Norwegian Getaway: 12-Night Pacific Coast from New Orleans

New Orleans cruise port is the largest Gulf Coast cruise departure point after Galveston and the gateway for Western Caribbean itineraries out of the deep South. The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) operates two cruise terminals along the Mississippi River downtown: the Erato Street Cruise Terminal (serving Carnival and Disney Cruise Line) and the Julia Street Cruise Terminal (serving Norwegian and Royal Caribbean).

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.

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.

Known as 'One Happy Island,' Aruba docks ships at the port in Oranjestad, just steps from the colorful Dutch colonial architecture and Royal Plaza Mall. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach offer powdery white sand, and the island sits outside the hurricane belt.

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas, about 120 miles northwest of Nassau. The island has been NCL's exclusive beach destination since 1977, making it one of the oldest private cruise islands in the Caribbean.