Independence of the Seas
July 2, 2026

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, offers docking at Cape Liberty Port. Travelers explore Statue of Liberty and Manhattan via shuttle. Excursions visit Ellis Island. Local markets sell bagels. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Hudson River vistas. Dining onboard includes pastrami sandwiches, a New York favorite. Souvenirs, like Statue of Liberty crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lenape history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Cape Liberty’s urban gateway offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic harbors, making Cape Liberty an engaging destination.

Royal Naval Dockyard, West End, Bermuda, offers docking at King’s Wharf. Travelers explore Fort Scaur and Maritime Museum. Excursions include snorkeling at Church Bay. Local markets sell fish chowder. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial docks and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes spiny lobster, a Bermudian favorite. Souvenirs, like cedar crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bermuda Triangle history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Dockyard’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Bermudian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and scenic beaches, making Dockyard an engaging destination.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, offers docking at Philipsburg Port. Travelers explore Front Street and Maho Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Cupecoy Bay. Local markets sell guavaberry liqueur. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures plane landings and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a St. Maarten favorite. Souvenirs, like Dutch 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. Philipsburg’s vibrant charm offers a lively stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of bustling markets and scenic beaches, making Philipsburg an engaging destination for exploration.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers docking at Old San Juan Port. Travelers explore El Morro Fortress and Old San Juan’s colorful streets. Excursions visit El Yunque Rainforest. Local markets sell mofongo. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz con gandules, a Puerto Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like salsa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taíno history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. San Juan’s cultural charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and lush rainforests, making San Juan an engaging destination.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, provides docking at Puerto Plata Port. Travelers explore Amber Museum and Mount Isabel de Torres. Excursions include snorkeling at Sosúa Beach. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like amber jewelry, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Puerto Plata’s vibrant charm offers a dynamic Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic beaches, and Caribbean culture, making Puerto Plata an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Cape Liberty (bayonne) — see Day 1 above for port info.