San Juan, founded in the 1520s by Spanish settlers, is both the largest city and the capital city of Puerto Rico. A territory of the United 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. Embarkation is from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM.

Parts of this historic port city are still surrounded by stone walls dating back to the 1500s. Narrow cobblestone streets, small shops, and points of interest like the 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. The currency in Puerto Rico is USD.

Discover a rare utopia in Punta Cana, where you’ll find multi-cultural crowds, magnificent views, and an abundance of things to do. Along the turquoise beaches, you’ll find lots of people swimming, kitesurfing, parasailing, and boating. For nightlife experiences, don’t miss out on the Coco Bongo Show along with other exciting bars that aside from entertain, help create the greatest of memories.

Home to some of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches, Isla Saona is part of the East National Park or Parque Nacional Del Este. The island was discovered in the 1400s and remains untouched by time. A protected nature reserve by the government of the Dominican Republic, Isla Saona has no major developments or structures, resulting in a truly pristine destination. The island is ideal for snorkeling as it is home to remarkable marine diversity and coral reef ecosystems.

The city serves as the governmental seat of the autonomous municipality as well as the regional hub for various Government of Puerto Rico entities. It is also the regional center for various other commonwealth and federal government agencies. The heart of Ponce dates from the late 17th century and has been declared a national treasure. It consists of plazas and churches and highly decorative colonial homes, some glorious fountains, and a unique fire station. Ponce is an important trading and distribution center, and has a port of entry; Playa de Ponce Port is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean area, handles tobacco, coffee, rum, and sugar cane.

Puerto Rico’s mysterious Caja de Muertos remains a legendary and popular destination. Go on a hiking or snorkeling exploration and enjoy the gorgeous beaches at every corner. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the famous lighthouse or discover the old hidden pirate cave known for its mythical history. For aquatic adventures, spot sea creatures like stingrays, sea turtles, and distinct corals.

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”. 

Culebra Island is an island municipality located 17 miles east of the mainland of Puerto Rico. It is an archipelago comprised of 23 smaller islands alongside the main island of Culebra. Isla Culebra translates to “Snake Island,” and it is the least populated municipality in Puerto Rico. Most of its revenue is generated from tourism and construction, but historically, it was known for a wide variety of agricultural exports such as wood, tobacco, livestock, cotton, mangrove bark, garlic, yams, and more. Culebra is also nicknamed Isla Chiquita, meaning “Little Island,” and the Ultima Virgen, meaning “Last Virgin,” for its placement along the Virgin Islands. Culebra Island has one of the consistently top-ranked beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach, ranked #13 for 2017 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards and 2nd by Discovery Channel.

Archaeological evidence suggests the Taino and Arawak people were the original inhabitants of the Island. Varied sources claim that Christopher Columbus was the first from Europe to come to Isla Culebra, presumably during his second voyage in 1493. The Carib Indians who lived on the island then joined forces with the Taino Indians to rebel against the colonization of the island. For centuries, the island was abandoned, and pirates sought refuge on the island - which in the 18th century was named Isla Pasaje. This lasted until the Vieques government under the Spanish crown appointed a black Englishman named Stevens as the governor to protect the island’s fishing industry. Don Cayetano Escudero then began colonization in 1880, and the first settlement was named after the Bishop of Toledo, San Ildefonso de la Culebra, which is now occupied by the Department of Natural Resources. Culebra began to flourish and once the Spanish-American War ended in 1898, the United States had gained control over Puerto Rico as per the Paris Treaty under Article 1. From 1901 to 1975, The US Military used San Ildefonso as a firing and bombing range.

Points of interest on the island include the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, and many beaches which include Flamenco Beach, Tamarindo Beach and Tortuga Beach. Culebra is popular as a scuba diving destination, and hiking is encouraged on the smaller islands that are all considered nature reserves. Camping is allowed on Playa Flamenco, however not on the reserves. Culebra has several lagoons, Corcho, Flamenco, and Zoni, and on Culebrita Island there is Molino. Unplug from the world and enjoy the Calypso vibe, sea turtles, and intimate nature of the hotel and store chain-free island.

The BVI’s barefoot island and home of the "Painkiller" drink. Population depends on the month – typically 250-300. This is another SeaDream destination where you may be served Champagne and Caviar in the surf followed by a beach barbecue lunch. A hike is always offered to guests to visit the famous Foxy’s Bar at Great Harbour (hopefully, the boutique is open) or you can stroll a few meters down the beach to the Soggy Dollar Bar. Snorkeling equipment is provided as well as some of our water toys!

Disembark at San Juan, Puerto Rico after breakfast.