Tropical Isles

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.

Charlotte Amalie’s the capital of the island of St Thomas. Christopher Columbus first landed here in 1493, and since then everyone from Blackbeard to the US Navy have used it as a base. It’s known for its deep natural harbour, Danish architecture and Fort Christian – the oldest building in the Virgin Islands archipelago, which is now an antique-filled museum.You’ll find most of the city’s jewellery shops and souvenir boutiques in the downtown district. You can buy everything from diamond earrings to sea-glass bracelets here. If you’re looking for a quiet day out on turquoise water, book a laidback catamaran cruise. The skipper might drop the anchor in a quiet spot, where you can enjoy a cool-down dip. Soar 700 feet above sea level on a Skyride to Paradise Point tram ride. You can see all the way to Puerto Rico and St Croix on a clear day.

The town of Frederiksted is on the west coast of St. Croix, the biggest of the US Virgin Islands. In true Caribbean island fashion, this place serves up plenty of A-grade beaches for you to flake out on. The most popular belt of sand is Frederiksted Beach, where the sand’s as white as flour and the water’s as warm as a bath. What’s more, it’s watched over by the town’s leading landmark, Fort Frederik. This 250-year-old stronghold was built to ward off pirates in the 1700s. It’s now a museum, where you can look at weapons that were used during a slave revolt that rocked the town in 1848.Browse the town’s waterfront shops for gold bracelets, bottles of rum and nautical-themed pottery. Rip across the water in Frederiksted Harbour on a jet-ski. There are plenty of watersports centres dotted along the coast, meaning you’ve got lots of opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping. Just so you know, ESTAs are required when visiting The US Virgin Islands. To find out more please visit the ESTA website

Ponce is a certified member of the get rich quick club. It became a rum-and-sugar-trading heavyweight in the late 19th century, and there are nods to its prosperous past everywhere you turn. It’s Puerto Rico’s second city, behind San Juan, but it's been dubbed the country's cultural capital. Here, the streets are lined with Neoclassical buildings, Victorian-esque street lights, museums and glistening fountains. Even the city’s fire station's a work of art.Check out the famous Dennis the Menace-like firehouse, Parque de Bombas. In a city renowned for its architectural triumphs, this red-and-black striped landmark is one of the most photographed of the lot. Learn about Ponce's rum legacy on a tour of Castillo Serrallés. This 1930s mansion was built by the founder of one of the town's most celebrated rums. Admire the masterpieces at Museo de Arte de Ponce. It’s considered one of the Caribbean’s top museums, and houses a 4,500-piece collection of European, African and American art. Just so you know, ESTAs are required when visiting Puerto Rico. To find out more please visit the ESTA website

This tiny, uninhabited island sits just off the Dominican Republic’s south coast, and it’s exactly what you imagine a tropical paradise to look like – cue lush forest, milk-white sand and clear, pale blue water. And there’s another reason why this spot’s so special – when our ships are in port, we have the whole place to ourselves. That means tanning time, snorkelling sessions and seaside strolls come without the crowds. Plus, our crew go all out with a complimentary beach BBQ, a free bar serving the likes of rum cocktails, waiter service and local entertainment.

La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast and a gateway to nearby resort areas. Overlooking the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village with artists' workshops. An obelisk painted with colorful images of local life stands in the city center. South of the city is Catalina Island, with beaches, coral reefs and the wrecked ship of pirate William Kidd.