9 Nights - 9-Day Ultimate Caribbean Cruise on the NEW ALL-SUITE EXPLORA I

Miami, Florida

Miami is a sparkler of a city set against the water. It was originally settled at the mouth of the Miami River by the Tequesta Indians, and the downtown area still hugs the junction of the river and Biscayne Bay. To the south along the water, Coconut Grove is 3 mi/5 km away. The cities of Coral Gables and South Miami are approximately 6 mi/10 km to the west and south. Beyond that to the west is Kendall—a vast stretch of condos, homes, shopping malls and restaurants that reaches the edge of the Everglades. To the south is Homestead and, beyond that, the Florida Keys. Miami Beach is a finger of land separating Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic, connected by five causeways to the mainland. At its southern tip is South Beach, now known as the Art Deco District or SoBe.

Miami is a right now kind of city. Its history is short, so there isn’t much in the way of antiquities. What’s interesting about Miami is its neighborhoods: Little Havana, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, among others.

You’ll probably need a car—or a series of taxis—to get around in spread-out Miami. If your time is limited, we suggest you concentrate on a few sights. But if you have a day or more, you’ll have time to tour downtown and then branch out to the delightful diversities of Greater Miami.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

San Felipe de Puerto Plata is the capital of the Puerto Plata province on the Dominican Republic’s Atlantic north coast. The city is best known for its beaches. Playa Dorada’s lengthy beachfront is backed by resorts and an 18-hole golf course. The city’s old colonial-era center is dominated by the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe, a Spanish fortress that now houses historical and military artifacts.

Cayo Levantado

Cayo Levantado is an island in Samana Bay, located in the Samana Province in the eastern region of Dominican Republic. It is a well-known tourist destination in the country. The nearest airport, the Samana El Catey International Airport is 68 kilometers away

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is stunning. Narrow streets lined with colorful Spanish colonial buildings are punctuated with shady plazas. Giant wooden doors grace the facades of the oldest buildings (some date back 500 years), most of which have undergone facelifts recently. Bougainvillea spills off balconies. Around every corner, you’ll find a new treat: an old Spanish wall, a tiny chapel, intricate street statuary or a marker noting an historic event that took place at that spot. You could easily walk the cobblestone streets for hours and not be bored. But you’ll likely miss something you’d regret later. So arm yourself with a map and select a few places that interest you most; then walk or catch a trolley to as many sights as you can visit without rushing. Allow time to rest in one of the shady parks or plazas and enjoy a pineapple piragua (snow cone).

Historic San Juan comes alive in a city and rum distillery tour. Spend a full day swimming and exploring the rainforest. During the evening, let the night reverberate with the Latin rhythms of a Rumba Show.

With so many jewelry stores in Old San Juan, you’d think that jewelry would be a bargain. Think again. Check the prices at home, so you’ll know if you’re getting a deal. In general, shopping in Puerto Rico is no bargain, and goods aren’t duty free, although U.S. shoppers won’t pay sales taxes as they would at home.

For the best buys, stick to local arts, crafts and—of course—rum; most other products can be found cheaper elsewhere.

Gustavia, St. Barts

Gustavia is the main town and capital of the island of Saint Barthelemy. Originally called Le Carenage, it was renamed in honor of King Gustav III of Sweden.

Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.

Tortola, the "land of turtle doves""

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

At Sea

Enjoy the whole day at sea.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a sparkler of a city set against the water. It was originally settled at the mouth of the Miami River by the Tequesta Indians, and the downtown area still hugs the junction of the river and Biscayne Bay. To the south along the water, Coconut Grove is 3 mi/5 km away. The cities of Coral Gables and South Miami are approximately 6 mi/10 km to the west and south. Beyond that to the west is Kendall—a vast stretch of condos, homes, shopping malls and restaurants that reaches the edge of the Everglades. To the south is Homestead and, beyond that, the Florida Keys. Miami Beach is a finger of land separating Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic, connected by five causeways to the mainland. At its southern tip is South Beach, now known as the Art Deco District or SoBe.

Miami is a right now kind of city. Its history is short, so there isn’t much in the way of antiquities. What’s interesting about Miami is its neighborhoods: Little Havana, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, among others.

You’ll probably need a car—or a series of taxis—to get around in spread-out Miami. If your time is limited, we suggest you concentrate on a few sights. But if you have a day or more, you’ll have time to tour downtown and then branch out to the delightful diversities of Greater Miami.