Itinerary

December 21 - Miami, Florida

December 22-23 - Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

December 24 - St. Thomas, USVI

December 25 - Cruising the Caribbean Sea

December 26 - Barbados, West Indies

December 27 - St. Lucia, West Indies

December 28 - Antigua, West Indies

December 29 - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

December 30 - Cruising the Caribbean Sea

December 31 - Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles

January 1 - Cruising the Caribbean Sea

January 2 - Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom

January 3 - Cruising the Caribbean Sea

January 4 - Miami, Florida

HIGHLIGHTS:

St. Thomas - Glimmering bays, shining seas, powdery sand beaches, towering green hills and unsurpassed shopping - this is St. Thomas. The Danes originally declared St. Thomas a free port, making it the shopping paradise it remains today. You will delight in exquisite imported goods ranging from Danish silver to French porcelain and Swiss watches. While this mountainous island is one of the loveliest stretches of land in the Caribbean, its offerings are not limited to its idyllic tropical scenery. The former pirate haunts, Danish relics and picturesque old buildings are constant reminders of St. Thomas' exotic history, making this a fascinating place in which to sightsee.

Barbados - Barbados offers sun-drenched beaches, clear blue-green waters and cool trade winds. Inland are lovingly preserved plantation houses, lush sugar cane fields and fragrant gardens. This charming former British colony is one of the most stable independent Caribbean nations. Reminders of British rule abound, from cricket fields to Lord Nelson's statue and the original Trafalgar Square. Don't miss Bridgetown's bustling Careenage and the shops on Broad Street, which offer exceptional deals on luxury imports from Britain.

St. Lucia - Quaint bays, lush landscapes and delightful strains of the Creole language are part of the magic that emanates from St. Lucia. Birthplace of Josephine, the Empress of France and wife of Napoleon, French heritage is evident throughout the island. However, now that it is an independent country within the British Commonwealth, St. Lucia also possesses an English charisma. Look for its charming buildings and vehicles, driven on the left-hand side of the road in true British style.

Antigua - Antigua's sunny climate and easy-going Caribbean ways are alluring attractions for visitors. It boasts 365 superb white beaches and is home to a beautiful National Park that stretches for ten square miles. Found within this park are the famous English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard. Horatio Nelson was posted here early in his career and the harbor was the headquarters for the British fleet during the 18th century. Although Antigua achieved its independence in 1981, it continues to bear the unmistakable imprint of centuries of British rule.

St. Maarten - With its colorful mix of French charm and Dutch hospitality, St. Maarten is like two islands rolled into one. In 1648, it was amicably divided and the border between Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin, although completely open, exists even to this day. The island covers an area of 37 square miles, 17 of which are Dutch. Small as it is, St. Maarten has something for everyone - hideaway beaches, interesting cuisine and sophisticated boutiques.

Curaçao - Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is characterized by story-book Dutch architecture, waterfront promenades, fine shopping and a colorful floating market. Located in the southern Caribbean, just 38 miles north of Venezuela, it is both the wealthiest and the largest of the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles. A harmonious blend of Dutch, Caribbean, African and South American cultures makes Willemstad unique among the Caribbean ports of call.

Turks & Caicos - Although there are numerous spots on land that invite relaxation and exploration, the Turks and Caicos are really all about the water. More specifically, they're all about what's beneath the water. These islands have some of the best diving and snorkeling anywhere, courtesy of one of the world's largest network of coral reefs, easily accessible off the islands' shores. One reef, aptly called the Wall, is particularly spectacular; it drops 7,000 feet-straight down. Between the shore and the reef, the water is only waist deep, providing a perfect place for beginning snorkelers to get their feet wet.