Southern Caribbean from Miami, FL

Dreaming of an island vacation? Make your dreams a reality with one of Carnival’s year-round cruises from Miami. Because it’s so close to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world. But it’s more than just convenient — rev up for your cruise from Miami with the city’s nonstop action, from party-ready South Beach to the Mediterranean style of Coral Gables, plus spicy Little Havana, which hums to an island beat. Once you’ve experienced all the South Florida architectural beauty, energetic street life and sun-kissed beaches, you may want to extend your stay in the Magic City after your cruise returns.

Not all of St. Thomas' treasures are buried. Most of them are right in the open on this gorgeous island, home of the infamous Bluebeard's Tower. Whether looking for jewels, crystal, perfume and fine wines in the shops of Charlotte Amalie, or soaking up the sun on the incredible beaches, you'll marvel at the wealth of history on this treasure-filled paradise.

Guadeloupe, a French overseas region, is an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea. Resembling a butterfly, its 2 largest islands are separated by the Salée River. Hilly Grande-Terre Island has long beaches and sugarcane fields. On Basse-Terre Island, Parc National de la Guadeloupe encompasses Carbet Falls and the volcano La Grande Soufrière. Smaller islands include Marie-Galante and La Désirade

Take a walk through St. Lucia’s landscapes of magenta bougainvillea tumbling from mossy peaks, and listen to birdsong filling the air. This is just a slice of island life that awaits on cruises to St. Lucia. With some of the Caribbean’s most dramatic scenery — from the velvety twin peaks of the Pitons to the shimmering white-sand beaches — independent St. Lucia speaks with a decidedly French lilt. Climb green-mantled mountains and snorkel in jade seas on your sun-filled Carnival cruise to St. Lucia.

The charming island of Martinique is a perfect haven of secluded beaches and uncrowded dive sights. The early Carib people called Martinique "the island of flowers" and indeed, it still is, with plenty of lush vegetation and fragrant flora. The port city of Fort-de-France, its capital, offers chic shopping and plenty of colonial history. Travel up the coast past quaint fishing villages and be sure to visit St. Pierre and the ruins of the city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Pelee in 1906.

Explore two colorful nations on one exotic island on one vacation. Split down the middle centuries ago by two European powers, this 37-mile isle offers cosmopolitan culture, international shopping, and world-class cuisine with a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Cruise to St. Maarten and you’ll find the island’s natural attributes are equally fine: the rugged coastline shelters silky crescents of sand framed by green undulating hills. Enjoy the laidback vibe of the beach or put on your hiking shoes and explore ruins of historic forts. One thing’s for sure — when you cruise to St. Maarten you’ll come home with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Dreaming of an island vacation? Make your dreams a reality with one of Carnival’s year-round cruises from Miami. Because it’s so close to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world. But it’s more than just convenient — rev up for your cruise from Miami with the city’s nonstop action, from party-ready South Beach to the Mediterranean style of Coral Gables, plus spicy Little Havana, which hums to an island beat. Once you’ve experienced all the South Florida architectural beauty, energetic street life and sun-kissed beaches, you may want to extend your stay in the Magic City after your cruise returns.