Perfect Day Cococay & East Carib 8 nätter • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Symphony of the Seas

A cruise out of Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular ways to experience the best of the Caribbean, but this coastal South Florida city is a worthy destination in and of itself. Port Everglades is the main cruise port near Fort Lauderdale, but just a few miles away you’ll find beautiful white-sand beaches, a lively food and shopping scene, and cerulean blue waterways dotted with impressive yachts and sailboats. Want to discover the best of Fort Lauderdale like a local? Go for an early-morning stroll along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade and watch the sun rise over the water. Then grab breakfast beachside at one of the many open-air cafes that line the waterfront. If you’re looking for a wilder way to spend the day, set out on an eco-kayak tour through mangrove forests, calm bays, and emerald-green inlets — Fort Lauderdale is home to more than 300 miles of waterways, which has earned it the nickname, “Venice of America.”

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.

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.

St. Thomas offers all the action of a lively city and the allure of a secluded island getaway. Stroll through the colorful markets of Charlotte Amalie, or unwind on the sugary sand beach at Magen’s Bay. Whether you’re looking to turn up or tune out, you’ll feel a world away in this unique slice of paradise.

Before leaving South Florida, be sure to visit the Florida Everglades for a thrilling afternoon gliding in a high-speed airboat across this expansive river of grass. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, turtles, and the American alligator— all of which are native to the wetlands.