Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard, or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic - Amber Cove, the Caribbean's newest cruise port is located on the Bay of Maimon near Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic's North Coast. Amber Cove is designed in three architectural styles - Victorian, Colonial, and Fortaleza. The complex boasts a fort-like structure at its entrance, cobblestoned plazas, retail and food and beverage buildings, and surrounding ocean and mountain views. For your shopping pleasure, expect a combination of big-name retailers like Diamonds International, Effy, and Harley Davidson; local specialties such as rum, coffee, chocolate, amber, and Larimar; as well as a marketplace for local artisans and producers.

San Juan, Puerto Rico - San Juan is one of the most rewarding and historically significant ports in the Caribbean, and its greatest asset is proximity. Your ship docks at the edge of Old San Juan, a 500-year-old walled city that is a destination in its own right. Forget the organized bus tours; this is a port best explored on foot. Step off the ship and you are immediately immersed in the atmosphere of blue cobblestone streets and pastel-hued colonial architecture. Your primary objective should be exploring the two massive Spanish citadels that bookend the old city. Start with Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish fort in the Americas, then enjoy the scenic one-mile walk along the city wall to the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, which has guarded the harbor entrance for centuries. The scale and preservation of these UNESCO World Heritage sites are genuinely impressive. Beyond the forts, the joy of San Juan is in the wandering. Discover shaded plazas, artisan shops on Calle del Cristo, and the famous Fortaleza Street. For a taste of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, find a local spot for *mofongo* (a savory dish of mashed plantains) or enjoy a classic piña colada at Barrachina, one of the bars that claims to have invented it. While the famous beaches of Condado and Isla Verde are an option, they require a taxi and can consume valuable time. For a port day, the tangible history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights within the city walls offer a more than fulfilling experience.

St. Thomas, U.S. V.I. - Arguably the island with the best shopping and the best beaches. Shop duty-free Charlotte Amalie 'til you drop. Or dive into the beach scene at beautiful Magens Bay, Coki Point, or Turtle Cove, nesting ground of the endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - All Bahama Islands are full of tropical wonders and sun-kissed beaches; but Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island in the Bahamas is an absolute stunner. When you feel the sugar-white sand on your toes or see its brilliant blue lagoon, you’ll understand why cruise travelers love Half Moon Cay. True bucket-list excursions, secluded cabanas, and stunning beaches make it ideal for any type of vacation.