Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.

Deeply rooted along the Mississippi River, the City of New Orleans is one of the most eclectic, colorful, and vibrant cities in the world.

Deeply rooted along the Mississippi River, the City of New Orleans is one of the most eclectic, colorful, and vibrant cities in the world.

Soak up the sun on Mexico’s largest island. Cozumel has pristine palm-lined beaches and plenty of opportunities for you to get lost in Mayan mysteries, explore Caribbean coral formations, or simply relax on a white sand beach.

Adventure, archaeology, water, sun and beach. These are all to be found in and around Costa Maya, the Caribbean's first port planned solely for cruise guests. Designed to resemble an ancient Mayan city, Costa Maya features three grand pavilions, where you can see folkloric shows, observe local artisans creating their works of art, and witness cultural and culinary events. Within easy reach of the port are ancient cities boasting impressive temples and fascinating archeological sites. And you needn't venture far from port to enjoy a range of water sports, including diving and snorkeling amid the world's second-largest coral reef.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.

Montego Bay, the capital of Saint James Parish on Jamaica’s north coast, is a major cruise ship port with numerous beach resorts and golf courses outside its commercial core. Popular beaches include Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, home to an amusement park. There’s also snorkelling and diving at coral reefs in the protected waters of Montego Bay Marine Park.

Grand Cayman boasts endless beaches that are encircled by coral reefs teeming with an abundance of marine life. On shore, affluent colonial neighborhoods dominate the West Bay area, while the East End affords natural attractions such as spectacular blowholes and fragrant botanical gardens. Its quaint capital, George Town, offers British charm and tempting duty-free bargains. After shopping and sightseeing, enjoy relaxing on that magnificent crescent of sand, Seven Mile Beach

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.