Oceania Cruises: Insignia

Oranjestad, Aruba is a Dutch jewel with a tropical touch. In Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, explore the colorful floating market and Nassaustraat, brimming with quaint shops. Head for the beach where water sports abound: snorkeling, rides on glass bottom boats and submarines. Or venture into the countryside to see the haunts of the huge green parakeet, the unique rock gardens of Casi Bari, the curious divi divi tree, forever bending in the tradewind breezes.

Curaçao has its own brand of island spirit and style: friendly people, lively casinos and warm breezes mix with a Dutch flavor and a dry landscape reminiscent of the American Southwest. A charming capital city rich in architectural style and a diverse national park brimming with flora and fauna further enhance this intriguing island.

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Casa de Campo, a posh resort of country club caliber, offers wonderful beaches, golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking and many other activities. Enjoy pristine beaches, a beach barbeque, go swimming, snorkeling or partake in other water sports.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an old city of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and shaded courtyards. It reflects its Spanish past in such famous fortresses as El Morro and San Cristobal. San Juan is also a modern world capital -- a cosmopolitan metropolis of wide boulevards, lively cafes and highly regarded shops and galleries. San Juan is two unique destinations -- and you'll be fascinated by them both.

Tortola became notorious as the haunt of buccaneers; nearby Norman Island is said to have provided the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Approximately 80 percent of the population live on Tortola, the largest island in the archipelago. The capital, Road Town, is the administrative and business center of the B.V.I. Its Main Street features typical island-style buildings. Banks, government offices and a small craft village are built on filled land, named Wickhams Cay. While scenic and rugged Tortola offers a number of attractions, the main focus are the beautiful waters surrounding the island. They attract a large number of sailing vessels throughout the year. The annual Spring Regatta is held in Sir Francis Drake Channel, considered one of the best sailing venues in the world. Visitors keen on watersports and swimming will find beautiful white sand beaches and clean, warm waters.

There was never any hope of lucrative sugar plantations in St.Barths. It was too dry, too steep, too rocky, and, finally, too small. Unsuitable for agriculture, the island was never coveted as a prize during the colonial wars of the 18th century. The place had a serviceable harbor, and this allowed the town that grew around it, Gustavia, to play a key role in that intermittent conflict, a role that was to presage much of its future. Overflowing warehouses surrounded a harbor packed with ships from many nations, and a mercantile and architectural tradition was established that has lingered to the present day. Today, Gustavia has adjusted itself to satisfy the increasing number of visiting tourists. Restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops now line streets once busy with merchants, merchant seamen, and adventurers.

Barbuda is one of those very few islands in the Caribbean that remains--and probably will remain for some time--so undeveloped as to seem deserted at times. With the exception of the guests of the island's small number of accommodations, the population seems largely to consist of the graceful Fregata magnificens, or frigate bird. Barbuda's seemingly endless white and pink sand beaches are left to the peaceful wanderings of those lucky enough to visit here. Activities on Barbuda include beachcombing, fishing and hunting and, at the island's resorts, golf, tennis, snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun and the calm. Points of interest include the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, the noteworthy pink and white sand beaches, and an abundance of shipwrecks and beautiful reefs. Barbuda can be reached easily from Antigua, either by air (a 20-minute flight, twice daily) or by boat (in three hours).

Basseterre, St. Kitts’ capital, still shows signs of colonial architecture. However, its setting against the emerald green hills ensures a distinct Caribbean ambiance. Many travelers agree Basseterre is one of the prettiest of the Caribbean’s small capitals.

On Grand Terre, you'll marvel at the gorgeous beaches, and be thrilled by the great shopping and Parisian charm of Point-a-Pitre.

Set in a large bay on the leeward side of the island looking out onto the Caribbean sea, Fort de France became the capital of Martinique when St Pierre was wiped out by the eruption of the volcano Montagne Pelée in 1902.

The town has mushroomed from less than 10,000 inhabitants at the time of the eruption to its current level of nearly 100,000 people. The historical centre grew around the strategic point of the Fort Saint Louis, which was first established in 1638. There are numerous cultural and historical places of interest in Fort-de-France, as well as a wide choice of quality shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, selling French and Creole products. English is widely spoken and understood, and US Dollars are accepted in most outlets.

Castries is the capital of St Lucia, an independent Windward Island in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. What Castries may lack in sophistication it more than compensates for in its colourful Creole mood. Wander amid the lively street market with its fresh fruit, pottery and baskets. Then explore this most scenic of Caribbean islands, whose green mountains are draped in lush vegetation, and whose landmarks include the twin peaks of the Pitons rising sheer from the sea, the steaming sulphur springs of the 'drive-in' La Soufriere volcano and its unspoiled golden beaches. Further sights are to be seen at Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths where visitors can walk the gardens and take a dip in the pool under the waterfalls.

Suggested Private Excursions

Essence of St. Lucia

Flavors of St. Lucia

A lively blend of French and English cultures, St. George's has steep hills to climb, spectacular views to photograph and a rum distillery to tour. St George's has one of the prettiest harbour settings in the Caribbean. Tourist infrastructure is still generally small-scale and locally owned and offers a good balance between comfort and price, making Grenada a great getaway for those who want to avoid the resort experience.

The island’s capital, Bridgetown, is one of the Caribbean's major free ports, bustling with activity. Trafalgar Square features the monument to Horatio Nelson. Facing the square are handsome structures of the House of Assembly and the Legislative buildings. George Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s Cathedral during the only trip he made outside of the United States. Housed in former British military prison buildings, the Barbados Museum is divided into various galleries that feature exhibits depicting the history of Barbados from the pre-Columbian period to modern times.
Built in 1816, Gun Hill Signal Station is the finest of several signal stations on the island. The white limestone lion behind the garrison is a well-known landmark. Barbados boasts excellent golf courses. A wide range of watersports is available at hotels and special watersports centers.