Tampa, Florida - A myriad of attractions awaits you during your stay in the Tampa area: the active nightlife of Tampa's Ybor City, it's Aquarium, and Busch Gardens for those with kids (even Walt Disney World is within striking distance). Magnificent beaches are a short ride away (Ft. DeSoto being a rare jewel of a beach without hotels and "McMansions" crowding out nature), then there's the Dali museum in St. Petersburg's hip, food-and-art-centric Downtown. To the south, in quieter Sarasota, you can visit the palatial mansion and art museum of the king of the circus: John Ringling. It's a great vacation destination, in itself. Be sure to plan a couple days before or after your cruise to soak it in.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Cozumel, Mexico - With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.

Roatan, Honduras - The island of Roatan is known for its glittering bays and colorful coral reefs perfect for outdoor adventures like snorkeling and scuba diving. Discover your inner pirate in Roatan, where you can taste local rum, swim among starfish at Starfish Alley, or sample fresh seafood at local restaurants.

The 40-mile-long island borders the second-longest barrier reef on the globe, which attracts many divers each year. Go horseback riding at Little French Cay or unwind in paradise at West Bay. Don’t forget to try conch fritters and rum cake during your visit.

Belize City, Belize - From the thriving, pulsating Caribbean capital of Belize, paradise calls. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere (175 miles long and second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef) is dotted with cayes teeming with a dazzling array of colorful fish and tropical plants. Inland, find dense virgin jungles, tumbling jade-green rivers and verdant valleys. An eco-tourist's paradise.

Costa Maya, Mexico - Exploring the dense tropical vegetation and wide sandy bays of the Costa Maya, it's easy to imagine the days when sacrifice and slavery, rite and ritual were rampant in the Mayan culture. Even today, the countless ruins of temple walls, stairs and secret pathways exude magic and mystery. And when your archaeology lesson is complete, glorious stretches of coral sand may inspire you to build your own empire-of sand castles, of course!