Bermuda & Eastern Caribbean 8 netter • Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey • Independence of the Seas

Whether you’re eyeing art at The Met or the MoMa, tucking into a slice of famous New York-style pizza in Little Italy or enjoying a picnic in scenic Central Park, NYC brims with countless ways to fill your days with wonder. That’s why a cruise from New York City is a great option for anyone who loves to keep the thrills going strong — even before you set sail. Globally acclaimed theater productions, award-winning dining and iconic monuments are among the best of New York City’s attractions, but this vibrant metropolis also offers hidden gems and unexpected surprises around every street corner. Head to Central Park for a tranquil break from the city’s fast-paced bustle, or hit a jazz club and learn about the influence of Black musicians and artists in the historic neighborhood of Harlem. Greenwich Village overflows with hip cafes and bars, and in Chinatown you can savor authentic Asian eats before visiting the Museum of Chinese in America.

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.

Bermuda is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Explore British colonial landmarks, pastel-painted estates and military strongholds on land, or tee off on a brilliantly green golf course. For endless underwater thrills, journey beneath the waves to discover enthralling sea life and historic reef wrecks All while enjoying legendary pink sand beaches and plenty of quirky, delicious places to dine.

With a front-and-center-stage view of Lower New York Harbor, Cape Liberty is only a hop, skip and a short subway ride away from New York City. This dizzying urban landscape is filled to the brim with non-stop adventure around every street corner. Tucked among the Wall Street skyscrapers and bright Broadway lights, you’ll discover ethnic enclaves, like the famed Little Italy, historic brownstones, European-style cathedrals and leafy Central Park. Take in world-renowned exhibits at MoMA or the Guggenheim. Trace America’s multicultural past at Ellis Island and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge before or after boarding your New Jersey cruise. Or snap a selfie with Lady Liberty, with the Big Apple’s skyline dazzling in the background.