Enchanted Princess - August 9, 2025 (14 Nights)

When one thinks about a Caribbean or a Bahamas cruise, it is usually assumed that Miami is the departure point, but the northern suburb of Fort Lauderdale has its own modern port facility and has rapidly become a favored jumping off point for ships taking vacationers to exciting tropical destinations. And the beaches, nightlife and colorful restaurants in this city are enough to keep everyone occupied and happy both before and after the cruise itself. A nice mix of South Florida bustle and quieter southern atmosphere is a good way to describe this vibrant city. Its 23-mile stretch of white sand beach is as inviting as any to be found elsewhere.

Vacationers departing from Fort Lauderdale embark at the modern, full service facility at Port Everglades. Only a ten minute taxi ride from both downtown and the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, the dock areas have a number of visitor information centers, vending machines and ATMs, as well as a small number of kiosks stuffed with see-and-do brochures and restaurant advertisements. The complex is also the busiest section of the commercial dock area and there is plenty of security around to make sure passengers are guided to the area where the cruise ships anchor. Most departures are at the Midport and Northport areas of the terminal facility.

First of all it is imperative to get away from the dock area, which is heavily congested and offering little in the way of entertainment. The sand beaches of town are the favorite draw, and although they have been immortalized as the popular spring break destination for college students, they are actually quite clean, family-friendly and have undergone some major renovations in the past few years. New lighting for nighttime beach activities, landscaping improvements and the addition of many new shops and restaurants along the waterfront has completely transformed this glorious stretch of coastline. A great walking tour of the city would not be complete without a stroll along the Intercoastal Waterway, running directly through the city center. Downtown has a new flavor with the cropping up of boutiques, antique shops and upscale restaurants. One of those restaurants is the Mangoes on E. Las Olas Blvd. - a traditional Miami restaurant in its design as well as in its offerings that center around combination lunch and dinner plates including both steak and seafood. Another favorite is the 15 Street Fisheries, located naturally on 15th Street and considered the finest chowder house in the area. Those who want a bit more exotic experience can try the famous Jungle Queen Riverboat. It has drawn visitors for six decades and takes visitors on an inland sightseeing cruise as well as offering nighttime dining on board. Those who have come with families can try two and a half mile boardwalk on Hollywood Beach, known for its low-key atmosphere and street performers.

Aside from the local favorites already mentioned, there are a number of smaller establishments along the waterfront that offer everything from pizza to seafood stews and hot dogs. La Bonne Crepes on Las Olas Blvd has a yummy breakfast of waffles, French toast and mouthwatering crepes. The H2O Cafe on South Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd is famous for its Italian cuisine and serves up pasta, chicken and barbeque beef with a Cuban influence. Its outdoor seating area is in full view of the beach activities and is perfect for an evening meal while exploring the waterfront.

Most of the cruise lines will have shuttle service to and from downtown for their passengers regardless of whether they have confirmed reservations at one of the local hotels. For vacationers arriving at the airport there is a free shuttle to Port Everglades itself, and rental cars can be booked ahead of time and picked up either at the airport or in downtown.

Internet cafes are numerous throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale and of course there is Internet connection and WiFi at the airport. Although there are a number of banks that can exchange U.S. dollars for foreign currencies, it is best to wait until arriving at individual Caribbean ports, as many of these destinations will be full of merchants accepting American money, thus helping to save tremendously on exchange fees.

The very word Aruba conjures up visions of paradise in people's minds. And it's no wonder, since this fascinating island in the southernmost part of the Caribbean has long attracted visitors to its sparkling white sand beaches. One of the most popular cruise stops in the region, Aruba dazzles with its historical architecture, secluded seaside resort villages and the friendliness of the native inhabitants. Renowned nightlife, spectacular shopping and, most of all, the feeling that you are truly in a timeless world of unlimited pleasure opportunities makes Aruba an amazing place for those who want the very best in tropical entertainment.

Cruise vessels arrive in the capital city of Oranjestad and anchor at a modern port facility directly in front of the central business district. The terminal is complete with information centers, souvenir shops and interactive kiosks, and there is a well-defined taxi area outside the facility. Many of the historical downtown buildings, restaurants and bars are located on the main avenues running from the waterfront to the center of the town.

Most people come here for the beaches and the fine weather, and there is no denying that Aruba exceeds expectations on both fronts. The climate is very mild, with ever so slight temperature variations throughout the year. The island receives less than 20 inches of annual rainfall, far less than many of the other well-known islands in the Caribbean, therefore enjoying the sun and surf is virtually guaranteed. The famous Eagle Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on the entire island and is a favorite of both locals and visitors. Only a 10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal, it can be crowded, but the gentle surf and multitude of nearby shops makes it a must stop while visiting the island. Families with kids will love the Butterfly Farm located nearby. Palm Beach is another popular getaway for an afternoon, featuring snorkeling and scuba lessons, a wide variety of snack shops and also a number of resort casinos. The Royal Plaza and Seaport Village Mall, directly adjacent to the cruise docks, offer the best mix of souvenir and jewelry shopping in the city of Oranjestad. Along the downtown waterfront, visitors will marvel at the Dutch Colonial architecture, and for those wanting a bit of the out-of-town adventure, check out the famous California lighthouse, located on the extreme northwest cape and offering some of the best dune surfing on the island.

