Spanish & British Caribbean Delight

Ports

• San Juan
  

  San Juan, founded in the 1520’s by Spanish settlers, is both the largest city and the capital city of Puerto Rico. A territory of the Unites States, Puerto Rico is comprised of the large main island as well as five smaller islands, including the popular islands of Vieques and Culebra (both ports of call on select SeaDream voyages). SeaDream docks in Old San Juan, the oldest part of the city. Parts of this historic port city are still surrounded by stone walls dating back to the 1500’s. Narrow cobblestone streets, small shops, and points of interest like Cathedral of San Juan Bautista make this charming city a great place to stroll. Guests sailing into or departing from San Juan will enjoy views of Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a mid- 1700’s Spanish fortress. San Juan Luiz Munoz Marin Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive to the port in Old San Juan. Currency in Puerto Rico is USD.
• Culebra
  

  An 11-square-mile island off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra is also home to the small adjacent uninhabited islands of Culebrita and Cayo Norte to the east and Luis Peña to the west. Culebra’s breathtaking beautiful Flamenco Beach regularly appears on lists of the “World’s Best Beaches.” Following your day exploring Culebra, that evening we invite you to Vieques Island, where you can kayak in bioluminescent waters filled with glittering sea organisms.
• Esperanza, Vieques Island
  

  Esperanza is a charming “barrio” located on the south side of the island-municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico. It is known for El Malecon, which means “The Strip,” the fishing tradition, the fight against the US Navy, and Esperanza Beach, one of the only locations in Isla de Vieques with restaurants and restrooms close by. Children enjoy jumping off the pier at the beach, and for those who enjoy good food and local entertainment without the hustle and bustle of a busy nightlife, El Malecon in Esperanza is the place to be. The island’s name, Vieques, is said to mean “small island” in Taino, and its nickname is Isla Nena, meaning “Little Girl Island”. Puerto Rico’s little sister island - Vieques measures 55 square feet with under 10,000 inhabitants. Along with Culebra and other various small islands, the archipelago makes up the Spanish Virgin Islands, or “Passage Islands.” Vieques was also referred to as “Crab Island” by the British. English and Spanish are both recognized as official languages of the area. As with the other Puerto Rican islands, pre-Columbian history is limited in clarity. Archaeologists believe Vieques was home to Native Americans who migrated from the American continent between 3000 and 2000 BCE. A fragmented human skeleton named “El Hombre de Puerto Ferro” was discovered northwest of the popular Bioluminescent Bay, estimated to be from 1900 BCE. Best known as the people in later centuries of Puerto Rico, the Taino culture was comprised of groups from Venezuela, Cuba, and Hispaniola, who migrated in waves up to 1000 AD. The Taino flourished until Europeans discovered Vieques in the 15th century - often credited to Christopher Columbus. Vieques became the center of the Taino rebellion against Spain, which ultimately ended in the Taino downfall. Despite this, Spain did not colonize for many centuries and Vieques, along with Culebra, became a sanctuary for pirates and outlaws. The French, Danish, Scottish, and English all attempted to secure Vieques but failed - Spain permanently settled by 1811. When the Spanish-American War concluded in 1898, Spain turned the Puerto Rican islands over to the United States, which by the 1940’s (post-WWII) served as a firing range for the Navy. Up until 2003, a multitude of protests continued for decades, pressuring the United Stated Navy enough to withdraw from the islands. Vieques is now a National Wildlife Refuge and growing tourist destination. Because of the lack of human interference, most of the areas previously closed off to civilians by the Navy feature over 40 gorgeous beaches, and many natural ecotourism locations for exploration. Blue Beach features an excellent place for snorkeling, Bioluminescent Bay has quickly become a popular spot for its notorious glowing dinoflagellates, and the island is also known for free-roaming 'feral paso fino 'horses.
• Lovango Cay
  

  Perched strategically between the main islands of St. Thomas and St. John–mere minutes away by boat from both but hidden from each–Lovango Cay offers the intimacy of a private island. The island’s Lovango Resort & Beach Club, a secluded Caribbean hideaway reminiscent of a South Pacific deserted island, opens its doors to SeaDreamers, who won’t want to miss their chilled champagne signature lobster Caesar salad. Stay put and soak up the sun from your private terrace all day, or opt for a boat excursion to get to U.S. Virgin Islands National Park or the charming town of Cruz Bay in minutes.
• Prickly Pear
  

