San Juan to Rio de Janeiro

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brazil's boundless energy is celebrated in Salvador de Bahia, a soulful, intoxicating city with a reputation for decadence and fun set on a tropical coastline. But look beyond the street parties to discover Salvador’s history as the center of the sugar industry and slave trade, which has profoundly shaped its character. This is the heartland of Afro-Brazilian culture, and the legacy of the millions of enslaved people brought to Brazil from the 16th century permeates every aspect of life, from culture to food and religion.

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.

In Rio De Janeiro endless buildings flow around densely-forested mountains that roll down to an evocative waterfront. Incredible natural attractions, spontaneity that transforms everything into a party and world-famous monuments all make this city an unforgettable destination. Ships will dock at Pier Maua.

Top Things to Do in Rio De Janeiro:

• Ascend Mt. Corcovado to get up close to the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Relax on Ipanema or Copacabana beach
• take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
• explore Tijuca National Park