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.

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.

Willemstad, capital of Curaçao, is famed for its brightly painted, UNESCO-listed waterfront and Dutch colonial architecture. Set around the narrow Sint Anna Bay channel and Schottegat harbor, it features Rif Fort, the 1888 Queen Emma Bridge linking Otrobanda and Punda, a floating market, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, and the historic distillery. Curaçao's beaches are "dushi": sandy, turquoise, and great for snorkeling with fish and sea turtles.

Bonaire's small, tidy capital, Kralendijk, is 5 minutes from the airport. Main streets-J. A. Abraham Boulevard/Kaya Grandi, Kaya L. D. Gerharts, and waterfront Kaya C. E. B. Hellmund-hold most shops, boutiques, restaurants, supermarkets, piers, and Ft. Oranje. The produce market sells fresh Venezuelan produce; cruise ships arrive Dec-Apr. Get the tourist-office brochure for a map.

Grenada, the "Isle of Spice," blends lush scenery and rich flavor: nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa fill the air at St George's market, while jungled hills, rainforest waterfalls, banana and cocoa groves, and the Grand Etang caldera showcase its fertile interior. The capital features a charming waterfront of Georgian buildings and terracotta roofs, and the coast offers white-sand beaches, turquoise seas, Grand Anse, and hidden palm-fringed coves. Enjoy it all with a local spiced rum punch.

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.