Chartered in 1839, Galveston Island, located on the upper Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, was the principal port into the southwest during the 19th century. This coastal town has experienced a recent revitalization, making it one of America’s newest beach resorts. Better than the beautifully restored Victorian architecture of its historic downtown district, is the southern hospitality of Galveston’s residents.

Montego Bay, known as “Mo’ Bay” to the locals, is Jamaica’s second largest community. Gorgeous white-sand beaches and mangrove wetlands surround the old town, which rests at the bottom of lush green mountains. Montego Bay offers the best of the Caribbean, including beautiful Georgian architecture in the historic town of Falmouth. Surround yourself with the essence of Jamaica in the island’s friendliest city.

Discovering new sights is one of the beauties of travel, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. In this world full of information on just about everything, Amber Cove is a throwback — it’s the kind of quiet little spot you won’t find on most maps. But you will find it — brimming with bars and pools, plus opportunities for lounging and shopping — to be the gateway to island paradise, Dominican-style. Beyond Amber Cove is Puerto Plata, a town that began life as the first European settlement in the Americas. Its founder? Oh, just a guy named Christopher Columbus… so you know that arriving by sea is the ultimate way to get here. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, some Dominican Republic adventure or just a little poolside me-time, Amber Cove is just the ticket.

Let the name fool you — Grand Turk, of the Turks & Caicos islands, may be small but it’s packed with scenic punch and historic charm. Carnival cruises to Grand Turk deliver you to this enchanted island outpost dotted with old windmills, grassy trails and picture-perfect beaches. Discover an oasis of green set in aquamarine seas, ringed by a pristine coral reef and the steep wall of the continental shelf.

Cruise to Princess Cays and you’ll come ashore in Love Boat Marina — a sign that this private resort on the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas was designed to be classic cruising perfection. Make landfall and discover an island’s worth of vacation fun and amenities. You’ll find a BBQ pit already fired up for lunch, and a supervised kids’ area ready to receive the little ones. Somewhere among the palm trees you might spy the exclusive adult-only retreat. By now it’s clear that Princess Cays is good for more than just a beach day, but plan on fitting one in anyway — this wouldn’t be a prime cruise destination without great things to do, and great ways to get wet, like swimming, kayaking and sailing.

Sightseeing, swimming and soaking up the island flavor — it’s all yours for the taking on a Carnival cruise to Nassau, Bahamas. Boasting balmy breezes and jumping to a bouncy calypso beat, Nassau promises sizzling fun in the sun. The historic and cultural heart of The Bahamas is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations — one million travelers board cruises to Nassau every year. Carnival guests come for fine beaches, shopping, water sports, and fun-filled attractions at the Atlantis Resort, connected to Nassau by a bridge to Paradise Island. Throw in a chance to swim with dolphins, or do a little slipping and sliding at a water park, and it’s clear what makes Nassau a top spot for cruisers of all ages.

Chartered in 1839, Galveston Island, located on the upper Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, was the principal port into the southwest during the 19th century. This coastal town has experienced a recent revitalization, making it one of America’s newest beach resorts. Better than the beautifully restored Victorian architecture of its historic downtown district, is the southern hospitality of Galveston’s residents.