Southern Caribbean Cruise: Grenada, Saint Lucia & Martinique

If you were to close your eyes while enjoying a "high tea in Trafalgar Square," you would swear you were in London - if it weren't for the warm breezes and emerald green waters enveloping you. Nicknamed "Little England" by some, Barbados is home to many museums that chronicle the island's rich past and over 100 shipwrecks along its reefs that are a playground for divers from around the world.

Famous for its twin peaks shaped by the upheaval of a now extinct volcano, St. Lucia is one of the truly unspoiled islands in all the Caribbean. Here you'll find a variety of landscapes and eco-systems not found anywhere else in the region, including rain forests, mountains and beaches that truly deserve the "pristine" designation.

The fascinating history of the West Indies tends to be overshadowed by the islands’ breathtaking natural beauty. But it’s quite a story, and Dominica is the place to hear it. It was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due primarily to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs, after whom the sea is named. The 3,000 Carib Indians living on Dominica today are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean. It was their tradition to color their bodies with a red dye, and the Spaniards, believing that this was their natural color, spread the rumor of a red-skinned race.

It’s hard to get lost in Philipsburg – one mile of colorful Creole houses long and four streets deep, it is easy to explore. It is also a place where you may find yourself on the brink of an adventure you have long imagined. Transfixed by those gutsy mariners sailing for glory in the America’s Cup? Now is your chance to race aboard one of those ace vessels as a working crew member. Thrilled by the stories of divers but intimidated by SCUBA? Try SNUBA and float carefree, tethered to the surface by a long hose and an ample supply of air. The reward: warm waters, a rainbow of tropical reef fish, sunken wrecks, and tall tales of your own to take home with you.

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.