Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico lies a stretch of ocean that has captivated people’s imaginations for centuries. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea have been the setting for many stories and novels and, most recently, motion pictures. Stories of pirates and buccaneers fighting for Spanish gold, or of noble soldiers winning the hearts of the governor’s daughter have been a part of our collective imagination for as long as people can remember.

But there’s more to the Caribbean than tales of love and swashbuckling. Once an important trade hub in the West Indies, the islands have since became a major tourist hotspot. The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the waters and the friendliness of the people, along with the modern commodities they can offer, make it a dream destination for millions of people every year. And not just people going by plane, Caribbean cruises are among the best in the world. There’s just something about that part of our globe that has an unrelentless charm and magic that captivates whoever visits, as well as the imagination of those that haven’t visited yet. But you don’t have to take out word for it, go out there and see for yourself.