Tripology

2pm Embarkation, Take some time to explore scenic and historic Puerto Rico before or after your cruise. Juan Ponce de Leon, the historically well-known seeker of the Fountain of Youth, explored and settled this tropical island and then became its first governor in 1508. Above the weathered walls of Old San Juan gleams the family home of the famed Spanish explorer. A grateful Spanish Crown gave the land to de Leon and in 1521 the historic “Casa Blanca” was built. That same year marked the end of de Leon’s life. He died dramatically by a poison-tipped arrow and never had the opportunity to live in the mansion which was his reward from King Charles the First.

At Sea

Barbados is an island that some say is more British than Britain. Here cricket is the national sport, and afternoon tea at the lovingly restored sugar plantation of Villa Nova or in the charming Andromeda Gardens goes without saying. But Barbados is true blue Caribbean as well, with classic sand beaches and wild monkeys in the jungles. History buffs will enjoy a tour of the Sunbury Great House and Plantation. Nature lovers can take an Ecotour or explore Harrison’s Cave. There’s even a rum distillery tour and pubhop, and an “In Focus” photography excursion. A very proper time is guaranteed on this very British island.

Tall, green and lush, St. Lucia typifies the best of the Grenadines. See the dramatic twin peaks of Les Pitons at Soufriere Bay, the active volcanic area with fumeroles and bubbling mud pots, and a colony of artists and craftspeople producing appealing designs in everything from fine art to fanciful clothing. Shop the colorful open markets or slip across the island to visit the quaint fishing village of Anse la Raye where natives still fashion boats from gum trees. This is paradise in the Caribbean. The lush forests, the lovely Marigot Bay and the charming French atmosphere of Castries, the capital city, are all impossible to forget.

World-renowned for its crystal-clear water and 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – Antiqua is perfect for sunning, snorkeling or swimming. For a taste of the island’s rich nautical history, visit Nelson’s Dockyard, where ships were hauled for cleaning, and now a popular meeting place for the yachting set. Today the warehouses are filled with shops and restaurants, and the sails belong to international yachts. From this bustling little port, tour across the rolling countryside to Shirley Heights, a fortress dominating the entry to English Harbor.

The half-French, half-Dutch island of St. Maarten embraces you with its Caribbean charm. Sidewalk cafes, open-air markets and white sands fringed with coconut palms await you. Choose a deep-sea fishing excursion, golfing, sailing or a 12-meter world’s cup sailboat regatta. In Phillipsburg, on the Dutch side, explore the narrow “steegjes” or lanes, shop for delftware or golf at Mullet Bay Resort. On the French half of the island, Grand Case is known as the Restaurant Capital of the Caribbean, and lovely beaches such as Baie Longue beckon.

The busiest cruise port in the world, St. Thomas and its duty-free shops are a bargain hunter’s dream. This is the place for a duty-free shopping spree for cameras, jewelry, watches and perfume. Take a break from shopping and visit the lairs of buckaneers such as Blackbeard and play on the beach at Magen’s Bay, a pretty and popular stretch of white sand. Take a harbor cruise on a “kon tiki.” The atmospheric Hotel 1829, the street of 99 steps, the paintings of Camille Pissaro at the Government House are just a few of the attractions to be seen on this, the second largest of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands.

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