Eastern Caribbean

Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water – you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this ‘Venice of America’ is home to more than 480 kilometres of waterways.
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Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic’s oldest city in the north and a tourism pioneer. Nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop, the city offers a lively pier, which is known as the Malecon, colourful shops and opulent homes from the 1800s. The city is famous for Parque Independencia (also known as Parque Central), a park fringed by royal palms and Victorian architecture. In Puerto Plata, you can hop on a cable car for sky-high views, take a tour of the local cacao farms and buy some of the clearest amber in the world.

Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbours; blue waters peppered with sailing boats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for picture perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes and coconut patties. St Thomas may technically be part of the US, but with its colourful markets, unspoiled beaches and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.

Greens in every shade spring from the rolling hills of St Kitts – an island ripe with eco-tourism adventures. In the port city of Basseterre, you’ll find centuries of history to explore in impressive estates and photo-worthy monuments like the Brimstone Hill Fortress, one of the most well-preserved military structures in the Americas. Cruise to St Cruise to St Kitts & Nevis and venture beyond the port and gear up for a unique climb up the 1,152-metre Mount Liamuiga volcano for views that are well worth the hike. Or hop in a kayak to get up close to a rainbow of tropical reef fish. Looking for something a little more laid back? Escape to the tiny unhurried sister island, Nevis, for smooth golden beaches and clear-water snorkelling – it’s just a thirty-minute ferry ride away.

What makes St Maarten so unique is its blend of cultures. The island is home to 120 different nationalities speaking over 80 languages, and is governed by two countries: the Netherlands and France. In fact, it’s the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. While it may be less than 40 square miles, there’s plenty to do on this little island: you can travel back in time while exploring centuries-old ruins and get your adrenaline fix zip lining through lush tropical forests. If you’re after a little rest and relaxation during your cruise to St Maarten, you’ll find plenty of secluded beaches where you can work on your suntan before treating your taste buds to some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.

Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water – you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this ‘Venice of America’ is home to more than 480 kilometres of waterways.
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