San Juan to Fort Lauderdale

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.

Coconut palms, sugar-soft sand, crystalline waters teeming with fish – the eastern tip of this island is bliss for beach lovers, made even better with the Dominicans’ slow-paced charm. There are so many ways to explore, from dune-buggy rides through ancient palm groves to eco-friendly walking trails in Bavaro Park, and encounters with some of the 150 animal species – including iguanas, dolphins, sea lions, and parrots – that call Manati Park home. The 500-year-old town of Higuey is the place to browse for souvenirs, shop for colorful ceramics and textiles in the lively Municipal Market, and sample a wicked mamajuana rum cocktail (or two).

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.

Errol Flynn called this place home in the 1950s, Tom Cruise muddled spirits here in the romantic comedy Cocktail in 1988, and Daniel Craig called by in a rare carefree moment as James Bond in No Time To Die in 2021. No wonder. This wild corner of Jamaica is framed by the beautiful Blue Mountains and its golden shores are lapped by the turquoise Caribbean. This is the gateway to the Blue Lagoon, and there are few finer sands than at Frenchman’s Cove. And kicking back with a rum punch at Geejam – a hotel with its own recording studio – listening to the house band, the famous Jolly Boys, play their mento melodies, well that’s the stuff of serious memories. Beyond the beach, go rafting on the Rio Grande River, hike in the rainforest, take a refreshing dip at Reach Falls, and learn about the Maroons at Moore Town, the fugitive slaves who escaped to form their own settlements in these hills.

Georgetown, the capital of the Cayman Islands, serves as a vibrant hub of activity and culture. Located on Grand Cayman, it is known for its excellent duty-free shopping, ranging from luxury boutiques to local crafts. The city also boasts a rich maritime history, which can be explored in depth at the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Visitors arriving by cruise are welcomed by the picturesque harbour and its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Just offshore, the famous Stingray City offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside and feed the friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

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.

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.