Perfect Day at CocoCay & Caribbean 7 nätter • Miami, Florida • 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.

Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize packs in a ton of adventure in a tiny space— with diverse people, extraordinary wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Spend the day hiking jungle paths or mountain trails, go tubing through caves and rivers, or explore ancient cities of the Maya and the modern-day villages of their descendants.

Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as white-sand beaches and authentic restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off Mahahual’s coast is the second largest in the world. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

Cozumel blends Mexican culture with Caribbean vibes. You can explore its Maya roots in Tulum, or discover a secret world of sea life as you snorkel beneath the waves in Chankanaab. And there’s no better way to close out a day of adventure than with an ice cold michelada and a beachside massage at Playa Mia.

Grand Cayman strikes the perfect balance between glitzy glamor and easygoing island life. You can hit the famous Seven Mile Beach and just chill, Cayman Mama in hand. Swim with stingrays on a snorkeling safari. Or treat yourself to a little retail therapy at some of the best designer shops in the world.

Head west of the city for a bike ride past alligators on the Everglades’ Shark Valley route. Take the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum, or paddle a kayak through Biscayne Bay. Come evening, indulge in haute cuisine at a swanky beachside restaurant— all before cocktails and dancing amid The Magic City’s trendy nightlife scene.