Paradise beaches from the U.S. Virgin Islands to The Bahamas

San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city on US territory. It is the Caribbean commercial hub, best known for its beautifully restored historic district of Old San Juan. It is situated on a rocky peninsula girded by thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. Read more about San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cruz Bay (population 2700) is the main town on the island of St John, in the US Virgin Islands. The three main islands and many smaller ones that constitute US Virgin Islands are located in the Leeward Island of the Eastern Caribbean. Cruz Bay is linked to other islands in the region by ferries, and tourists frequent the bars, shops and restaurants overlooking the bay. Read more about Cruz Bay (St. John), Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Ponce, the second largest city after San Juan in Puerto Rico, is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the South’. (Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States.) It is bordered on the south coast by the Caribbean Sea and experiences the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November, 2% chance in one week’s cruise). Many of the city's features are modelled on Barcelona's, due to the city's strong Catalonian heritage. Read more about Ponce, Puerto Rico

The British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies SE of Florida. The capital, Cockburn (‘Co’burn’) Town, is located on the largest island in the Turks Islands archipelago, Grand Turk Island. It is known for tourism as well as being an offshore financial centre. Read more about Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands

Long Island is the most scenic island in the Bahamas. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer, its capital is Clarence Town, and population just 3000. The island is 130 km long and from 600 m to 6 km wide. Read more about Long Island, USA

A beautiful island in the Bahamas, rich in history as the likely landing spot of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, it is popular among divers and snorkelers. The island offers historical sites, such as the Columbus Monument, and stunning reefs. Read more about San Salvador Island, Bahamas

The port city of Nassau, which dominates the entire island of New Providence, is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and interestingly is home to over 70 percent of the country’s population. It is well known for being an historical stronghold of pirates with connections to the infamous Blackbeard. A visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides the details. Read more about Nassau, Bahamas

The port city of Nassau, which dominates the entire island of New Providence, is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and interestingly is home to over 70 percent of the country’s population. It is well known for being an historical stronghold of pirates with connections to the infamous Blackbeard. A visit to the Pirates of Nassau Museum provides the details. Read more about Nassau, Bahamas

Miami, located on the Atlantic coast at the southern tip of Florida, where outdoor sports are open all seasons and dress is casual, is a melting pot of cultures. Miami and Miami Beach are in effect two distinctly different cities, as Miami Beach is almost exclusively tourist orientated, while Miami is a cosmopolitan city with a distinctly Latin American flavour. Don’t miss the South Beach section where fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and died that is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the world. Read more about Miami, USA