San Juan to Cartagena

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

Stunning and dramatic, the emerald green Pitons rise from azure waters on this magical isle of quaint bays and lush landscapes and delightful strains of Creole.

Grenada, the Caribbean's "Isle of Spice," is renowned for producing nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. The island's fragrant aroma envelops its emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Start your adventure by snorkeling at the unique Underwater Sculpture Park, an underwater gallery of marine life and art.

For stunning views, visit Fort Frederick, then explore the lush landscapes of Grand Etang National Park. Spot sea turtles at Levera National Park and tour a spice garden to learn about the island's famous spices. For a thrilling experience, try river tubing down the Balthazar River. Grenada's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a captivating destination.

The rich aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and other spices hovers over the fertile, volcanic hills of Grenada. Often called the Spice Island, Grenada has a lot more to offer then just spices. St. George's, the picturesque, small capital with terraces of pale, color-washed houses and cheerful red roofs, has long enjoyed the reputation of having the prettiest harbor in the Caribbean. Established in 1705 by French settlers, who called it Fort Royal, much of the town's present-day charm results from the blend of two colonial cultures, which are reflected in typical 18th-century French provincial houses and fine examples of English Georgian architecture. The mountainous interior rises from a generally rugged coast, which in part is blessed with dazzling white beaches.

The "B" of Netherlands Antilles' ABC islands (with Aruba and Curaçao), Bonaire is the easternmost of the three. A small island – but at 112 square miles the middle-sized of the ABCs – and generally flat, it features some of the best beaches in the Antilles, huge wildlife reserve areas and year-round sunshine. The charming beachside town of Kralendijk fits snugly into the leeward curve of the island. This capital of Bonaire features the ABC islands' signature pastel-colored buildings and old Dutch homes, reminders of the "home country." Sights include a colorful boat harbor and fish market, historical Fort Orange, the Old Fort museum, jewelry and duty-free shops, plus a pretty main square shaded by mimosa trees and surrounded by brightly colored flowers.

Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is characterized by story-book Dutch architecture, waterfront promenades, fine shopping and a colorful floating market. Located in the southern Caribbean, just 38 miles north of Venezuela, a harmonious blend of Dutch, Caribbean, African and South American cultures makes Willemstad unique among the Caribbean ports of call.

Aruba is a long, narrow island, located just 15 miles from Venezuela's coast, with a dry and sunny climate year-round. Its distinctive beauty lies in the stark contrast between the sea and its countryside. Next to arid deserts, which host an array of wild rock formations, curiously bent divi-divi trees and cactus jungles, are magnificent beaches that shelve into transparent blue waters. Combining Dutch efficiency and Caribbean charm, Aruba has become one of the most popular playgrounds in the Caribbean, boasting sophisticated resorts and casinos.

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.

Lose yourself in the beautiful chaos of Cartagena, where layers of cultural influence intersect to create a city rich in character. The walled Old Town – established in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site – is best explored on foot. Stop by a street stall for fresh lulo juice before setting off to explore the labyrinthine streets, filled with shady plazas, ornate former mansions, and balconies overflowing with flowers. Just outside the historic walls, you’ll find the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní, where vivid murals adorn the facades of shops and galleries, and salsa music wafts from lively bars.