Caribbean: Curacao, Aruba & Bonaire

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history.

Walk around this quaint harbour town and you'll think you've travelled back in time to Old Amsterdam. Admire the colourful Dutch architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping. Relax on 17-century veranda with a drink made with the famous Curaçao liqueur.

Speak Papiamentu? That's OK. English and Dutch are also used in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, an island nestled in the Caribbean Netherlands. This spot offers an abundance of water activities from coral reef diving to kayaking, catamaran sailing and 4X4 safari adventures. Looking for a cruise to Bonaire? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with thriving coral reefs and rain forest preserves. Explore the world's only drive-in volcanic crater at Sulfur Springs. Visit the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Falls and the Morne Coubaril Estate.

Although founded by the French in 1627, St. Kitts is a very British paradise where cricket and tea are the norm. The dramatic mixed island landscape is rimmed in gold-sand beaches and dotted with well-preserved plantations left over from when the island was covered with sugar cane.

Founded in 1521, San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Looking for a cruise to San Juan? Read all about why you should cruise from San Juan.