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.

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.

Philipsburg, on St. Maarten's Dutch side, offers electric-blue Caribbean waters, great scuba/snorkeling, soft-sand beaches, and elevated views. The island is split between French and Dutch sides, a division set by a 1648 truce after Columbus first saw it in 1493. In town, enjoy waterfront strolls, duty-free shopping, sea views, seafood, and guavaberry rum. Nearby Maho Beach is famous for low-flying planes from Princess Juliana Airport.

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.

Les Saintes, "Islands of the Saints," is a stunning Caribbean archipelago named by Columbus in 1493. Of nine islands, only two are inhabited. Expect crystal beaches, shallow turquoise seas, lush volcanic cones, rich reefs, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran trips. Visit Pain de Sucre Beach and Fort Napoleon, now a cactus park and gardens, and watch for iguanas.

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.

Montserrat is one of the Caribbean's most dramatic islands: relatively undeveloped, with hidden beaches, creeks, and rich natural beauty, and likely an emerging eco-tourism spot. Its history is shaped by volcanic activity, especially the 1995 Soufrière Hills eruption that buried much of the main city, earning it the nickname "Pompeii of the Caribbean." Also called the "emerald isle," it has lush forests, Irish-like coasts, even Guinness-and beautiful Little Bay, the island's future capital.

Jost Van Dyke is a tiny Caribbean island of turquoise water, white sand, and palm-lined beaches. Drop your shoes, swim in crystal-clear teal seas, snorkel among colorful fish, and relax at White Bay's beach bars. A short climb to Majohnny Hill reveals the island's beauty, while Bubbly Pool offers a natural jacuzzi. Known as a low-key celebrity hideaway, it's famous for rustic beach bars like Foxy's, where rum cocktails and cold beers fuel the party spirit.

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.