On L.G. Smith Boulevard visitors flock to the Pinchos Grill and Bar, one of the most popular late night eateries in Oranjestad. While at Palm Beach, many visitors will enjoy lunch at the Pelican Grill, located on an extended pier and serving up delicious seafood platters. At the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (at 252 J.E. Irausquin Blvd.) is the highly recommended Passions on the Beach restaurant, which is noted for its beautifully decorated seating, grilled fish and never-ending samplers.

If coming ashore from the cruise ship, walking is the preferred method for exploring the downtown. Taxis are affordable and can take visitors to all the popular beaches and casinos. Public bus service connects Oranjestad to all the other communities on the island and is a great way to see the outlying terrain. Rental cars can be reserved before the cruise and there are pickup services right at the cruise terminal.

Dutch is considered the native language of Aruba, but most of the locals speak English fluently. The currency unit is the Aruban florin, and there are plenty of banks and ATMs for exchanging and withdrawing. Most of the larger hotels have Internet cafes and easy long distance calling operations. The Royal Plaza Mall has the largest Internet cafe on the island, just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, was settled in 1628 by Charles Wolverstone, a British representative for a group of merchants in London. English sailors originally landed on the island of Barbados three years earlier, claiming the island for King James I as a possession of England. There were traces of earlier settlement, but the area was largely abandoned other than an aged, crude bridge that spanned the swamp situated in the center of town. This is where the town got its name. Today Bridgetown welcomes visitors from around the world with beautiful sights and plenty of duty free shopping.

Cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal located roughly one mile to the west of Bridgetown at Bridgetown Port or Deep Water Harbor, as it is known. You can begin your shopping before you even leave the port at the shopping mall located on site.

In Barbados there are many historical sites to visit and plenty of places to shop and have fun. One place you may want to visit is the Bayshore Complex, just outside of Bridgetown, that offers plenty of history and shopping with a lovely beach area just a short distance off the courtyard. Another place that you should try to see is the Parliament building in Bridgetown that dates back to the late nineteenth century and presents a lovely example of architecture from that period. The Parliament building also contains the Museum of Parliament depicting the history of the island as well as the National Heroes Gallery featuring the profiles of some of the most distinguished citizens of Barbados throughout its history. On another note, for those who are interested in going to beaches, Payne's Beach and Brighton Beach are the most famous and popular beaches in Barbados. Those who are nature buffs should visit Welchman Hall Gully national park which has many interesting animal species and is a great place to spend some time. Barbados is also famous for its 3 botanic gardens - Orchid World, Flower Forest and Andromeda Botanic Gardens - which are definitely worth a visit if you can find the time.

When visiting Barbados, be sure to sample the rum punch! The birthplace of rum, Barbadians make a delicious rum punch that is the perfect complement to an afternoon at the beach. Also, be sure to sample the local cuisine while visiting. Seafood is a staple of the area and there are a number of wonderful beach front cafes and restaurants where you can sample the local delicacies. Prices vary from reasonable to high-end so there is something for everyone. Many restaurants offer intimate seating on the beach with beautiful views of the Caribbean.

Transportation in Bridgetown is readily available. Upon arrival, there are taxis posted at the port waiting to take you around the island. You can also rent a car or ride the bus, which is a very inexpensive mode of transportation. The downtown area of the city of Bridgetown is also pedestrian-friendly and only around a one mile walk from the port.

The currency in Barbados is the Barbadian dollar with an exchange rate of around $1.99 in local currency to $1.00 U.S. dollar. Most merchants, however, will accept U.S. dollars. Should you need to use the Internet to check your email or to call someone outside of Barbados, you can do it right at the port, at the Telephone Center.

Philipsburg is the biggest town located on the Saint Maarten island. Saint Maarten island is divided into two parts - Dutch and French. Philipsburg is located in the Dutch part of the island. You can also visit the French side of the island, the main city of which is Marigot. Philipsburg and Saint Maarten island have amazing beaches, very large and vibrant duty free shopping opportunities (it's one of the largest shopping centers in Caribbean) as well as many types of entertainment and fun activities.

The majority of cruise ships will dock in Great Bay on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The pier, which is one mile from the Philipsburg city center, is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. Taxis are available directly at the pier to transport travelers into town for a small fare. In addition, one can walk from the pier to downtown Philipsburg in approximately 15 minutes. Some ships may choose to dock at Little Pier and then transport their passengers into the center of Philipsburg.

