Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
LIVE IT UP
Welcome aboard the all-new Norwegian Viva, the next stunning ship in the brand-new Prima Class, designed for you to live life to the fullest.
Wide-Open Spaces
Explore the greater wide open aboard the most spacious new cruise ship at sea with the most outdoor deck space so you can get up close and personal with the ocean.
Experiences Beyond Expectation
Dip into the horizon in the infinity pools, zoom around our three-story race track and discover new and exciting experiences for everyone from bow to stern.
First-Rate Service
Never have to wait a second for that second round - or anything else. With the highest staff-to-guest levels of any new ship, you'll always feel prioritised and pampered.
Cruise ID: 11726
The work titled, "Every Wing Has a Silver Lining," will be on display on board at Metropolitan Bar, the brand's signature sustainable bar, and will feature Harris' iconic butterfly motifs. The piece will dynamically respond throughout the day to passing movement and create engagement with the viewer.
Created by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris exclusively for the soon-to-debut Norwegian Viva.
We are confident that you will enjoy your Freestyle Cruising experience and that our entire crew will provide you with the standard of service for which we are known. A discretionary service charge will be automatically added per guest per day (for guests three years and older) to your shipboard account for all staterooms: all ships US$ 16 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older) for Studios, Inside, Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms. For Club Balcony Suites, the service charge will be US$ 18 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older) and for Suites and The Haven Suites as well as the Concierge staterooms, the service charge will be US$ 20 per guest per day (for guests 3 years and older). This charge will be shared amongst those staff members, including the restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and other behind-the scenes staff who provide services that enhance your overall cruise experience.
These service charges can be paid in advance of your cruise. If you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise, please let our on-board Guest Services Desk staff know right away, so we can address any issues in a timely manner. In the unlikely event that we can't resolve your issue, you can have the service charge adjusted on board. Where your service charge has been pre-paid before departure, refunds are not available on board and you must apply for a refund, if applicable, after you return home by writing to our Guest Relations department.
Certain staff positions (e.g., concierge, butler, youth programme staff and beverage service) provide service on an individual basis to only some guests and do not benefit from the overall service charge. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities.
Additionally, there is a 20% gratuity and spa service charge added for all spa and salon services, as well as a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge added for all beverage purchases and a 20% gratuity and speciality service charge added to all speciality restaurant dining and entertainment based dining e.g. Cirque Dreams® and Dinner (does not apply to Free at Sea dining and drinks packages).
| Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 November 2024 | 17:00 | €2,451 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
1-8
Your private paradise is ready. Relax in chic, luxurious comfort complete with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to let the outside in. Or take in vista after glorious vista from one of the most spacious balconies at sea.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, butler and concierge, three bedrooms, large balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 8 guests
Total Approx. Size: 195 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 77 sq. m.
1-4
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of space in your stylish Suite.
Take in the fresh air and spectacular views from your large, forward-facing balcony and relax in stylish accommodations.
Features & highlights
Separate bedroom, double sofa bed, spacious bath, large balcony with forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 38-45 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 14-18 sq. m.
1-6
Marvel at the magnificent views from the aft-facing balcony of your luxury Deluxe Owner's Suite located in The Haven. Featuring a separate living and dining area, they also include two bedrooms with king-size beds, two luxury baths with jetted showers, a half-bath, additional bedding to accommodate six total guests and an outdoor hot tub. Butler and concierge service complete your holiday of indulgence.
Pampering all the way. Marvel at glorious vistas from the aft-facing balcony. Get used to being spoilt with butler and concierge service plus access to The Haven amenities.
Features & highlights
Living and dining areas, two bedrooms, access to The Haven amenities, balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 6 guests
Total Approx. Size: 149-162 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 57-68 sq. m.
1-4
Located in the exclusive enclave of The Haven, these luxury Owner's Suites feature a stylish master bedroom with king-size bed, a double sofa bed to accommodate two more, luxury bath with jetted shower and incredible views from the large, aft-facing balcony that also features a hot tub. Plus, a concierge and 24-hour butler to tend to your every wish.
