Norwegian Gem
December 10, 2026

Tampa, Florida, offers docking at Port Tampa Bay. Travelers explore Ybor City and Tampa Riverwalk. Excursions include manatee tours at Crystal River. Local markets sell Cuban sandwiches. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic cigar factories and Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes grouper, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Seminole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Tampa’s cultural charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic waterways, making Tampa an engaging destination for exploration.

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Cruise Line Private Island), offers docking at a private port. Travelers explore Bertram’s Cove and cabana areas. Excursions include snorkeling at coral reefs. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures palm-lined beaches and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cracked conch, a Bahamian favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lucayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Great Stirrup Cay’s island allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of serene beaches and marine activities, making Great Stirrup Cay an engaging destination.

Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, anchors offshore with tenders to Bahía de las Águilas, a remote beach. Travelers snorkel coral reefs with parrotfish. Local markets sell larimar jewelry. Excursions to Jaragua National Park, 30 minutes inland, spot flamingos. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to April; taxis 10-20 USD. Dining includes sancocho on board. Souvenirs feature amber pendants. Photography captures turquoise bays.

Oranjestad, Aruba, offers docking at Oranjestad Port. Travelers explore Arikok National Park and California Lighthouse. Excursions include snorkeling at Baby Beach. Local markets sell keshi yena. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cacti landscapes and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes funchi, an Aruban favorite. Souvenirs, like aloe crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arawak history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Oranjestad’s vibrant charm offers a lively Aruban stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural parks and scenic beaches, making Oranjestad an engaging destination for exploration.

Willemstad, Curaçao, offers docking at Willemstad Port. Travelers explore Queen Emma Bridge and Punda’s colorful buildings. Excursions include snorkeling at Tugboat Beach. Local markets sell keshi yena. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Dutch architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes stobá, a Curaçaoan favorite. Souvenirs, like blue curaçao crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Antillean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Willemstad’s vibrant charm offers a lively Curaçaoan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and marine adventures, making Willemstad an engaging destination for exploration.

Falmouth, Jamaica, offers docking at Falmouth Port. Travelers explore Good Hope Estate and Martha Brae River. Excursions include rafting and Dunn’s River Falls climbs. Local markets sell jerk pork. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes curry goat, a Jamaican favorite. Souvenirs, like wood carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance river activities. Falmouth’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Jamaican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic estates and adventurous excursions, making Falmouth an engaging destination for exploration.

George Town, Grand Cayman, offers docking at George Town Port. Travelers explore Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City. Excursions include snorkeling at Coral Gardens. Local markets sell jerk chicken. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures turquoise waters and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes conch chowder, a Caymanian favorite. Souvenirs, like turtle crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. George Town’s coastal allure offers a vibrant Cayman stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and marine adventures, making George Town an engaging destination.

Returning to Tampa — see Day 1 above for port info.