Deck 11

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

The yacht-filled harbor of Cruz Bay hugs a tiny strip of land between the mountains and the sea. This is your entree to the pristine island sanctuary of tiny St. John, the most beautiful of the Virgin Islands, surrounded by some of the most spectacular aquamarine waters in the Caribbean.

Dutch St. Maarten is a great place to stop just to shop. Its capital is Philipsburg and fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. It is a bustling center of international trade with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels. Strangely enough it has two main streets called Front Street and Back Street.

On Front Street, which is the main thoroughfare, duty-free shops line the road as far as the eye can see. These duty-free shops offer everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Don't be afraid to venture the alleyways that will lead you to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers.

The Courthouse is the most prominent landmark on Front Street. It is a grand white wooden structure topped with a cupola built in 1793. Front Street also includes the Simartin Museum so that visitors can get and excellent introduction to local St. Maartin history. There are also historical forts that are monuments to Philipsburg's strategic importance in St. Maarten's history.

Philipsburg has not been left behind in the time, however. It has combined its historical legacy with 20th century excitement. Since its waterfront has become a popular stop for cruise ships, the shore of this town is covered with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs that offer entertainment well into the night.

The tiny island of St. Barts is picture-perfect. So much so that it has become a haunt for the very rich who come for the privacy, gorgeous beaches and exquisite French cuisine. It has over 20 magnificent beaches, linked roads that are hilly and narrow. The quaint streets of the Lilliputian port of Gustavia lead past small markets and bakeries. Included among these markets are dozens of small shops selling French perfumes, sportswerar, watches, and crystal. It is no wonder why the port of Gustavia is preferred by many of the luxury cruise lines as a port-of-call.