There is much to see and do in Philipsburg and in St. Maarten. In Philipsburg you can enjoy some of the trendiest restaurants and you can shop in the multitude of duty-free shops available. The most famous shopping streets are Front and Old Streets, although you can enjoy great shopping in many other places. On another note, you can explore Orient Beach (part of which is clothing optional) to enjoy the beautiful white sand that stretches for over 1 1/2 miles along the coast. If you are a big fan of nature, you can take a trip to the Butterfly Farm to admire hundreds of butterflies of various colors and species. For the more adventurous travelers, kayaking activities and snorkeling are available for you to experience the exotic wildlife and coral reefs of St. Maarten. You can also take a historical tour of St. Maarten via bicycle. Finally, St. Maarten is also a great place to sail. In fact, you can even compete in a shortened version of the America's Cup race if you so choose.

There are plenty of nice restaurants to enjoy on both Dutch and French side of the St. Maarten island. On the Dutch side, you can, for example, go to Chesterfield's for a casual lunch or to St. Antoine, which is a more upscale place. On the French side, in Marigot (the main town on the French side) you can go to l'Oiseau Rare - a French bistro that has a great view of Marigot harbor. Or you can visit Le Mini Club, which is famous for its Creole and French cuisine. These are just some suggestions, there are many other places where you can have wonderful dining experience.

Once you arrive at the port, you can either hail a taxi to travel into the center of Philipsburg, or you can choose to take the 15 minute walk. Cab fares are extremely reasonable. Another option is to take a water taxi from the cruise pier to the center of Philipsburg. That will cost you $3 one-way and $5 roundtrip. It is possible to rent a car in St. Maarten, but if you are only staying for a day as part of a cruise, this may not be your best option. In that case, you can just walk or use a taxi to explore the area.

The island of St. Maarten is owned by two different countries. One side of the island has French as the official language, while the other side has Dutch as its official language. However, English is the language most frequently spoken on both sides of St. Maarten. The official currencies of St. Maarten are the Euro on the French side and the guilder on the Dutch side, but the US dollar will be accepted everywhere. Most stores will post prices both in the local currency and in US dollars. If you want to stay in touch with folks back home, you can use the Internet Paradise cafe located at the intersection of Yrausquin Boulevard and Front Street.

The capital and largest city in Puerto Rico, San Juan is an exciting mix of old and new. This modern metropolis is a favorite cruise destination for those exploring the Caribbean, and visitors delight in the historical buildings and attractions in the Old San Juan district. The city is the second oldest European-established community in the Americas and is famous as both a tourist destination and a bustling international port. Visitors to this region will have their hands full deciding what to do next, as the city offers a great number of walking tours, fine shops and restaurants, street markets and nearby beach getaways.

Cruise vessels arriving in San Juan will dock either in the harbor directly in front of the Old City district or across the bay; taxi service will be available at either location. For those disembarking in the Old City, most of the downtown area attractions are within walking distance, as are many of the major hotels, banks and internet cafes. San Juan has a number of city bus tours and these usually depart from the cruise dock in Old San Juan.

Old San Juan, located on the small island known as Isleta de San Juan, is the historical center of the city and is connected to the mainland by both bridge and causeway. It was the center of town during Spanish colonial times and the historical buildings found in this part of the city are a must see. Of particular interest is the Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobal, as well as La Fortaleza, another historical fort that now serves as the governor's mansion. This entire district is filled with interesting shops that offer everything from clothing and memorabilia to fine-crafted items. Visitors can take a ferry to Catano and visit the famous Bacardi Rum factory, or hop a taxi and explore one of the white sand beaches at Condado and Isla Verde.

San Juan and in particular the Old City district is full of interesting restaurant establishments, serving everything from the usual hot dogs and burgers to international gourmet dining along Recinto Sur near the waterfront. European dinner menu items are quite common but there is also plenty of seafood, sushi and vegetarian courses available. Most cruise ships do not depart San Juan until late at night so it is popular for visitors to take their evening meal in the town. Old Town is full of bar and grill restaurants for those who wish to eat a bit and sample the local cocktails.

Old San Juan is within walking distance of the cruise docks, unless the arrival is on the mainland. Taxi service is plentiful and drivers know every destination in the city. The local omnibus vehicles travel all of the main avenues and can be hailed with a wave at any street corner. Rental car agencies are located in nearby Condado, which is also easily reached by taxi.

San Juan is a United States territory. As such, the currency is the US dollar. Spanish and English are the most common languages, although English is spoken more frequently in the areas where tourists frequent. It is important to wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting the city as many of the streets are made of blue cobblestone and the terrain is rather hilly.