Atlantic sailors. The island's largest city offers dramatic scenery: steaming hot springs, landscaped gardens, black-sand beaches, the Gothic Church of St. Sebastian, and the Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope with its revered Christ icon. Nearby, Sete Cidades is a vast, lush collapsed caldera with a blue lake, and Lagoa do Fogo offers another stunning volcanic lake. Relax in the hot springs of Poca da Dona.

Madeira is a lush, colorful island of dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains and sunny beaches. In Funchal, the laid-back capital, cobblestone old-town streets, painted doors, whitewashed buildings and iron balconies echo Lisbon. Taste Madeira wine, see Corpo Santo Chapel, and enjoy Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Garden, and the views from Cap Girão, where cliffs drop to the blue sea.

Madeira is a lush, colorful island of dramatic cliffs, fertile mountains and sunny beaches. In Funchal, the laid-back capital, cobblestone old-town streets, painted doors, whitewashed buildings and iron balconies echo Lisbon. Taste Madeira wine, see Corpo Santo Chapel, and enjoy Parque de Santa Catarina, Madeira Botanical Garden, Palheiro Garden, and the views from Cap Girão, where cliffs drop to the blue sea.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.