Situated in the sun-drenched Caribbean, Antigua is a gorgeous hideaway with spectacular beaches, inspiring coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere that separates this cruise destination from the hustle and bustle of many other Caribbean ports of call. The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua is a land rich in history and culture, and sure to delight anyone who ventures onto its welcoming shores.

Many visitors explore Charlotte Amalie to shop rather than to look at history. The proximity of the historic buildings to the stores, however, makes it easy to enjoy both. To really embrace the historical sights you must look beyond the shops and vendors.

What makes Nassau so special? Picture an idyllic place with stretches of perfect white-sand beaches, gracefully swaying coconut palms offering oases of shade, and warm, crystal-clear waters revealing the secrets of incredible multi-colored marine life.

There’s no formal border between Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin. No split personality, either. Just hypothetical line in the sand and beautiful Mullet Bay. On the Dutch side is a casino and shops and on the French, charming cafes and high-fashion boutiques.

Historic San Juan, once nothing more than cobblestone streets and the distinctive architecture of the Spanish who founded it, is now a modern world capital. Among the peaceful shaded courtyards and commanding colonial fortresses of El Morro and San Cristobal.

The British Virgin Islands are a collection of gorgeous islands that used to be inhabited by pirates and sailors. Lying sixty miles east of Puerto Rico, they are exquisite tropical destinations, visited by tourists from all over the world. These islands are comprised of hidden caves and fascinating inlets, and for the most part they are incredibly small in size. Only Tortola and Virgin Gorda are of reasonable stature in geographic terms. The colony of Tortola itself is only twenty-four square miles, and its capital, Road Town, has emerged as a haven for yacht chartering. This came about after the development of Wickhams Cay, a seventy-acre marina and landfill. The southern coast of Tortola mainly consists of great mountains, and the northern coast a fabulous white-sand beach with beautiful bays and banana trees.

Cancún is a stunning Caribbean paradise with a dual history, one rich in ancient Mayan influences and Spanish imperialism, and the other a modern lesson on the growth of this slender island into a fascinating tourist Mecca. Cancún enjoys fifteen miles of beautiful powdery white sand beaches and an endless view of the Caribbean Sea. Its surrounding waters are ideal for aquatic sports including snorkeling, diving, and parasailing. Golfing is also readily accessible year round.

Although a major financial center, George Town still reflects the feel of a small island community. Quaint homes, churches and other historical sites may all be discovered on a self-guided walking tour. The plentiful duty-free shops along the shoreline are also very popular with tourists in search of bargains.

The “Conch Republic” is a festive island of colorful bars and equally colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics. America’s southernmost tip, where Harry Truman spent his summers playing poker and running the country, is a non-stop delight. Visit Hemingway’s house where you’ll find his original manuscripts and many of his famed six-toed cats. And while you’re on the island be sure to sample its culinary treasures, such as conch salad and world-famous Key Lime pie.

Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis courts, and five-star restaurants.

Playa del Carmen, a quaint town that has been on the brink of rediscovery with its newly built resorts and golf courses, truly defines how there is beauty in simplicity. Nothing can be better than being surrounded by the unique flair of local culture, while also having a more modern option as well. The enchantment of the native buildings, with all of the amenities from world-class resorts creates a perfect blend and an ideal cruise destination.

Originally called "Los Chorreos" by the Spanish in 1657, Ocho Rios, once a small banana and fishing port, has become the cruise ship capital of Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls, a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water is the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios.

High tea and cricket in the afternoons remains a tradition on the very British island of Barbados, also called the “Little England” of the Caribbean. The Bajan landscape, with its breathtaking panoramas of oceans and valleys, and endless pink and white sand.

Queen Elizabeth once visited Castries, and the St Lucians have never forgotten it. It was for her that they named Queen’s Drive-the road around this island that boasts a volcano, riotous botanical gardens and excellent whale-watching opportunities. In town, watch as natives fashion boats from gum trees, write your postcards in a Creole cafe or keep an eye out for exquisite silk-screened fabrics.

Aruba is a small Caribbean Island measuring only twenty miles long by six miles wide. Yet, don't let its small size fool you. It is a complete tourist destination featuring breathtaking beaches, crystal clear and inviting waters, exotic restaurants and nightclubs, and a host of other activities sure to make your stay an unforgettable one. The city of Oranjestad is a thriving capital that is a welcome mix of Caribbean, Spanish and Dutch influences. Here you will find lovely restaurants, bargain shopping galore, ritzy casinos, and opportunities to take part in many local adventures, such as horseback riding, kayaking trips, parasailing excursions, and so much more.

Dominica offers some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery in the world. The island only covers 290 square miles, measuring twenty-nine miles from north to south and sixteen miles from east to west. But the amount of scenery crammed on to this tiny island paradise is enough to take up the better part of a year, if only you had the time. Volcanic fissures form a perennially boiling lake, the largest such lake in the world. Rare breeds of bird, including Jacquot and Sisserou parrots, make their homes here. A local myth has it that there are 365 rivers in Dominica, one to explore each day of the year.

The primary island of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has an unmistakable Dutch heritage. In fact, the first impression cruise vacationers visiting the island’s capital of Willemstad have is the Dutch style architecture of this picturesque city. During a port call at Curacao, cruisers can enjoy a variety of shore experiences, such as touring the old city, snorkeling in the underwater park, & touring the Curacao Ostrich Farm.

What makes Nassau so special? Picture an idyllic place with stretches of perfect white-sand beaches, gracefully swaying coconut palms offering oases of shade, and warm, crystal-clear waters revealing the secrets of incredible multi-colored marine life.

Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas, is an extraordinary destination. The white-sand beaches and friendly locals are only the beginning of this tropical paradise. The island is just fifty miles off the coast of Florida, making it easily accessible by boat. A cruise to the Bahamas is like taking a cruise straight to heaven.