Eastern Caribbean Cruise 8 Nights • Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida • Adventure of the Seas

Most people know Orlando as America’s theme park capital. While a day (or several) dedicated to all your favorite rides and shows is a must for any vacation from Orlando, this shining city on Florida’s Space Coast offers so much more than that. Before you embark on cruises from Port Canaveral, get to know other wonders in Cape Canaveral — like its locally loved surf spots, sprawling citrus groves, off-road motor trails and emerald golf courses. Start your day by watching the sunrise from the sands of the Canaveral National Seashore. Then grab breakfast at a cozy café in Historic Cocoa Village. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as you zip through the St. John River marshlands on an exhilarating airboat ride. Or climb to the top of Exploration Tower for panoramic views of Port Canaveral, the cruise port near Orlando. And don’t forget to drop by the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Port Canaveral, where you can learn all about space travel and see both the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Saturn V moon rocket.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has it all— gorgeous natural scenery and colonial towns perfect for wandering. Walk the cobbled streets of Frederiksted and Christiansted for a taste of Dutch Victorian architecture. Or roam sprawling plantations and crumbling sugar mills dotting the countryside. And don’t miss the island’s white powder beaches, like Cane Bay and Rainbow Beach.

St. Maarten sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the Atlantic. It’s also a place where over 120 cultures meet. You can taste it in the island’s cuisine, which is rated among the best in the Caribbean. And you can feel it whether you stay in the upbeat, party-centric Dutch side where the port is located, or cross into the laid-back, local-driven French side of the island.

Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital, San Juan, offers 500 years of history and culture to explore. Roam ancient fortresses and colorful colonial-era buildings. Or dig into flavorful criolla cuisine and reggaeton beats— the city is a kaleidoscope of new experiences waiting to be discovered.

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetizing flavors, white-sand beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven— and you can explore its colorful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins, or spot colorful coral on a glass-bottom boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island with all-inclusive access to some of the best food, cocktails, beaches and pools in The Bahamas.

As the home of Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Its beaches offer a mix of family-friendly shores and secluded swaths of sand. And with Orlando’s theme park sprawl only an hour away, you can easily mingle with your favorite characters. Beyond the parks lie equally amusing gems packed with Old Florida character. Kayak past manatees in the Banana River Lagoon and zip line above alligators at Brevard Zoo. Discover notable art museums and Park Avenue’s ritzy charm. Cruises from Port Canaveral give you access to trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.