Aboard Viking Sea with Viking Ocean Cruises
Cruise Overview
If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions.
It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities.
St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981.
From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops.
The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.
All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions.
It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities.
St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981.
From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops.
The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.
All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Viking Sea
Launch Year: 2016 Length: 227 Width: 29 Currency: EUR Capacity: 930 Crew Count: 465 Deck Count: 9 Cabin Count: 455
Expand your horizons on this comfortable, award-winning ship, intimate and thoughtfully created by experienced nautical architects and designers to enrich your interaction with your destination in every way.
Viking Sea Facilities
Viking Sea Includes
Cabin Details
Sleep easy in a comfortable king-size bed with fine cotton linens for the sweetest dreams. Elegant décor and calm colours create the perfect sanctuary (because lazy days are often the best days). Wake up to breakfast in bed (24-hour room service is complimentary). Tune in to the latest technology, with free Wi-Fi and TV with movies on demand. Your generous ensuite has a shower that drenches you, heated floor and fluffy towels to warm you and indulgent lotions to pamper you. Bathroom bliss.
Whichever stateroom you choose, you can look forward to a private sanctuary of understated elegance, one that features all the comforts of home and your own spacious veranda.
