Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.

Welcome to the capital city of the British Virgin Islands… its Main Street lined with colonial-era buildings painted in shades of pastel with colorful shutters and delicate wood trim. Trek through the rain-forested Mount Sage National Park for sweeping views, or play on spectacular white sand beaches with names like Smuggler’s Cove and Cane Garden Bay (immortalized in Jimmy Buffet’s “Mañana”).

Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s largest city, is situated on a limestone plateau on the island of Grande-Terre. The city’s structures were built with shipping and the growth of that industry in mind, and locals, lovingly referred to as “Pointois,” contribute to this continued progress and economic expansion by exporting food crops, animal products and manufactured goods. Visitors enjoy strolling the narrow lanes along the waterfront or shopping the colorful market stalls of the Marché Couvert.

Stunning and dramatic, the emerald green Pitons rise from azure waters on this magical isle of quaint bays and lush landscapes and delightful strains of Creole.

Just off the coast of Venezuela sit the Caribbean isles of Trinidad and Tobago, birthplace of steel pan and calypso music, chutney and limbo. On Trinidad, see the Emperor Valley Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Asa Wright Nature Center and impressive colonial houses, known as the Magnificent Seven. Off the coast of Tobago lies Buccoo Reef, a natural wonder viewable by glass-bottom boat.

First settled by Jesuits in 1661, Santarem quickly became a focus of American interest during the rubber boom of the early twentieth century. Today, Santarem remains one of Brazil’s most important trading centers, and is imbued with the energy of a growing city. Be sure to view the “Wedding of the Waters,— the unique merging of the Tapajos clear water with the Amazon’s muddy water.

The “mouth of the Valeria River, the colorful Caboclo village contains a few wooden houses and an abundance of local wildlife, including monkeys, birds and several varieties of flora. As Crystal remains anchored off-shore, canoes bearing the local inhabitants will glide through the river’s waters, providing a fascinating display of the colorful culture of the Amazon region.

The capital of the State of Amazonas, the belle époque splendor of Manaus is still evident in the graceful mansions and the Teatro Amazonas opera house. This city, resting on the Rio Negro, was created by the rubber boom of the mid-19th-century, when steam navigation opened up the Amazon to entrepreneurs and the social elite. Today, stroll down the Parisian-styled boulevards and Italian piazzas, or watch the fisherman at Municipal Market unload their catch of the day on the river’s edge.

The capital of the State of Amazonas, the belle époque splendor of Manaus is still evident in the graceful mansions and the Teatro Amazonas opera house. This city, resting on the Rio Negro, was created by the rubber boom of the mid-19th-century, when steam navigation opened up the Amazon to entrepreneurs and the social elite. Today, stroll down the Parisian-styled boulevards and Italian piazzas, or watch the fisherman at Municipal Market unload their catch of the day on the river’s edge.

This small village located on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. This two-century old village is rich in Indian culture, as celebrated with an annual “Boi Bumba” festival, an event that has been taking place in the Parintins for over 80 years – a ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith. Enjoy the exotic appeal of the Amazon via this fascinating area.

Situated on a beautiful bay, this beach resort on the Amazon River is flanked by two hills, one of which resembles the shape of a church altar, which gives the place its name. Hike through thick forest up the other cone-shaped hill for a spectacular view of the meeting of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. Alter do Chão is home to the Center for the Preservation of Indian Art, a spectacular collection of Amazon Indian artifacts.

Devil’s Island (Ile du Diable) is one of the three infamous penal colonies of the Iles du Salut archipelago (Islands of Salvation). The penitentiary was first opened by Emperor Napoleon III’s government in 1852, and became one of the most infamous prisons in history before closing in 1946. Very few convicts ever managed to escape the island. One prisoner who became world famous was Henri Charriére, immortalized in the movie Papillon, for supposedly being the only convict ever to have escaped.

Barbados is sun-drenched beaches, clear blue-green waters and cool trade winds. Its capital is a UNESCO treasure and inland you’ll see lovingly preserved plantation houses, lush sugar cane fields and fragrant gardens. Reminders of former British rule abound, from cricket fields to Lord Nelson’s statue and the original Trafalgar Square. Don’t miss Bridgetown’s bustling Careenage and the shops on Broad Street, which offer deals on luxury imports from Britain.

Roseau is the capital of the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. It’s on the southwest coast and known for its 18th-century Creole architecture. Its cobblestone Old Market, formerly a slave auction site, sells crafts and fruit. It’s next to the Dominica Museum, with exhibits on the country’s natural and cultural history. The Dominica Botanic Gardens showcase tropical flora and native Sisserou parrots.

Island of celebrity hideaways and posh bungalows, considered by many to be the most elite and glamorous of all the Caribbean isles, St. Barts is home to 22 incredible beaches. Anse de Flamanes presents camera-ready scenery, Baie de St-Jean serves up beachside bistros, and Anse de Grand Cul-de-Sac offers an array of watersports.

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.