18-day eastern/southern Caribbean: Amber Cove & ABC islands

Your voyage begins in Miami, Florida. Adjectives such as glitzy and glamorous and fun and funky only hint at the reason Miami's a world-renowned international destination. In the 500 years since Ponce de León arrived in search of the elusive fountain of youth, people have flocked here to capture the city's energy, vitality and alluring charms. While the city's noted for its towering palm trees, glittering blue ocean vistas and pristine beaches, beautiful weather, beautiful places and beautiful people it's also home to an intriguing history, lively culture and postcard-perfect architecture. From the "walking trees" and 'gator spotting in the Everglades to celebrity spotting in South Beach, Miami's sure to impress.

Your ship calls at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Zuiderdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your ship calls at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.

Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a small island bursting with turn-of-the-century Caribbean charm, retaining the look and feel of the Caribbean 40 years ago. Grand Turk was founded by Bermudan salt rakers some three centuries ago and its Bermudan-British-colonial architecture surrounded by colorful local dwellings make the island a treasure to visit. It is recognized as being one of the first places in the New World where Christopher Columbus landed and also gained worldwide attention when John Glenn splashed down near Grand Turk on his historic first mission to space. Grand Turk is six miles long and just over a mile wide with a population of only 6,000. It is blessed with miles of uncrowded, beautiful beaches and is close to several uninhabited cays such as Gibb's Cay, home of the stingray encounter. While there are many landside attractions to explore such as the Old Prison, Lighthouse Park, and the re-created salt salina, the real beauty of the island lies underwater. Grand Turk is world-famous for its healthy and beautiful coral reefs that surround the island, stretching almost from the coastline to the 7,000-foot vertical wall just offshore.

Continue your voyage aboard Zuiderdam with a leisurely day at sea.

For a taste of Europe with Caribbean flavor, look no farther than Nassau. The main city on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, Nassau offers everything from British-influenced cricket games and bewigged judges to Riviera-style casinos. And its banking system, with its strict secrecy laws, rivals that of Switzerland. Situated less than 75 miles from the coast of Florida, the islands of the Bahamas lure visitors with their tropical landscapes and clear waters. More than 700 islands, covering some 100,000 square miles, make up this popular archipelago, although only 20 or so are inhabited. Most of the island nation's 330,000 inhabitants live on New Providence Island, centered around bustling Nassau with its colorful waterfront area and open-air markets.

Your ship returns to Miami, Florida.

Your ship returns to RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

Your ship returns to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

Your ship returns to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

Historians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today's travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island's heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.

Bonaire is without a doubt a "diver's paradise." Its license plates even state the same. But there is much more to this small Dutch country of 17,500 residents. "Bon Bini," as you will hear the friendly locals say, means "welcome to the island of Bonaire." Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has for years been known as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Diving and snorkeling are still the predominant activities, but today there is also a variety of other activities to enjoy such as kayaking, bird watching, and other eco-tours. Because of the hot and arid weather, Bonaire has been a major producer of sea salt. Do not miss the "white mountains" waiting to be shipped out and the salt flats where the salt is evaporated from the Caribbean Sea, which also happens to be home to another icon of Bonaire-the pink flamingo. Explore the Dutch architecture of the capital Kralendijk, enjoy the pristine coral reefs, or tour the scenic countryside. Whatever you decide to do in Bonaire, you are sure to have a fantastic time.

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba's long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.

Your ship calls at Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Zuiderdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Zuiderdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Your voyage concludes in Miami, Florida.