Fort Lauderdale to San Juan

City meets sea in the coastal metropolis of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Soak up the sun along vast swaths of pristine white sands, take a scenic boat tour through palm-fringed canals, shop your way along the famous Las Olas Boulevard, and sip refreshing craft beers along the Fort Lauderdale Ale Trail. When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice: from fresh seafood with a waterfront view to Michelin-approved pizza, there’s mouthwatering cuisine at every turn.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

It’s not hard to see why Christopher Columbus built his first home in the Americas in Puerto Plata – this great, blonde beach with the spectacular peak of Mount Isabel de Torres rising behind it is an extraordinarily beautiful place. The Caribbean’s only cable car is here and gives a bird’s eye view of the spectacular coastline and patchwork of coffee and cacao plantations that roll out inland, fringed with sinuous rivers and unspoilt villages. The town itself – famous for its 19th-century architecture and imposing fortress – thrums with the sound of the street markets and reggae beats from brightly painted bars, particularly in the lively El Malecon district.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

It's well worth getting off the beach in Point a Pitre. While the vibrant, de facto capital beckons with its long ribbons of sand and sparkling turquoise waters, it is the fascinating blend of French and Caribbean influences, evident in its charming architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals that take center stage here. Stroll along the waterfront, stopping off at the Marche Couvert, where you'll find everything from fresh papaya and golden strands of saffron to locally woven fabrics and hand-crafted ornaments. Stroll along palm-lined streets, savoring French-Caribbean fusion cuisine, and feel the rhythmic pulse of the local music scene. If you're interested in French architecture, you must stop at Rue de l'Eglise to admire the bright yellow Cathedrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul. Constructed in the 19th century, the Catholic church exhibits a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, including twin towers and intricate detailing, making it a notable landmark in the city.

Basseterre is the compact coastal capital of the Caribbean island St. Kitts, where verdant hills and sugar-white sands meet architectural artefacts of French and British colonial rule. The town center is anchored by Independence Square – formerly Pall Mall Square – an 18th-century plaza with an ornate fountain and lush lawn, while nearby, the Georgian-inspired Circus is modeled after London's own Piccadilly. Venture just beyond the city to explore the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, an 18th-century British-built fortress that offers sweeping views and serves as a striking reminder of the island’s layered history.

Puerto Rico’s capital makes a strong impression – even before you arrive on shore. Sailing into the harbor, keep an eye out for El Morro, a 16th-century citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristobal, a fearsome fortress built to scare away invaders, and La Fortaleza, the impressive official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Once ashore, step back in time along cobbled streets and through squares flanked by pastel-colored Spanish colonial buildings. Or take your pick of beaches – will it be the golden-sanded Isla Verde, the snorkeler-approved El Escambrón, or the laid-back Ocean Park? Just don’t leave San Juan without sampling a piña colada (or two) – the tropical cocktail was invented here in the 1950s.