Day 1 : Galveston

Texans flock to sandy barrier isles like Galveston Island to frolic in the warm waters of the Gulf. You could do the same, or make a visit to the stately homes that grace the island. Or go on a mission to mainland Houston, to tour the impressive NASA Space Center.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : Cozumel/MEXICO

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. Nearby stand the great pyramids and temples of their ancestors.

Day 4 : At Sea

Day 5 : At Sea

Day 6 : Curacao

The ship passes through a channel in the reef, into a broad, perfectly protected natural harbor. This is Willemstad, where Dutch gingerbread houses, superb shopping, excellent restaurants and bustling casinos abound. Nature buffs will love the exotic plants and tropical birdlife of Christoffel National Park. And don''t forget to sample the famous Cura�ao liqueur, still made here.

Day 7 : Aruba

The tiny island of Aruba is the smallest of the ABC Islands, which include Barbados and Curacao. Aruba lies about 15 miles north of Venezuela and has limited vegetation. The landscape consists of cacti and the curiously wind-bent divi divi trees. You may also be interested in climbing atop some of the huge boulders and exploring some of its caves. Of course, the main attractions to this island are its magnificent beaches against the turquoise waters full of spectacular marine life, which lure scores of sunbathers, snorkelers, and divers each year to the island.

Though small, Aruba has room for some luxury as well. If you travel along Palm Beach, you will find the several miles of this white sand lined with a string of hotels with glitzy casinos, restaurants and exotic boutiques. The crystal-clear waters of this beach are ideal for swimming and all kinds of watersports. However, if you prefer to stay dry, you are more than welcome to enjoy Aruba''s exotic underwater world from the glass bottom boats or on a submarine excursion.

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : Grand Cayman

Survey the neatly shuttered shops for bargains, or the twisted rock formations known as "Hell." But there's nothing hellish about the white-sand heaven of Seven Mile Beach. Sample the rum distilled here and be sure to visit the world's only sea turtle farm.

Day 10 : At Sea

Day 11 : At Sea

Day 12 : Galveston

Texans flock to sandy barrier isles like Galveston Island to frolic in the warm waters of the Gulf. You could do the same, or make a visit to the stately homes that grace the island. Or go on a mission to mainland Houston, to tour the impressive NASA Space Center.