The Eastern Caribbean

Video compliments of the Travel Channel

The Eastern Caribbean is a favorite among cruisers because of its plethora of onshore activities. With island ports in close proximity to one another, myriad ways to enjoy the beach and shopping that extends beyond kitschy T-shirt shops, the Eastern Caribbean deserves a devoted holiday. Cruises typically depart from Florida cities like Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, and the port of call options run the gamut from historic San Juan, Puerto Rico to bi-national St. Maarten.

San Juan: There's more than rum in San Juan—though a trip to the Bacardi Rum Distillery should be on everyone's short list. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, this capital city of Puerto Rico oozes old world charm. Absorb the city's unique allure with Carnival cruises' Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour. Meander along the 465-year-old neighborhood's cobblestone streets taking in the Ballaja Sector, San Jose Square and the stunning architecture of San Jose Church. Strike out on your own to enjoy the picturesque views of the city from El Morro, the largest fort in the Caribbean, perched 140 feet above the sea. San Juan is also Puerto Rico's shopping capital, so take advantage of the duty-free shopping (prices are usually cheaper here than in neighboring St. Thomas). You'll find the usual mall fare like Old Navy, Borders and Macy's at Plaza Las Americas, the Caribbean's largest mall. If you're looking for a slightly more authentic souvenir, snatch up one of Puerto Rico's most popular crafts, papier mache masks called caretas, at La Calle (prices range from $10 to $250).

Charlotte Amalie: Christopher Columbus may have been the first to set his sights on this picturesque hillside port, but he certainly wasn't the last. St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie is the busiest port of call in the Caribbean, and one of the Virgin Islands' premiere shopping destinations. Retail therapy awaits along Dronningens Gade (that would be Main Street), where you're likely to find the best deals on liquor, fragrances and jewelry, and in Vendor's Plaza, which houses a hefty selection of tees, souvenirs and trinkets. If shopping doesn't work you into a frenzy, there's plenty of other things to see and do like Yachts of Seabourn's grand tour of St. Thomas, which includes a visit to the St. Peter great house and Paradise Point. Make sure to stop by requisite tourist traps like Blackbeard's Castle, Fort Christian, and 99 Steps (there are actually 103, but who's counting?).

St. Maarten: Talk about multiple personalities. This 37-square mile Caribbean isle is divided in two: To the north is French St. Martin and to the South is Dutch St. Maarten. Experience the best of both worlds with Princess cruises' Delightfully Dutch, Fantastically French Island Tour, which takes you from Dutch capital Philipsburg to French capital Marigot. If you've got a competitive streak, Royal Caribbean lets you hop aboard an America's Cup-winning yacht for a friendly race. Make sure you leave enough time to visit the island's fluttering Butterfly Farm before your day is through. And because the French have never met a boutique they didn't like, the island is hopping with a plethora of shopping possibilities. (Though the Dutch side clearly prevails when it comes to jewelry.)