Windstar Cruises: Star Pride

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.

The yacht-filled harbor of Cruz Bay hugs a tiny strip of land between the mountains and the sea. This is your entry to the pristine island sanctuary of tiny St. John, the most beautiful of the Virgin Islands, surrounded by some of the most spectacular aquamarine waters in the Caribbean.

The island of St. Martin is divided between French St. Martin in the north and Dutch St. Maarten in the south. Although the cultural flow transcends any borders, each side manages to retain its own distinct flavor. This 37-square-mile island promises beautiful vistas, first-rate water sports and stunning beaches. Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Its two main streets, Frontstreet and Backstreet, are bustling thoroughfares lined with shops and restaurants.

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.

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.

Jost Van Dyke boasts several lovely beaches and picturesque Great Harbour, with its beach-side West Indian village. Jost is very popular with sailors and has several famous watering holes on its southern shore, including Foxy's Tamarind Bar.

Enjoy the fabulous underwater world of the British Virgin Islands. For those who wish to get wet and enjoy the thrill of viewing coral formation and other marine life without diving, you can take a professionally guided snorkel tour of the famous Norman Island underwater sea caves and the Indian Reef. Cruise along Sir Francis Drake Channel to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. Or take a short drive to the baths at Spring Bay for swimming, snorkeling and sunning amid the mammoth boulders and sea caves for which the area is well known. The only viewing gear you need are your eyes!

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.

Located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Catalina Island is a tropical palm-fringed island paradise. Visit Casa de Campo, a posh resort of country club caliber. Approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Catalina, Casa de Campo offers wonderful beaches, golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking and many other activities. If you'd rather stay on Catalina Island, you won't be left with nothing to do. Enjoy the pristine beaches, a beach barbeque, go swimming, snorkeling or partake in other water sports.

Santo Domingo is considered to be the oldest city in the New World, where the settlement of all the Americas began. It is the home of the the first cathedral and the first hospital. Wander down cobble stone streets among the Spanish colonial architecture and imagine how things were back in the 1600s.

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Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.

Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.

The friendly Cuna Indians live quietly on these primitive islands off Panama's Caribbean coast. The arrival of visitors to their home is still a special occasion for these isolated island dwellers. They are happy to be photographed in their colorful attire, for perhaps a small tip. Bargain for one of their fancifully designed handmade embroideries called molas.

There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.