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.

Colourful colonial streets, Spanish forts and a lively Caribbean atmosphere make San Juan a captivating cruise stop. Wander the pastel-hued lanes of Old San Juan, savour local flavours and rum, or head beyond the city for golden beaches and lush rainforest scenery. With its blend of history, music and sunshine, this vibrant port offers an unforgettable island welcome.

Like much of the Caribbean, St. John was hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, but rebuilding is restoring normality. Small and US-owned since 1917, it was Danish for nearly 250 years before that. Almost two-thirds is protected by Virgin Islands National Park, thanks to Laurence Rockefeller's 1956 gift of 5,000 acres. Its green hills and white beaches remain stunning, and marine life has thrived, with coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks and stingrays abundant.

St. Kitts is a lush volcanic island of crystal-clear Caribbean waters, reefs, white-sand beaches, rainforests, and a laid-back "limin" vibe. Explore vine-tangled trails, snorkel or dive with turtles and wrecks, or ride Basseterre's scenic sugar train through unspoiled landscapes. In Basseterre, see the Berkeley Memorial and Independence Square, and visit Brimstone Hill Fortress, the "Gibraltar of the West Indies," a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sweeping coastal views.

Gustavia, St Barthelemy's capital, is a chic Caribbean harbor town of red roofs, yachts, boutiques, bars, and French flair. From the lighthouse, you can gaze over waters loved by celebrities and divers. The island was first named by Columbus in 1493, later a Swedish colony, and returned to France in 1878; its heritage remains at Fort Karl above Shell Beach. Nearby are shell-strewn shores, turquoise waters, and quiet gems like Colombier Beach-ideal for a sunset rum cocktail.

How about enjoying the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, St. John? Choose from our different selection of cruises to savor this island's dozens card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows!

Deshaies' natural, sheltered harbour-the deepest in the Caribbean-once drew buccaneers, and legend says treasure is still hidden there. Pretty creole houses and a little church make it a postcard-perfect gem. On Basse-Terre, protected land and sea support rich biodiversity: rainforests, hot springs, waterfalls, a volcano, botanical gardens, beaches like Grande Anse, turtles, sunsets, and Antillean cuisine. Since 2011, it's also been the setting for Death in Paradise.

Roseau, Dominica's capital on the west coast, blends Caribbean beauty with a strong colonial past. Enjoy volcanic beaches, great snorkeling and diving among coral, marine life and underwater volcanic activity. Explore banana and cocoa plantations, the lively Old Market Square, and the former British fort for sweeping views. Visit the botanical gardens, rainforest waterfalls, and Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, then relax in hot springs or with a rum punch.

Martinique, the largest Windward Island, lies 4,261 mi (6,817 km) from Paris but feels distinctly French with West Indian flair. Its cuisine blends French and Creole influences. The island is lush with tropical flowers, fruit trees, banana and pineapple fields, sugarcane, mountains, and rain forest. Hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, tanning, and duty-free shopping are popular, and cruises often visit St-Pierre, buried by ash from Mont Pelée's 1902 eruption.

Bequia Island is a rustic, unspoiled Grenadine gem: virgin beaches, quiet bays, rum shacks, and a laid-back feel with only about 6,000 locals. Admiralty Bay is a stunning natural harbor, and tiny Port Elizabeth has a market, turtle sanctuary, and model-ship stalls. Hike Mount Peggy for views, then relax on Princess Margaret Beach or other golden-sand coves. It's a place to slow down, swim, read, and enjoy fresh catch, barbecue, and rum cocktails at beach bars.

Bridgetown, Barbados' UNESCO-listed capital, blends colonial history, rich culture, and white-sand beauty. At The Careenage, pastel buildings overlook the Constitution River, with a plaque marking the city's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Nearby Carlisle Bay offers turquoise water, soft sand, and shipwreck dives with turtles and tropical fish. Explore street food, Broad Street shopping, rum bars on Roebuck Street, and Nidhe Israel Synagogue and museum.