San Juan to Cienfuegos (Cuba)

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.

At one time called Las Chorreras (Spanish for the waterfalls), this city on the northern coast of Jamaica is home to the famous Dunn’s River Falls, a collection of cascading tropical waterfalls that can be traversed by visitors. Visitors can enjoy restaurants, shopping, and of course beautiful beaches, one of which was featured in one of the very first James Bond films.

The second largest city in Cuba was founded in the 1500’s by Spanish conquistadors. Like many cities of the Caribbean, Santiago de Cuba was fought over by both France and England. The Cuban Revolution actually began in this city in 1953 when the Moncada barracks were attacked by Castro-backed rebels. The city is home to the citadel of San Pedro de la Roca, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interesting fact: the Bacardi liquor brand was founded in Santiago de Cuba.

Trinidad is a town in the jurisdiction of Sancti Spiritus, central Cuba in a preserved Spanish colonial settlement founded in 1514. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, Trinidad is the holder of Cuba’s oldest and most captivating ‘outdoor museum’. Charming cobblestone streets bustling with country folk, wild donkeys and pleasant musicians captures perfectly everything Trinidad is known for. Tucked away you’ll find Trinidad’s natural lures of some of the best beaches in Cuba. Playa Ancon is a retreat all on its own with luscious hiking trails and scenic waterfalls, a place you don’t want to miss.

La Perla del Sur, or “Pearl of the South, this southern city was first populated by indigenous peoples and later settled by French immigrants in the 1800’s. The port, very large by the standards of the times, was instrumental in multi-national trade, especially between South America and Jamaica. Sugar was a major export of the city. The city’s Urban Historic Center is a UNESCO World-Heritage Site, serving as an example of urban planning accomplished during the 19th century by the Spanish. Other attractions include Castillo de Nuestra Senora (a castle/fort), historic cathedrals, botanical gardens, a cigar factory, and the University of Cienfuegos.