2026 Ports of Call

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale has a little bit of everything: smooth, white sandy beaches, endless shopping on Las Olas Boulevard, and the Atlantic Ocean welcoming you to swim almost year-round. Once a spring break town, Fort Lauderdale is now known as the “Venice of America” for its intricate system of canals and lush tropical landscape. Head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for trails and biking blanketed by mangroves. Travel down the Florida Everglades on an airboat tour, complete with alligator and flamingo sightings. Or beat the heat with a trip to the Museum of Science and Discovery in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where kids and adults alike will learn something new. 

Aside from being a city full of fun experiences, Fort Lauderdale is also home to one of the biggest cruise ports in the world: Port Everglades. On cruises from Fort Lauderdale, you can sail to the idyllic beaches of the Bahamas and more stunning tropical locations scattered throughout the Caribbean.

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St. Maarten

The capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten is the town of Philipsburg, though St. Maarten is an island with two distinct sides. To the north is the French side, whose capital is Marigot, while Philipsburg sits on the southern part of the island. When exploring on cruises that go to St. Maarten, it’s important to visit both sides to understand their customs and heritage. 

On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, you’ll quickly be charmed by all sides of the island. Of course, this Caribbean Island is best known for its beaches, like Maho Beach or Great Bay Beach, one of the area’s best snorkeling spots. Sample local seafood or rum during your time in port, which have become symbols of St. Maarten life. There’s just enough to fill the day here, especially if you hop between the French and Dutch beaches. 

    

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St. John's, Antigua

Colorful St. John’s will be your port of call on a cruise to Antigua, a coral island fringed by no less than 365 white sand beaches. St. John’s itself dates back more than 300 years. Alongside the brightly colored buildings in shades of turquoise, coral pink, and sunshine yellow, you’ll find stately old buildings and solid forts.

As well as history and abundant shopping, you’ll find that St. John’s is the perfect gateway on your Caribbean cruise to the rest of the island’s charms. Sail through aquamarine seas on a catamaran, kayak through the mangroves, hike rainforest trails, or join a tour along the beach on horseback. Explore historic Nelson’s Dockyard or head up to Shirley Heights Lookout for breathtaking views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Of course, you could just take your pick of those incredible beaches and spend your day relaxing on a beach chair with an ice-cold rum punch, too.

 

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