From Ocean Drive to Copacabana

West Palm Beach is a culturally vibrant South Florida city boasting the Norton Museum of Art, a thriving waterfront dining scene, and the vast Grassy Waters Preserve within city limits. Must-dos include cracking stone crab claws at a waterfront restaurant, exploring the sculpture gardens, and kayaking through wetlands teeming with wildlife. The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable subtropical weather.

Fort-de-France, Martinique's gracious capital, blends French metropolitan sophistication with deep Caribbean soul in a way that no other island quite replicates. The Bibliothèque Schoelcher, a beautiful Art Nouveau building transported piece by piece from Paris for the 1889 World's Fair, anchors a downtown of wrought-iron balconies and aromatic spice markets. The surrounding countryside offers rum distilleries — some of the finest aged agricole rums in the world — dramatic rainforest hikes, and the haunting ruins of Saint-Pierre, destroyed by Mont Pelée's catastrophic 1902 eruption. December through May brings the driest, sunniest weather on this endlessly captivating island.

St. George's, Grenada, is a vibrant port known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and fragrant markets brimming with local spices. Must-do experiences include savoring the local delicacies at the Market Square and exploring nearby Carriacou Island for its tranquil beaches. The best season to visit is from December to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry.

Scarborough, the hillside capital of Tobago, is a captivating port where colonial fortifications, a centuries-old legislative heritage, and one of the Caribbean's most authentic food cultures converge. Visitors should not miss the panoramic ramparts of Fort King George and a bowl of the island's legendary crab and callaloo at the local market. The dry season from January to May offers the most agreeable conditions for exploring, coinciding perfectly with the peak Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Ile Royale, French Guiana, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited year-round, though the drier months from May to October tend to offer the most comfortable conditions. Cruise lines including Azamara feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Recife is Brazil's "Venice," a river-laced northeastern capital built across islands and bridges, where Dutch colonial history, Afro-Brazilian culture, and extraordinary street food converge. Must-dos include the Marco Zero square and Brennand sculptures, exploring UNESCO-listed Olinda's colonial churches, and tasting tapioca crepes and bolo de rolo cake. Visit September through March for dry, sunny weather.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil's first capital, is a cultural hub known for its Afro-Brazilian heritage and stunning colonial architecture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional dishes such as acarajé and quindim, and exploring the lively Pelourinho district. The best season to visit is during the dry months from September to March, when the city's vibrant festivals and street life are in full swing.

Búzios is a glamorous beach peninsula two hours from Rio de Janeiro, famous for its twenty-three beaches ranging from surf-pounded Atlantic shores to calm, snorkelling-friendly coves. Must-dos include strolling the boutique-lined Rua das Pedras, tasting moqueca at a beachside restaurant, and boat-tripping to secluded coves. December through March offers the best beach weather, though the shoulder seasons bring fewer crowds and excellent conditions.

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's spectacular coastal metropolis, where granite peaks plunge into Atlantic beaches and imperial history meets vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Visitors should not miss the panoramic ascent of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car and a traditional Saturday feijoada feast at a local boteco. The best season for cruise visits is October through March, when southern hemisphere summer brings warm temperatures and the city pulses with pre-Carnival energy, though the shoulder months of September and April offer pleasant weather with thinner crowds.