St. Thomas is glimmering bays, shining seas, powdery sand beaches and unsurpassed shopping. Delight in exquisite imported goods, from Danish silver to French porcelain and Swiss watches. This mountainous island is one of the loveliest stretches of land in the Caribbean, and its former pirate haunts, Danish relics and picturesque old buildings are constant reminders of St. Thomas' exotic history.

Virgin Gorda is widely considered one of the most beautiful British Virgin Islands – and that is saying something. Its waters are so blue and sands so white that they seem plucked from a postcard. The island's most famous calling card is a labyrinth of giant, prehistoric boulders forming a series of seawater-flooded grottoes, known as the Baths. Swim and snorkel in the bay here or explore hidden coves and secret beaches for a more exclusive experience. Should a sense of adventure strike, learn about the island's history at the Copper Mine, or hike to Gorda Peak for sensational 360-degree views. Refuel with fresh seafood and punchy rum cocktails at one of the island's laid-back beach bars.

St. John's is the compact, colorful capital of twin-island nation Antigua and Barbuda and an ideal base for exploring all that the islands have to offer. Step off the ship straight into the heart of the action: wander bustling markets; admire pretty, pastel-hued buildings; and discover historic sites like the neo-Baroque St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in the 18th-century Old Court House. Many of Antigua's beaches are within easy reach of St. John's, so take your pick. Dickenson Bay is a hit with swimmers and snorkelers for its calm, clear waters, while the powdery sands of Runaway Beach are perfect for more secluded relaxation.

Puerto Rico's capital makes a strong impression – even before you arrive on shore. Sailing into the harbor, keep an eye out for El Morro, a 16th-century citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristobal, a fearsome fortress built to scare away invaders, and La Fortaleza, the impressive official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Once ashore, step back in time along cobbled streets and through squares flanked by pastel-colored Spanish colonial buildings. Or take your pick of beaches – will it be the golden-sanded Isla Verde, the snorkeler-approved El Escambrón, or the laid-back Ocean Park? Just don't leave San Juan without sampling a piña colada (or two) – the tropical cocktail was invented here in the 1950s.

Candy-colored houses and sugar-sand beaches give this sweet port town a fairytale appeal. One of the quieter spots on this island, the Samana Peninsula allows easy access to coves and bays straight out of a picture book. Playa Payita, known to the locals as The Little Lagoon, offers aquamarine water to dip into and the shade of bamboo and banana leaf umbrellas to retreat beneath. Playa Fronton, with its coconut palms and backdrop of black rock, is the perfect place to snorkel amid schools of parrotfish, nemos, and sunfish. But the big draw is the humpback whales that visit in winter – there's even a museum dedicated to the awesome creatures. Back on dry land, Los Haitises National Park, home to enchanting caves and ndangered birds, is a pretty place to hike, bike or kayak.Indulging in Samana's coconut-infused and zesty fresh seafood delicacies, taking a boat to the secluded beach at Playa Madama, spotting manatees amongst the mangroves in Los Haitises.

Nassau, the bustling capital city of the Bahamas, is a tropical paradise boasting stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With miles of powdery white sand, sunshine 300 days a year, and turquoise waters averaging 80 degrees, the capital of The Bahamas is home to 17 spectacular beaches. Rich in pirate lore and vestiges of its British heritage, Nassau today is a hub of culture and a thriving nightlife. Discover a perfect mix of nature, history and modern-day indulgences, from colorful reefs to dazzling casinos, straw markets to lavish resorts, and ancient forts to the world's third-largest wine cellar at Graycliff.