Discover Island Rhythms & Coastal Dreams

If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.

Your Caribbean voyage begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico's historic capital and oldest European-founded city in the Americas.  From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your unforgettable discovery of the spectacular Virgin Islands.

Please book your flight to arrive into San Juan prior to 05:00 PM.

The quaint Puerto Rican coastal town of Esperanza reveals gorgeous beaches and a lovely waterfront and a bustling strip of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. Stroll along the boulevard and visit the various establishments, immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture and activities on offer. Like the locals, enjoy spending the afternoon relaxing at Sun Bay, the main urban beach located in the town’s eastern outskirts.

St. John, the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, is best known for its dozens of post card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows of tropical fish endless vistas of green velvet hills. Only nine miles long (14.5 kilometres) and three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide, two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, so its spectacular beaches & untouched forests will remain that way for generations to come and remain accessible to all. There are tours of the National Park by Jeep or safari bus and hikes on spectacular trails led by Park Rangers who enrich the experience with talks on the island's history and geology as well as its flora & fauna. While it is only twenty minutes from St. Thomas by convenient hourly ferry, St. John is the peaceful, uncommercialised paradise of island fantasies. It has no high-rise buildings, cruise ship docks or airport. Visitors can obtain discounted air fares to St. Thomas. Despite its unspoiled atmosphere, it offers every facility and amenity found at major resorts.

Welcome to Cruz Bay, the economic and social hub of St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands scattered across the Caribbean Sea. Here, a busy inter-island ferry dock connects with the other beautiful islands in the region. The bustling bay is dotted with restaurants and boutique stores, while  striking Caribbean architecture in Mongoose Junction can be admired on a leisurely stroll through town.

Jost Van Dyke, four miles long, is truly known as the 'barefoot island'. The smallest of the British Virgin Islands, it is known as a popular destination for yachts and is celebrated for its casual lifestyle, protected anchorages, fine beaches and beachfront restaurants and bars. The island has fewer than 200 inhabitants and they are widely known as a welcoming people. The island's name conjures up its rich, colorful past. Jost Van Dyke is said to have been named for an early Dutch settler, a former pirate. At Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and White Bay there are safe, protected bays and pristine beaches shaded with coconut palms and seagrape trees. Discover inviting shops selling local treasures, restaurants, and bars. 'The Painkiller', one of the Caribbean’s most popular drinks, originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Foxy’s and Gertrude's in White Bay are renowned for drinks made with the island's famous rum, frosty beers, and tales of pirates and sunken treasure. Explore Jost Van Dyke's history in the vegetation-covered ruins of centuries-old sugar mills, or on the old trails that crisscross the island. Revel in the natural beauty of the pristine, untouched beaches. Hike up to the highest spot on the island, Majohnny Point, and take in a stunning 360 degree view of the Caribbean. Relax in the natural 'bubble pool', a popular tourist attraction. Jost Van Dyke conjures up images of what the British Virgin Islands may have looked like many years ago.

Today, you’ll arrive in Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of all four main islands comprising the British Virgin Islands, covering approximately eight-square kilometres (three-square miles). Known as ‘The Last Virgin Island’, White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke is notable for its rugged rocky scenery and colourful local culture. This pretty bay offers one of the loveliest beaches by far to relax on and soak up the marvellous Caribbean views.

The island of Virgin Gorda, named after its resemblance to a reclining woman, is part of the stunning British Virgin Islands and popular for its laid-back pace and picturesque landscapes. Among the incredible natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, The Baths are arguably the most famous,a series of pools and grottoes created by a collection of massive granite boulders, formed by volcanic eruptions.

If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture. San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León. More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros. The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future. Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan. He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location. In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S. control after the Spanish-American War. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries. The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.

After breakfast, take your time exploring San Juan, Puerto Rico’s historic and vibrant capital. As the oldest European-founded city in the Americas, San Juan is renowned for its well-preserved heritage architecture. The Old San Juan quarter is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchanting with centuries-old forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal, quaint charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant Spanish colonial buildings painted in vivid hues.

In the afternoon, step back on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the second leg of your exciting Caribbean adventure.

St. John, the smallest most idyllic of the three United States Virgin Islands, is best known for its dozens of post card perfect white sand beaches, turquoise bays abounding in colourful corals & rainbows of tropical fish endless vistas of green velvet hills. Only nine miles long (14.5 kilometres) and three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide, two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, so its spectacular beaches & untouched forests will remain that way for generations to come and remain accessible to all. There are tours of the National Park by Jeep or safari bus and hikes on spectacular trails led by Park Rangers who enrich the experience with talks on the island's history and geology as well as its flora & fauna. While it is only twenty minutes from St. Thomas by convenient hourly ferry, St. John is the peaceful, uncommercialised paradise of island fantasies. It has no high-rise buildings, cruise ship docks or airport. Visitors can obtain discounted air fares to St. Thomas. Despite its unspoiled atmosphere, it offers every facility and amenity found at major resorts.

Welcome to Cruz Bay, the economic and social hub of St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands scattered across the sparkling Caribbean Sea. From this port town,  a busy inter-island ferry dock connects with the other beautiful islands in the region. The bustling bay is lined with restaurants and shops, while striking Caribbean architecture in Mongoose Junction can be admired on a leisurely stroll through town.

Today, you’ll arrive in Ponce, a vibrant city located on the southern shores of Puerto Rico. Known as "La Perla del Sur" (“The Pearl of the South”), Ponce ranks as the second-largest city on the island and serves as a cultural and economic hub. Its rich history dates back to its founding in 1692, and features a unique blend of Spanish colonial architecture, modern developments, and a strong sense of local tradition.

