A Journey Across Turquoise
Seas and Timeless Streets

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan
is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and home to a third of
all Puerto Ricans. Nearly every visitor to the island arrives at
San Juan, many on cruise liners. It's one of the largest home-based
cruise ports in the world, hosting many vessels with more being
added each year.

San Juan is divided into three distinct
districts: Old San Juan, the historic walled city; the beach and
resort area; and the outlying suburbs. Tourists mainly visit Old
San Juan, the site of most restaurants, shops, entertainment venues
and some exquisite beaches.

The old city is linked to the new by the
largely residential barrio of Puerta de Tierra and a series of
modern highways leading to the Condado beachfront, which is
reminiscent of Florida's Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels and
apartment blocks.

It is not only tourism that keeps the
financial mills grinding in San Juan. The city is an important
centre for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling,
and the manufacturing of cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products
and tobacco products.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle,
there are numerous attractions in San Juan to amuse, entertain and
interest many tourists, and the city is a perfect base for
exploring the rest of what this small Caribbean island has to
offer.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint
Maarten. It has two main streets, Front Street (Voorstraat) and
Back Street (Achterstraat), connected by several bustling
thoroughfares and filled mainly with duty-free shops, cafes, hotels
and courtyards overflowing with flowers.

The town enjoys an unusual setting, located
on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay, on the south coast
of the island, and the Great Salt Pond (a huge marsh). It is the
port of call for hundreds of cruise ships, their daytripping
passengers coming ashore to sample everything from Italian leather
goods and Japanese cameras to local crafts and Philipsburg's
nightlife, regarded as among the liveliest in the Caribbean.

Architecturally, the town, founded in 1763
by John Philips (a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy), is quaint,
with characteristic pastel-coloured West Indian houses lining the
streets, and a few Dutch colonial landmarks, including Fort Willem,
built in 1801, and Fort Amsterdam, constructed nearly 200 years
earlier in 1631.

Terre-de-Haut

On visiting Terre-de-Haut, an island commune part of the French overseas collectivity of Guadeloupe, you can expect a true Caribbean paradise. The island is only two square kilometers, but it boasts a population of 2,000 people who are passionate about their island home.

From the moment your boat or plane arrives, you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant natural beauty of the island. With its rolling hills, lush tropical vegetation, and sparkling turquoise waters, Terre-de-Haut is an inspiring and energizing place to be. Sunsets here are gorgeous and the night sky glitters with stars in every direction.

The main village, also called Terre-de-Haut (after the island itself), rests on a high hill in the center of the island. Here you’ll find quaint little cafes, local eateries and stores, plus some of the best views of the harbor around. Additionally, the village offers several historic sites worth visiting, including Pigeon Island – a little hill in the center of town said to have been an important strategic point during the various wars that have taken place in this area.

But it’s what lies beyond the village that makes Terre-de-Haut truly special. The surrounding waters are a dream come true for snorkelers and divers. You can expect to find stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish of all colors, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the mangroves on the east side of the island – you won’t regret it!

Everywhere you go on the island, you’ll find friendly locals eager to share their stories and offer insight into their culture and way of life. There’s even an annual Terre-de-Haut music festival filled with locals and visitors alike who come together to celebrate music and dance.

Terre-de-Haut is a perfect spot for those seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, and cultural experiences. From its unique cuisine to its stunning landscapes, this little island has something for everyone – even if only for a few days.

Road Bay

Road Bay is a charming and bustling coastal settlement located on the northern shore of the island of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and serene atmosphere, Road Bay serves as the main port of entry for sea vessels and plays a vital role in the island's economy. As a hub for both commercial activity and tourism, it's a location where visitors can experience the harmonious blend of local island life and the hospitality that Anguilla is famous for.

The bay is surrounded by powdery white sand beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. These beaches are often less crowded than those on more well-known Caribbean islands, offering a more private and tranquil beach-going experience. The calm, clear waters of Road Bay are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Snorkelers and divers are particularly fond of the area due to the abundant marine life and coral reefs that are situated nearby.

For those interested in sailing and boating, Road Bay provides a picturesque anchorage. The natural harbor is a safe haven for yachts and sailboats, making it a popular stop for boaters exploring the Caribbean Sea. The annual Anguilla Regatta, which hosts a series of boat races and sailing events, attracts sailors and spectators from around the world and is one of the highlights of the local calendar.

The waterfront along Road Bay is lined with a variety of dining options where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Caribbean cuisine. Several beach bars and casual eateries offer the opportunity to sample local flavors and refreshments while taking in beautiful ocean views. Dining by the seaside, visitors can often enjoy the sounds of live music and the laid-back rhythm of island life.

The area behind the beachfront is the commercial heart of Road Bay and Sandy Ground, the neighborhood which serves as its backdrop. This district is filled with a mix of businesses including duty-free shops, small boutiques, and convenience stores, where both visitors and locals can find a wide array of goods and services.

One of the distinctive features of Road Bay is its deep cultural heritage. The Old Salt Factory and Pumphouse are historical landmarks located in the vicinity, a reminder of Anguilla's salt industry past. These preserved sites offer a glimpse into the island's history and the importance of the salt trade in its development.

Road Bay is not just a daytime destination. As the sun sets, the nightlife begins to flourish with bars and clubs opening their doors and welcoming patrons with a mix of Caribbean rhythms and international tunes. The area becomes a festive scene where locals and tourists mingle, creating a warm and vibrant nighttime atmosphere.

Accessibility to Road Bay is straightforward, with the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport situated only a few miles away. The proximity of the airport to the bay area allows for easy transitions from air travel to enjoying the sandy beaches.

As a key component of Anguilla's maritime tradition, Road Bay encapsulates the island's blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly community spirit. It remains a jewel in the crown of Anguilla, bringing together sailors, vacationers, and locals in a picturesque and lively setting that epitomizes the best of Caribbean charm.

Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve

Graced with extensive beaches bleached white by the year-round sun and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters filled with varied and colourful sea life, the islands of the Bahamas are a major destination for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers.

Although often thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually an archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small cays strung out in the ocean, starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the Atlantic Ocean.

The islands' first inhabitants were the Lucayan Indians who lived here from the 9th century until after Columbus discovered the islands in 1492, making his first step into the New World. The resulting exploitation led to the native population being virtually wiped out. For two hundred years, until independence in 1987, the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and culture.

The population of the Bahamas now consists mostly of Bahamians of African descent, who are mainly descended from freed slaves. The strong African cultural influence is evident in everyday life, and in events like Junkanoo, a traditional street festival held every year on Boxing Day. The laidback attitude of life in the Bahamas is infectious, as is the party atmosphere that comes to life in the lively bars and nightclubs of Nassau and Freeport. There is also a strong American cultural influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.

Due to its proximity to the US, the Bahamas has become an offshore banking and financial centre. Tourism, however, remains its most important industry. The long stretches of empty beaches, clear waters, and activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking and bird-watching in Bahamas National Trust Park, scuba diving in spectacular coral reefs, and enjoying world-class resorts with facilities such as golf courses, casinos and spas have made the Bahamas an immensely popular destination throughout the year.

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.