My last trip out was a 7-day jaunt in January 2008 aboard the Norwegian Sun, where we hit Roatan, Belize, Cozumel & Norwegian's private island. I had already decided to set my next book aboard ship, so I made to sure to take a few notes on the ship's details and routines, but the cruise atmosphere was painted from memory. It doesn't hurt that I often drive the MacArthur Causeway from Miami to Miami Beach, along the port access called Government Cut. On any given Saturday, there can be as many as seven splendid ships in port.

The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls my name. I haven't ventured out past the Virgin Islands, but it's just a matter of time. I studied the ports of call on the websites of several cruise lines, and the excursions I describe are just the ones I'd love to try. One of these days, maybe we'll put something together for authors & readers.