Indulge in luxury and pamper yourself in The Haven with spacious accommodations, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and awe-inspiring views from your large, aft-facing balcony.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, master bedroom with king-size bed, aft-facing balcony with hot tub.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 90-92 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 49-50 sq. m.
*Suites on deck 10 (10352 & 10952) do not include the outdoor hot tub.
1-6
These Villas located in The Haven provide the ideal luxury retreat for the whole family. They feature two bedrooms, one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms with jetted showers and a large balcony to gather together and enjoy the beautiful views or snuggle under the stars. Plus, access to The Haven amenities and butler and concierge service to complete your picture-perfect holiday.
Fine luxury and exceptional service await your family. Enjoy The Haven amenities, the attentiveness of a concierge and butler as well as fresh ocean breezes from your large balcony.
Features & highlights
Featuring two bedrooms, one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, a double sofa bed, two bathrooms with jetted showers and a large balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 6 guests
Total Approx. Size: 56-61 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 13-18 sq. m.
1-4
Located in the exclusive enclave of The Haven, retreat to your luxury Penthouse that features a master bedroom with king-size bed, double sofa bed to accommodate two more and an aft-facing balcony offering awe-inspiring views. Also includes the indulgence of butler and concierge service. (ADA stateroom does not have a separate bedroom.)
Your oasis awaits in The Haven. Enjoy stunning views from the aft-facing balcony, a stylish master bedroom (except ADA), luxury bath with jetted shower, The Haven amenities plus butler and concierge service.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, master bedroom with king-size bed (except ADA), double sofa bed, aft-facing balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 46-56 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12-20 sq. m.
1-2
These luxury Penthouses have access to The Haven amenities and feature a king-size bed, some with bedding to accommodate one more, luxury bath with jetted shower plus a sitting area and a large balcony to admire the gorgeous views. Includes butler and concierge service for the ultimate luxury holiday.
Marvel at unforgettable views from your large, aft-facing balcony and enjoy The Haven amenities, spacious, luxurious accommodations plus a butler and concierge to tend to your every wish.
Features & highlights
King-size bed, access to The Haven amenities, aft-facing balcony with stunning views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 77 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 46 sq. m.
1-3
These luxury Penthouses have access to The Haven amenities and feature a king-size bed, some with bedding to accommodate one more, luxury bath with jetted shower plus a sitting area and a large balcony to admire the gorgeous views. Includes butler and concierge service for the ultimate luxury holiday.
Breathtaking views await. These luxury Penthouses include access to The Haven amenities, a king-size bed, jetted shower, sitting area, large balcony, and butler and concierge service.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, sitting area, some with bedding for one more, large balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2-3 guests
Total Approx. Size: 34-39 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 8-12 sq. m.
1-4
Retreat to your sumptuous private oasis in The Haven Owner's Suite, featuring a separate bedroom with king-size bed, a double sofa bed to accommodate two more, living area, luxury bath with jetted shower and a large balcony to gather together and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Butler and concierge service round out your incredible getaway.
Indulge in the ultimate getaway with luxury accommodations, a large balcony to soak in the beautiful views and exclusive access to The Haven amenities. And let your butler and concierge pamper you.
Features & highlights
Access to The Haven amenities, living area, most with separate bedroom, large balcony with beautiful views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 50-57 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 10-12 sq. m.
1-2
Our most affordable Oceanview stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Oceanview stateroom guarantees you'll receive an Oceanview stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
Located mid-ship, two beds convert to a queen.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 17 sq. m.
1-4
Lots of space, stunning aft-facing views, just a deck away from the restaurants and activities on Ocean Boulevard.
Experience unforgettable aft-facing views from your private balcony and spacious accommodations to spread out.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, unparalleled aft-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2-4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 42 - 59 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 18 - 34 sq. m.
1-4
Enjoy the beautiful views together in these spacious Suites located mid-ship.
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, gorgeous forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 37-40 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12 sq. m.
1-4
Plenty of room for the whole family and amazing views from the forward-facing balcony.
