Southern Caribbean Cruise - from San Juan - 133308

San Juan, the capital of the Greater Antilles island of Puerto Rico, is known as the 'oldest American city'. It was from here that the expeditions set out to explore the New World. The historic old town with the university, the fort 'La Fortaleza', the gothic cathedral and the historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era are all well worth a visit. Since 1983, San Juan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'New' San Juan boasts luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and exclusive discos, while nature lovers can explore the nearby rainforest with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.

Aruba is one of the ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. Aruba is the smallest and most westerly of the three. Located 30 km before the coast of Venezuela, it is 30 km long and at no point wider than 9 km. While raw limestone cliffs shape the Northern coast, inland the landscape is flat and, as a result of the warm, dry climate, is bursting with a rich flora and fauna. In the South and West of Aruba you will find magical Caribbean beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, the most famous of which is "Palm Beach". The pretty island capital of Oranjestad, built in the Dutch colonial style, has the Wilhelmina Park for those who just want to relax, and the colourful market where you can take a stroll.

The island, which has been independent since 1978, now calls itself the "Commonwealth of Dominica". This island, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, boasts perfect white sandy beaches, lined by palms and other tropical plants. Dominica is also home to the last indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.

Sint Maarten with its capital Philipsburg is the smaller, Dutch part of the magical Caribbean island peacefully shared by the Netherlands and France since 1648. The Dutch part of the island is one of the most popular shopping and holiday destinations in the Caribbean. In Philipsburg alone there are more than 500 shops in the pastel-coloured Dutch style where tourists can buy luxury goods at up to 50% less than the standard retail price. The best place to experience real Caribbean atmosphere is at the Saturday market in the capital. Sights include: the zoo, the Philipsburg Museum, the fort at Great Bay Harbour, the casino and the beaches.

San Juan, the capital of the Greater Antilles island of Puerto Rico, is known as the 'oldest American city'. It was from here that the expeditions set out to explore the New World. The historic old town with the university, the fort 'La Fortaleza', the gothic cathedral and the historic buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era are all well worth a visit. Since 1983, San Juan has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'New' San Juan boasts luxurious resorts, hotels, casinos and exclusive discos, while nature lovers can explore the nearby rainforest with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.