Puerto Rico & Southern Caribbean Island Cruise

Meet your private driver at your hotel for a half-day tour where you will enter the beautifully manicured grounds of the Bacardí Rum Distillery, the world’s largest distiller of natural spirits. You'll visit a replica of an old distillery, and an office with original documentation, family portraits, and a collection of rum bottles among other items. You'll have a chance to smell the products at various stages in the rum-making process, as well as a demonstration on how to prepare different drinks. You'll also be treated to complimentary rum drinks. From Bacardi the tour continues through portions of new San Juan and on into the beautiful centuries old city of the original San Juan, actually an island connected by bridges to mainland Puerto Rico. You will drive past Fort San Gerónimo and on into Old San Juan, one of the most beautiful old cities in the New World. Your first stop is for a short visit to Fort San Cristobal, from which the Spanish successfully defended their city from British and Dutch attacks. You’ll see the beautiful 17th century Spanish ironwork on the restored homes and note the blue-black glazed cobblestones that were brought to San Juan as ballast for the Spanish galleons, and were used to line the narrow streets of the Old City. You'll be able to explore the cafes, shops and boutiques of the city. Return transfer included.

Port transfer with private vehicle/driver.

Welcome aboard! Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and explore the facilities of your cruiseliner. Tonight's welcome dinner will offer an opportunity to meet some of your fellow cruisemates.

Port charges are included in your itinerary pricing.

Saint Croix is an island in the Caribbean Sea, and a county and constituent district of the United States Virgin Islands. Buck Island Reef National Monument preserves a 176 acre island just north of St. Croix and the surrounding reefs, a popular destination for snorkelers. Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1749, is considered a national historic site, and is one of multiple buildings preserved to reflect the Danish heritage of the island.

Philipsburg is the main town on the Dutch side of the island of Sint Maarten, on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. It is also the capital of all of Sint Maarten and functions as the island's commercial center. Philipsburg was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, and soon became a bustling centre of international trade. Two historic forts bear witness to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history: Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem.

The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, is dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third incarnation, as earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The towers are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many of whom arrive by boat. With its recently completed cruise ship dock and several hotels, St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining.

Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia. It houses the seat of government and the head offices of many of the businesses both foreign and local. The city's design is in a grid pattern similar to a metropolitan city like New York but on a much smaller scale. It has a sheltered harbour which receives cargo vessels and ferry boats as well as cruise ships. It contains duty free shopping facilities such as Point Seraphine and La Place Carinage; many restaurants which offer varied menus from local to Chinese; supermarkets and many other shopping facilities. The city is well serviced by a bus system and taxi service.

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados. The Bridgetown Port (or "Deep Water Harbour" as its also known) is the major port of entry for cruises that sail all over the Caribbean. The present day location of the city was established by English settlers in 1628 following a prior settlement at St. James Town. Bridgetown is a major West Indies tourist destination, and in 2011, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison were added as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

Today is a full day spent at sea as you cruise onward toward your final destination, San Juan, Puerto Rico. There are countless ways to enjoy your time at sea. For rest and relaxation, visit the Vitality Spa, with its extensive treatement menu, while the adults-only solarium pool and whirlpool area offers a pleasant retreat throughout the day. Mini golf, rock climbing, table tennis, inline skating, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with classes including yoga and pilates, will keep you active as you cruise.

After breakfast this morning, you'll bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates and disembark from your ship, as your cruise journey has concluded.

Airport transfer with private vehicle/driver.