Just 7 miles (11 km) long and a little more than 1 mile (1½ km) wide, this island, the capital and seat of the Turks and Caicos government, has been a longtime favorite destination for divers eager to explore the 7,000-foot-deep pristine coral walls that drop down only 300 yards out to sea. On shore, the tiny, quiet island is home to white-sand beaches, the National Museum, and a small population of wild horses and donkeys, which leisurely meander past the white-walled courtyards, pretty churches, and bougainvillea-covered colonial inns on their daily commute into town. But things aren't entirely sleepy: a cruise-ship complex at the southern end of the island brings about 600,000 visitors per year. That said, the dock is self-contained and is about 3 miles (5 km) from the tranquil, small hotels of Cockburn Town, Pillory Beach, and the Ridge and far from most of the western-shore dive sites. Pristine beaches with vistas of turquoise waters, small local settlements, historic ruins, and native flora and fauna are among the sights on Grand Turk. Fewer than 4,000 people live on this 7½-square-mile (19-square-km) island, and it's hard to get lost, as there aren't many roads.

The capital island of glamorous Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Turk is popular for its dazzling, white sandy beaches and crystalline turquoise waters – the perfect maritime playground for snorkelling and diving. This small tropical island is also home to historic landmarks such as the Grand Turk Lighthouse and Turks and Caicos National Museum, offering a fascinating insight into the island's rich history.  Enjoy your time exploring the charming colonial-era architecture, shopping at local boutiques, and sampling delicious, fresh seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants.

On Long Island, Gordon's Beach i welcomes with a stunning stretch of white sand coastline lined with swaying palm trees, lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The tranquil and secluded setting makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of this gorgeous island. Gordon’s Beach is popular for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect destination for visitors looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of The Bahamas.

Also located within The Bahamas, this small island, is known for its pristine beaches, transparent turquoise waters and relaxed lifestyle Not surprisingly, San Salvador is a popular destination for diving and fishing enthusiasts, due to the abundance of colourful coral reefs, diverse marine life and a number of shipwrecks. Additionally, the island boasts historical sites such as the Christopher Columbus Monument, commemorating the Italian explorer’s first landfall in the Americas in 1492.

Nassau's sheltered harbor bustles with cruise-ship activity, while a block away Bay Street's sidewalks are crowded with shoppers who duck into air-conditioned boutiques and relax on benches in the shade of mahogany and lignum vitae trees. Shops angle for tourist dollars with fine imported goods at duty-free prices, yet you'll find a handful of stores overflowing with authentic Bahamian crafts, food supplies, and other delights. With a revitalization of downtown ongoing—the revamped British Colonial Hilton leading the way—Nassau is recapturing some of its past glamour. Nevertheless, modern influences are completely apparent: fancy restaurants, suave clubs, and trendy coffeehouses have popped up everywhere. These changes have come partly in response to the growing number of upper-crust crowds that now supplement the spring breakers and cruise passengers who have traditionally flocked to Nassau. Of course, you can still find a wild club or a rowdy bar, but you can also sip cappuccino while viewing contemporary Bahamian art or dine by candlelight beneath prints of old Nassau, serenaded by soft, island-inspired calypso music. A trip to Nassau wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the island's well-preserved historic buildings. The large, pink colonial-style edifices house Parliament and some of the courts, while others, like Fort Charlotte, date back to the days when pirates ruled the town. Take a tour via horse-drawn carriage for the full effect.

Enjoy two memorable days discovering Nassau, a vibrant and bustling city known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and colourful, colonial-era architecture. Explore historic sites such as the Queen's Staircase and Fort Charlotte, shop at the lively Straw Market for handmade Bahamian crafts and souvenirs, or alternatively, relax on the city’s famous Cable Beach. With a lively nightlife scene, delicious cuisine specialising in freshly caught seafood, and warm, welcoming locals, Nassau offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Nassau's sheltered harbor bustles with cruise-ship activity, while a block away Bay Street's sidewalks are crowded with shoppers who duck into air-conditioned boutiques and relax on benches in the shade of mahogany and lignum vitae trees. Shops angle for tourist dollars with fine imported goods at duty-free prices, yet you'll find a handful of stores overflowing with authentic Bahamian crafts, food supplies, and other delights. With a revitalization of downtown ongoing—the revamped British Colonial Hilton leading the way—Nassau is recapturing some of its past glamour. Nevertheless, modern influences are completely apparent: fancy restaurants, suave clubs, and trendy coffeehouses have popped up everywhere. These changes have come partly in response to the growing number of upper-crust crowds that now supplement the spring breakers and cruise passengers who have traditionally flocked to Nassau. Of course, you can still find a wild club or a rowdy bar, but you can also sip cappuccino while viewing contemporary Bahamian art or dine by candlelight beneath prints of old Nassau, serenaded by soft, island-inspired calypso music. A trip to Nassau wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the island's well-preserved historic buildings. The large, pink colonial-style edifices house Parliament and some of the courts, while others, like Fort Charlotte, date back to the days when pirates ruled the town. Take a tour via horse-drawn carriage for the full effect.

Enjoy two memorable days discovering Nassau, a vibrant and bustling city known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and colourful, colonial-era architecture. Explore historic sites such as the Queen's Staircase and Fort Charlotte, shop at the lively Straw Market for handmade Bahamian crafts and souvenirs, or alternatively, relax on the city’s famous Cable Beach. With a lively nightlife scene, delicious cuisine specialising in freshly caught seafood, and warm, welcoming locals, Nassau offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.

Your Emerald Cruises luxury voyage draws to a conclusion in Miami, a dynamic coastal metropolis in the southern U.S.state of Florida, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity and striking waterfront skyline. After bidding farewell to your crew and fellow passengers, from your yacht, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home, or to continue your holiday.

Please book your flight to depart out of Miami after 01:00 PM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.