Miami, Florida 

Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. From the hot-blooded Art Deco haunts of South Beach to the natural wonders of the UNESCO-inscribed Everglades and the laid-back charms of the Keys, South Florida offers a bounty of appealing attractions that make an extended stay in the region nearly mandatory for those either embarking or disembarking here. 

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Isla Catalina, Dominican Republic

Isla Santa Catalina is the smallest of a three-island archipelago tucked into the curve of the Isthmus of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. The islands belong to Colombia. Santa Catalina is completely unspoiled, connected to the larger Providencia Island by a 100-meter footbridge. The rocky cliffs of Morgan’s Head resemble a human face, maybe the pirate Henry Morgan? On Providencia, a main attraction is the Old Providencia McBean Lagoon National Natural Park, which encompasses several diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds and dry tropical forest. The underwater portions are affectionately known as the Sea of Seven Colors, because of the iridescent shades of blues and greens caused by different depths and bottom cover. This area fairly begs for snorkelers to enter. Rays and turtles are commonly seen. The mangroves teem with birds and other wildlife, attracting kayakers and small boat tours.

Miami, Florida, US

Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, hosting a myriad of ships year-round from all over the globe. Although it is technically not on the Caribbean Sea, no other American city exudes more of the diverse tropical appeal of the Caribbean. The city is home to a large and vibrant immigrant population that blends snowbird refugees from more northern climes with emigres from all Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as sizable groups from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. From the hot-blooded Art Deco haunts of South Beach to the natural wonders of the UNESCO-inscribed Everglades and the laid-back charms of the Keys, South Florida offers a bounty of appealing attractions that make an extended stay in the region nearly mandatory for those either embarking or disembarking here.