This British city is situated on the north bank of the Thames, next to a sea port and a fortress. Initially built to house railway and port workers, Tilbury became a major point of defense for England, along with neighboring town Gravesend, due to the narrowness of the Thames at this point. The forts constructed in Tilbury and Gravesend under Henry VII, due to this narrowness in the river, were of major importance as defenses during several wars, including during the Armada campaigns of 1588.

Once a Royal Navy stronghold, the Royal Navy Dockyard is now home to several unique Bermudian attractions. Passenger ships will call at one of the two piers at the dockyard, King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf. Boasting a rich maritime history, visitors can learn about the military origins of the port at the National Museum of Bermuda, or satisfy their shopping needs at a local market or mall. The Royal Navy Dockyard also offers easy access to the capital city of Hamilton and its surrounding beaches and parks, easily accessible by public transportation.

The small capital of the British Virgin Islands is located on the main island of Tortola and has about 9000 inhabitants. The city was founded in 1648 by Dutch settlers. The town has been destroyed on many occasions due to coming under siege. The oldest buildings that remain now date back to 1840. If you're looking to explore the city, the Botanical Garden is a good place to start. Then, you can make your way to the ferry terminal of the city where many beautiful yachts drop anchor.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is one of the largest cities in the West Indies. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worth seeing is the palace museum, the ruins of one of the first monasteries in South America and Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest fortress in the United States.

Cozumel, a tropical island located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, is one of the world’s top cruise destinations. With its glittering turquoise waters, bright white beaches and exotic marine life, the idyllic island is popular for snorkeling, diving and swimming with dolphins. Cozumel has a well-established tourist industry. Cruise passengers will have plenty of opportunities for water sports, nature exploration and nightlife. Year-round temperatures in the upper 70s make it the perfect place for a sunny beach vacation.

The Costa Maya is a beautiful, 100-mile-long coastline on the Yucutan Peninsula characterized by white sand beaches and beautiful blue water. Right on the port you can find shopping areas, restaurants and bars, and jet skis for rent, and the nearby city of Mahahual holds a popular, easy to access beach. For those looking for a more private piece of paradise, the more secluded beaches are just a short taxi ride away. One must-see for any visitor of Costa Maya is the Chacchoben Ruins, the remainders of an ancient Mayan city more than a thousand years old. For the best experience, take a guided tour to learn about what life was like for the Mayans – back then and now.

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