7 Perfect Days in the Eastern Caribbean Islands: A Royal Caribbean Cruise

This seven-day itinerary started in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is easily accessible from the continental U.S., but is worth getting in a day or two early to explore. You'll want to spend time wandering the vibrant streets of Old San Juan. The buildings in this area are colorful and full of spirit. The whole area itself is easy to walk, but bring comfortable walking shoes, as the roads are made of cobblestone and uneven surfaces. The entire area is filled with unique shops and tasty restaurants to get your Mofongo fill!

The first stop at Charlotte Amalie is well located to easily grab a ferry to St. John for an unreal snorkeling experience at Trunk Bay. This is a national park, so don't forget your park pass if you will be visiting. Don't worry about bringing snorkel equipment, as it can easily be rented by the entry.

Beach view from Trunk Bay in St. John

Next up is Tortola, where there are plenty of things to do and see. An excursion to Virgin Gorda will leave you with breathtaking sights of the rock formations on this island. Or, if you'd prefer, you can take a taxi around the island and stop at the various overlooks for the island before relaxing on the beach.

St. John's is next, and this island is known for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. They are also known for their special variety of pineapple, the black pineapple. You can find tours that make time for all of this with plenty of history mixed in so you feel like you are really immersed in the culture you are visiting.

Philipsburg St. Maarten is the next port of call and my personal favorite. The island is split into a French side and Dutch side, each with its own unique vibe. On the Dutch side, you can enjoy some wonderful shopping around the downtown and relax on the beach (check out Maho Beach to watch the planes overhead). On the French side, check out Marigot for boutique shopping and authentic pastries. If you are feeling fancy free, you can visit the nude beach at Orient Bay for a relaxing afternoon. There are plenty of areas at Orient Bay to enjoy if you would prefer to stay clothed.

The itinerary rounds out in Roseau, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). This island is known as the "natural island," and for good reason. They have many hot springs, canyons, and luscious vegetation throughout. If you want a true treat, try some of the hot chocolate they make with cocoa grown on the island.

Natural beauty of one of the many canyons in Dominica

While you don't need to book an excursion at every port, you will need to plan accordingly with cash for taxis. Taxis on these islands run on "per person rates." Depending on where you are going, this can be over $15 per person one way. You don't need to take taxis around, but I encourage it to see the true beauty and nature of the island.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Caribbean page.