Southern Caribbean: April 6th - 13th, 2013
Brilliance of the Seas: Charter
Curacao, Aruba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten
San Juan, Puerto Rico
One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world.
Things to do:
Sit on the beach and get a head start on your tan: Warning, tan lines will appear when having to wear a bathing suit!
See Baño Grande, a natural swimming pool. Then take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest.
Explore Old San Juan, the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Ride to San Felipe El Morro, the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. Visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel.
Puerto Rico is a great place to enjoy authentic Spanish-style sangria and taste a wide array of delicious tapas.
When you're in San Juan, don't miss the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of natural beauty by exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth.
The one thing you don't want to miss:
Come out with us on Fri night as we visit one of Puerto Rico's best "lifestyle clubs". It has a great Latin flavor and some of the best (and sexiest) hosts you'll find anywhere.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today's visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife.
Things to do:
Drive through the schooner harbor of Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. Discover outdoor markets displaying tropical fruits, and local arts and crafts, and observe Dutch-colonial buildings. At Cashero and Boca Mahos, view the famous Watapana (divi-divi) trees shaped by the trade winds, and St. Anna's Church in the village of Noord.
Explore Aruba caravan-style in a Jeep® as you head toward the northern part of the island and the California Lighthouse. Travel to the "cunucu" (countryside) with several stops at other scenic sights. Go to a private-island paradise, De Palm Island, for a buffet barbecue lunch and snorkeling in pristine waters full of brilliant coral and colorful marine life.
Get ready to shake your maracas and kick up your heels on a wacky, fun-filled Kukoo Kunuku barhop and dinner adventure.
The one thing you don't want to miss:
The water off Aruba is teeming with marine life. You can see it all up close by taking a submarine 150 feet below the sea. You'll pass scuba divers, coral reefs and shipwrecks on your journey.
Shopping:
Aruba is rapidly becoming one of the most popular shopping ports in the Caribbean. Swiss watches, French perfumes and fine jewelry are all readily available. Dutch and Indonesian goods are especially good buys. As are locally made products from aloe. Aruba offers fantastic bargains on designer jewelry from Chopard, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, Kabana, Starnight, Cartier, Concord, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele Watches, and Movado.
Willemstad, Curacao
Curaçao is the largest of the six islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles. It gained autonomy from the Netherlands in 1954, but the Dutch influence is still very visible in Willemstad's architecture and culture. With the growth of the oil industry in Curaçao in the early 20th century, workers and their families came to the island from more than 50 countries, providing a varied and vibrant population. Everyone should experience the sights, sounds and energy of this unique destination. You'll feel as if you are in Amsterdam, not on a Caribbean island.
Things to do:
Go to Kontiki Beach: a real South Beach vibe with great food, drinks, music, and beach
Explore Hato Caves and their mystical underground lake. After crossing the lake, you'll enter two large caverns with ancient Indian pteroglyphs. This surreal underground world is an amazing, memorable experience.
Learn about the local flora and fauna while biking the unspoiled 4,500-acre Christoffel National Park.
The one thing you don't want to miss:
Check out Campo Allegre: an "Adult Resort" with it's own Internet cafe, grocery store, sexy clothing store, restaurant, sports bar, VIP Lounge & cigar bar, Disco and much more... but that is not why people from all over the world visit this adults only playground... Check out the Male strip show or the sexy ladies that will dance and even entertain you in private. This is unlike any strip club you've ever seen in the states, that's for sure.
Basseterre, St. Kitts
With dormant volcanoes, golden sand beaches and gorgeous green hills, St. Kitts is a beautiful backdrop to your Caribbean adventure. Discovered in 1623 by the British and settled by the French in 1625, the island's deep colonial history is reflected in the abandoned fortresses, as well as its landscaped gardens, city squares and architectural details.
Things to do:
Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Climb to the top of the main hill to take in amazing views of St. Eustatius and Sandy Point Town.
Walk through Independence Square. Now a small public park, it was built in 1790 for slave auctions and council meetings.
Visit St. George's Cathedral. While originally christened Notre Dame in 1670 by the French, it was destroyed more than once and was most recently rebuilt in 1869 in typical Georgian style
Explore Hato Caves and their mystical underground lake. After crossing the lake, you'll enter two large caverns with ancient Indian pteroglyphs. This surreal underground world is an amazing, memorable experience.
The one thing you don't want to miss:
Whether you're a history buff or just want to take in the scenery, be sure to visit the 350-year-old estate, Romney Manor, once owned by a British earl. The beautiful grounds include magnificent gardens, exotic plants and an amazing African Saman tree, which covers half an acre and is believed to be as old as the estate itself.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
When the Spanish closed their colonial fort on St. Maarten in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and decided to share it. Soon after, the Netherlands and France signed a formal agreement to split St. Maarten in half, as it is today. Philipsburg displays its Dutch heritage in its architecture and landscaping. The island offers endless stretches of beach, beautiful landscapes and great shopping.
Things to do:
Rendezvous at one of the newest and trendiest restaurants in French St. Maarten. Explore Orient Bay, the French Riviera of the Caribbean, with over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches.
Admire the delicate nature and dazzling colors of hundreds of butterflies as you tour St. Maarten's popular Butterfly Farm.
Compete in an actual race on an America's Cup shortened course. Grind a winch, trim a sail or just sit back and enjoy. Professional sailors will give you a quick lesson, then you're off to compete on Stars and Stripes, one of the most famous sailboats in the world.
Discover the undersea world of coral reefs and exotic fish as you take a snorkeling expedition through Shipwreck Cove.
The one thing you don't want to miss:
Visit Orient Beach: Known for the clothing optional section at the end of the beach, Orient Beach is also home to many great shops, restaurants and bars and you can stroll topless down the main section as well.
Shopping:
There are about 500 duty-free shops on St. Maarten with prices 25% to 50% below those in the U.S. The selection of jewelry and watches is premier on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. Friendly competition between merchants guarantees excellent prices on emeralds, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, gold and silver. St. Maarten offers a wide selection of fine jewelry and watches from such well-known designers as C2K, Caribbean Hook, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, Roberto Coin, Starnight, White Diamonds, Alfex, Concord, Faconnable, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger, La Nouvelle Bague and more. Be sure to try a bottle of St. Maarten's own guavaberry liqueur. The guavaberry is exclusive to this island.