Eastern Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights • Tampa, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico • Rhapsody of the Seas

When it comes to seaside cities in Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale often steal the spotlight. But nestled along Florida’s beautiful western coast sits Tampa, a metropolitan oasis that’s been on the up and up for years now. This sunny Florida city offers plenty of wonders to fill a few days ahead of your cruise from the Port of Tampa Bay. Mornings here are best spent savoring a steaming mug of café con leche in the historic Cuban-Spanish neighborhood of Ybor City. After you’ve had your pick-me-up, hop on the TECO Line Streetcar and ride into the Channel District, where you can explore the SS American Victory, a World War II ship that’s been transformed into a museum. Among the best of Tampa’s attractions are its many art and culture exhibits — head to the Tampa Riverwalk for some educational fun at the Tampa Bay History Center, or try the Tampa Museum of Art, home to both ancient and modern masterpieces.

Your ship departs promptly at 6:00 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.

When you take a cruise to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, you might envision that you're pulling into paradise — and you wouldn't be the first. Christopher Columbus made landfall here in 1492 on Guanahani Beach. Nearly 500 years later, astronaut John Glenn splashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast when he hurtled from space as the first person to orbit the earth in 1962. A trip to Grand Turk is bursting with monumental experiences. As you take in the island's natural appeal, don't forget to pay attention to its history with a visit to the Turks and Caicos National Museum. Visitors can learn about the islands' native Lucayan culture as well as its salt-raking industry. Head into the water on a snorkeling or diving adventure to observe the island's reefs and wrecks firsthand. Make sure that water experiences are the top of your list of things to do in Grand Turk.

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 500-year-old capital is a history buff’s dream come true. The Spanish settled this harbor as a New World home base, and that influence is still evident, from the fortress walls lining the coastline to the rainbow of colonial buildings along narrow streets. Venture further out from the old town and nature unfolds. You can scale high into the jungled mountains of El Yunque Forest, or keep to the foothills on a riverside horseback ride. If despacito is more your speed, pick a pristine beach and recline with codfish fritter and rum drink in hand. San Juan cruises give you the perfect outpost to dial up or dial down your vacation.

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.