Stunning forward-facing views and plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed, gorgeous forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 37-40 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12 sq. m.
2-4
Plenty of space and beautiful forward-facing views.
Spread out in style, relish your spacious bath and enjoy the incredible views from your private, forward-facing balcony.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, some with a single or double sofa bed to accommodate one or two more, amazing forward-facing views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 - 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 33-38 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 12-17 sq. m.
1-4
Plenty of space for the family, amazing views, some can connect, too
All the space you need, and some can connect with another stateroom. Relax in your sitting area. Indulge in your spacious bath. Or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed to accommodate two more, balcony with stunning views.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 23-27 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-6 sq. m.
1-2
Lots of space, great views and some can connect, too.
All the space you need to relax in style. Indulge in your spacious bath or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views. Some can connect to other staterooms.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, private balcony with amazing views, some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 25-27 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-5 sq. m.
1-2
Lots of space, great views and some can connect, too.
All the space you need to relax in style. Indulge in your spacious bath or step out onto your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in amazing views. Some can connect to other staterooms.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, private balcony with amazing views, some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22-25 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 7 sq. m.
1-4
A desirable aft location at a balcony rate.
Aft location gives you exclusive access to the most exhilarating — and unforgettable — views. Open your floor-to-ceiling glass doors and enjoy it all from your private balcony.
Features & highlights
Exclusive aft location on the ship, private balcony, two beds convert to a queen, some with a double sofa bed to accommodate two more.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 25 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 9 sq. m.
1-2
Our most affordable Club Balcony Suites.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Club Balcony Suite guarantees you'll receive a Club Balcony Suite or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 7 sq. m.
1-2
Terrific views and spacious accommodations.
Enjoy stylish, roomy accommodations and beautiful views from your window.
Features & highlights
Spacious Oceanview stateroom, window, two beds convert to a queen. Some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22 sq. m.
1-2
Great location near the Spa for the ultimate relaxing holiday.
A spa holiday come true. Indulge at the Spa and enjoy complimentary access to the Spa Thermal Suite—both are close by. Or take in vista after amazing vista from your private balcony.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, access to Spa and Spa Thermal Suite during regular spa hours.
AMENITIES
Occupancy:Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
1-4
Our most affordable Balcony stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Balcony stateroom guarantees you'll receive a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed. Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
1
These staterooms feature a large round window and a queen-size bed. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
1-4
Enjoy great views from your balcony and plenty of space. Some can connect, too.
Step onto the balcony and enjoy the views and fresh ocean breezes or read a bedtime story under the stars. There's plenty of comfort and space to enjoy quality family time. Some can connect, too.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed to accommodate two more, private balcony.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4 sq. m.
1-2
Wherever you choose to stay on the ship, your views will be amazing. Some can connect, too.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private balcony with sweeping views. And some can connect. So enjoy breathtaking views and stylish accommodations in a stateroom perfectly designed with you in mind.
Features & highlights
Includes two beds that convert to a queen and a sitting area, plus some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 21-33 sq. m.
Balcony Size: 4-6 sq. m.
1-4
Everyone can enjoy the view together from your window.
Wake up to a fabulous view of the latest port from your window and spread out with your family in style and comfort.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, double sofa bed and some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 22-34 sq. m.
1-2
Picture fantastic views and room for a comfy night's sleep.
Take in the ever-changing seascape from your window and enjoy comfortable, stylish accommodations.
Features & highlights
Window, two beds convert to a queen. Some can connect.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 17 sq. m.
1-4
Easy access to many exciting activities on board.
A comfortable and affordable option for families with two beds that convert to a queen and two Pullman beds.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen, two Pullman beds.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 4 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15 sq. m.
1-2
Our most affordable Inside stateroom.
As our lowest available rate for this category, a Sailaway Inside stateroom guarantees you'll receive an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.
Features & highlights
We'll pick your stateroom for you. Save the most on these staterooms.
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15 sq. m.
1-2
A great value, with many of the same amenities as an Oceanview.
A stateroom priced just right, with many of the same amenities as an Oceanview. These staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen.
