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.

Candy-colored houses and sugar-sand beaches give this sweet port town a fairytale appeal. One of the quieter spots on this island, the Samana Peninsula allows easy access to coves and bays straight out of a picture book. Playa Payita, known to the locals as The Little Lagoon, offers aquamarine water to dip into and the shade of bamboo and banana leaf umbrellas to retreat beneath. Playa Fronton, with its coconut palms and backdrop of black rock, is the perfect place to snorkel amid schools of parrotfish, nemos, and sunfish. But the big draw is the humpback whales that visit in winter – there's even a museum dedicated to the awesome creatures. Back on dry land, Los Haitises National Park, home to enchanting caves and ndangered birds, is a pretty place to hike, bike or kayak.Indulging in Samana’s coconut-infused and zesty fresh seafood delicacies, taking a boat to the secluded beach at Playa Madama, spotting manatees amongst the mangroves in Los Haitises.

Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.

St. John’s is the compact, colorful capital of twin-island nation Antigua and Barbuda and an ideal base for exploring all that the islands have to offer. Step off the ship straight into the heart of the action: wander bustling markets; admire pretty, pastel-hued buildings; and discover historic sites like the neo-Baroque St. John's Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in the 18th-century Old Court House. Many of Antigua’s beaches are within easy reach of St. John’s, so take your pick. Dickenson Bay is a hit with swimmers and snorkelers for its calm, clear waters, while the powdery sands of Runaway Beach are perfect for more secluded relaxation.

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.

The pretty, red-roofed harbor town of Gustavia is the beating heart of stylish St. Barts. High-end boutiques, ritzy restaurants, and iconic cocktail bars pepper the palm-fringed streets, while mere minutes from the town center, you’ll find pristine stretches of sand and sparkling waters. Take your pick from dozens of beaches: Anse de Flamands presents camera-ready scenery, Baie de St-Jean has chic beachside bistros, and Anse du Grand Cul-de-Sac is a snorkeler’s paradise. Just don't be surprised if you encounter an A-lister or two – the French-speaking Caribbean island has long been the preferred playground of billionaires and big-name movie stars.

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.