Colors of the Caribbean

....Rail & Sail Adventure....

Philipsburg, ST. Maarten     Bahamas

San Juan, Puerto Rico      Miami      Fort Lauderdale

2016:  11 Days departing

NYC--Florida--Caribbean--Florida--NYC

An escorted 11-day Vacation Experience

Leaving from: New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Albany

Escape the chill of winter on this enchanting vacation.  Leave your worries behind and join our friendly group as we ride the rails to Florida and sail the crystal blue Caribbean Sea....absorbing a wide variety of warm tropical experiences.    

Ché bella vista! What a lovely sight – the beautiful new MSC Divina sailing into the tropical Caribbean Sea.  The graceful five-star msc Devina is designed to be among the most magnificent and innovative ships at sea.  Her decor, maintenance and cleanliness are impeccable....and she's staffed by a gracious crew offering worlds of Italian inspired hospitality and amenities.  Dining options range from the traditional Black Crab & Villa Rossa Dining Rooms to theme and specialty restaurants.   There's a serene Balinese Spa, fitness center, solarium, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, casino, cinema, bars and nightclubs .   Each evening classical music fills the air and theater productions feature talented international performers.   From architecture to beaches, windsurfing to walking, snorkeling to shopping, shore excursions with MSC Cruises ships are carefully developed to offer a broad spectrum of reasonably priced activities for you to enjoy.

 Onboard the MSC Divina every day will be un bel giorno - a beautiful day.

msc Divina Video Tour

San Juan   Sunny beaches, tropical rainforests, 300-year-old towns and 1,000-year-old trees....Measuring just 100 by 35 miles, the island of Puerto Rico in the Puerto Rico archipelago is a small but perfectly formed tropical island. Colonized by the Spanish in the 1500s, the port of San Juan was founded in 1521 and is the oldest city governed by the United States.  The island’s heritage has roots in Hispanic and Anglo cultures; both have left their mark on the local architecture and as the tourist board claims, "visitors will find 21st century conveniences in a 16th century setting".

But it is not just the appeal of old colonial architecture that draws tourists to San Juan.  This small island packs a punch with an incredibly diverse landscape. Sunny beaches give way to upland tropical rainforests. Year-old high-rises share the island with 300-year-old towns and 1,000-year-old trees.  Visit the Bacardi Museum located in the town of Cataño, where you'll learn of the age-old process of producing this fine rum and the Bacardi family history. Most importantly you'll get to enjoy a sample of this popular drink.

With over 300 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, a large tropical rain forest, a Dry Cactus forest, a tropical marine climate, perpetual summer weather and a bounty of warm people, Puerto Rico really has something for everyone!

Philipsburg  Boasting clean white sandy beaches and vibrant boardwalk cafes, both the French and the Dutch claim the island of St. Maarten as a 1648 treaty divided the island between them.

 You'll find the Dutch capital Philipsburg fills a small stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond...where everyone from sun-worshippers to those looking to bag a bargain will find something to suit.

The  thoroughfares feature colorful traditional West Indian architecture and duty-free shopping of imported goods and native crafts: it is also home to the Guava Berry Emporium where they sell the local tipple, Guava Berry Rum.

For the more active, choose from water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, snorkeling or diving, or the ultimate sense of freedom...a horseback beach ride.   So go on – will you try the America’s Cup or embark on a thrilling Harley Davidson adventure?

Bahamas   The remote island of Great Stirrup Cay in the sun-drenched Bahamas is as much untouched and beguilingly beautiful as you could possibly wish for.  In short, this is an ideal spot to spend some quality time far from the madding crowd.  The Cay boasts all the stuff of which dream vacations are made: pristine beaches with fine white sand, the inviting waters of the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea, the friendly locals, unspoiled natural beauty and endless sunshine. 

   

With the waters around Great Stirrup Cay being renowned for their abundance of marine wildlife, including big game fish, there is also plenty to do for the more activity-minded in the form of scuba diving and snorkeling.

And all the while, you can rest easy that – when you are ready to return to “civilization” – your every creature comfort will be taken care of on your stylish floating hotel, the MSC Divina.

Miami/Fort Lauderdale   Take time to experience warm waves of relaxation as you discover a fresh and casual beachy world filled with mega-yachts, alfresco dining, outlet shopping, eco-adventure, arts and beyond.  Step aboard the famous Jungle Queen Riverboat for a close-up view of “the Venice of America”.  It’s a fun-filled cruise along the intra-coastal waterway and the New River including an opportunity to explore a private tropical island.

Scenic Rails to Florida   A wonderful vacation begins with a relaxing overnight train Journey.  You’ll roll through the bustle of the northeast and call on quaint rural hamlets of the Carolina’s, Georgia and Florida.   Upgrade to an optional Sleeping Room offering large picture-windows and all necessary comforts in a private compact space.  Toast to a great trip with friends in the lounge car and enjoy tasty meals served restaurant-style in the dining car....what a great stress-free way to start a fabulous vacation!

Returning Home   A quick three hour flight will whisk you home or you may choose to extend your vacation with additional days to explore your favorite Florida attractions and enjoy a leisurely train journey back home.

Amtrak Roomette Virtual Tour

Upgrade: Amtrak Bedroom Virtual Tour