Features & highlights
Two beds convert to a queen.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
Total Approx. Size: 15-24 sq. m.
1
Enjoy the exclusive Studio Lounge, a hangout spot just for Studio guests.
Cool and hip, our studios have just what you need. Plus enjoy access to the private Studio Lounge, a great place to meet your neighbours for a pre-dinner drink
Features & highlights
Private keycard access, shared private lounge, full-size bed, and separate area for your bathroom.
AMENITIES
Occupancy: Up to 1 guests
Total Approx. Size: 9 sq. m.
1
These staterooms include a queen-size bed and the same amenities as other inside staterooms. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
1
These spacious staterooms include a queen-size bed, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. Staterooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers and include access to the private Studio Lounge.
Day 1 Lisbon, Portugal
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Day 2 Cádiz, Spain
Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
Day 3 Casablanca, Morocco
The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.
Day 4 Agadir, Morocco
Shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side, Agadir is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city's origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15th century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal's occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation', is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafés and restaurants. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.
Day 5 Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain
A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote's dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.
Day 6 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island's pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.
Day 7 Cruising
Day 8 Porto Grande, Cape Verde
The crescent of volcanic islands which form the Cape Verde archipelago lie 310 miles off the Senegal coast. Despite the name (Green Cape), all the islands are barren, but they offer dramatic mountain scenery and pristine beaches. The Portuguese started colonising the islands during the 15th century and during the 16th century the archipelago became important for the supply of water and rations to boats sailing to America, Europe and Africa, and as a base for slave warehouses. The Cape Verde Islands obtained their independence from Portugal in 1975 and, although the isles may be African geographically speaking, they have retained a strong Latin flavour. Porto Grande, the port for Mindelo, is on the windward isle of São Vicente and covers an area of 88 square miles. Over 90% of the island's inhabitants live in the capital of Mindelo, where the historic centre is characterised by old colonial houses and commemorative monuments. Please note that excursions from this port will be operated by basic minibuses: these vehicles are the best available, but lack air-conditioning, reclining seats and seat belts, and have no space for the storage of walkers or wheelchairs.
Day 9 Porto Grande, Cape Verde
The crescent of volcanic islands which form the Cape Verde archipelago lie 310 miles off the Senegal coast. Despite the name (Green Cape), all the islands are barren, but they offer dramatic mountain scenery and pristine beaches. The Portuguese started colonising the islands during the 15th century and during the 16th century the archipelago became important for the supply of water and rations to boats sailing to America, Europe and Africa, and as a base for slave warehouses. The Cape Verde Islands obtained their independence from Portugal in 1975 and, although the isles may be African geographically speaking, they have retained a strong Latin flavour. Porto Grande, the port for Mindelo, is on the windward isle of São Vicente and covers an area of 88 square miles. Over 90% of the island's inhabitants live in the capital of Mindelo, where the historic centre is characterised by old colonial houses and commemorative monuments. Please note that excursions from this port will be operated by basic minibuses: these vehicles are the best available, but lack air-conditioning, reclining seats and seat belts, and have no space for the storage of walkers or wheelchairs.
Days 10-14 Cruising
Day 15 Philipsburg, Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches about a mile (1½ km) along an isthmus between Great Bay and the Salt Pond and has five parallel streets. Most of the village's dozens of shops and restaurants are on Front Street, narrow and cobblestone, closest to Great Bay. It's generally congested when cruise ships are in port, because of its many duty-free shops and several casinos. Little lanes called steegjes connect Front Street with Back Street, which has fewer shops and considerably less congestion. Along the beach is a ½-mile-long (1-km-long) boardwalk with restaurants and several Wi-Fi hot spots.Wathey Square (pronounced watty) is in the heart of the village. Directly across from the square are the town hall and the courthouse, in a striking white building with cupola. The structure was built in 1793 and has served as the commander's home, a fire station, a jail, and a post office. The streets surrounding the square are lined with hotels, duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Captain Hodge Pier, just off the square, is a good spot to view Great Bay and the beach that stretches alongside.
