Norwegian Gem: 8-Night Western Caribbean

Tampa cruise port is a Gulf Coast embarkation point for Western Caribbean cruises, sitting on Florida's west side about 85 miles west of Orlando. Port Tampa Bay is the state's largest port by tonnage, but its cruise operation is modest compared to PortMiami or Port Everglades.

Cozumel cruise port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean, with multiple ships docking on the island every day during peak season. Cozumel is a flat, laid-back island off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and it's been a cruise staple for decades.

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean known for Seven Mile Beach, exceptional diving, and its role as a major offshore financial center. George Town serves as the cruise port, but there's no pier large enough for cruise ships.

Falmouth's historic port was purpose-built for mega-ships and sits in a town known for its well-preserved Georgian colonial architecture. Popular excursions include Dunn's River Falls, bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, and Montego Bay beaches.

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.