'I went on a cruise for the first time and this is what I really thought'

If you're a cruise newbie and want to see what the fuss is all about, could be your perfect introduction. According to recent research, are becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice.

Setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, Miami - a destination worth exploring in its own right - we journeyed on to some of the region's most stunning locations. Our stops included Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Here's everything you need to know about how to make the most of the trip (and a top space-saving packing tip to boot)...

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Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, the two main dining options included in every package are The Lido Market and The Dining Room. The Lido offers a buffet-style spread with a wide variety of dishes, many of which (including the top-notch salads and pancakes) are made to order. The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from an à la carte menu, providing a more traditional restaurant experience and a welcome change from the vast selection at The Lido.

If you're willing to splash out a bit more for meals, there's the Italian restaurant Canaletto, Morimoto by the Sea and Nami Sushi for seafood enthusiasts, and the Pinnacle Grill where we rated our steak a perfect 10. We also found Tamarind, which adds a modern twist to Southeast Asian cuisine, had the best 'off ship' atmosphere, and was ideal for a special treat, reports .

Off the ship Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands

Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands is very much a 'cruise destination' port, meaning there's not a lot to do other than soak up the scenery, sand and sea. We opted for an 'ultimate snorkelling adventure', but if you prefer something more laid-back, there's beach house rental or a cart tour.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas

Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas is actually the capital of the US Virgin Islands, and has some intriguing areas to explore. We booked the Skyride aerial tram, which whisked us up to Paradise Point at the island's highest point. There are a few shops and food options at the top but the real prize was the breathtaking views.

For food, we sought out Gladys' Cafe, a bit of a local legend in the town and worth a visit for the jerk chicken and spiced lobster.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

This is is by far the most rewarding on-shore destination if you're after some authentic Caribbean culture. There are plenty of excursions available, but it's also very easy to go solo and enjoy this incredible city on your own.

We opted for the History and Cuisine of San Juan on Foot tour (from $109.95), a guided exploration that took us to the San Juan Gate, Princess Pathway and Prison, and the stunning San Juan Cathedral. The tour concluded with a hands-on Mofongo and Mojito experience, complete with a talk on the history of the island's renowned rum. Plus, we had ample time left in the day to roam freely and enjoy another mojito (or two)!

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas was our only tendered shore day, meaning we took a boat from the ship to the island. There isn't a vast amount to do here – but that's part of its allure. A large stretch of sandy beach with shallow, calm waters awaits you, where you can either relax on a complimentary sunbed or rent a clamshell covering for shade. A buffet-style lunch is prepared for all guests. Activities range from horse riding on the beach, a stingray adventure, a nature walk, a guided bicycle tour to kayaking. For us, simply soaking up the tranquil vibes and breathtaking ocean view was enough.

Keeping busy on the boat

Time spent on the ship was filled with daily activities including origami lessons, Mahjong games, quizzes, line-dancing lessons and fitness classes. Most of these activities are free and the programmes change every day, so even if you're not disembarking on a port day, you certainly won't be bored. We selected our activities and added them to an app with reminders. The art lesson and music quiz were particularly enjoyable.

One of our favourite spots on the ship was the Crow's Nest, located on the very top deck. It boasted a fantastic selection of board and card games, along with a bar serving both soft and alcoholic beverages.

It was the ideal spot to take in the views while indulging in a game of Yahtzee. The ship also featured a spa, and although the treatment list was slightly pricey for us (a 75-minute Swedish massage came in at US$199), we found the day pass we purchased to be worth every penny.

Priced at $49 each, it granted us access to the thermal suites, saunas and hydropool, and we were free to come and go as we pleased throughout the day. Top tips: There are numerous packages available on board and whether or not you opt for the drinks package is entirely up to you.

Top cruise tips

We found the laundry package to be particularly good value. It was priced at $59.50 for seven-day unlimited laundry and pressing, or $25 per bag – perfect if you're travelling light. Additionally, proved incredibly useful for keeping all our belongings (especially jewellery and sunhats) organised in a small space.

How to book

on board the Nieuw Amsterdam costs from £1,724pp based on departure on 16 March 2025. Price includes all meals, afternoon tea, theatre shows, onboard gym and children’s clubs plus the ‘Have It All’ package, which includes shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package, speciality dining, crew appreciation and Wi-Fi.