Day 16 Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you fly to the 32-square-mile (83-square-km) island of St. Thomas, you land at its western end; if you arrive by cruise ship, you come into one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Either way, one of your first sights is the town of Charlotte Amalie. From the harbor you see an idyllic-looking village that spreads into the lower hills. If you were expecting a quiet hamlet with its inhabitants hanging out under palm trees, you've missed that era by about 300 years. Although other islands in the USVI developed plantation economies, St. Thomas cultivated its harbor, and it became a thriving seaport soon after it was settled by the Danish in the 1600s. The success of the naturally perfect harbor was enhanced by the fact that the Danes—who ruled St. Thomas with only a couple of short interruptions from 1666 to 1917—avoided involvement in some 100 years' worth of European wars. Denmark was the only European country with colonies in the Caribbean to stay neutral during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. Thus, products of the Dutch, English, and French islands—sugar, cotton, and indigo—were traded through Charlotte Amalie, along with the regular shipments of slaves. When the Spanish wars ended, trade fell off, but by the end of the 1700s Europe was at war again, Denmark again remained neutral, and St. Thomas continued to prosper. Even into the 1800s, while the economies of St. Croix and St. John foundered with the market for sugarcane, St. Thomas's economy remained vigorous. This prosperity led to the development of shipyards, a well-organized banking system, and a large merchant class. In 1845 Charlotte Amalie had 101 large importing houses owned by the English, French, Germans, Haitians, Spaniards, Americans, Sephardim, and Danes. Charlotte Amalie is still one of the world's most active cruise-ship ports. On almost any day at least one and sometimes as many as eight cruise ships are tied to the docks or anchored outside the harbor. Gently rocking in the shadows of these giant floating hotels are just about every other kind of vessel imaginable: sleek sailing catamarans that will take you on a sunset cruise complete with rum punch and a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack, private megayachts for billionaires, and barnacle-bottom sloops—with laundry draped over the lifelines—that are home to world-cruising gypsies. Huge container ships pull up in Sub Base, west of the harbor, bringing in everything from breakfast cereals to tires. Anchored right along the waterfront are down-island barges that ply the waters between the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands, transporting goods such as refrigerators, VCRs, and disposable diapers. The waterfront road through Charlotte Amalie was once part of the harbor. Before it was filled in to build the highway, the beach came right up to the back door of the warehouses that now line the thoroughfare. Two hundred years ago those warehouses were filled with indigo, tobacco, and cotton. Today the stone buildings house silk, crystal, and diamonds. Exotic fragrances are still traded, but by island beauty queens in air-conditioned perfume palaces instead of through open market stalls. The pirates of old used St. Thomas as a base from which to raid merchant ships of every nation, though they were particularly fond of the gold- and silver-laden treasure ships heading to Spain. Pirates are still around, but today's versions use St. Thomas as a drop-off for their contraband: illegal immigrants and drugs. To explore outside Charlotte Amalie, rent a car or hire a taxi. Your rental car should come with a good map; if not, pick up the pocket-size "St. Thomas–St. John Road Map" at a tourist information center. Roads are marked with route numbers, but they're confusing and seem to switch numbers suddenly. Roads are also identified by signs bearing the St. Thomas–St. John Hotel and Tourism Association's mascot, Tommy the Starfish. More than 100 of these color-coded signs line the island's main routes. Orange signs trace the route from the airport to Red Hook, green signs identify the road from town to Magens Bay, Tommy's face on a yellow background points from Mafolie to Crown Bay through the north side, red signs lead from Smith Bay to Four Corners via Skyline Drive, and blue signs mark the route from the cruise-ship dock at Havensight to Red Hook. These color-coded routes are not marked on most visitor maps, however. Allow yourself a day to explore, especially if you want to stop to take pictures or to enjoy a light bite or refreshing swim. Most gas stations are on the island's more populated eastern end, so fill up before heading to the north side. And remember to drive on the left!
Day 17 San Juan (Puerto Rico), Puerto Rico
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.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise
