West Indies Explorer

Admire the monuments and plazas of historic Old San Juan at sunset during a guided walk. Enjoy sweeping views of the bay and the governor’s mansion at the Plazuela de la Rogativa, which commemorates the city’s miraculous evasion from sacking by the British during the 16th century. Pass the San Juan Gate, an impressive remnant of the three-mile-long wall that once encircled the city. Admire the historic, neoclassical-style Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the oldest cathedral in the US. Stroll to the Plaza de Armas, where you will view the Four Seasons Fountain and its four 19th-century marble statues. During your walk, you will pause for refreshments and take in the spectacular sunset views over the Caribbean Sea. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Explore the important monuments and plazas of historic Old San Juan by foot. Begin your guided walk over the quarter’s cobblestone streets to Fort San Cristóbal, the largest fortress built by Spain in the New World, where you can pause for photos of the mighty citadel and its stunning Caribbean backdrop. Enjoy sweeping views of the bay and the governor’s mansion at the Plazuela de la Rogativa, which commemorates the city’s miraculous evasion from sacking by the British during the 16th century. Pass the San Juan Gate, an impressive remnant of the three-mile-long wall that once encircled the city. Admire the historic, neoclassical-style Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the oldest cathedral in the US. Stroll to the Plaza de Armas, where you will view the Four Seasons Fountain and its four 19th-century marble statues, then return to your ship.

Enjoy a gentle ride through the lush tropical foothills of El Yunque national rainforest. Drive to the northeastern side of the island into the heart of the Puerto Rican countryside to one of its most beautiful haciendas, where you will meet your instructor and guide. After getting acquainted with your horse and receiving riding instructions, follow your guide on your gentle but spirited Paso Fino horse along carefully laid trails, admiring the lush flora as you ride. If time permits, you may take a dip in the river’s cool waters. After a rewarding ride, return to the hacienda and your ship. Guests must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring a swimsuit and towel if planning to swim. Proximity to the water and swimming are subject to change based on weather and river conditions.

Join in two of Puerto Rico’s most favored pastimes: cooking and dancing. Join your guide for a walk into the heart of Old San Juan, hearing about the island’s gastronomy, culture and rum industry along the way. Upon arrival at the site of your class, enjoy a full Puerto Rican culinary and cultural experience. Learn how to make a mojito cocktail as you snack on delicious appetizers. Then, meet your dancing instructor, who will show you the stylish moves of salsa. After time on the dance floor, your personal chef will show you how to prepare mofongo, one of the island’s true specialties. You will don your apron and mash a mound of plantains or cassava with your mortar and pestle. Add some delicious chicken fricassee and create one of Puerto Rico’s favorite dishes. You will enjoy the fruits of your labor before walking back to your ship.

Experience the natural wonder of glowing waters with a unique after-dark kayak adventure. Take a scenic drive to Fajardo, a popular destination for water-based sports enthusiasts due to its nearby nature reserves. At the Kayak Village, you will be greeted by experienced eco-guides. They will help to prepare you for your paddle in equipped two-person kayaks, and provide all necessary safety equipment, lights and refreshments. Then, paddle out under the night sky to the entrance of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve. Here, you will enter a mystical channel where the mangroves create natural tunnels, and the sights and sounds of wildlife surround you. Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the edge of the mangrove forest at Laguna Grande, and—conditions permitting—have a chance to see the magical sparkling swirls of waters that glow with bioluminescent microorganisms.

Sample some of Puerto Rico’s local cuisine during a walking tour of historic Old San Juan. Meet your culinary guide and set off to explore the eateries that line the cobblestone streets of this nearly 500-year-old colonial city. Your guide will choose your destinations and a selection of tasty dishes for you to sample based upon availability. Puerto Rican cuisine is an eclectic mix of Taíno culture, African roots and Spanish influenced dishes. During your tour, you may stop for a cup of freshly roasted coffee. You may also pause to sample a variety of regional dishes such as roasted pork with tasty rice and beans, or a creative plantain-focused dish. Between stops, your guide will take you past historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the oldest cathedral in the US, and La Fortaleza, a 16th-century fortress and the current governor’s mansion.

Discover Puerto Rico’s lush rainforest, covering 28,000 acres. After a coffee and pastry at a local bakery, travel to El Yunque, which contains 75 percent of Puerto Rico's virgin forests and is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Admire some of the forest’s 240 tree species and 150 types of ferns. You might also spot some of the 20 orchid species that thrive here, or hear the tiny endemic coquí tree frogs. Stop at the El Portal Visitor Center to gain a better understanding of the tropical forests and the practices needed for their preservation. At Yokahú Tower, climb the 96 steps to the top for sweeping views of nearby islands, followed by a photo stop at La Coca Falls. A short walk along the Angelito Trail will reward you with an opportunity to take a cooling dip in the river before returning to your ship.

Explore the tropical landscape of Puerto Rico’s rainforest. Begin your tour with a stop for refreshments at a local bakery, then travel to El Yunque—a vast expanse covering 28,000 acres of virgin forest and the only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system. During a gentle walk, you will admire tree species and forest ferns and listen out for the sounds of the tiny endemic coquí tree frogs. Keep your eyes peeled for the colorful Puerto Rican parrot or the beautiful orchids that thrive here. Stop at the El Portal Visitor Center to gain a better understanding of the tropical forests and the practices needed for their sound management and preservation. At Yokahú Tower, climb the steps for unparalleled views over nearby islands and enjoy a photo stop at La Coca Falls before returning to your ship.

Savor the taste of one of the world’s finest rums during a visit to Ron del Barrilito, established in 1880. Upon arrival, meet your host and sip on a welcome cocktail, then step back in time as you learn how century-old traditional techniques are still employed. Enjoy a tour of the hacienda as you stop to see several of the estate’s historic landmarks, including the beautifully preserved mansion house and working windmill dating back to the 19th century. Your host will regale you with stories of the company’s founding Fernández family and their path to success. See the aging warehouse and learn about the process before stepping inside the tasting room. Savor a selection of specialty rums, from the fruity notes of Dos Estrellas to the classic Tres Estrellas and the world-famous Cinco Estrellas. You may cap your tour with a rum cocktail at the on-site bar or by browsing the gift shop.

Discover the rich tapestry of art in Santurce’s vibrant streets and the fascinating Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Board your motorcoach for the short drive to Santurce, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city of San Juan. Immerse yourself in the contemporary street art, exploring the beauty and creativity that embraces the neighborhood’s free-spirited essence. Marvel at the many impressive murals on La Calle Cerra, created by both local and international artists. Gain insight into the history of the city’s art as you stroll with your guide through this charming neighborhood. Next, head to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico for a guided tour of its permanent collection and its stunning sculpture garden. Return to your awaiting ship via Condado, San Juan's most luxurious district.

Head into the countryside to discover the importance of sustainable farming to the region and local culinary scene. Set out for Frutos del Guacabo, a Puerto Rican farm with a culinary focus. Meet your host and embark on a journey to discover the modern practices of sustainable farming, which you can use at home, as you visit the herb and vegetable gardens, the hydroponics area and the edible flowers canopy. Learn about the history of the farm and see the variety of produce that is grown on site and highly sought after by the island’s most discerning local restaurants. Meet some of the farm’s goats and witness a demonstration of the milking process. Taste a selection of tapas, including goat cheese, marmalades and pickles during your visit; these delicious items are also available for you to purchase and take home. Cap your visit with a tasty farm to table lunch showcasing local produce.