Explorer of the Seas: 9-Night Southern Caribbean

Orlando's cruise port is Port Canaveral, located on Florida's Space Coast about 45 miles east of the city. It's one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and almost entirely an embarkation port.

Nassau cruise port is one of the most visited in the Caribbean, with up to six ships docking at Prince George Wharf on a busy day. The port sits directly on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, so you're essentially stepping off the ship and into the city.

Aruba's capital sits just 15 miles off the Venezuelan coast, and it's one of the southern Caribbean's most popular cruise stops for good reason. Five berths across three air-conditioned terminals handle up to five ships at once, with water depths of 32 to 36 feet.

You've probably seen photos of Willemstad even if you don't realize it: that row of pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings along the Handelskade is one of the most photographed waterfronts in the Caribbean. It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

A diver's and snorkeler's paradise, Bonaire is surrounded by a protected marine park with over 80 marked dive sites accessible from shore. The island's laid-back atmosphere and flamingo sanctuary at Goto Lake offer a quieter Caribbean experience.