Climbing aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise provides all the opportunity, no matter the type of trip, for a luxuriously-relaxing voyage through America’s closest tropical islands. Family and friends will enjoy their stay on the spacious and adventurous cruise ship with endless possibilities of entertainment to choose from. Depending on the ship, there can be up to 12 levels to explore.

However, not all of the fun happens on board, it continues as passengers venture out into each island and experiences the local culture and sights. Island hopping from one to another each day is a uniquely-thrilling experience, as you see several different countries, instead of just one. The following are some islands that top Royal Caribbean’s offering list.

1. Puerto Rico
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rice, has many historic sites to visit — one of their most popular is Castillo de San Cristobal, also known as Fort San Cristobal. A huge open field of green all while the fort outlooks the entire ocean. It was constructed by Spain in 1634 after an attack in 1625 from the Dutch exposed weaknesses in Old San Juan’s defenses. Fort San Cristobal is a large structure, rising about 150 feet above sea level — the massive walls around the entire city almost made Old San Juan impossible to attack.

© Breezy Baldwin

2. St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas is the capital and the largest city in the U.S. Virgin islands, with one of their most popular landmarks being Blackbeard’s Castle. It was originally built as a watchtower to protect the harbor. Danish soldiers used Skytsborg Tower, meaning sky tower, as the perfect site to spot enemy ships. Edward Teach, commonly known as Blackbeard, would stand at the top of the tower to keep an eye out for any enemy ships sailing toward them.

© Phil Comeau

3. Antigua
St. John’s is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda. St. John’s Cathedral, also known as St. John the Divine, is one of the most beautiful and historic cathedrals. It’s structure is fascinating with its appealing moldings and overall design. The cathedral was originally a wooden structure in 1683, then rebuilt from stone in 1745. After a horrific earthquake, it was again reconstructed in 1847. There are carved figures of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist on the iron entrance gates to embellish the masts of one of Napoleon’s ships.

© Robert Cutts

4. St. Lucia
Highlighted by it’s unique volcano, as it’s the only drive-in volcano in the world, St. Lucia’s Qualibou area won’t be forgotten about. The path leads straight through the crater of Soufriere Volcano, also known as the “sulphur springs”. This volcano has become a major tourist attraction, and it’s last eruption occurred in the late 18th century. Even though the volcano isn’t as large and vicious as other volcanoes, it’s definitely a sight to visit.

© Lauren Delizia

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Cover photo © Andrew Moore