Miami to Cape Liberty 9 netter • Miami, Florida til Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey • Independence of the Seas

As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before your Caribbean island hop. Ahead of your cruise from Miami, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past.

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.

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.

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.

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.