San Juan to Buenos Aires

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.

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.

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.

A gem-like strand of 32 islands, of which only nine are inhabited, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among the most idyllic and least touristy of all the Caribbean island nations. At 18 miles long, St. Vincent is the largest isle, regarded for its black-sand beaches and sky-blue waters - paradise for leisure sailors and a wonderland for scuba divers and snorkelers. The imposing, still-active La Soufriere volcano and its surrounding waterfalls and rainforest make St. Vincent a haven for eco-adventures with exceptional hiking trails and a spectacular Botanical Garden - the Caribbean's oldest. In the capital city of Kingstown, cobblestone streets lined with arched stone doorways and magnificent churches recall both French and British colonization, as Fort Charlotte overlooks the city from its perch 600 feet above the sea.

From its gorgeous beaches and colorful marine life to its lush rainforest interior, tiny Tobago is the quintessential, picturesque Caribbean island; and it is a world apart from bigger, brasher Trinidad with which it forms a twin-nation. Tobago’s sleepy capital Scarborough is a place for gentle ambling; take in the Scarborough Botanical Gardens whose 17 acres feature orchids, silk-cotton trees and vibrant bromeliads; and visit Fort King George, built by the British in 1777, beautifully maintained and offering expansive sea views. Then explore further afield. About eight miles wide and 30 long, the island is easy to get around by bus or taxi. To the west is Pigeon Point with one of the most renowned beaches; to the north is equally striking Stonehaven Bay. Follow hiking trails in the lush forests; join a tour of Tobago Cocoa plantation; enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride to vibrant Buccoo Reef.

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.

One of three tiny dots just off the coast of north-eastern Brazil that make up the Salvation Islands, Devil’s Island gets its fearsome name from the shark-infested waters and dangerous currents that surround it. Little wonder, then, that France thought it would make the perfect spot to house dangerous prisoners from 1852 to 1952. A penal colony was built on all three of the Salvation Islands, with Devil’s Island being reserved for political prisoners, including Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was unjustly charged with spying for Germany. Conditions were notoriously terrible, with violence and disease rampant. Today, Devil’s Island is closed to all visitors but the remains of the penal colony on Isle Royale, where we dock, make for fascinating, if sobering, viewing.

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.

In the thrumming capital of the state of Ceará, miles of caramel-colored shores stretch along the crescent-shaped mouth of the Pajeú River. This is the place to settle in for caipirinhas on the sands at one of the many barracas (beach stalls) and soak up Brazilian beach life (head to the north end of Praia do Futuro for the best spots). In this dynamic country, a cultural fix is never far away; here that is the Dragão Center, a head-turning contemporary art gallery and fascinating museum dedicated to the traditional way of life. Pick up hand-crafted ceramics and lacework at the central market to bring some mementos home.

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.

Stretching across three islands, Recife's cityscape is accented with scenic inlets, canals and bridges, in addition to its famous beaches. What began as a scattering of fishing shacks in the 16th century is now a vibrant city that boasts delicious cuisine, colourful markets and a lively nightlife. Ships will dock at this port. 

Top Things to Do in Recife:

• tour the colonial city of Olinda
• visit the Casa da Cultura (Artisanal Mall)
  
• cruise through central Recife by catamaran
• visit the Institute Ricardo Brennand
• tour the Museum of the Man of the Northeast

Maceió, the Indigenous word for “spring”, with its watery backdrop of cyclic lagoons and lush mangroves, is a historic port with origins in 19th-century sugar trade. Today, you'll find a modern beachfront city surrounded by powder-sand beaches strung along the coast either side of the harbour. But before you dive into those turquoise Atlantic waters, take in the dockside’s Belle Époque buildings, the vibrant craft market at adjoining Pajucara beach, and several enticing museums including the Théo Brandão Anthropology and Folklore Museum, set in a renovated seafront mansion. There’s also a striking sculpture by Oscar Niemeyer, architect of the country’s capital, Brasilia.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is one of those rare locales that needs to be experienced in order to understand the spell it casts on all who visit its shores. Rio is Brazil's vibrant metropolis, captivating everyone with its electrifying energy and striking natural beauty. Nestled between lush mountains and sparkling beaches, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Samba rhythms infuse the air during the world-famous Carnaval, while the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches draw sun-seekers year-round. The city's infectious joie de vivre is matched by its warm and welcoming Carioca culture. Whether exploring historic neighborhoods like Santa Teresa or reveling in the colors of the Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro entices with its fusion of history, passion, and tropical allure. Little wonder that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its food, music, scenery, and inimitable energy and spirit all combine to make Rio de Janeiro an unquestionable bucket list destination.

Sao Paulo, Brazil's vibrant financial centre, is a melting pot of cultures and one of the most populous cities in the world. This city thrives on diversity, evident in its culinary scene that ranges from traditional Brazilian fare to world-class sushi, making it a gastronome’s delight. The bustling Mercado Municipal offers a taste of local flavours and exotic fruits in a striking setting featuring stained glass and vast domes.

Culturally, Sao Paulo is a powerhouse with an impressive array of museums, galleries, and theatres. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) on Avenida Paulista houses a remarkable collection of Western art, displayed on clear perspex frames that seem to float in midair. For those who seek green spaces amidst the urban sprawl, Ibirapuera Park offers a serene retreat with its expansive grounds and cultural facilities.

Santos, situated along the coast of São Paulo in Brazil, is best known for possessing the largest seaport in Latin America. This vibrant city combines rich history with an energetic present. The Coffee Museum, located in the city’s historic downtown, pays homage to the coffee boom which profoundly shaped the region's economy and culture.

For those interested in architecture, the seafront promenade features the iconic SESC building, renowned for its innovative design and cultural activities. The city also offers a lush escape with the Orchid Garden, home to a variety of tropical plants and flowers. Santos’ extensive beachfront, marked by the Garden Beach – the longest beachfront garden according to the Guinness Book of World Records – is ideal for leisurely walks or simply enjoying the coastal ambiance.

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.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s cultural, political, and economic epicenter; a bustling city filled with markets, museums, monuments, and eye-catching architecture. Life in the city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, which is your gateway to Ciudad Vieja (the old town) with art deco buildings and colonial homes. For an Instagram-worthy view of the entire city, head to the 11th floor terrace of the City Hall, located on Avenida 18 de Julio. If you build up an appetite from walking around this inviting city, stop in at any of the many steakhouses in the old port; the country is famous for its high quality, tasty beef.

The capital city of Buenos Aires has an almost palpable pulse that resonates through every aspect of life. With architecture that blends the old world with the new, there's always a jaw-dropping facade or building to catch your eye, such as the iconic presidential palace, Casa Rosada or Palacio Barolo, designed to represent Dante’s The Divine Comedy. The basement and ground floor represent Hell, while the first-to-15th stories stand for Purgatory, and the 16th through to the 22nd floors represent heaven. Outside, the city's streets dazzle with a kaleidoscope of sites and sounds, from bustling public markets and street performers dancing the city's famous tango, to graffiti artists and live plays and productions. Stroll through the streets and drink in the atmosphere of this passionate, beautiful city.

Passionate and alive with an infectious energy, Buenos Aires is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays and expertly seared steaks, this city is a fiery fiesta for the senses.

Visitors can choose to visit Caminito, the colourful street museum, shop at San Telmo Market, stroll through Recoleta Cemetery or cruise the Tigre River delta. Ships will dock at the Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin which is a 30 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute drive to the city centre.