| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 23rd23 | MarMar | 202424 | San Juan (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico, embark on the Brilliant Lady | | 20:30 |
| 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. Punctuated by El Yunque rainforest and the sun-soaked shores of Isla Verde and Condado beaches, San Juan is perfectly located to easily access all the geographical and cultural diversity that makes Puerto Rico so special. With the scent of sea breeze in the air, exploring the streets of San Juan is nothing short of magical. Whether you want to weave through El Morro castle or take in the pastel-colored buildings that line the streets of Old San Juan, pretty much every part of Puerto Rico is an opportunity for a really good #Instagram. And an even better time. Win/win. |
| 24th24 | MarMar | 202424 | Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands | 08:00 | |
| The largest of the British Virgin Islands boasts famed natural wonders like The Baths of Tortola giving way to vibrant reefs and snow-white beaches; a quick boat ride away from the other less inhabited spots in the BVI. |
| 25th25 | MarMar | 202424 | Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe | 10:00 | |
| This warm city is located in Guadeloupe and offers a choice of activities and places to visit for all the family. From markets to educational theme parks, children and adults alike will find something to entertain them. On islands home to lush national parks and streaming waterfalls, Guadeloupe’s largest city is known for its vivacious French feel, lively fish markets, and café-lined streets. |
| 26th26 | MarMar | 202424 | Bridgetown, Barbados | 09:00 | |
| Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades. Miles of sandy beaches and teal waters meet rhythmic local culture and unbelievably mouth-watering classic dishes in this electric Barbadian city. |
| 27th27 | MarMar | 202424 | Castries, Saint Lucia | 08:00 | |
| The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets. Please be aware that St Lucia is a small, mountainous island, with steep, winding and bumpy roads. Customers with back and neck problems should take this into consideration when booking an excursion. Visit the sulfur hot springs, hike through the Piton mountains, or soak in the volcanic mud baths — the capital of St Lucia is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and lounge-seekers alike. |
| 28th28 | MarMar | 202424 | Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda | 08:00 | |
| With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide. Home to 365 white sandy beaches, this Antiguan city is perfect for beachside lounging, snorkeling, or hiking up to Fort Barrington for panoramic views of the island. |
| 29th29 | MarMar | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 30th30 | MarMar | 202424 | San Juan (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico, disembark the Brilliant Lady | 06:30 | |
| 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. Punctuated by El Yunque rainforest and the sun-soaked shores of Isla Verde and Condado beaches, San Juan is perfectly located to easily access all the geographical and cultural diversity that makes Puerto Rico so special. With the scent of sea breeze in the air, exploring the streets of San Juan is nothing short of magical. Whether you want to weave through El Morro castle or take in the pastel-colored buildings that line the streets of Old San Juan, pretty much every part of Puerto Rico is an opportunity for a really good #Instagram. And an even better time. Win/win. |
