White Sands & Brazillian Sun

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.

Charlotte Amalie, the Danish-founded capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, is a Caribbean port of rare historical depth where colonial architecture, world-class duty-free shopping, and volcanic hillside panoramas converge around one of the Atlantic's most striking natural harbors. No visit is complete without climbing the historic 99 Steps for sweeping harbor views and taking a ferry to St. John's pristine Virgin Islands National Park. The dry season from December through April offers the most luminous skies and calmest seas, coinciding perfectly with peak cruise season.

St. John's, Antigua's storied capital, anchors a natural harbor that has drawn seafarers since the seventeenth century, its Georgian cathedral and pastel-painted market hall bearing quiet witness to a complex colonial past. The crown jewel lies an hour's drive away at Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour — the world's only still-functioning Georgian naval dockyard, set against the turquoise waters of one of the Caribbean's finest anchorages. Antigua's warm, dry climate makes it a year-round destination, though the exhilarating Sailing Week regatta in late April draws the most glamorous international crowd.

Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, is a vibrant port steeped in history and culture, offering stunning architecture and a lively market atmosphere. Must-do experiences include savoring the national dish, green fig and saltfish, and exploring the picturesque Marigot Bay. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is perfect for exploring this Caribbean gem.

Bridgetown, Barbados's compact and convivial capital, carries three centuries of uninterrupted British colonial heritage — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgian townhouses, coral-stone churches, and the Garrison Savannah, whose racecourse is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere — all infused with the irresistible rhythms of a proud Caribbean nation. The island's culinary scene has matured into one of the Caribbean's most sophisticated, with flying fish cutter sandwiches from roadside stalls competing for devotion with the elegant seafood preparations of the Platinum Coast's celebrated restaurants. Visit December through May for the driest season; the island's sheltered west coast offers superlative year-round sailing conditions.

Devil's Island is the most notorious of French Guiana's Îles du Salut, where France imprisoned 80,000 convicts over a century in one of history's most brutal penal colonies. Must-dos include exploring the haunting ruins of Île Royale and the solitary confinement cells of Île Saint-Joseph, and reflecting on the contrast between tropical beauty and human suffering. July through November offers the driest weather for visiting these profoundly moving Atlantic islands.

Icoaraci, a riverside district of Belém at the Amazon’s mouth, is celebrated for its pre-Columbian Marajoara pottery workshops where artisans continue thousand-year-old ceramic traditions. Must-dos include visiting the ceramic studios, exploring Belém’s legendary Ver-o-Peso market, and tasting Amazonian specialties like duck in tucupi sauce. Visit June through November for drier weather in this equatorial gateway to the Amazon.

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.

Maceió, the stunning coastal capital of Alagoas, Brazil, is a vibrant port known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique culinary traditions. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like sururu and exploring the Mercado do Artesanato. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from September to March, when the weather is perfect for beach hopping and cultural exploration.

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.

Armação dos Búzios, a stunning resort town in Brazil, is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, charming colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit port of call. Visitors should not miss indulging in local delicacies like moqueca and pastel de camarão while exploring the lively markets. The best time to visit is during the Brazilian summer from December to March, when the weather is perfect for beach activities.

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.