Seabourn Ovation - December 14, 2025 (20 Nights)

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.

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.

Located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is a small island country that is part of the Lesser Antilles. A favorite stop for cruise ships, the island offers visitors innumerable opportunities for adventure and exploration, from tropical rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls to ancient ruins and extraordinary botanical gardens. For those wanting to make a stop at a smaller, less populated region during a Caribbean cruise, Saint Lucia is the perfect choice.

Cruise ships arrive in the main harbor of Castries, the largest community and capital city of Saint Lucia. The vessels dock at Place Carenage or nearby Pointe Seraphine, both of which are part of the main waterfront area of the city. The docks are within easy walking distance to the central business district and there are both taxis and public transportation available at either location. Duty-free shops for souvenirs can be found near both of the anchorage points and there are a number of visitor-friendly trinket stores in and around the waterfront area and on the main streets of town.

Castries itself is certainly worth a detailed walking tour, but the main attraction in Saint Lucia is the natural beauty of the island itself. Getting out of town and seeing the magnificent rain forests is a popular excursion for most cruise tourists. Much of the island is protected as a natural preserve, with the Saint Lucia National Rain Forest covering a good deal of the total land area. Hiking trails are abundant and visitors will find no shortage of vantage points for taking memorable photos. Somewhat more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia's most famous natural landmark is the Twin Pitons, a double peak located in the southern part of the island, while the nearby Soufriere Drive-In Volcano attracts thousands annually to its active sulfur pools. The Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall is one of the loveliest collections of floral species in the West Indies and also contains mineral baths near the waterfall. Pigeon Island, located at the northwest end of Saint Lucia, is a great place for families to spend an afternoon. Here visitors find a complete interpretive center that details the island's history, excellent walking trails that offer views of the sea and mainland, and plenty of ruins to explore, most of them part of the forts originally erected as separate factions fought for control of the island in its colonial days. Horseback riding, snorkeling and even helicopter tours are also popular activities for those arriving on cruise ships to Saint Lucia.

Fresh seafood dominates the menu at most of the fine restaurants on Saint Lucia, especially in the capital city of Castries. A good choice for lunch would be The Charthouse, which overlooks Rodney Bay not far from the docks and offering up an excellent combination of steaks, seafood and salads. The Green Parrot, located on Morne Fortune directly above Castries Harbor is a great place for both lunch and dinner and has a widely diverse menu that includes Creole favorites, West Indian originals and many international delights. At the Ladera Resort in Soufriere one can enjoy the very best in Caribbean cuisine at the Dasheene Restaurant, where a delightful mix of authentic recipes awaits. This is considered by many the best seafood restaurant on the island and also has the best views of the town and waterfront. Visitors will also find a good selection of snacks at the many open air cafes near the cruise ship docks, where soups, salads and fresh fruits are always available.

The cruise docks are adjacent to the center of Castries, but visitors will need to take a taxi, public bus or rental car to access the island's natural treasures. Taxi service is plentiful and there are a good number of public bus routes. Taxi prices can be negotiated with the vehicle operator. The bus lines do not run on a set schedule but wait at major stops until full. Also visitors cannot rent a car in Saint Lucia unless they either have an international permit or purchase a temporary one while on the island.

English is the official language of the island. The monetary unit is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although U.S. Dollars are often accepted. The island has a good number of ATMs for currency exchange. If an international telephone call needs to be placed, most visitors will use the Internet cafe at the Caribbean Travel Agency on Micoud Street in Castries.

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.