Caribbean Cruise - from Colón - 120634

Colón is the capital of Colón province and the second-largest city in Panama. As a free-trade area, Colón is an important economic site. The cathedral and the statue-lined promenade, known as "Paseo Centenario", are well worth seeing.

Kralendijk is on Bonaire, one of the ABC Islands. It is a charming little island capital with a small harbour and a number of lovely old colonial houses dating from the 18th and 19th century. Fort Oranje, a Carribbean fort from the 19th century, the governor's palace - today the seat of the island parliament, the old port authority and the small fish market are all well worth a visit. Karel's Beach Bar is where people meet to watch the sun set in Kralendijk. The main shopping street is Kaya Grandi, where you can find anything you might need in the gift shops, boutiques and the large supermarket towards the city centre. Restaurants and bars are located mainly by the coast road with a view of the harbour.

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, the smallest of the ABC-Islands and is closest to Venezuela. Oranjestad is a lively little town with many shopping arcades and restaurants. The new houses are a rather bold and colourful echo of the old colonial style, making it seem at times like one has landed in a Caribbean version of Disneyland. This is also where visitors can find the lovely schooner harbour, where there is a daily market. Zoutman Fort, the oldest building on the island, houses the Historical Museum. Every Tuesday a mini music festival is held in the courtyard, providing an insight into island culture. The Archaeological Museum, the Geological Museum and the Numismatics Museum are also worth a visit. Oranjestad is famous for its excellent shopping facilities and the shopping street of Caya Betico Croes offers the greatest choice. In terms of tourism, Aruba is the most developed of the islands. The shops entice passengers with duty free luxury articles; or visitors can choose to spend a day at the beach or get carried away by the nightlife in one of the island's many casinos. To the North-West of Oranjestad is where the main beach, measuring 12 kilometres in length, begins. It is a lovely sandy beach lined by palm trees and hotels ranging from up-market to pure luxury high-end. Anyone spending any length of time on Aruba should definitely take a trip inland to see the huge monoliths and the ancient rock paintings of the indigenous peoples in the caves at Fontain and Canashito and at the cliffs of Arikok and Ayo.

Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao, the largest of the ABC Islands and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997. The city is divided in two by the entranceway to the port and the famous Emma Bridge connects the two parts. The floating market with sailors and schooners from South America who sell fish, fruit and even monkeys direct from their ships is a must-see. Other sights include Fort Amsterdam, built in the 17th century, the Curaçao Museum with its old furniture and the oldest synagogue in the western world, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue, which dates from 1732. The houses in the old town, built in the Dutch colonial style, are also well worth a look. The vibrant port town is the perfect place to take a stroll and do some shopping, since it has many shops and shopping arcades

Port of Spain is the port and capital of Trinidad and the joint capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The city centre between the harbour and Queen's Park Savannah can easily be explored on foot. The ideal starting point for a tour of the city is Frederick Street, one of the main shopping streets, which starts at South Quay by the harbour. This is also where visitors can see Fort San Andres, built in 1785 to protect the harbour, which today houses several administrative bodies. The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, the Jama Masija, a Friday mosque, the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity and the National Museum are also all worth a visit. You can enjoy a wonderful view of Port of Spain from the green hills of the hinterland. A trip to the tropical landscape of the Northern Range is also extremely worthwhile.

Scarborough is the capital of the island of Tobago. On a raised plateau overlooking the town is the King George fort with a museum and a lovely view. There is a market in the town centre until mid-day. Buccoo reef is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. A fun attraction for tourists is to take part in the bird feeding at Arno Valew Hotel, where you can watch tropical birds up close while enjoying a cup of tea or a cool glass of juice.

Colón is the capital of Colón province and the second-largest city in Panama. As a free-trade area, Colón is an important economic site. The cathedral and the statue-lined promenade, known as "Paseo Centenario", are well worth seeing.