Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean 9 netter • 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. If you’re cruising from Port Canaveral, get to know the area’s other wonders — 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.

Welcome to an island nation teeming with history and eco-tourism adventures. Explore colonial estates, monuments and fortresses in Basseterre. Gear up and climb Mount Liamuiga volcano or hop in a kayak to get up close with tropical reef fish. Or slow things down with a more laidback escape to the tiny sister island, Nevis, for a relaxing beach day.

Known for its dramatic mountains and smoldering Mount Pelée volcano, Martinique’s landscape is unforgettable. Soak in the fast-paced vibe of cosmopolitan Fort-de-France while touring sites like Fort St. Louis and the Cathedrale St. Louis. Then slow things down outside of town with a snorkel session at Rocher du Diamant— from rainforest trails to stunning beaches, Martinique’s wild side offers it all.

In the capital of St. John, you can peek into local craft shops or explore a centuries-old British naval base in Nelson’s Dockyard. If beachcombing is more your speed, choose from any of Antigua’s 365 beaches. The island offers the best of both worlds, from bustling markets and candy-colored colonial buildings to winding rainforest trails and hidden coves.

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.