Southern Caribbean Cruise

Puerto Rico’s 500-year-old capital is a history buff’s dream come true. The Spanish settled this harbour as a New World home base, and that influence is still evident, from the fortress walls lining the coastline to the rainbow of colonial buildings along narrow streets. Venture further out from the old town and nature unfolds. You can scale high into the jungled mountains of El Yunque Forest, or keep to the foothills on a riverside horse ride. If despacito is more your speed, pick a pristine beach and recline with a cod fritter and rum drink in hand. San Juan cruises give you the perfect outpost to dial up or dial down your holiday.

Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbours; blue waters peppered with sailing boats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for picture perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes and coconut patties. St Thomas may technically be part of the US, but with its colourful markets, unspoiled beaches and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.

Antigua has a beach for every day of the year – literally. But the island experience goes beyond 365 distinct ribbons of white sand and clear waters. In the capital city of St John’s, you’ll discover charming candy-coloured architecture, lively markets and a beautiful baroque cathedral. And smiling locals greet you everywhere you go. On the southern coast, you can explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a centuries-old British naval base built by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Past Antigua’s yacht-studded coastline, you’ll find upmarket boutiques, wild forest trails, hidden coves and coral reefs bustling with tropical fish. But the best way to really see the island is from up above, so cruise to Antigua and hop into a helicopter for a panoramic look at lush jungles, golden beaches and the nearby volcanic island, Montserrat.

Fort-de-France is the largest city in the French West Indies – and it has personality to match. Life here is vibrant and fast-paced, and the culture is as colourful as the brightly painted shops that line the city’s cobblestoned streets. Cruise to Martinique and visit the 17th century Fort St Louis park in La Savane for a taste of local history. Or pop into the Cathedrale St Louis, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. If it’s beaches you’re after, Plage Anse d’Arlet is one of the island’s best. The sand here is golden, and the beach is dotted with plenty of bars and French-Caribbean fusion restaurants perfect for seaside snacks.

A beautiful horseshoe-shaped harbour welcomes you to the fragrant ‘Isle of Spice’. Tour nutmeg plantations, sample some of the wonderfully diverse (and seasoned) cuisine, or simply laze the day away on the soothing white sands of Grand Anse Beach.

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city center has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary’s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby.

Puerto Rico’s 500-year-old capital is a history buff’s dream come true. The Spanish settled this harbour as a New World home base, and that influence is still evident, from the fortress walls lining the coastline to the rainbow of colonial buildings along narrow streets. Venture further out from the old town and nature unfolds. You can scale high into the jungled mountains of El Yunque Forest, or keep to the foothills on a riverside horse ride. If despacito is more your speed, pick a pristine beach and recline with a cod fritter and rum drink in hand. San Juan cruises give you the perfect outpost to dial up or dial down your holiday.