Trip Reports
Duration
7 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
7 Ports
20 November
Setting sail from San Juan
Founded by the Spanish in 1521, Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European settlement in the Americas. Modern San Juan is a bustling city, home to over a third of the island's population, but the cobbled streets of the Old Town remain the biggest tourist draw. The colonial-era fortifications have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, crowned by the imposing waterfront El Morro fortress, and the Old Town is full of attractive, brightly coloured houses. Outside of the Old Town you can find designer shopping on Avenida Ashford, and the north of the city is fringed by beautiful beaches, including fashionable Condado with its hip hotels and bars.
Our tip
Hunt out the very best chuletas Can-Can and pastelillos – local food at its best is great. Don’t settle for sorry imitations.
21 November
British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda
Languid, laid-back Virgin Gorda is blessed with beautiful beaches and wonderfully friendly people. Life proceeds at a slower pace here, and highlights include The Baths, an unusual collection of granite boulders, grottoes and pools on the island’s southwest shore.
22 November
At sea
23 November
Turks and Caicos Islands: Grand Turk
Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos, a collection of sleepy and spectacularly beautiful coral islands to the east of the Bahamas. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters are the main attraction, and the extensive barrier reef makes this a popular destination for divers in the know.
24 November
Bahamas: Cockburn Town (San Salvador Island)
25 November
Bahamas: Nassau
Nassau, the lively Bahamian capital, is home to duty free shopping, a burgeoning restaurant scene and elegant Georgian architecture. There are some interesting museums where you can learn about the pirates and slave traders of yesteryear, and the surrounding coastline boasts some truly stunning beaches.
26 November
Bahamas: Bimini
The Bimini Islands are the closest part of the Bahamas to the US mainland, made up of two main islands and a number of smaller cays. The islands are known for their stunning beaches, big game fishing and history of rum-running during the Prohibition era. Ernest Hemingway was also a regular visitor.
27 November
Arriving in Fort Lauderdale
These days Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated place awash with upmarket hotels and excellent restaurants. The glorious weather and swathes of golden beach are still a huge draw, but there are also plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science. The city also boasts 300 miles of navigable waterways and canals, meaning there's plenty of space for the resident millionaires to park their yachts, and the cruise port is one of the busiest in the world.
Don't miss
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a great visit, with remains dating back to 2000 BC – in Florida - who knew there was anything so old there?! It’s a fascinating museum too, and the gardens are beautiful.
Your home from home
The second and third yachts from Ritz-Carlton, Ilma and Luminara, are a little larger with 228 suites, all with private terrace.
What we love
While details on the new yachts are still being kept tightly under wraps, we know that the ships will be fitted with dual fuel engines, using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their main fuel source, and you can expect stylish suites and public areas on board, including a diverse choice of dining venues.
| Capacity | 456 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew |
TBC |
| Style | An extension of The Ritz-Carlton brand, with a resort style on board and stylish, Scandi-influenced decor. |
| Inclusions |
|
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Puerto Rico
If you want to stay in San Juan itself, El Convento is definitely the nicest choice. For resort hotels, we love the Ritz Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach.
Explore Puerto Rico
In the El Yunque rainforest you will find the habitat of Puerto Rico's endangered wildlife - not to mention beautiful views.
Overnight in Fort Lauderdale
The Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina has been THE hotel of choice for cruise passengers for as long as we can remember.
See more of Florida
Go out into the Florida Everglades and Sawgrass Recreation Park with native flora and fauna and reconstructed Seminole villages.
