San Juan, Puerto Rico - In days of yore, the waters near Puerto Rico teemed with pirate ships commanded by the likes of Sir Francis Drake. Aye, they are long gone, but in their wake they have left an island of national treasures: La Casa Blanca, built in 1501 for the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon; the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan; the tropical rain forests of El Yunque.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical dreamland complete with stunning beaches, clear aqua-blue ocean water, a small rain forest and rolling green hillsides. The Danes purchased St. Croix in the 1700s at which time the slave trade and sugar cane fields thrived. Today, the Danish influence is still apparent in the island's architecture and language. Most of the sugar mills lie in ruins. Yet you can still get a taste of the island's history in freshly squeezed sugar cane juice or Cruzan Rum.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - The capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten is the town of Philipsburg, though St. Maarten is an island with two distinct sides. To the north is the French side, whose capital is Marigot, while Philipsburg sits on the southern part of the island. When exploring on cruises that go to St. Maarten, it’s important to visit both sides to understand their customs and heritage.

You’ll quickly be charmed by all sides of the island. Of course, this Caribbean island is best known for its beaches, like Maho Beach or Great Bay Beach, one of the area’s best snorkeling spots. Sample local seafood or rum during your time in port, which have become symbols of St. Maarten life. There’s just enough to fill the day here, especially if you hop between the French and Dutch beaches.

Roseau, Dominica - Ecotourists love Dominica's waterfalls, lakes, freshwater swamps and hiking trails. Roseau's brightly painted buildings recall an earlier time in the Caribbean. The 40-acre botanical gardens were founded in 1891 as an annex to London's famous Kew Gardens.

Bridgetown, Barbados - An island some say is more British than Britain. Here, cricket is the national sport and afternoon tea goes without saying. But Barbados is true blue Caribbean as well, with classic sand beaches, and wild monkeys in the jungle.

St. George's, Grenada - St. George's is the capital of Grenada. The city is surrounded by a hillside of an old volcano crater and is on a horseshoe-shaped harbor. The city has significantly developed in recent years, while preserving its history, culture, and natural beauty. It has a moderate tropical climate that ensures the success of spice production. Nutmegs are the most plentiful crop, followed by an array of such spices as cocoa, mace, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

San Juan, Puerto Rico - The vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan offers something for every traveler — world-famous beaches with crystal clear waters, incredible cuisine, rugged natural beauty and a rich history that goes back 500 years. With its ancient fortresses and colorful colonial-era buildings, San Juan makes it easy to feel as though you’ve slipped into the past. Life moves at a slower pace along the sunny cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, and salsa beats seem to waft perpetually from open windows. If you’re craving a hike, head to El Yunque National Forest. And if you’re more in the mood to unwind, set your sights on the beautiful shores of Isla Verde or El Condado. Mealtime is also an adventure, with so many delicious options to try — from mofongo and pastelon to chillo frito and alcapurrias. Pair every bite with a piña colada — Puerto Rico’s national drink.