Eastern Caribbean Voyage

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.

This stunning harbor, filled with pleasure boats and encircled by emerald hills dotted with pastel houses, was once the center of a bustling pirate culture, as swashbuckling knaves such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen wares in the port of Charlotte Amalie. Today many of their old warehouses have been converted to shops and malls, where you may spend your pieces of eight on an array of treasures those buccaneers could never have imagined. Not a shopper? Hit the water without walking the plank when you pilot your own zodiac, or an underwater motor scooter.

It’s hard to get lost in Philipsburg – one mile of colorful Creole houses long and four streets deep, it is easy to explore. It is also a place where you may find yourself on the brink of an adventure you have long imagined. Transfixed by those gutsy mariners sailing for glory in the America’s Cup? Now is your chance to race aboard one of those ace vessels as a working crew member. Thrilled by the stories of divers but intimidated by SCUBA? Try SNUBA and float carefree, tethered to the surface by a long hose and an ample supply of air. The reward: warm waters, a rainbow of tropical reef fish, sunken wrecks, and tall tales of your own to take home with you.

Get to know Nevis, one central volcano and an area five miles by seven, its circle island road less than a two-hour drive. Within that tiny space are crammed delights for every taste: a championship golf course at the Four Seasons; the exhilaration and romance of dashing across a beach on horseback; and a trek through a lush rainforest of bamboo and tropical fruit trees, entertainment provided by monkeys swinging through the branches. For history hunters there are a number of old sugar plantations in varying stages of preservation and decay. They have intriguing tales to tell, and perhaps a few ghosts for good measure.

When you spy the distinctive white baroque towers of the St. Johns Cathedral, you’ll know you have arrived in Antigua’s capital city. With a staggering 365 beaches located across the island, you can visit a new beach every day of the year. But if you only have limited time to catch some rays, take a boat tour around Antigua for a unique vantage point to find the right strand of sand that speaks to you. If you’re still undecided, Galley Bay Beach is popular and is the perfect place to put your shades on and relax under an oversized umbrella. Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, head back into town and shop ‘til you drop. St. Johns is renowned for its duty-free shops, malls, and boutiques that feature everything from haute-couture to handicrafts.

Local lore has it that the unusual shape of this little bit of paradise reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining, voluptuous woman, so he named it Virgin Gorda, the “Fat Virgin.” She is suitably adorned with dramatic heights that plunge down from Gorda Peak to the sparkling turquoise waters far below. This is a good place to explore in a jeep, swim with dolphins, or hike the rugged trails throughout the island. Virgin Gorda is most famous for The Baths, where giant granite boulders are strewn across the beach and in the water, creating pools, caves, and grottos – a sort of natural water park.

Ponce de Leon never did find the Fountain of Youth, but he did find stumble upon this lovely island, which had to be a close second. Just move to the rhythm of the ever-present salsa beat and you’ll be in the spirit in no time (secret – it’s all in the hips). Old Town San Juan is still partially enclosed by the original fortress walls dating back to the early 1500s. Attractively restored buildings with filigree cast iron balconies line its narrow cobbled streets, and cafés in shaded squares provide an ideal spot to linger. Outside the city the island offers an appealing array of golf courses, rainforests, and beaches galore.

Beautifully positioned in the Straits of Florida, the island of Key West is the United States’ southernmost point, located just 90 miles from Cuba. It’s one of the sunniest cities in the country with a beautiful year-round tropical climate—neither too hot nor too cold—and at only four miles long by two miles wide, Key West is filled with fabulous beaches, historic sights, international restaurants and a very lively nightlife. Meander down Duval Street for its energetic strips of cafés, shops and bars, or take a walking tour to see some of the island’s best architecture, courtyards and gardens. Dive or snorkel in the coral reefs and wrecks off Key West, or simply stroll in the footsteps of such famous citizens Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams and Thomas Edison, who all called Key West home at one point in their storied lives.

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.