  A stunning island situated in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda and got its name because of the large flowering cactus all over the island. The island was declared a National Park in 1988 meaning the 180 acres will have no further development, just an island filled with natural beauty. Breathtaking hiking trails start from the main beach Vixen Point, winds around the island filled with salt ponds heading to the north shore which has two other amazing secluded beaches.
• Gustavia
  

  Perhaps our most treasured destination in the Caribbean! This small island belonging to the French West Indies has so much to offer our SeaDream guests. Incredible shopping only steps away from the pier. Incredible beaches, resorts, restaurants and activities both day and night. SeaDream has created various land adventures for you to discover the island from sea or land. Ask one of the officers to take you on a hike or bike ride around the island. Another great activity here is to simply relax and watch all of the incredible yachts arriving and departing just off your SeaDream yacht.
• Charlestown, Nevis
  

  Nevis is one of our favorite islands, and we encourage you to explore Nevis beyond the small town to make the most of your visit! We offer several excellent and varied options for you to do so and still leave you with plenty of time on your own for the beach. Less commercial and laidback than its large neighbor St. Kitts, Nevis, at first glimpse, offers a stunning approach with dramatic views of the potentially active volcanic Nevis Peak (3,232 feet/985 meters). Your SeaDream tender will bring you within a few steps of the small town center. Charlestown does not offer too many sightseeing or shopping opportunities though the house where American statesman Alexander Hamilton was born is only a short walk away along the waterfront (now the Museum of Nevis History). To enjoy Nevis to its full potential, we recommend that you divide your day into Morning, Lunch/Afternoon and Evening activities. Morning - Start your day by exploring the island, above or under water, on one of our fun optional Land Adventures. They are all enjoyable & exciting, and you will also support the local community. The Four Seasons Resort still offers incredible golf options as well as beautiful beach and dining facilities. Another option for lunch could be at Coconut Grove (less than ten minutes from Charlestown by taxi). Make sure to ask Gary, the owner, to show you his extensive wine & champagne cellar! Evening - For a romantic sunset with cocktails and a snack or dinner, we like to take the short drive to see Gillian, the owner of the charming Bananas Restaurant, which offers lovely views surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Of course, there is also Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill, home of the famous "Killer Bee" Caribbean rum drink. We hope that the above recommendations allow you to plan your special day on Nevis. Now, all you have to do is to decide which of the optional morning activities to join.
• Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
  

  Nearly every publication written about Virgin Gorda will emphasize the need to visit “The Baths” – don’t miss it! SeaDream generally arrives early and anchor’s off Spanish Town to give guests an early start to view the baths before all of the tourists arrive from the neighboring Islands. You may also consider excellent Scuba Diving options or an opportunity to swim with the dolphins. After our short “technical stop” to dispatch land adventures and clearance with the officials. SeaDream navigates scenically up the coast and arrives in North Sound to anchor just off the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here we offer water sports, land adventures, hiking options with the officers and tenders to the Bitter End! Depending on the voyage, you may also visit Prickly Pear Island for another signature Champagne & Caviar Splash® option with an incredible setting.
• Norman Island
  

  Norman Island is located at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. It could very well be the very same island reputed to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate novel Treasure Island. It is said that the island was named after a pirate who purchased it at some point during the early 18th century. The island is uninhabited and privately owned by Dr Henry Jarecki. Its area is about 600 acres (2.4 km²), and it is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. A large harbor is known as "The Bight" offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area. Guests will enjoy some great hiking opportunities as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. Another attractive option may be to check out the Willie T that is generally anchored in the harbor or simply have a beverage at the Pirates Bight Bar.
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
  

  The capital and largest city in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has two ports of call for cruise vessels, Havensight and Crown Bay. SeaDream yachts are almost always docked at Crown Bay which is very close to the airport. In the event the yachts call to the island as a port of call rather than an embarkation point, you will find the yacht anchored in the bay and tendering downtown. The island has tons of history, beautiful beaches, a fantastic golf course and incredible shopping options.