Puerto Rico, St Maarten & St. Thomas

Tucked on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove, named for the translucent gemstone found on its shores, sits just seven miles from the town Puerto Plata, a cinematic locale used as the backdrop for the first Jurassic Park film. Just steps from the dock take in the sparkling beach, which offers a plethora of water activities, and the serene, natural beauty from the comfort of a private bungalow. Or venture off the property to take to the high seas on a luxury catamaran snorkeling expedition or explore the 450-year-old San Felipe Fortress. For high-flying adventure, swing through the trees on a zip line or ride a cable car 2,500 feet to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for a look at its massive statue of Christ the Redeemer. And for those with a forward-thinking approach to social activism, delve into the culture and traditions of the friendly Dominican people while giving back to the community and making an impact on their lives. The experience will leave you feeling as warm as the glow from the amber sun.

The oldest city under the American flag, San Juan vibrates to a lively salsa beat. There’s an unmistakable zest in the air here. Perhaps it’s the stunning natural setting: the verdant peaks, tropical forests, and gleaming white-sand beaches. Or maybe it’s Puerto Rico’s mix of cultures, the blend and occasional clash of four centuries of Spanish heritage overlaid with a century spent as America’s only Commonwealth. Whatever the reason, San Juan is one of the most enticing ports in the Caribbean, and it only gets lovelier with age.

St. Maarten offers a delightful case of split personality. Legend has it that a Frenchman and a Dutchman divided ownership of the island through a walk-off: Standing back to back, the two headed in opposite directions, walking around the island until they met. Perhaps the Dutchman paused for a refreshing brew. At any rate, the French ended up claiming 21 square miles of the island to 16 square miles for the Dutch. This lively tale says much about St. Maarten’s easygoing ways. No formal boundary exists between the Dutch and French sides of the island; a simple welcome sign tells you when you cross from one country to the other. But the differences are as noticeable as the spelling of the island’s name. The French spell it St. Martin. And it’s this split personality that lends so much to the island’s charms, including an international reputation for the finest cuisine in the Caribbean.

The US Virgin Islands are America’s paradise, offering an easygoing blend of island ways and American practicality. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkeling, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Just a few miles away lay St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters, and white-sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze – the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise. The harbor is easily one of the Caribbean’s most scenic. The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. St. Thomas has a reputation as a duty free-mecca for shopping.

On disembarking you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home