Southern Caribbean Cruise 11 netter • San Juan, Puerto Rico til Baltimore, Maryland • Vision of the Seas

Cruises from San Juan are always special because they begin in a city that doubles as a top vacation destination. The vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan offers something for every traveler — world-famous beaches with crystal clear waters, incredible cuisine, rugged natural beauty and a rich history that goes back 500 years. With its ancient fortresses and colorful colonial-era buildings, San Juan makes it easy to feel as though you’ve slipped into the past. Life moves at a slower pace along the sunny cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, and salsa beats seem to waft perpetually from open windows. If you’re craving a hike, head to El Yunque National Forest. And if you’re more in the mood to unwind, set your sights on the beautiful shores of Isla Verde or El Condado. Mealtime is also an adventure, with so many delicious options to try — from mofongo and pastelon to chillo frito and alcapurrias. Pair every bite with a piña colada — Puerto Rico’s national drink.

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.

Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial ‘gingerbread’ houses painted in bright Caribbean hues, powdery white beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine water. Explore Aruba’s unique geological formations amid desert-like landscapes. Or discover aquatic wonders under the waves on a snorkeling excursion or a thrilling submarine ride. Sun-seekers can choose the beach that best suits their style, from the activity-filled De Palm Island to resort-studded Palm Beach, one of the island’s most glorious stretches of sand.

The small island of Bonaire is just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela and packs both idyllic weather conditions and a layered culture into 111 square miles in the Caribbean Sea. As part of the Dutch ABC islands (which also includes Aruba and Curaçao), a trip to Kralendijk will uncover the influences of the Dutch as well as French, Spanish, African, Amerindian, Portuguese and British. Among the things to do in Kralendijk, observe this unique blend of cultures as you shop the local craft market, dine on fresh seafood or take in a museum. A drive through the island reveals the technicolor nature of pink lakes, while snorkeling or diving gives way to unspoiled underwater reefs.

Discover the colonial-era fortresses and other landmarks of Willemstad on a trolley ride before exploring more on your own. Go on a distillery tour to sample the island’s signature spirit, Blue Curaçao, or make some new marine friends at the Sea Aquarium. Enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise seas on a boat, snorkeling or just relaxing on the sands.

Puerto Plata caters to those searching for an authentic Dominican Republic experience. Visit the coffee and cacao plantations, swim in the clear waters, and indulge in either island tranquility or fast-paced beach attractions. Here you can walk the Malecon with locals, visit majestic mansions, and take in the impressive views from Mount Isabel de Torres.

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.

Baltimore’s nickname— Charm City— is well earned. This town’s charisma runs deep— from the tall ships floating in the Inner Harbor to the top-notch museums. It’s an East Coast slice of American history where you can visit Edgar Allan Poe’s grave, and tour the fort where America’s national anthem was penned. And for authentic Baltimorean neighborhood experiences, nothing beats sipping pints in the pubs of Fells Point, cracking open steamy crabs in Canton’s seaside shacks, and enjoying sweeping skyline views from the top of Federal Hill.