By departing from magical San Juan instead of from Florida, your Caribbean cruise vacation begins earlier, on day one. And with 10 days instead of the usual 7, you have time to take the full measure of this most iconic parts of the Caribbean. Everywhere you look is another cover shot image. Dazzling white sand turns the shallows mesmerizing shades of peacock and mermaid, weathered fortresses point cannons at long-vanished schooners, natural pools warm gently under the mid-day sun.

Little ports, remote reaches and sincere island pleasures exclusive to small-ship cruising beckon during this two-week exploration of the Caribbean’s Windward and Leeward Islands. Take the wheel of a 4x4 buggy and follow dirt roads along the rural outskirts of Falmouth Harbour on Antigua. Sail from Gustavia to remote Colombier Bay and swim or sunbathe among anchored mega yachts prior to elegant snacks and cocktails.

Little ports, remote reaches and sincere island pleasures exclusive to small-ship cruising beckon during this two-week exploration of the Caribbean’s Windward and Leeward Islands. Take the wheel of a 4x4 buggy and follow dirt roads along the rural outskirts of Falmouth Harbour on Antigua. Sail from Gustavia to remote Colombier Bay and swim or sunbathe among anchored mega yachts prior to elegant snacks and cocktails.

Ring in the New Year in paradise on Norwegian Breakaway. From George Town, dive into a vibrant underwater world as you snorkel with sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. Then hop on over to The Caribbean’s premier resort-style destination, Harvest Caye, and zoom over sapphire waters on a zip line and unwind in a private, luxury beachside villa. Or head to Belize’s mainland and savor every moment during a tour of the Akte'il Ha Cacao Farm (chocolate sampling encouraged!).

For to be a guest of Sir Royston Hopkin and his family, at the world-famous Spice Island Beach Resort, is to live in elegant luxury on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A private stretch of powder-fine sand is captivatingly framed by 32 beachfront suites featuring breezy exterior terraces and private lawn gardens.