9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands, is the most visited port in the Caribbean, and hence host to an incredible array of luxury liners. It is the only town on the island. Its seaside promenade is called Waterfront Highway, or simply, the Waterfront. From here, you can take any of the streets or alleyways into town to Main Street (also called Dronningens Gade). Principal links between Main Street and the Waterfront include Raadets Gade, Tolbod Gade, Store Tvaer Gade, and Strand Gade.

The harbour's natural beauty is a little marred by the thriving commercialism of the area, but the plethora of sight-seeing and shopping opportunities make up for it.

Shopping is duty-free and the list of boutiques endless - take your pick from those at The Royal Dane Mall - or, if you fancy something a bit more local, check out the crafts and clothing in the open-air market of Market Square.

Main Street is home to all of the major shops. The western end (near the intersection with Strand Gade) is known as Market Square. Once the site of the biggest slave market auctions in the Caribbean Basin, today it's an open-air cluster of stalls where native farmers and gardeners gather daily (except Sun) to sell their produce. Go early in the morning to see the market at its best.

Running parallel to and north of Main Street is Back Street (also known as Vimmelskaft Gade), which is also lined with stores, including some of the less expensive choices. Beware: It can be dangerous to walk along Back Street at night, but it's reasonably safe for daytime shopping.

In the eastern part of town, between Tolbod Gade and Fort Pladsen (northwest of Fort Christian), lies Emancipation Park, commemorating the liberation of the slaves in 1848. Most of the major historical buildings, including the Legislature, Fort Christian, and Government House, lie within a short walk of this park.

Southeast of the park looms Fort Christian. Crowned by a clock tower and painted rusty red, it was constructed by the Danes in 1671. The Legislative Building, seat of the elected government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lies on the harbor side of the fort.

Kongens Gade (or King's St.) leads to Government Hill, which overlooks the town and St. Thomas Harbor. Government House, a white brick building dating from 1867, stands atop the hill.

Between Hotel 1829 (a mansion built that year by a French sea captain) and Government House is a staircase known as the Street of 99 Steps. Actually, someone miscounted: It should be called the Street of 103 Steps. Regardless, the steps lead to the summit of Government Hill.

Especially for Kids
Atlantis Submarine -- Children are thrilled by this unique underwater adventure. The submarine dives to depths of up to 150 feet, revealing exotic fish, colorful sea gardens, coral formations, and unusual marine creatures. Children must be at least 4 years old.

Coral World -- This is the place on St. Thomas to take your children. It's a hands-on experience -- kids can even shake hands with a starfish at the Touch Pond. Later, they can discover exotic Marine Gardens, where 20 aquariums showcase the Caribbean's incredible natural marine treasures.

Magens Bay Beach -- This beach is one of the finest in the world, with calm waters, white sand, and lots of facilities, including picnic tables.

Dining in the Virgin Islands is generally more expensive than it is in North America because, except for locally caught seafood, many of the ingredients have to be imported. This also means that sometimes they aren't as fresh as they could be. Whenever possible, stick to regional food, which is fresher.

Overall, the food on the islands is better than ever. Many fine talents, including some top-notch chefs, now cook here. These chefs often combine mainland recipes with local ingredients to come up with a Caribbean/American cuisine. Try to eat at some of the local places as well. The prices there are more reasonable, and the fare is more adventurous.

9-Night E. Caribbean Cruise from Norfolk Port Highlights - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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San Juan, Puerto Rico
The largest and best-preserved complex of Spanish colonial architecture in the Caribbean, Old San Juan (founded in 1521) is the oldest capital city under the U.S. flag. Once a lynchpin of Spanish dominance in the Caribbean, it has three major fortresses, miles of solidly built stone ramparts, a charming collection of antique buildings, and a modern business center. The city's economy is the most stable and solid in all of Latin America.

The Port of San Juan is the busiest ocean terminal in the West Indies, with an estimated half of the Caribbean's trade passing through here. There are about 710 cruise-ship arrivals every year, bringing some 850,000 passengers.

Shopping:
Puerto Rico is a shopaholic's dream, with designer boutiques, discounted retail outlets and numerous traditional crafts on offer. Traditional Puerto Rican crafts to look out for include the wooden figures of Christian saints and religious stories (santos); intricate, handmade lace (mundillo) and the dramatic island masks made from papier mache or coconut shells.

Places to Go:
There is no hipper venue in San Juan today than the Museo de Arte . It took $55 million to turn this 1920s city hospital in Santurce, an eyesore for decades, into this new home for art. The new museum has become a way of life for some Puerto Ricans, many of whom go here at least once a week -- perhaps to see a production in the 400-seat theater, named for Raúl Juliá, the late Puerto Rican actor, or perhaps to go for a romantic stroll through the museum's 5-acre (2-hectare) garden. Many chic trendsetters return at night for a nuevo criolla meal at Pikayo.

The emerging neighborhood for the chic set is called SoFo, a sector that lies south of Calle Fortaleza in Old Town. This place is becoming so trendy that it is the first of the Old San Juan neighborhoods to be awarded its own acronym, no doubt inspired by New York's SoHo. The Parrot Club is the hot spot of the neighborhood, quickly rivaled by Trois Cent Onze.

To mix with the locals, head for the Mercado de Río Piedras (Paseo José de Diego), with its 4 blocks of shops and cheap restaurants. (You can reach this area by taxi). This vast outdoor mall is scented with everything from recently caught fish to just-picked citrus. When Sanjuaneros want to buy anything, they head here. Open from early morning to late evening (but not on Sunday), these stores and markets provide a whiff of local life that's unseen anywhere else in San Juan.

Or, head for the boardwalk at Parque Lineal Marti Coli, which stretches along Caño de Martín Peña, from Hato Rey to Parque Central.

Later you can head for Rumba to dance to the sounds of salsa and a bomba with an African beat.