Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay, Dominican Republic & Tortola

Miami is a city of perpetual reinvention — the Art Deco jewel of South Beach giving way to the street-art murals of Wynwood, the Cuban rhythms of Calle Ocho, and the glass-and-steel towers of a skyline that has redrawn itself every decade since Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad south in 1896. Must-dos include strolling the pastel-fronted Ocean Drive at dusk and exploring the world-class collections at the Pérez Art Museum Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay. November through April delivers idyllic weather — warm and dry — while summer brings heat, humidity, and hurricane risk. Miami handles cruise departures elegantly, with the Port of Miami a short taxi ride from the best neighbourhoods.

Puerto Plata, cradled between the Atlantic and the lush peak of Isabela de Torres on the Dominican Republic's northern coast, is one of the Caribbean's most historically layered ports. Take the Swiss-built cable car to the mountain summit for panoramic views before exploring the amber mines and the charming Victorian gingerbread architecture of the Malecón. Playa Dorada's golden sands and the kite-surfing mecca of Cabarete offer thrilling contrasts, while Brugal rum distillery tours illuminate the island's liquid heritage. November through April brings the driest, most luminous weather.

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas, unfolds across a hillside of Danish colonial buildings and cobblestone alleys above one of the Caribbean's most celebrated natural harbors, its duty-free shops and waterfront markets reflecting three centuries of mercantile tradition. Beyond the vibrant town, the island's real splendor reveals itself at Magens Bay — a sheltered arc of powdery sand consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches — and at Coral World Ocean Park, where underwater observatories and sea encounters delight. The Caribbean's reliably warm and sunny climate makes St. Thomas a compelling destination throughout the year.

Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, is a vibrant port known for its colonial charm and rich history. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like fungi and callaloo, and exploring the stunning Baths on Virgin Gorda. The best season to visit is during the dry winter months, from December to April, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor adventures.

The first private island developed by any cruise line, Great Stirrup Cay has been Norwegian Cruise Line's Bahamian retreat since 1977, evolving from a simple beach stop into a fully realized island escape in the Berry Islands chain. Hammock-fringed beaches, snorkelling trails teeming with tropical fish, waterslides, and the romantic seclusion of private cabanas perched above aquamarine coves offer something for every temperament. The island's lagoon-like protected waters make it ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Visit between November and April for reliably clear skies, gentle trade winds, and water temperatures perfectly poised for a languid day in paradise.

Miami is a city of perpetual reinvention — the Art Deco jewel of South Beach giving way to the street-art murals of Wynwood, the Cuban rhythms of Calle Ocho, and the glass-and-steel towers of a skyline that has redrawn itself every decade since Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad south in 1896. Must-dos include strolling the pastel-fronted Ocean Drive at dusk and exploring the world-class collections at the Pérez Art Museum Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay. November through April delivers idyllic weather — warm and dry — while summer brings heat, humidity, and hurricane risk. Miami handles cruise departures elegantly, with the Port of Miami a short taxi ride from the best neighbourhoods.