An alternative to hibernating, traveling to the most memorable exotic climates of the Caribbean is already a priority for thousands of American travelers. The off-season prices are right, and many are finding the excuse to escape the chill of the season.

The Caribbean continues to drawing more visitors like a moth to a flame, ranking as one of today’s top 10 international destinations. Soft, rolling waves move with their own slow rhythm, lulling you into a gentle sleep as you listen with your eyes closed. You can bury your toes into the fine-grained sands on the beach as you soak up the day’s hot rays of sunlight.

Cruising presents the most picture-perfect and convenient way to experience the very best of the Caribbean – as you’ll gain two vacations rolled into one all-inclusive package. With all of your plans taken care of in advance, you get used to a daily regimen of eating, sleeping, drinking, and then eating some more. In between ports of call through the Caribbean, you’ll lose track of time at the casino, taking yoga, playing games, listening to live bands, going to wine tastings, swimming, sunbathing, dancing, and more.

Here’s a glance back at my recent 7-day Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving. Although it was my fifth time cruising, I had a brand-new adventure seeing new places in the Caribbean. I had the pleasure of enjoying my vacation aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, which is the world’s largest cruise ship by far.

The New Dawn of Tourism in Haiti

It seemed strange to lie on a guarded beach (in Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private port), sipping cocktails and eating burgers, when much of their country is suffering from poverty and starvation. However, now that tourism is flowing into a country that did not have the look or feel or a vacation resort, many Haitians see this as their way out of crisis. I took a short kayaking tour around the bay, during which we got a very brief look at the poor villages. At the end, we were taken to a small artisans market, where some of the locals begged us with their sad stories to purchase their goods.

Savor the Many Flavors of Jamaica

Ocho Rios is sheltered with vibrant rainforests, which lead you to Dunns River Falls, a 600-foot waterfall that is one of the highest in the world, and its magnificent mountain range. Inside of the city, you can delight your taste buds with a tour of Jamaica’s fragrant gardens, daily food markets of exotic fruits and spices, and authentic eateries. You’ll be able to hear live reggae playing in the streets, or stop by Jimmy Buffet’s famous restaurant, “Margaritaville.”

Rich Underwater Life in Grand Cayman

In the Cayman Islands, you’ll find quite the ideal location for the best water sports, from fishing to parasailing to snorkeling and scuba diving. This Caribbean beauty is far enough from busy ports of call in Florida and the northern tip of the Bahamas, so you’ll be able to experience more of the surrounding wildlife in their natural underwater habitat.

Master Haggler? You’ll Love Cozumel

This was my third time in Cozumel, and each time I go seems to be a different experience. One thing that is constant is the chaotic line of street vendors on every corner. You’ll often find unique collectibles worth fighting for, and in that case, this is the perfect city that will teach you to haggle.

Spend a day at Playa del Carmen for some surf, sand, and salsa dancing, or journey through the ancient Mayan ruins nearby.